November-December 2013 Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

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DESIGNED FOR CELEBRATION • LOVE ON A LEASH • SURELY WE JOUST! • 21 STOCKINGS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 VOL. 28, NO. 6

November-December 2013

Vol. 28, No. 6

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 Associate Editor Lauren Parrish Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Rebecca Schoen Interns Abigail Jennings Alexandra Neitzer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 Hank Holland –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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. Tam many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copyright ©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.

Inside Northside

page 64

departments 12 Publisher’s Note 14 INside Input 16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 35 INsider Molly Molloy Gambel. 36 Points of INterest 86 Book Report The Other Side of the Painting, by Wendy Rodrigue. 106 Traces Covington Farmers Market.

110 IN Better Health Ann Bennett.

contents table of

page

features

112 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.

18 Inspired Passion Cover artist Hank Holland.

122 IN Good Company Anna Papp of Outdoor Living Center.

42 Designed for Celebration

134 INside Look Sapphire and silver. 142 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings. 145 IN the Spotlight Lee Financial Client Appreciation Event.

58 21 Stockings Christmas with the Joachims. 64 Women, Art and Social Change The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. 74 Love on a Leash The northshore’s only pet therapy group.

148 IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party.

78 A Tail of Two Ducks Preening Pintail and Old Squaw.

152 IN the Spotlight Benefits of Home Gala.

88 A Pilgrim’s Journey Camino de Santiago. 101 Cooking with Louisiana Love 26 Cultivating a Culture 1 of Philanthropy 31 The Season of Giving 1 and Giving Thanks 10 (of the many) Things Inside Northside is Thankful For.

159 INside Dining 165 Northshore Living Landscape lighting.

business profiles

169 Ad Directory Last Bite Stephen and Bronwyn Planchard and Chef Tory Stewart of Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard.

134

52 Surely We Joust! The Louisiana Renaissance Festival.

146 INside Peek

170

page 42

157 M. Rossie Salon page 78

161 Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque November-December 2013 11

Treasures by Lori Murphy It can sometimes be difficult to spot the treasures amongst the common. What makes something a treasure? Who decides what is collectible? In this issue we celebrate collecting treasures in several ways, a perfect theme for our holiday issue. The golden thread that weaves its way through all of these stories is personal passion. We hope you agree.

A father’s handiwork recalls the man for his son after almost everything is lost. (See page 74.) Over his lifetime, Dave Hall shared his hobby with many friends and associates. It was his love of the subject that translated the pieces into collectible pieces of art, but as a remembrance, the pieces are priceless.

A group of young women in the late 1800s was trying to define a new place in the world for themselves. In the process, they created a legacy that is sought after across the country. Though pottery is the most recognizable of their handiwork, it isn’t all there is to see. Newcomb College may be a part of history, but the legacy of these women lives on in their treasures. (See page 64.)

It is no surprise that the work of our cover artist Hank Holland has become highly collectible in short order. Again, it is his personal passion that inspires.

As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, join us in celebrating those who pursue their personal passions. The gifts they produce are timeless treasures.

p.s. Merry Christmas to all of our family treasures!

INput

Dear Lori, Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the article on breast cancer survivors. I so appreciate your commitment to making sure every woman is aware and takes the necessary steps to protect herself. The article and the survivor stories were so powerful! Thank you again. Pat Brister Dear Poki, I want to thank Inside Northside magazine for the article on breast cancer survivors in the September-October 2013 issue. Thanks for bringing the real life stories of hope and survival to the residents of the northshore. I also want to thank you for bringing awareness to all our residents of how fortunate we are to have such an outstanding facility as the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center, with its expert team of doctors, nurses, technicians and patient advocates—second to none— available to us in our community. Every day that I went to the SMH Regional Cancer Center, I experienced treatment by the most professional, dedicated and compassionate personnel—from Dr. James Carinder (Hematology Oncology) and his staff; Dr. Robert Swanton (Radiation Oncology) and the staff of the Radiation 14

Inside Northside

tests and treatment. I am extremely grateful to all of the medical staff at Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital for every breath I take. Sincerely, Patti McHugh

Center; all of the nurses at the Infusion Center; as well as the technicians, receptionists and volunteers in each department. When you face a terrifying diagnosis of breast cancer, it is a source of comfort to know that you have this expertise right here laying out the battle plans and battling with you! Thank you again for putting such an important focus on this. Sincerely, Pat Mathias Dear Editor, Thank you so much for bringing more awareness to hundreds of women regarding a disease that seems to be sweeping our nation: breast cancer. Because of publications like yours, many women will diagnose themselves or be diagnosed earlier due to more diligence toward their medical checkups. Dr. Johnny Swiger, my gynecologist, and his team at Ochsner Women’s Health Center–Covington, including his nurse, Noel, and the radiologist, Dr. Knox, based at Oschner Health Center–Covington, were extremely helpful in leading to my cancer diagnosis. Their understanding and concern, along with the urgency with which they treated me, led to expedited

I really enjoyed your article, Surviving Breast Cancer. I believe everyone should be checked for cancer when your turn comes up. My turn came up last July. My PSA was up, so I went for biopsy and later had my prostate removed. Glad I went to the doctor, as the cancer ended up being 80 percent of my prostate. Now cancer free. My point is—ever thought about a men’s cancer article? You ladies get all the attention. Don’t forget about us boys! Regards, Clay Calhoun

Hi Poki, The article on Dami’s house is AWESOME. I know it was a huge challenge. What a great job!! I think Sweetie will be really happy when she sees it. Thanks! Mary Barkerding Congratulations, Dami and Sylvia!! The writer really made the story unfold and the reading really flowed well. I could see what she saw. Kay Bell

Contributors Linda Trappey Dautreuil Linda Trappey Dautreuil is a painter and writer on Louisiana arts and culture. A native of New Iberia, she moved to Covington in 1996. Linda received a BA in English and a BFA in visual arts from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette. An active member of the local arts community, she was the first artist to receive the St. Tammany Parish Arts Award for Visual Artist of the Year and is a recipient of a Louisiana Fellowship in the Visual Arts from the State Arts Council. Her paintings are in many corporate and private collections, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette.

Kaley Boudreaux

Kristin Hammock

Originally from the southshore, Kaley Boudreaux grew up in Mandeville. She earned a degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University. Although she works full time for a payroll company, Kaley’s passion is writing stories. She loves cooking Southern food for her family and friends. Kaley and her husband, Reese, live in Covington and are expecting their first child.

Contributing artist Kristin Hammock is a Louisiana native who was transplanted into the arid land of Central Texas. She enjoys pursuing the arts of illumination, leather working, costuming and anything else that piques her interest. Kristin spends most of her time with her husband or playing with her three wily children.

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Charlene LeJeune

Terri Schlichenmeyer, also known as The Bookworm, was 3 years old when her longsuffering mother, tired of “Please read to me!” pitiful pleas, taught Terri to read her own darn books. These days, Terri reads just about anything— websites, magazines, road signs, the backs of macaroni boxes, clothing labels, and, of course, books—and she never goes anywhere without one of the latter. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and— literally—13,000 books.

Born in Metairie, Charlene LeJeune moved to the Covington area more than 25 years ago with her husband and children. After her first visit to the Covington Farmers Market, she was hooked on the people, the food and the atmosphere, and over the next few years built friendships with many of the vendors there. Charlene eventually took her love of cooking and some great recipes and joined the other vendors in what has become a weekly adventure. She writes a weekly email for the Covington Farmers Market.

Contributors: Susan Bonnett, Erin Cowser, Stephen Faure, David Hall, Poki Hampton, Lorene Holmes, Alice Riley, Rebecca Schoen, Sasha Steinberg and Amanda M. Westbrooks. 16

Inside Northside

Inspired Passion by Rebecca Schoen

Cover Artist Hank Holland

NOT EVERYONE IS CUT OUT FOR FAME, recognition and international renown, but Louisiana folk artist Hank Holland has maneuvered it with grace, humility and a big grin. Hank, who began painting only about five years ago, was already well known throughout Southeast Louisiana, but after he was featured in a recent profile and follow-up story on Fox 8 news, he woke up a celebrity. After the story aired, when Hank and his wife, Maria, returned from church on Sunday morning, there were four or five cars parked in front of their house. Before they knew it, their cozy home in Lockport, La., was filled with strangers culling through Hank’s unique collection of Louisiana folk art. And the strangers just keep coming. Hank and Maria, who have been married for nine years, smile and take it all in stride. They’re accustomed to taking things in stride—they’ve both spent their lives coping with the struggles of cerebral palsy. Hank, a graduate of Nicholls 18

Inside Northside

State, holds a degree in environmental science and worked for Bollinger Shipyard for several years to ensure their compliance with environmental regulations. Like many artists, he began painting as a hobby and eventually had to give up his “day job” to pursue his passion. It was a relief to his body as well, because Hank’s worsening CP-related arthritis made his active career increasingly difficult. Though his mother was an accomplished artist, Hank had never even thought about painting until after her death in 2007. His father had died three years earlier. Hank felt the loss of his only living parent acutely and began to experience an overwhelming urge to channel that pain through art. He says, “I told Maria, ‘I need to paint.’” On May 24, 2008, with his wife away at a retreat, Hank went out and bought a canvas, 10 tubes of acrylic paint and a few cheap paintbrushes—and that was that. Maria came home to find an art studio in her home, but she just shrugged it off as a phase. Five years later, Hank’s amazing talent for painting not only pays the bills, it allows him to do what he loves and spend more time with Maria and >>

Meet cover artist

Hank Holland and see some of his favorite works on display at the

The Oasis Day Spa 1357 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA

Thursday, November 14 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call

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

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invited!

November-December 2013 19

their son, Christian. “We’ll have people come in here and spend two or three thousand dollars on my paintings, and I tell Maria, ‘Not bad for a phase, huh?’” laughs Hank. It’s one of their favorite private jokes. After some experimenting with subject matter, Hank settled on what he knows best—life on the bayou. His art reflects the spiritual life and culture of the people of South Louisiana. Unlike the muted tones favored by his mother, Hank’s paintings are typically a riot of color. “I like to use color,” he grins, “like a child begging for attention.” The scenes of churches, alligators, fishing boats and crawfish boils are brilliant, arresting snapshots of quintessential Louisiana life. Hank sometimes paints on old reclaimed windows. “It’s much more difficult,” he says. “I have to lay the paint on the glass totally backward.” Hank’s art studio, Baby Jane Studio, is named after his mother. “I feel like she is with me when I paint,” he says. Self-taught like his mother, Hank doesn’t abide any rules when he paints, and his folksy original style is finished off with his unique upsidedown signature and a cross, a nod to his disability and difference and credit to God. The last painting he signed rightside-up is titled Jesus’ Last Supper on the Bayou, which depicts Jesus and the disciples sharing boiled crawfish on the hull of a fishing skiff. “A couple really wanted to buy it,” says Hank. “They offered me $25,000 for it.” But the owner of the painting was adamant that it was not for sale—“I gave it to Maria, and she wouldn’t let me sell it!” he says. Religious paintings are an important part of Hank’s body of work. A year after he painted one particular piece, a little country church with flower gardens, a woman studying it said, “I see Jesus.” Hank looked at his painting, and for the 20

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

first time saw that the flowers in the church garden spelled out “Jesus.” He took it as a sign and painted a series of churches with the special message in flowers. Hank first sold his work on eBay for next to nothing, but as his inventory improved, he began to do shows and also set up shop in Jackson Square. “My work just exploded,” he says. Hank now has 3,300 followers on Facebook, and a painting that once sold for $200 now sells for $2,000; his painted windows, which went for $100 a few years ago, now sell for $600 to $800. Hank is honored to be the first artist commissioned to paint both the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans together on a canvas. “It’s very humbling,” he says. Looking back on his journey with pride, Hank can boast that he has a work of art in every state in the United States, every province in Canada, 107 countries and the Vatican. He loves the story of a New Orleansborn priest who browsed his artwork in Jackson Square one morning. Hank says, “He kept coming back, eyeing my painting of a Cajun baptism. He said, ‘I want that painting. I’ll see you this afternoon.’” True to his word, Father Jack returned for the piece and took it back to the Holy City, where it hangs today. Hank learned from friends that his art is present in Spain. Honeymooning, they were amazed to find one of Hank’s paintings in the Spanish home of a couple who had invited them to dinner. Hank laughs when he retells the story. “They said, ‘Hey! That’s Hank Holland’s work! We KNOW him!’” Small world. Hank met Maria 10 years ago when he volunteered at the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater New Orleans; she worked in the marketing department there. Hank says he was smitten. Maria says he was cocky. Hank returned the next day, hoping to see her again, and he freely admits his motives were suspect. “She was a good-looking woman; I didn’t really go to help out that day. I had to try one more time to get her to go out with me.” They went on a date in August, Hank proposed in September and they married the following September; their son, Christian, was born a year later. “I still think she’s cute,” says Hank. While Hank’s passion is painting, Maria, a graduate of Loyola University, has a love for the performing arts. She devotes her time to various performing arts camps and workshops for those

struggling with CP. She and Hank also sponsor a scholarship for a disabled child living in Louisiana, who is interested in either visual or performing arts. Giving back as a couple is very important to the Hollands. They travel extensively to speak to audiences about overcoming the challenges of living with CP. “We consider it a ministry,” says Hank. The numerous letters and emails they have received tell them how their inspiring story has impacted other peoples’ lives. “We got a letter from a couple in Paris who have a disabled son. They heard us speak and wanted us to know that we gave them hope.” As children who grew up differently and suffered the pain of ridicule and ostracism because of their disabilities, Hank and Maria are determined to make every day a positive reflection of their deep faith in God and themselves. A strong, united team, they support each other’s dreams and passions. Their lives revolve around family, art, love and giving back to their community, and Hank and Maria’s special ministry continues to spread as fast as Hank’s paintings sell.

Artist Hank Holland.

Hank’s paintings are available through his website, hankhollandfolkart.com, and on Facebook, Baby Jane Studios. November-December 2013 21

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

November

For an up-to-date listing of events, please check our website, insidenorthside.com.

1 All Saints – Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique.

Mandeville. Fri, 6:30pm; Sat, noon-9pm; Sun,

more information and reservations. 727-5553.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. First Baptist

9am-noon. Free. 951-0728.

culinarykidsNS.com.

1-3, 8-10 Little Shop of Horrors. Jefferson

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

Performing Arts Society. Performed by eighth-

Month. Photographer Yvette Brion. Mandeville

1 Folsom First Friday Block Party. Camp St.

12th graders. East Jefferson High School, 400

City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri,

to Railroad Ave. to Hwy. 25. 6-10pm. 773-3390.

Phlox St., Metairie. jpas.org.

9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

1-2 The Rocky Horror Musical Live.

1-3, 8-10 This Stage of Love. Original

1-30 St. Tammany Parish Hospital

Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell.

musical by Robert Sturcken. Greater

Parenting Center. Classes for parents and

8pm. $20. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com.

Covington Center, Fuhrmann Auditorium,

children. Call or visit the website for more

317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington. Fri- Sat,

information. 898-4435. stph.org.

Church, 16333 Louisiana 1085, Covington.

1-2, 4-17 Veronica’s Room. Playmakers

8-10pm; Sun, 2-4pm. Adults, $15; students/

Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington.

seniors, $10. Reservations, 867-8889. fpa-

1-Dec 31 Coats for Kids. Bring in a coat

Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $15; students,

theatre.com.

donation and receive a free half order of pretzels. Mellow Mushroom, 1645 Hwy. 190,

$10. 893-1671. playmakersinc.com. 1-23 Bootleg Bacon Fest. Featuring the

Covington. 327-5407.

1-3 Antique Trade Days Art and Crafts

Three Little Piggies-infused dishes paired

Show. Booths, fine art, food, live music and

with cold beers. Available at lunch and

1- March 2014 Newcomb Pottery

more. Downtown Ponchatoula. 9am. 386-

dinner. Mellow Mushroom, 1645 Hwy. 190,

Exhibit. “Women, Art and Social Change:

2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

Covington. 327-5407.

The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise.” Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University.

1-3 Lacombe Art Guild Fall Art Show. St.

1-30 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes for

Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-4pm.

Michael’s Episcopal Church, 4499 Sharp Rd.,

children and adults. Call or visit the website for

newcombartgallery.tulane.edu.

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

photos: SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

7:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

December 14-15 Holiday Home Tour

2, 9, 16 Sports Injury Screening Clinic. Fairway Medical Hospital, 67252 Industry Ln., Covington. 8am. Free. 373-3464.

Preservation Resource Center tour of seven Garden District homes. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., New Orleans. Tour, 10am-4pm. Tickets start at $30. (504) 581-7032. prcno.org.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Camellia City Market. 333 Erlanger, corner of Second St., Slidell. 8am-1pm. Free. 640-7112. facebook.com/ CamelliaCityMarket. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. mandevilletrailhead.org. 2, 16, 30 Mimosa Saturday. Anne’s Boutique, 1901 U.S. 190, Mandeville. 10am-noon. 6263099. annesboutiquefashion.com. 3 2013 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. Junior League of Greater Covington. Polo matches, VIP lounges, live music, food from more than 30 restaurants, contests and auctions. Leah Farms of Louisiana, 16191 Hwy. 40, Folsom. 11:30am-5:30pm. $100; VIP, $125. jlgc.net. 3 Dragomania 2013. Benefitting St. Andrew’s Village. Saints/Jets game on big screen. Special menu. Drago’s, 3232 N.

2 Covington Art Market. Hosted by

Arnoult Rd., Metairie. 11:30am. $125/person.

the city of Covington and the St. Tammany

standrewsvillage.org.

Parish Art Association. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. Free.

3 Open House. Guided tours, refreshments.

sttammanyartassociation.com.

St. Scholastica Academy, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. 1-3pm; sign-in begins at

2 Louisiana Book Festival. Part of Lt. Gov.

12:30pm. 892-2540 or askansi@ssacad.org.

Jay Dardenne’s year-long salute to Louisiana music. Capitol Park, downtown Baton Rouge.

3, 10, 17, 24 Abita Springs Farmers

Pre-festival songwriting WordShop, Fri.,

Market. Abita Springs Trailhead. Sun, 1-4pm.

Nov. 1, State Library. Festival, 10am-5pm.

Free. 807-4447. townofabitasprings.com.

louisianabookfestival.org. 4- Dec 2 Sam’s Four-Week Mini 2 Oktoberfest FUNdraiser. For the Mwana

Makeover. Based off Sam’s proven results-

Mission Project, benefitting the people of Malawi,

driven system. Includes three workouts a

Africa. Food, drinks, dancing, raffles, auctions

week, weekly health coaching and a healthy

and door prizes. Mandeville Community Center,

meal provided daily. Lift Training Studios,

3101 E. Causeway App. Tickets, $35. Heidi

3960 Florida St., Mandeville. 727-1540.

Rhea, 727-1417 or Jan Sawa, 626-1442.

lifttrainingstudios.com.

2-30 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

4, 11, 18, 25 Microderm Mondays. Azure

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire

Spa, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

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

Limited appointments available. 727-7799.

8am-noon. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

theazurespa.com.

Inside Scoop Diana Plauche of New Orleans Then and Now.

792-4926 or newcomersinfo211@gmail.com.

5, 19 Figure Drawing Class. Includes

Mia Sorella Décor, 1354 Corporate Square Dr.,

northlakenewcomers.com.

model, wine and cheese. Bring drawing

Slidell. 5-7pm. miasorelladecor.com. 8 The Rick Samson Project. Live at

utensils and paper/newsprint. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6:30-9pm. $20.

7 Stella & Dot Trunk Show. Paisley, 2180 N.

K’Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 15% off. 5-7pm.

Florida St., Mandeville. 7-10pm. 626-0530.

727-7880.

kgeesrestaurant.com.

and earrings by SPARTINA. Wine and

8 Green & Blue Gala. “The Gala Gallops

8-10 Pontchartrain Film Festival: Take

cheese. Hazelnut Mandeville, 2735 Hwy. 190,

off to the Derby” theme. Live music by

2. Sponsored by the Olde Town Arts Center.

Mandeville. 2-5pm. 626-8900.

The River City Hit Squad, dinner, dancing

Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. Individual

and a live/silent auction. St. Peter Catholic

tickets, $5; all-fest pass, $10. 285-2739.

6-Dec 4 Knock Out Your Knots. Interactive

School, 130 E. Temperance St., Covington.

pontchartrainfilmfestival.com.

myofascial release workshop. Lift Training

Sponsor party, 6pm; general admission,

Studios, 3960 Florida St., Mandeville. 4:15-

7pm. Karen Van Zandt, kvanzandt@

9 Abita River Chili Cook-off. Teams

5:30pm and 6-7:30pm. $25. Call to reserve a

stpetercov.org. 892-1831.

compete for People’s Choice favorite chili.

6 Jewelry Trunk Show. Bangles, necklaces

spot. 727-1540. lifttrainingstudios.com.

Vendors, crafts and live music. Abita Trailhead 8 Historic Dew Drop Concert. Bruce

Plaza, 22049 Main St. 10am-5pm. $5. 630-

6, 13, 20, 27 Botox Wednesdays. Dr.

Sunpie Barnes and the Sunspots. Dew Drop

5087. abitariverchilicookoff.com.

Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin.Body.Health, 2040

Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St., Mandeville. 6:30-

N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited

9pm. $10 at the door. dewdropjazzhall.com.

appointments available. $265/area, $665/

9 Holiday Fashion Show and Luncheon. Hosted by the Hammond Garden Club.

8 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon and

Fashions, music, Santa and door prizes. Twelve

Coldwater Creek Style Show. Vintage

Oaks Reception Hall on the SLU campus.

7 Business After Hours Event. Hosted by

Court, 75082 Louisiana 25, Covington.

11am. Tickets, $25, must be purchased by

Mia Sorella Décor, Champagne Jewelers and

10am. Members, $26; nonmembers, $29.

Nov. 4. Linda, 345-7154 or Karen, 419-2677.

whole face. 727-7676. skinbodyhealth.com.

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

9 Madisonville Art Market. Water St.,

9-Jan 2014 Juried Art Show. Louisiana

13 Gearing Up for the New Year. How to

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

Watercolor Society. Atrium Gallery at

make it through the holidays guilt-free and ready

madisonvilleartmarket.com.

Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington.

a new you for 2014. Lift Training Studios, 3960

Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm. Free. christwoodrc.com.

Florida St., Mandeville. 6pm. Free. Call to reserve

9 Red Carpet Gala and Auction. Benefitting

your spot. 727-1540. lifttrainingstudios.com.

Pontchartrain Elementary School. Food,

9, 16 Hammond Farmers Market.

full bar and DJ. Adults only. Beau Chêne

W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave.,

14 2013 Essence of Style Design

Country Club, 105 Beau Chêne Blvd.,

Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-

Symposium. Interior designer/author

Mandeville. 7-10pm. $50/person. 626-3748.

5680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com.

Thomas Jayne discusses his book, American

pontchartrainelementary.stpsb.org.

Decoration: A Sense of Place. Lunch and 10, 24 Folsom Village Market. Behind City

silent auction. The Audubon Tea Room, New

9-10 Three Rivers Art Festival. Juried art

Hall, 13401 June St. 9am-1pm. Free. 796-

Orleans. Registration, 10am. Tickets, $100.

show featuring more than 200 artists from 20

3533. villageoffolsom.com.

(504) 293-4723. longuevue.com.

11-Dec 20 Slidell Art League Exhibit and

14 ACTIVE Partnership Awards

Holiday Market. Slidell Cultural Center in City

Ceremony. Honoring people with disabilities

9-Dec 7 All Members’ Exhibition.

Hall, 2055 Second St. Noon-4pm. Free. Alex

in St. Tammany who overcome daily

Sponsored by Champagne Beverage

Carollo, 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

challenges and inspire us all with their

states. Downtown Covington. 10am-5pm. threeriversfestival.com.

Co. Opening date, Nov. 9. STAA, 320

accomplishments. Benedict’s Plantation,

N. Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650.

12 Lindwood Peel’s Stars From The

1144 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

Drifters Live in Concert. Presented by

Reception, 6pm; dinner and awards

Fontainebleau High School Crimson Band

presentation, 6:45pm. Tickets, $35. 264-3835.

9-Dec 7 Mary Helen Seago Exhibit.

Booster Club. Fontainebleau High School, 100

ACTIVEPartnershipLA.org.

Opening, Nov. 16. Three Rivers Art Gallery,

Bulldog Dr., Mandeville. 7:30pm. $25. 789-

333 E. Boston St., Covington. 892-2811.

4049. fhscrimsonband.com.

14 Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party. Cover artist Hank Holland. The Oasis Day Spa, >>

Inside Scoop 1357 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 5:307pm. Free. 626-9684. 14 Taste of Chenier. The Marketplace at Chenier, 1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. Featuring Bastille’s Clothing Company, Anne’s Boutique, JuJu’s Boutique, Niche Modern Home and many more. 6-8pm. 778-0459. 14 Wine and Dine with Hospice. More than 200 wines; food from local vendors. Fleur de Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 6-9pm. $50. 643-5470. hospicefoundationofthesouth.org. 15 Black and Gold Day. Benefitting the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. Sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Covington. Contribute $1 or more and wear black and gold as the Saints take on the 49ers. Ann Habisreitinger Barré, 249-9526 or blackandgold@cmstkids.org. 15 Christian Serpas. Live at K’Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 6-9pm. 626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com. 15 Historic Dew Drop Concert. Vocalist John Boutté. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St., Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. $10 at the door. dewdropjazzhall.com. 16 Abita Springs Opry. Abita Town Hall, 22161 Level St. Doors open, 5:45pm; show, 7-9pm. $18. 892-0711. abitaopry.com. 16 Pelicans on Parade Olde Towne Flock Party. Ceramic pelicans hand-painted by locals artists on display throughout Slidell. First and Erlanger Sts., Olde Towne Slidell. 6-9pm. Free. slidell.la.us. 16 Santa Arrives. Photos with Santa through Christmas. Center Court at North Shore Square Mall, 150 North Shore Blvd., Slidell. Santa’s arrival, 10am; family events, noon-4pm. 646-0661. northshoresquareonline.com. 16 Touch a Truck Fundraiser and Family Fun Day. Benefitting Northshore Families 26

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

Helping Families. First Baptist Church, 16333 Louisiana 1085, Covington. 10am-1pm. 8750511. fhfnorthshore.org. 16 Winter Wonderland Extravaganza. Hosted by the Windsor Senior Living Community. Shopping and more. The Windsor, 1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 1-4pm. Entertainment, 2:30-3:30pm. Patty Suffern, 624-8822. windsorseniorliving.com. 16, 23-24, Dec 14-15, 21-22 Live Reindeer All Month. Photos with Santa and his reindeer. Center Court at North Shore Square Mall, 150 North Shore Blvd., Slidell. Noon-6pm. 6460661. northshoresquareonline.com. 17 Third Sunday Concert. The Classic Jazz Trio. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 19-21 Franco’s Holiday Market. Open to the public. Fashions, home décor, accessories and gift vendors. Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. 9am-8pm. 7920200. myfrancos.com/Events. 20 Fashion Show. Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. 6-8pm. Free and open to the public. 792-0200. myfrancos.com/Events. 20 Top Chefs Holiday Tasting. Benefitting the Covington Food Bank. Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. 11:30am-1pm. $15 in advance, $20 day of event. 792-0200. myfrancos.com/Events. 21 Chamber After Hours. Networking, conversation and business. Microtel Inn & Suites, 727 W. Pine St., Ponchatoula. 5:307pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com. 21 Go Clubin’ Dance Fitness Party. Fusion of Zumba, Sh’bam and Body Jam. Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. Pre-party, 5:30; dance floor opens, 6pm. Free and open to the public. 792-0200. myfrancos.com/Events. 21-24 Netchex Holiday Classic Tennis Tournament. Benefitting Fostering Angels. Great food, silent auction and tennis. Franco’s

Inside Scoop Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule,

23 Dog Adoption and Fall Pet Photos.

301 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Call for details, 778-

Mandeville. Jenn Thompson, 373-8223.

Mandeville Animal Hospital, 419 Girod St.

2552. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

fosteringangels.org.

10am-2pm. 377-0800.

22 Bless Ya Boys. Kick-off the 2013

23 Rudolph Run. The Marketplace at

refreshments and more. Ponchatoula Country

Saints season. Cutting Edge Theater, 747

Chenier, 1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. Great

Market, 10 E. Pine St. 10am-4:30pm. 386-

Robert Blvd., Slidell. 8pm. $20. 649-3727.

opportunity to get a head-start on holiday

9580. ponchatoulacountrymarket.org.

cuttingedgetheater.com.

shopping. Promotions and discounts offered.

30 Christmas Open House. Door prizes,

10am-5pm. 778-0459. 22 Home Is Where the Art Is. Habitat for

December 1 Christmas Teddy Bear High Tea. The

Humanity. Live art auction, food and music.

24 Greater Madisonville Chamber Gumbo

English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St.,

Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center

Cook-off. Awards for People’s Choice and

Covington. 11am and 2pm seatings. $27.95/

Blvd., Slidell. 7:30-11:30pm. $50/person; $75/

best gumbo. Banks of Tchefuncte River in

person. Call for reservations. 898-3988.

couple. 639-0656.

Madisonville. 11am-3pm. Free. 845-9824. madisonvillechamber.org.

22 SAVvy Affair. Benefitting St. Andrew’s

1-31 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes for children and adults. Call or visit the website for

Village. Live music, open bar, food and

28 Northshore Turkey Day Trot. Benefitting

more information and reservations. 727-5553.

auction. Sponsorships available. The Chicory,

Run for Hope. 1-mile Fun Run followed by

culinarykidsNS.com.

610 S. Peters St., New Orleans. 8-11pm. $50/

5k. Terra Bella Village, 100 Terra Bella Blvd.,

in advance. standrewsvillage.org.

Covington. Race-day registration, 7am; fun

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

run, 8am. Race information, 845-1948 or

Month. Winter on the Water poster contest

sponsorships, 966-0659.

winners. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E.

22-Dec 20 Members Only Show and Art Market. Slidell Cultural Center Gallery, 2055

Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free.

Second St. Opening reception, Fri, 7-9pm. Art

Nov 28 Wine Dinner. Wine and dinner pairing

market, Tue-Fri, noon-4pm; Sat, 9am-noon.

with delicious dishes prepared by Chef Tory

646-4375. slidell.la.us.

Stewart of Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard.

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

Nancy Clark, 626-3144. 1-31 R’evellion. Month-long dinner as part

of the Christmas New Orleans Style city-wide

3 Lighting of the Balconies. Patients

5-7 Annie Jr. Presented by CAST. The Swan,

holiday initiative. Restaurant R’evolution, 777

from Children’s Hospital illuminate the hotel’s

70326 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs. Thurs-Fri,

Bienville St., New Orleans. Special R’evellion

wrought iron balconies. Royal Sonesta Hotel,

7pm; Sat, 2pm. Pictures with Santa Thursday

dinner menu Christmas Eve and New Year’s.

300 Bourbon St., New Orleans. 6pm. Free.

night. Adults, $12; children 3-17-years-old, $8.

(504) 553-2277.

sonesta.com/royalneworleans.

dramaandmusic.com.

1-31 St. Tammany Parish Hospital

4, 11, 18 Botox Wednesdays. Dr. Kelly

5, 12, 19, 26 Sip and Shop. Anne’s

Parenting Center. Classes for parents and

Burkenstock’s Skin.Body.Health, 2040

Boutique, 1090 U.S. 190, Mandeville. 5-7pm.

children. Call or visit the website for more

N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited

626-3099. annesboutiquefashion.com.

information. 898-4435. stph.org.

appointments available. $265/area, $665/ whole face. 727-7676. skinbodyhealth.com.

1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-23 The Roosevelt’s Teddy

6 John Besh Book Signing. Besh signs his third cookbook, Cooking from the Heart.

Bear Tea. The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123

5 Holiday Open House and Trunk Show.

Purple Armadillo Again, 2024 Front St., Slidell.

Baronne St., New Orleans. 10am, 1 and 4pm

Hand-carved and -painted Russian Santas,

Noon-2pm. 643-2004. purplearmadillo.net.

seatings. Children under 3, free; 4-11, $39-$54;

cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and holiday cheer.

all ages and up, $59-$74. (504) 335-3129.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, 3902

6 Christmas Lighting Ceremony.

Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 5-8:30pm. 727-9787.

Downtown Ponchatoula. 6pm. Free. 386-

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Abita Springs Farmers

2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

Market. Abita Springs Trailhead. Sun, 1-4pm.

5-6 Christ Episcopal School Mistletoe

Free. 807-4447. townofabitasprings.com.

Market. Unique crafts, jewelry, art, home

6 Folsom First Friday Block Party. Camp St.

accessories and more. Christ Episcopal

to Railroad Ave. to Hwy. 25. 6-10pm. 773-3390.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Microderm Mondays. Azure

School Gym, 80 Christwood Blvd., Covington.

Spa, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

Thurs, noon-6pm; Fri, 8:30am-1:30pm. Kris

6-7 A Christmas Past Festival. Fun, food and

Limited appointments available. 727-7799.

Muntan, krismuntan@gmail.com.

shopping. Old Mandeville Business Association,

theazurespa.com.

400-600 blocks of Girod St. and Mandeville

November-December 2013 29

Inside Scoop Trailhead. Fri, 5-7pm; Sat, 9am-4pm. Free. oldmandevillebiz.com. 6-7, 13-14 Holiday of Lights. Holiday lights, Santa, kiddie rides and live music. Tammany Trace Trailhead, stage and Kids Konnection playground, 21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville. 6-8:30pm. Free. 867-9490. tammanytrace.org. 6-8 Christmas Under the Stars. Live music, holiday decorations, storytelling and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Griffith Park, Slidell. 6-9pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us. 6-8 Olde Towne Christmas Market. Shopping specials, crafts, food vendors, live music. Slidellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Historic Antique District. Fri, 5-8pm; Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 10am-4pm. Free. 643-4790. antiquesandartonfirst.com. 6-8 This Christmas. Special holiday show. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 3pm. Adults, $16.50; kids under 15, $12.50. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com. 6, 13 Friday Night Lights. Shopping, Christmas lights. Downtown Ponchatoula. Stores open until 8pm. Free. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com. 7 Art Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650. 7 Bryan Batt Book Signing. Christmas desserts and open house. Hazelnut Mandeville, 2735 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 2-5pm. 626-8900. 7 Covington Art Market. Hosted by the city of Covington and the St. Tammany Parish Art Association. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. Free. sttammanyartassociation.com. 7 Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Sponsored by the Northshore Mandeville Kiwanis Club. Pictures with Santa. New Covenant Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 4375 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 8-11am. $5. Cliff Giffin, (504) 577-0799.

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

northshore-kiwanis.org.

family. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd.,

4371. hammondballet.com.

Kenner, LA. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com. 7 Santa Saturday Savings. Photos with

14 Christmas Parade. Floats, marching

Santa, Christmas carols, sales and promotions

10 Figure Drawing Class. Includes model,

bands, throws and Santa. Family-friendly.

at stores, including Anne’s Boutique,

wine and cheese. Bring drawing utensils and

Downtown Ponchatoula. 5pm. Free. 386-

Bastille’s Clothing Company, JuJu’s Boutique,

paper/newsprint. STAA, 320 N. Columbia

2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

Niche Modern home and many more. The

St., Covington. 6:30-9pm. $20. 892-8650.

Marketplace at Chenier, 1901 Hwy. 190,

sttammanyartassociation.org.

14 Deck the Rails and Lighting of the Trailhead. Family entertainment and Santa’s

Mandeville. 11am-2pm. 778-0459. 12 Annual Santa Shops in Mandeville

arrival. 419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington.

7-8 Merry Madisonville and Tree Lighting.

First Celebration. Mandeville Party Co., 1858

4-6pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

Caroling, kids’ activities and photos with

N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 20% off entire

Santa and Mrs. Claus. Madisonville Town

purchase, free Christmas gift wrapping, wine

14 Dog Adoption and Holiday Pet Photos.

Hall, 403 Francis St. 4-8pm. Free. 845-9824.

and food. 4-7pm. 674-1605.

Mandeville Animal Hospital, 419 Girod St.

madisonvillechamber.org.

10am-2pm. 377-0800. 12 Chamber After Hours. Networking,

7-8 The Nutcracker. Silver anniversary

conversation and business. Regions Bank,

14 Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays Family Tea

of Ballet Apetrei’s The Nutcracker. Bennett

201 N.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond. 5:30-7pm.

with Santa. Music, crafts, and good cheer.

Hall, St. Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Rd.,

386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

Reservations required. Longue Vue House

Covington. Sat, 2pm and 7pm; Sun, 2pm. $10-$35. 624-3622. balletapetrei.com.

and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans. 13 Baroque Christmas. Louisiana

1-3pm. (504) 293-4722. longuevue.com.

Philharmonic Orchestra. Northshore location 7-28 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

TBA. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire

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

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

13 Christian Serpas. Live at K’Gee’s

8am-noon. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida

7, 10, 12, 17, 21 Holiday Tea. Longue Vue

14 Madisonville Art Market. Water St., madisonvilleartmarket.com.

St., Mandeville. 6-9pm. 626-0530.

14-15 Holiday Home Tour. Preservation

kgeesrestaurant.com.

Resource Center tour of seven Garden District

House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New

homes. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson

Orleans. 1:30-3:30pm. $30, members; $35,

13 Historic Dew Drop Concert. Pianist,

Ave., New Orleans. Tour, 10am-4pm. Tickets

nonmembers. (504) 293-4701. longuevue.com.

composer and conductor David Torkanowsky. Dew

start at $30. (504) 581-7032. prcno.org.

Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St., Mandeville. 7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Market. Robert

6:30-9pm. $10 at the door. dewdropjazzhall.com.

and Front Sts., Slidell. 8am-1pm. Free. 640-

14-15, 20-23 Royal Teddy Bear Tea. The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., New

13 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon.

Orleans. 11am and 2:30pm seatings. Adults,

Christ Episcopal Children’s Choir. Beau

$58-$68; kids, $$43-$53; includes Royal

7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead

Chêne Country Club, 105 Beau Chêne

Christmas Bear. (504) 553-2328. sonesta.com.

Community Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

Blvd., Mandeville. 10am. Members, $26;

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

nonmembers, $29. Reservations required by

14, 21 Hammond Farmers Market.

Dec. 5. 792-4926 or newcomersinfo211@

W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave.,

gmail.com. northlakenewcomers.com.

Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-

7112. facebook.com/CamelliaCityMarket.

8 Christmas at TerraBella. Santa, train rides, cookie making, face painting, caroling

5680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com.

and more. TerraBella Village, 100 Terra Bella

13-14 Caroling at the Trailhead and

Blvd., Covington. 3-6pm. terrabellavillage.com.

Winter on the Water. Fri, caroling at the

15 Christmas on the Northshore Concert

trailhead. Sat, Santa parade, music and

with St. Timothy Choir. St. Timothy on the

8 Nutcracker High Tea. The English Tea

more. Lakefront gazebo, Mandeville. Fri, 7pm;

Northshore United Methodist Church, 335

Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 11am

Sat, 4-6pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147.

Asbury Dr., Mandeville. 3pm and 7pm. Free.

and 2pm seatings. $27.95/person. Call for

cityofmandeville.com.

626-3307. sttimothyumc.org.

reservations. 898-3988. 13-14 The Nutcracker. Hammond Ballet

15 Christmas Teddy Bear High Tea. The

8 Yuletide Celebration. Louisiana Philharmonic

Company. Columbia Theatre for the Performing

English Team Room, 734 E. Rutland St.,

Orchestra. Holiday favorites, food, fun for entire

Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7pm. 543-

Covington. 11am and 2pm. $27.95/person. November-December 2013 31

Inside Scoop Call for reservations. 898-3988. 15 The Nutcracker Tea Party. Cast members from Ballet Apetrei’s The Nutcracker serve and entertain patrons. Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., Mandeville. TBD. $15/ chidren, $25, adults. 624-3622. 15 Third Sunday Concert. Dennis Park on cello and Lina Morita on piano. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 15-Feb 1 Icons: Personal Visions Art Exhibit. Art exhibit. STAA, 320 North Columbia Street, downtown Covington. Opening reception, Sat, Nov. 14, 6-9pm. The opening reception on Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 6-9 p.m. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 18-22 Celebrating the Art of the Christmas Carol with John Rutter. Northlake Performing Arts Society presents holiday carols. Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington. $15. 792-1392. npas.info. Dec 19 Holiday Party Wine Dinner. Wine and dinner pairing with delicious dishes prepared by Chef Tory Stewart of Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard. 301 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Call for details, 778-2552. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com. 19-21 Christmas on the Bayou. Holiday children’s production. The Swan, 70326 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs. 7pm. Adults, $10; children 3-17, $7. dramaandmusic.com. 20 The Rick Samson Project. Live at K’Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 7-10pm. 626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com. 22 Nutcracker High Tea. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 11am and 2pm seatings. $27.95/person. Call for reservations. 898-3988. 27 Book Signing. “A” Force: The Origins of British

Deception During the Second World War, by Whitney T. Bendeck. Barnes and Noble, 3414 Hwy. 190, Premier Center, Ste. 10, Mandeville. 2-4pm. November-December 2013 33

INsider Molly Molloy Gambel by Lauren Parrish

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inset images courtesy: MOLLY MOLLOY GAMBEL

AS THE 2013 NEW ORLEANS ROSE OF TRALEE, Molly Molloy Gambel of Covington traveled to Ireland twice, experiencing the country’s culture and entertainment. The Rose of Tralee International Festival is Ireland’s largest and longest-running event. The festival celebrates the intelligence, compassion, personality, poise and independence of young Irish women in today’s society across the globe. After being selected locally as the New Orleans Rose, Molly Molloy’s first visit to Ireland was to Portlaoise for a regional event, where she was one of 23 Roses out of 62 who moved forward to the next round. She returned to Ireland for the Rose Tour, which began in Dublin, continued to Northern Ireland, through Galway and finally, to Tralee, County Kerry. The Gala Rose ball kicked off that weekend, followed by three parades, a fashion show and two stage nights. “Being in Tralee let me experience Ireland and share my love of New Orleans,” Molly Molloy says. “Because I love Mardi Gras so much and because I knew that no other New Orleans Rose had showcased Mardi Gras, I decided to give a Mardi Gras demonstration. Mardi Gras is unique to New Orleans and really allows others to see the fun-loving spirit of the people of the Big Easy!” This spirit is something the Irish and New Orleanians have in common. “During my presentation on stage, I dressed the host, Dáithí Ó Sé, in a Mardi Gras costume, taught him how to catch beads and even how to second line!” Molly Molloy says the whole experience, from the local New Orleans Rose Association selection to the finals in Tralee, has been “just brilliant!” “I have a deeper appreciation for my Irish heritage after meeting the friendly and kind people in Ireland,” Molly Molloy says. In addition, she returned home with another souvenir—a ring and a fiancée! Molly Molloy’s boyfriend, Kyle Catlett, proposed to her on stage during the festival. She said, “Yes!” Congratulations, Molly Molloy!

November-December 2013 35

Points of INterest

Slidell Memorial Hospital Volunteers Award Scholarships Slidell Memorial Hospital Volunteers have awarded $1,000 scholarships to five students chosen from 21 scholarship applicants. The recipients are Sharon Gandy, Lacombe; Kelly Ponthier, Pearl River; Kelly Scott, Slidell; Melissa Pitts, Pearl River; and Rebecca Lynn Winters, Slidell.

$10,000 for Alzheimer’s We were happy to work with H20 in the effort to raise money for Alzheimer’s research in the name of Honey’s Bunch. At press time, Color for the Cure had already raised more than $10,000. If you’d like to join the effort, the Northshore Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Sat., Nov. 16, at 8 a.m. in Fontainebleau State Park.

Raffle for Slidell Habitat Veteran’s Build Individuals and businesses are invited to contribute cash or gift certificates to a unique raffle that will help fund the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity’s first Veteran’s Build. Everyone who 36 Inside Northside

donates $25 or more can do so in the name of an active duty military hero or a retired or deceased veteran. For the raffle, all donations will be combined into one mega basket, anticipated to have a final value exceeding $2,500. The winner’s name will be drawn at the Home is Where the Art is Habitat fundraiser gala on Nov. 22. For more information about making donations, purchasing raffle tickets, the Veteran’s Build and Home Is Where the Art Is gala, call 6390656 or visit sthfh.org or facebook.com/ESTHFH.

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Reaches Milestone Congratulations to the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation! As of Sept. 1, more than $1 million has been received in donations for 2013. Since September 2003, fundraising has totaled more than $10 million.

Lakeview Regional Medical Center Nurses Recognized At the Louisiana Emergency Nurse Association Conference in Baton Rouge, four Lakeview Regional Medical Center employees received two awards and two scholarships awarded by their peers and the

Louisiana Council of Emergency Nurses. Angelica Brookshire, RN, received the Injury Prevention Advocate Award; John Becklehimer, RN, received the Patient Champion Award; Sierra Stewart, PCT, received the Shay Ives Student Nurse Award; and Angelica Brookshire, RN, was awarded the Keith Richard Emergency Nurse Advanced Nursing Practice Scholarship.

Train of Hope Wins Two Awards Train of Hope, a St. Tammanybased hurricane relief effort, received two awards at the Savvy Awards gala of the City-County Communication and Marketing Association (3CMA) conference. The Train of Hope for Sandy Relief received a first place Savvy Award in the category of Digital Interactive/ Social Media and a second place Silver Circle Award in the category of Most Innovative Marketing. The project was founded by St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission President/ CEO Donna Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Daniels and marketing and communications specialist Kim Bergeron, who at the time was serving as the city of Slidellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of cultural & public affairs. The project focused on bringing critical supplies to the victims of the superstorm. The co-founders promoted the mission through digital media, including Facebook, Twitter and a website donated by eSYNCS.

Parish NOCCA Students Receive Awards Four St. Tammany creative writing students at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) received recognition in the international William Faulkner-William Wisdom Short Story Writing Competition, which included entries from more than 166 students from around the world. >> November-December 2013 37

Jack Mierl, a senior at Mandeville High, was a First Place Winner. Finalists included Sophia Parandian, a senior at Mandeville High; Alexandra Hendon, an 11th grader Fontainebleau High; and Genevieve Lovern, a 10th grader Fontainebleau High.

Former St. Tammany Resident Publishes World War II Book Whitney T. Bendeck, assistant instructor and director of undergraduate studies in the International Affairs Program at Florida State University, has published “A” Force: The Origins of British Deception During the Second World War. “A” Force explores the origins of Britain’s deception activities to reveal how the British became such masterful deceivers in World War II. While living in St. Tammany, Bendick attended Folsom Elementary, Folsom Junior High and Covington High schools. She completed her undergraduate degree at Southeastern Louisiana University and received both her MA and PhD degrees in history from FSU. Bendeck will have a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Mandeville on Fri., Dec. 27, from 2-4pm.

Keep Mandeville Beautiful Receives State Award The Keep Mandeville Beautiful high school anti-litter awareness program

was selected to receive the Most Innovative Program Award in the state of Louisiana. The award is presented by Keep Louisiana Beautiful each year to an entity that has introduced a successful environmental initiative that is particularly creative or innovative. Last year, with a $10,000 grant, KMB developed a program to reduce litter by targeting high school students and teen drivers. The program, the only one of its kind in Louisiana, was designed with the help of a volunteer committee as well as teacher and student representatives from Fontainebleau High, Lakeshore High and Mandeville High schools.

Slidell Art League Celebrates Artists of the Year The Slidell Art League has named its 2013 Artists of the Year. Emile Henriquez is this year’s Master Artist of the Year, and Elaine Mercer is Apprentice Artist of the Year.

Black and Gold Day On Friday, Nov. 15, support the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany and wear your “Black and Gold” all day.

Schools, businesses and organizations can plan to wear black and gold all day in exchange for a $1 or more contribution to the museum. For those in uniform who want to support the cause, there are Black & Gold Day stickers available. For information on how to participate, call Ann Habisreitinger Barré at (985) 249-9526 or email blackandgold@cmstkids.org.

Mike Saucier Chosen LEDC Vice-Chairman Board members of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation have elected Mike Saucier, president of Gulf States Real Estates Services and Innovative Construction Services, as vice-chairman of the LEDC. Mike served on the board during the Blanco- >>

Jindal administration and also served on various committees. The LEDC is responsible for approving its economic development loan program, grants, and other various forms of economic development incentive authorized by the state Legislature, governor’s office and Secretary of Economic Development Steven Morey.

North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital among World’s Best

Mike Saucier.

North Oaks Rehabilitation has earned recognition from two organizations for its excellent track record in getting its patients back to the activities they love. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International) has awarded the hospital accreditation with no recommendations for performance improvement. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment. Only 3 percent of CARF surveys worldwide result in no recommendations,” notes CARF President/CEO Brian J. Boon, Ph.D. CARF also certified the hospital’s Stroke Specialty Program,

making it one of five in Louisiana and the only one located along the I-12 corridor.

Aunt Fleaux’s Gameday Packs Northshore residents and longtime Saints fans Beth Saacks and Rachael Couvillion have found an answer to the NFL ruling on the style and size of bags carried to games. They have made a bag, Aunt Fleaux’s Gameday Packs, that can carry “lady essentials,” hiding things women don’t want others to see, like medicines and tampons. The packs can be carried alone as a wristlet or as an insert in clear NFL bags. The Saints bag proclaims “I Bleed Black and Gold.” Other teams are available, including LSU. Nationwide, the packs can be ordered on etsy.com. Locally, they are available at brown eyed girl in Mandeville and other area retailers. See Aunt Fleaux’s Gameday Packs on Facebook for more information.

November-December 2013 41

Inside Northside

Designed for Celebration by Poki Hampton

For holiday décor this season, the natural look is in, with emphasis on natural materials and nature’s motifs—twigs, berries

Louise Mace.

and leaves are especially popular. To get into the holiday spirit, we asked 11 local designers to use that natural focus in decorating a mantel, table, doorway or tree for us to share with our readers. Although the designers shared a common focus, each used a variety of colors and themes in a unique style that ranged from a minimalist approach to decorating to an over-the-top philosophy. In each case, the presentation is both unusual and inspirational. As you look through the following pages, be prepared for outside-the-box ideas that you could recreate in your own home. What materials can you find in your own yard—perhaps more than pine cones and boxwood? Would oversized ornaments be great party favors for your guests? A burlap ribbon and bow might add

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

a different touch to a more traditional arrangement. And, although you might not have a zebra rug to use as a tablecloth for a New Year’s Eve celebration, a trip to the fabric store could provide something equally spectacular!

“I HAVE BEEN DECORATING TREES for clients for more than 40 years,” says Louise Mace of Purple Armadillo Again in Slidell. “Today, clients either want you to go totally traditional or create a decorator tree that coordinates with a room’s decor in the house.” Louise used bronzes, rich rust and touches of deep burgundy to decorate James Franklin’s tree. Gold frosted balls, jeweled crosses, gold leaves and bronze wired mesh fill the boughs of the fir tree. Tiny white lights and filigree butterflies add extra sparkle. Gilded fruit-and-nut garlands are tucked into the branches for texture. November-December 2013 43

Patrice Senac.

Patrice Senac, of Arabella Fine Gifts & Home Décor, decorated for an easy, fun-filled New Year’s Eve party. “I started with the zebra cowhide rug for a theatrical punch,” she says. She pulled the color palate from Michael Aram’s Black Orchid paper collection. Graphite dinner plates with muted orchid blooms and raspberry salad plates top matte silver leaf, scallopedged chargers on easy-care reusable placemats in silver and white. Acrylic twig-shaped flatware and purple acrylic drinkware make for a no-hassle, relaxing party. Instead of a traditional centerpiece, Patrice opts for three live orchids in purple tones settled into silver cachepots. Orrefors stackable votive holders add candlelight to the table and look like miniature sculptures. The Michael Aram pitcher and wine coaster are handy additions.

Inside Northside

Tom Cianfichi.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

“More is more” is Tom Cianfichi’s motto when it comes to holiday decorating. “Bryan (Batt) and I have been collecting ornaments for 24 years. Our personal tree is just a riot of these treasures,” says Tom. As Hazelnut’s owner and designer, Tom uses his signature New Orleans Toile in red for placemats and napkins. Allison Evans’ hand-painted pottery from her Oyster Collection is flanked by antique silver. Oversized frosted red ornaments, decorated with glittery snowy cardinals, are the party favors at each place. For the centerpiece, Tom uses a red berry garland in a fleur de lis hurricane to anchor red velvet cherry blossoms. A platinum-bay leaf garland winds through the table. Multi-colored crystal wine glasses shimmer in the candlelight.

November-December 2013 45

Cindy St. Romain of St. Romain Interiors shows her signature French style in her holiday dining room setting. Slip covered chairs surround a table dressed in gauzy white linen stripes. Place settings of Yves Delorme china, red toile napkins, bee-motif carafe glasses and antique sterling silver capture the feeling of French holidays. Leslie Boudreaux lent a hand with the tablescape by mounding spruce greenery with sugar pinecones, blood oranges and boxwood on the table. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leslie found all of the greenery and other natural plants and fruit in my back yard,â&#x20AC;? says Cindy. Two silver candelabra with tall, thin cream-colored tapers complete the Country French look.

Cindy St. Romain.

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Jennifer Dicerbo, of the french mix, transforms an offwhite, sleek and slender sideboard for the holidays. “Because of my busy schedule, I like to keep decorating to a minimum by using simple pieces that make a sophisticated impact,” says Jennifer. Two hand-molded and hand-painted concrete composite cherubs on stands of iron are finished in Egyptian gold with touches of verde. A natural magnolia leaf garland, accented with pinecones, sits behind the cherubs. A fresh magnolia wreath, held by a wide silk hanger made by Chris Piazza, hangs in front of an abstract painting by Silver from California done in tones of light blue, brown, off-white and gold.

Bethany McCulla.

Jennifer Dicerbo.

The Ploues’ home boasts beautiful large iron-and-glass front doors that require very little adornment to be festive. Bethany McCulla of Bmac Interiors at Terra Bella created nature-inspired swags to fit in with the natural elements of the landscaping and the Country French style of the house. Fir greenery, white berries and frosted pinecones form the base. Natural magnolia leaves with oversized white frosted jingle bells, natural wired rope and wide off-white burlap ribbon complete the shabby chic look. “For a festive yet natural decoration, I always try to marry the style of the house with the decorations,” says Bethany. November-December 2013 47

Erin Schaumburg, of Eros Home and Clothing, incorporates vintage elements into a contemporary setting for the holidays. An antique reproduction wooden table holds a burlap runner and cream and taupe dinnerware. Mercury glass bottles and two tall crystal candelabra are the centerpiece. On the sideboard, white poinsettias in a burlap-wrapped vase are flanked by two distressed wooden lamps with natural linen shades. Two twig-andmoss topiary reindeer add holiday cheer. On the backs of the textured-organic linen side chairs, Erin added moss initials, with burlap bows adding a personalized touch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The holidays are all about family, so when decorating for a client, I love for it to be full of love, peace and simplicity,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Adele Abboud.

Inside Northside

Erin Schaumburg.

Designer Adele Abboud of Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights created a sophisticated mantel decoration for Earl Lizanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. The fabulous carved Italian marble mantel with its acanthus leaf and egg-and-dart motif is the base for greenery, sparkling pinecones and gold glitter branches. Natural magnolia leaves, silver leaves, berry sprigs and white amaryllis add texture. A 24-inch distressed concrete cherub sits to the left, while two tall Governor Pool House copper Bevolo lanterns with tall pillar candles balance the right. Four Bevolo hand-crafted 9-inch Patio Lights in silver, brass and copper hold votive candles, adding extra sparkle that is reflected in the antique French gold-leaf mirror.

Tara Brown.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Under the direction of Tara Brown, Rug Chic decorated this fir tree in an uptown, woodland-inspired motif. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The natural look is in, so we tried to create an upscale, sophisticated version of that,â&#x20AC;? says Tara. The tree is embellished with white berry sprigs, curly green wired sprigs and gold-and-burgundy-wired woodland poinsettias. Hand-blown glass balls with gold ribbon stripes and soft-green frosted balls are mixed with balls sporting a hand-painted woodland scene. Green wired ribbon is used to tie bunches of gold, cream and burgundy leaves into bouquets to fill the branches. Twisted iced curly willow, frosted acrylic ornaments and white twinkle lights add extra sparkle to the tree.

November-December 2013 49

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Carla Gagliano.

photo: REBECCA SCHOEN

Carla Gagliano, of Welcome Home and garden, decorates a front entrance with a large swag of fir greenery filled with magnolia leaves, pinecones, salal, boxwood, cedar and champagne-colored glass ornaments. A wooden angel with moss hair tops the doorway. Burlap bows anchor the bottom of the garland. Iron urns lined in natural burlap hold magnolia leaf wreaths and pinecone orbs. Gold twig stars hang from the urns’ handles. “I like to use as much fresh and natural preserved greenery as possible and keep the design simple, incorporating things I have around the house,” says Carla.

Molly Candido.

Molly Candido, Florist of Covington’s new owner, says, “I used red velvet roses, red and white amaryllis and Dusty Miller to build a design around a grouping of white ceramic reindeer, creating a traditional and homey look.” Artichoke vases are filled with arrangements of roses, dried citrus and greenery. A twig-shaped iron candelabrum in cream holds red candles and red roses. Spruce, pinecones, Dusty Miller, nuts and fruits (both preserved and faux), along with openweave burlap ribbon, adorn the spruce wreath over the mantle. “The flat-backed stocking of twig and moss hangs from the mantel; it could be filled with greenery and would make a great piece for the front door as well,” says Molly. November-December 2013 51

by Erin Cowser

The Louisiana Renaissance Festival known as down River Road outside Hammond, just off Interstate 12). Every autumn, more than 300 villagers populate the English village of Albright just as it would have been in the 16th century. You can meet them and countless other celebrities from 1565. According to festival co-owner and general manager Rick Hight, the talented townspeople and villagers are motivated by their love of entertaining. “We provide a playground where they can stretch their imaginations,” he says. “An entertainer without an audience is a sad

illustration: KRISTIN HAMMOCK

THE RENAISSANCE GAVE the world such notable figures as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, Shakespeare and Copernicus. We know them well. And then there were Gabby Chatmore, notoriously loose-lipped village gossip; the colossally pompous Baron Van Schmuck; Seymour Underhill, the gravedigger; and Mad Eric, who was— as his name suggests—quite simply mad. Never heard of characters of such questionable renown and repute? Well, fear ye not! The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is coming soon to an English village near you (also

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

entertainer.” Most of the volunteer corps performers are local to the region, but the professionals come from as far as California and Ontario to take part in the Louisiana festival every fall. “Entertainers from outside our region love performing here because Louisianians love to be entertained,” adds co-owner Alvon Brumfield. “The audience always responds. If you tell a joke, they’re laughing halfway through it and are ready to one-up you. We know how to have fun here, and it makes it fun for the entertainers, too.” Hight and Brumfield met through time spent

in the U.S. Air Force. The two discovered a mutual enjoyment of attending Renaissance faires in other states and decided that Louisiana should have one of its own. The property was purchased in 2000, and the first festival was held that fall. Since then, Hight, Brumfield and other staff members enjoy “invading” other faires and festivals across the nation. Most recently, they attended the Colorado Renaissance Festival to study their best practices and, especially in the case of Brumfield, who is also a skilled magician, learn some of the newest tricks of the trade. Six acres tucked in the Southeast Louisiana woodlands transform into an interactive theatre with more than 50 shows and demonstrations daily on a dozen stages. You’re encouraged to let out a hooray for your favorite contender or boo the bad guys and bullies. Sword fighting, the comedy of court jesters, the comedic tomfoolery of Jamison the Juggler, fire eating, knighting ceremonies, belly dancing, dueling and rapier contests are just a few of the exhibitions you’ll encounter. You can have a seat in the village arena, which can fit 5,000 townsfolk and their guests, >>

Top: Townspeople and villagers, including festival co-owner Alvon Brumfield (far right).

Middle: The English village of Albright.

November-December 2013 53

Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp in the Village. Right: Queen Elizabeth on a daily stroll about town. Opposite: Just one of many offerings at the Renaissance Festival. 54

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Top: Queen

and enjoy live jousting and falconry performances. Or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d prefer to walk about town, you might just run into Queen Elizabeth on a daily stroll, Robin Hood himself or the Wandering Gypsy Theatre, Washing Well Wenches and Whiskey Bay Rovers. Are you and your knight in shining armor in the mood for a love ballad or two? Listen to the lyrical melodies of a harpsichord, hurdygurdy, hammered dulcimer, lute or even a set of bagpipes as you traipse through town. The villagers will gladly share their knowledge of trades and textiles with you, too. Demonstrations involving woodworking, iron, wax and glass crafting, blacksmithing, coppersmithing and candlemaking are located throughout town. You can even find ladies adept with spinning wheels and looms and enjoy the cooking and

on-site baking oven that produces fresh bread throughout the day. Young lads and lassies always find delight in the Hobgoblin Hill Puppets and chance encounters with the resident faeries, Dandilyon and Truffle, while there are pub performances that are more suitable for mom and dad. “We encourage everyone to attend one day with your children and then come back another day for an adult adventure complete with ale, mead or wine available for purchase in town,” says Brumfield. “It’s not about overindulging, but it’s comfortable for grown-ups who want to wet their whistles.” In fact, everyone’s favorite Scottish wench, Bonnie MacKinlay, invites grown-ups to her annual Whiskey Tasting during the fest. You can sample the tasty fruits of the barley from each

November-December 2013 55

of Scotland’s whiskey-producing regions, all while enjoying the company of other thirsty villagers who are always ready to regale you with a colorful joke, tawdry lyric or terrible tale. A strictly over-21 performance, this show is an opportunity to relax, hoist a dram and enjoy some raucous Renaissance humor. New this year, there are also beer tastings in the works. Check larf.net for details on these upcoming events and others like them at the Painted Badger Pub and Kings Head Tavern. If you’d prefer libations of a more genteel bend, you can partake in the new Royal Tea event, which takes place on Sunday afternoon at the Queen’s Arms Pavilion located near the Dripping Dog Inn. Princess Adorabelle provides formal instruction on the ways of charm and elegance while guests indulge in assorted gourmet teas, finger sandwiches and dainty pastries. Queen Elizabeth has sent forth the royal proclamation and invited the ladies and gentlemen of the land to join her under the shade trees by the lake to sip exotic herbal teas from faraway lands. The decision is yours whether to take one lump or two. Top and bottom: The pageantry and revelry of the fest make for Villagers and fantastic birthday celebrations where imagination townspeople. comes to life. Guests can undertake a quest of

exploration or a royal adventure custom-designed by the fest staff. With the holidays right around the corner, there are more than 100 booths with handmade wares available for browsing and bargaining. Past merchants carried everything from kilts and accouterments to chainmaille jewelry, tapestries and

Student Days

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

A popular field trip that takes students back in time, the festival hosted 15,000 students last year during its exclusive Student Days—more than 100,000 in its 13 years of existence. With reduced admission fees and bag lunches available for student groups, the Ren Fest will welcome high schools on Nov. 12, middle and junior high schools on Nov. 13 and elementary schools on Nov. 14. All shows and demonstrations are reformatted for strictly educational sessions during those days.

Inside Northside

wands, staffs and tools of the wizardry trade. A respectable lady wouldn’t want to leave the festival grounds without a proper corset, crown or tiara and circlets, while knights and journeymen are often drawn to the axe- and knife-throwing booth and the Tomato Comedy Challenge at the aptly named Rotten Revenge booth. There are rickshaw rides and catapult games to boot. What happens when it rains? “We don’t really close because of rain,” says Hight. “We get wet. Major storms and weather events are a different story, of course.” He adds that many “regulars” intentionally attend on rainy days because there are fewer crowds, and guests have a more up-close experience with the characters and shows. Renaissance apparel and regal regalia are not mandatory, but welcome. Hight says attendees often get creative with their costuming. “We’ve had Darth Vader and barbarians and everything in between, including members of the Star Fleet. It makes sense if you think about it, since they all came from long ago and far, far away, just like the festival.” You can dress up, too, if you’d like. In fact, there’s a costume shoppe on site that offers daily rentals. Just remember, there’s already a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker at the fest, so you might want to opt for a different costume! The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is located at 46468 River Road in Hammond. 429-9992. larf.net. Open 9:45 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 2-Dec. 8. Adults, $17; ages 7-13, $10; under 6, free. Options available for multiple days and advance ticket orders. November-December 2013 57

Stockings by Erin Cowser

Christmas with the Joachims

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG by the chimney— with care. After all, it wasn’t easy to fit all 21 of them on one fireplace mantel. Santa no doubt had to make his list and check it two, three or 10 times when it came time for him to stop his sleigh at the Biloxi home of Rose and Jack Joachim and their children—John Jr., Robin Jude, Mary Martha, Harriet Louise, Francis Joseph, Georgette Clare, Rose Ann, Marylyn Theresa, Nancy Helen, Mary Elizabeth, William Dennis, Mary Jane, Mary Margaret, Maria Adrienne, Marian Virginia, Gerard O’Connell, Mary Daniel, Michael Raymond and Patricia Regina. Sadly, third-born Harry Louis passed away as a young child. Theirs was a modest home, according

Inside Northside

to Martha Caruso, who was lovingly dubbed “Daughter Number 4” by her father. (The fourthborn child, she is also the oldest girl.) There was a master bedroom, two kids’ bedrooms and one bathroom when Rose and Jack first started their family after getting married in 1934. After the birth of their ninth child, the Joachims decided things were getting a bit tight, so they added another room to the house. “We never saw the laundry room floor,” laughs Martha, who now lives in Slidell with her husband, Sam, a city councilman and former mayor of the Camellia City. “There were bunk beds, twin beds and cribs in different arrangements in the three rooms. And eventually, someone would claim the

photo courtesy: MARTHA CARUSO

Top: The Joachims photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

couch in the living room, too.” As one might imagine, holidays with the Joachims were bustling and brimming with fun. Dinner was served at a specially made dining room table. It was outfitted with benches so everyone could sit down to eat at the same time. “You can squeeze together more on benches,” says Martha. “Believe it or not, up until about 10 years ago, that table was still in use.” Everyone pitched in to help. Each had his or her specific duty, such as washing dishes or setting the table. This was the case every day at dinnertime, but they seemed less like chores when preparing special holiday meals. Trimming the tree on Christmas Eve was a >>

together. Inset: Martha Caruso, or “Daughter Number 4” as her dad called her. November-December 2013 59

family tradition. In fact, Martha says no decorations were put up in the house until then. Getting the younger siblings to bed while the older brothers and sisters put the finishing touches on the tree with paper chains, popcorn on a string and bubble lights was no easy task. Having a built-in slumber party environment also didn’t help when it came time for getting little ones who are super excited about Santa’s arrival to get some shuteye. “We all had a sibling partner that we were charged with looking after,” says Martha. “Mine was 10 years younger than me, so I was responsible for looking out for her and taking care of such things as making sure she got to bed on time at night—even on Christmas Eve.” For Christmas, each Joachim child received one toy and clothes. “We would each get a new outfit and a new pair of shoes. They were expected to last us until Easter, when we’d get a new set of Sunday clothes,” says Martha. What was the best present Santa ever brought her? Without pausing for even a second, Martha says that her very own Shirley Temple doll was her all-time favorite. “We were poor, but we didn’t know it.” Martha says she often helped with holiday grocery shopping and even did her mother’s Santa shopping when she was old enough “to know the Santa secret.” There are 23 years between the oldest and youngest siblings, so there was a wide range of Santa belief levels, she recalls. “With seven boys and 13 girls, my mom was always pregnant and often pregnant around Christmas. At least four or five times I remember her being so pregnant that she gave me 60

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: MARTHA CARUSO

the list of dolls for the girls and toys for the boys and sent me to do her Santa shopping for her at S.H. Kress.” As parents of two and grandparents of three, Martha and Sam have increased the number of toys under the tree, but not by much. She says each of the grandchildren receives two toys instead of one. However, they also get lots of books—so much so that the Carusos have an ever-growing library at their house for when the grandchildren come to visit “Madre” and “Padre,” as they are called. “It’s not about how many gifts you have to unwrap,” says Martha. “That’s not what’s important. It’s about family.” Though the siblings now live in different >>

Top: The Joachims family at the airport, ready for their appearance on the TV show, I’ve Got a Secret. Inset: The Joachim family at their 2007 family reunion.

November-December 2013 61

The family at Martha Caruso’s

photo courtesy: MARTHA CARUSO

wedding.

locations across the country, the Joachim family still attempts to get together during the holidays—but they’re too big for one house. With 169 family members, the group rents a church hall in Mississippi and everyone brings food to share. “No gifts though,” says Martha. “We used to exchange ornaments or do the Santa game where you steal the silly gifts, but with 169 of us, even that got expensive.” When Jack Joachim passed away last year, he was survived by 58 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His bride, Rose, died in 1999 after 65 years of marriage. Martha says her dad always carried a “cheat sheet” in his wallet that listed all the children and their dates of birth in order of age. She admits that she now carries a similar list in her purse so she doesn’t forget anyone’s birthday. Other than the need to keep comprehensive lists, what is Martha most proud to have learned from her parents? “They lived it every day. They had to, whether it was a plain ordinary day of the week or Christmas Day. PATIENCE,” she says. November-December 2013 63

Women, Art and Social Change

Inside Northside

by Linda Trappey Dautreuil

photos courtesy: NEWCOMB ART COLLECTION, TULANE UNIVERSITY

The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise THE NEWCOMB POTTERY ENTERPRISE began as a grand experiment in late-19th century New Orleans. It effected social change in an unexpected part of the country, the Deep South, in a city eager to show the world that it was once again a viable place for commerce. Through March 9, 2014, the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University is presenting the exhibition, Women, Art and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. The 147 objects on display may be appreciated for the beauty of craft alone, but there is much more. The story of this creative endeavor both enriches the viewing experience and integrates time and the social issues of the day into the history of the enterprise. The exhibition is a partnership between the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane

University and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services. The 2013-2016 tour features a comprehensive selection of the arts and crafts collection designed and produced between the years 1895 and 1940, the lifespan of the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. According to Sally Main, curator of the exhibition, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the finest examples of the pottery art form displayed alongside pieces that will come as a revelation to many, not only a rich variety of crafts, but also photos and artifacts that breathe life into the Newcomb legacy. Samples of ceramics from the Newcomb Guild (19421952) will also be on view.â&#x20AC;? In 2014, Women, Art and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise travels to the Georgia Museum of Art. In anticipation of the exhibition, Dale Couch, curator of decorative arts and director of the Henry D. Green Center for

Opposite: A Jonquils vase, c. 1903. Above: Newcomb art students gathered at the back of the Newcomb Art building at the corner Sixth and Camp streets, c. 1902. Inset: Sophie Newcomb, c. 1870.

November-December 2013 65

the Study of the Decorative Arts at the University of Georgia, says, “The thing about the Tulane/Newcomb material is its sense of place. As the studios and programs developed there, they were tapping international styles and movements in a very progressive way. At the same time, they were tweaking the material with a Southern accent, displaying the flora and fauna of the region with a statement that basically translates to ‘place matters in art.’ The sense of place that is so centrally Southern emerges in spite of the fact that there is an implicit attempt to connect to the world by adopting an aesthetic that was both national and international.”

The Legacy of Newcomb Pottery All great legacies evolve from a particular set of circumstances. An international fair, the 1884 World Cotton Centennial Exposition, provided an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to New Orleans. The importance of the location as a suitable environment for commercial enterprise was paramount as people gathered in Audubon Park for the festivities. Cultural arts and education were both part of an agenda to garner favor for what the city had to offer. Rebuilding after the Civil War had taken years of effort by Southerners combined with an influx of forward-thinking people who came to New Orleans for a variety of reasons. Those newcomers who stayed made some of the most notable contributions, injecting new ideas and fresh perspectives into an already rich, diverse culture. (This part of the story resonated in the years after 2005 when New Orleans, once again, showed the world her capacity for renewal following Hurricane Katrina.) The 1884 exposition signaled change was on the way. No one was certain when or where, but a need existed that had not yet been addressed, and it involved women, art and education. Established gender roles were entrenched in the way people saw the world in the 19th century. Women were expected to learn domestic skills for running the household. Regardless of social class, most were acquainted with some or all of the tasks of the home and garden. They learned 66

Inside Northside

needlework for knitting, tatting, embroidery or forms of decorative detailing. Those with more leisure practiced drawing as a pastime. By the second half of the century, the Arts and Crafts Movement emerged first in England, spread to France and made its way to America. The movement advocated a number of aesthetic preferences, which included simplicity of design and fine craftsmanship. It gained popularity as a reaction against industrial mass production and conditions in the workplace. By 1877, several potteries were located within the United

The emergence of Newcomb pottery began in 1887, when Newcomb College was established within Tulane University, which had been founded in 1834. The official title was H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, after the daughter of a wealthy widow and benefactor, Josephine Louise Newcomb. Early efforts in art programming had been initiated at Tulane University in the form of gender-segregated classes conducted two nights a week. The model for the free classes came from practices of newly hired professors from the Northeast. Four profoundly influenced the philosophy of the pottery enterprise: William and Ellsworth Woodward from the Rhode Island School of Design, Gertrude Roberts from Massachusetts Normal School and later, Mary Given Sheerer, also a product of Massachusetts education, who attended the Art Students League in New York. All were aware

Opposite: Newcomb College Administration building on Washington Avenue in New Orleans. Top right: Embroidery class

photos courtesy: NEWCOMB ART COLLECTION, TULANE UNIVERSITY

taught by Gertrude

States, notably in New York, and then in Cincinnati by 1880 and Massachusetts by 1891. The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise officially started in 1894. According to the writings of Dr. Jessie Poesch, professor emerita of art history at Tulane University, “The approach of Newcomb Pottery Enterprise and the wares it produced are correctly seen as most directly rooted in the aesthetic and philosophic concepts of the Arts and Crafts Movement.” It was a unique endeavor, for both its location in the South and its connections to an institution of higher learning.

Robert Smith (third from right) in the Pottery Building of Newcomb College’s Washington Avenue campus, c. 1907.

Middle: Table runner, c. 1930.

Bottom left: A vase with stylized rubber plant leaves decoration, c. 1931. November-December 2013 67

Above: An example of Newcomb pottery craftsmanship.

Right: Southwest corner of the pottery sales room, c. 1905. 68

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: NEWCOMB ART COLLECTION, TULANE UNIVERSITY

of or had visited European potteries and absorbed ideas initiated in England. Upon arriving in the South, the first three soon recognized the necessity of a program of art education for women who possessed an array of domestic skills but no means to contribute to their own livelihood through purposeful work. The Civil War had taken the lives of young men who left their once-well-provided-for families without resources. It was a need that lasted for many years after the war, and it was obvious to the newcomers that it had not been addressed. William Woodward was listed as professor of art for Tulane, though there was some shifting between Tulane and the earliest efforts at Newcomb. His brother, Ellsworth, became the official head of the Newcomb College Art Department. Gertrude Roberts taught drawing, painting and sculpture. When Mary Given Sheerer arrived in 1894, she was the first person hired by Ellsworth Woodward to teach art in the Newcomb program. Sheerer was

an intelligent and experienced traveler and educator who was well acquainted with existing potteries in America and abroad. Values of the Victorian Era meant rules were in place even within the most progressive plans. Pottery involved heavy work, and it was a common belief that women could only handle lighter duties. Sheerer may have understood the fallacy of this theory, but it was decided, nonetheless, that the structure of production would involve the mechanical process requiring a male potter for working the clay, throwing pots, firing the kiln and handling the glazing. Women would participate in the aesthetic process: decoration, including drawing, painting and design. The female students were already receiving training in drawing, painting and sculpture, so they drew their own shapes to deliver to the potter. They were encouraged to take an original approach to their designs within the tradition of good craftsmanship; the result was that their motifs were different from those produced by other potteries of the day. Couch notes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newcomb pottery and related arts demonstrate the complexity and richness of Southern history in a period which is often reduced to war and simplistic political analysis. True enough, ours is a troubled history that is rife with injustices. Even these young artists, themselves, de facto elites, met with constrictive mores for their gender. At the same time, they embraced a modern aesthetic and hands-on craft that challenged their prescribed roles.â&#x20AC;? Over the lifespan of the Pottery Enterprise, Dr. Poesch records that 13 men were employed. Curator Sally Main describes the standards of quality November-December 2013 69

that early male potters brought to the enterprise. “Jules Gabry was the first potter. He learned his technical skills first hand in a famous French pottery. His particular expertise was in iridescent glazing. He stayed for only one year, but left a body of first-hand knowledge for the students. Another potter whose family came from France, Joseph Meyer, was the official Newcomb potter until 1927. His father, who had produced milk bottles for distribution during the occupation of New Orleans, passed the craft on to his son. The elder Meyer also tutored the Biloxi potter, George Ohr, whose eccentricities are notorious and possibly contributed to his short stay at Newcomb Pottery.” High standards were maintained in the selection of materials. When William Woodward came to Louisiana, he already possessed a great deal of experience with clay. His philosophy was that high-quality materials found in the South would distinguish the decorative arts created in the pottery. Both William and Ellsworth traveled to the northshore to draw and paint. William found the clay along the Bogue Falaya River to be of superior quality. This became the raw material for many of the finest pieces of Newcomb pottery. In many ways, Newcomb Pottery was not only a women’s enterprise but also a Southern one. The distinctive decorative imagery is clearly that of the South. Here, an abundance of options was discovered in the variety of plants, both native and tropical, and a great deal of diverse habitat. Dr. Poesch writes of marshes, swamps, coastal areas and pine forests as rich in source material. Some of the many features of the early years were strong graphic qualities in the use of firm lines, larger shapes and 70

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: NEWCOMB ART COLLECTION, TULANE UNIVERSITY

designs that wrapped around the vase or vessel, a feature markedly different from what other potteries produced in the United States. The functionality of Newcomb pottery contributed to its popularity. The pottery hosted annual sales and also exhibited and sold works in other venues. Meanwhile, it garnered prestigious awards and critical acclaim in the United States and Europe. Many of the women were singled out for publicity, such as Marie de Hoa LeBlanc and her sister, Emelie. Sally Main provides an anecdote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sisters traveled by foot and streetcar from the French Quarter each day to attend classes. They were the first young Catholic women admitted to the art program at Newcomb from a population that was

largely Catholic in New Orleans at the time. It was a daring break with tradition in their community. They were devoted to advancing their education.â&#x20AC;? Rosalie Urquhart and Leona Nicholson also appeared in the press. By 1901, the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise was a success, and prices paid for the pottery steadily increased. Women making pottery in the enterprise included alumnae as well as students. Until this time, the women were expected to pay for the expenses of producing their work. Changes to the policy for payment provided a stipend, which increased the profit for the artists as the enterprise became financially stable. Experiments in other mediums were already in progress by 1901, such as silver and other metals,

Above: A vase depicting a moonlit pine forest, c. 1919.

November-December 2013 71

photo courtesy: NEWCOMB ART COLLECTION, TULANE UNIVERSITY

Above: A Cat’s Claw vine lamp with ceramic base, c. 1902. 72

as well as textiles and embroidery using the finest linen and silk threads. Jewelry garnered a great deal of attention. Some of the most unusual combinations involved silver and pottery in designs by artists such as Katherine Severance Wraight, Effie Shepard and Henrietta Bailey. In 1917, sales for jewelry and metalwork soared. Other crafts became part of the offerings, including book binding, printed illustrations, drawings on paper and wood block book plates and other decorative wood objects. In 1940, Newcomb pottery ceased production after Arts and Crafts-style pottery declined in popularity. Its replacement, the Newcomb Guild, turned out pottery that was more functional than decorative. In the 45 years of its existence, the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise initiated an enduring legacy by increasing possibilities for women in the arts. The education provided by women as teachers and

Inside Northside

mentors and the students who studied with them were committed to the viability of their work. Their interaction succeeded in creating an active group of artists, some who continued working throughout their lifetime. Newcomb education in the arts encouraged women to be involved in philanthropy and in so doing, advanced the arts of the South by making them accessible to everyone. This is the legacy that continues today, evidenced by the collection of individually designed, handmade objects on display in the exhibition, Women, Art and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise. Women, Art and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise may be viewed until March 9, 2014, in the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University. The exhibition is supported by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts Art Works, which is matched by supporters of Newcomb Art Gallery. From New Orleans, the exhibition will travel to the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Ga., before continuing on an eight-city tour through 2016. For additional information, contact Sally Main, senior curator, Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University at smain@tulane.edu or (504) 314-2206.

To learn more… For a more complete understanding of the importance and success of the Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, few sources are better than Sally Main, senior curator of art at the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University. Main collaborated with Dr. Jessie Poesch (1923-2011), professor emerita of art history at Tulane University, on Newcomb Pottery and Newcomb

Pottery & Crafts: An Educational Enterprise for Women, 1895-1940. Another resource is The Newcomb Style: Newcomb College Arts & Crafts and Pottery Collector’s Guide by Jean Moore Bragg in collaboration with Dr. Susan Saward. Bragg, a graduate of Newcomb College, is a knowledgeable collector of Newcomb pottery and the leading dealer in Newcomb arts and crafts in the country. Many details included in this article were found by researching these three volumes.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Sandy McMurty and Roxanne.

“I was looking for a group to join so I could do that with Roxanne, but I couldn’ t find any programs in our area except in New Orleans, and they just service the southshore,” Sandy says. After some research, she found a national non-profit organization called Love on a Leash, which is formally known as The Foundation For Pet-Provided Therapy. “There are four or five nationally recognized pet therapy programs. The helpful folks at

Love on a Leash—St. Tammany by Sasha Steinberg

The Northshore’s Only Pet Therapy Group

photos courtesy: LOVE ON A LEASH

SOMETIMES, ONE PERSON is all it takes to make a difference. For one St. Tammany organization and the people it serves, all it took was a dog lover, Sandy McMurtry, and her very special dog, Roxanne. “My husband and son adopted Roxanne from the Great Dane Rescue Club of Louisiana when she was 7 months old,” says Sandy. “Her personality and temperament were such that when I would take her out to walk, we would meet and make connections with people. She just seemed to brighten everyone’s day, and she was so patient and tolerant. After having Roxanne for a while, I felt that she would make a great therapy dog because she had the basic obedience skills and temperament.” Therapy pets and their owners/ handlers visit a variety of facilities— such as nursing homes, libraries, hospitals and schools—where they provide emotional support to individuals of all ages who may be going through a difficult time. 74

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Love on a Leash in California made it easy for someone like me who was new to pet therapy.” In order to do pet therapy work, Sandy got her beloved Great Dane certified and insured through Love on a Leash and then began searching for places that would allow her and Roxanne to visit, which was not so easy at first. “There were no facilities on the northshore that were being serviced by pet therapy animals. When it was just me, I was scared to call and ask if I could bring my dog because it was a new concept here,” says Sandy. “But everybody I asked practically begged me to come. The word spread. I had so many people calling me that there was no way Roxanne and I could do it all. After an article ran in the newspaper, I had many calls from people looking to join; soon, we had 12 certified dogs.” Now, more than two years after founding LOAL— St. Tammany, Sandy has more than 51 certified therapy teams on board, each of which is composed of a dog and its owner/handler. While there are LOAL chapters all over the country, Sandy says the St. Tammany chapter is the only one in Louisiana. She adds that the volunteers are pet owners, but they are also outgoing, patient and tolerable of all kinds

of personalities. Some have been nurses or cancer patients, so the things they are able to say to people and the way they interact with them reflects those experiences. “We have every kind of dog you can imagine, from miniature Chihuahuas to Great Danes to a Great Pyrenees. Some dogs are better at some facilities or working with certain people. The national organization allows dogs, cats and rabbits, but our chapter only has dogs. We have not had anybody come to us yet with another animal, but we would not be opposed to it, because of course, not everybody loves dogs.” Members of the St. Tammany chapter visit a variety of facilities, including five local nursing homes, the Covington branch of the St. Tammany Parish Library, the neuroscience center at Ochsner Medical Center in Slidell, STARC’s Noah’s ARC Child Development Center in Mandeville and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. STARC has several homes in St. Tammany where adults live and work and a home in Mandeville that helps women with mental disabilities. The local group takes three dogs there once a month for a one-hour visit so the women can enjoy the dogs’ company. Several of the dogs, including Roxanne, also participate in the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) program during the school year at Abney Elementary School in Slidell. The school has a literacy grant; chapter members work with the literacy teachers and the kids get to read to a dog buddy. The children who read to a dog are often the ones who have reading difficulties. In the past, they may have been criticized and felt embarrassed to read out loud; English may not be their first language or they may have a speech impediment. Reading, especially out loud, is more of a challenge for them. >> November-December 2013 75

“The child can hold a dog in their lap while reading, show it pictures and pet the dog, all of which have a therapeutic effect,” says Sandy. The children don’t have the pressure of performance, and it lowers their heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety. The dog doesn’t criticize or interrupt, but just patiently listens while they work through something. Sandy says the teachers absolutely love it because the children get excited about their turn to read with the dog, and they’ll end up reading two or three times what they normally do. When the chapter teams visit nursing homes, they often spend time with individuals in the Alzheimer’s unit and with those who are undergoing rehabilitation. Sometimes, the dogs can reach a patient in ways humans have not been able to. “An Alzheimer’s patient may not remember

mobile, but at the same time, it’s really great to see people walking as fast as they can with their walker or in their wheelchair, getting caught in a traffic jam in the hallway because they are excited to come and mingle with the dogs.” In addition to patients, the volunteers reach out to another special group of individuals—caregivers and family members. “When we visit a hospital or a nursing home, often a relative will say something like, ‘My father is bedridden, but he really wants a dog visit. Please come down to Room 71 and visit him,’” Sandy says, noting that this gives them an opportunity to not only make the patient happy, but also to show support to their caregivers and family. For Sandy, being a part of the St. Tammany chapter of Love on a Leash is a win-win situation for

you from the last time you were there, but they do remember what a dog is,” says Sandy. “They may not carry on a conversation with anybody all day, or they may be agitated, anxious or depressed, but when the dog comes into the room, they know the dog doesn’t know they are agitated. The dog isn’t impatient, so the patient can sit and pet the dog, perhaps having a 30-minute conversation with one of the volunteers—and that may be the most they talk all week. “It’s the same with patients going through rehabilitative therapy,” Sandy says. “They may get bored with having to go through the exercises every week, but when the dog comes in, they increase their mobility just by brushing, petting or walking with the dog. It’s a whole different level of therapy that they’re not getting the rest of the time. We make sure to go down the hallways and reach people who aren’t

a dog and its handler. “It’s a great group because of the dynamic people that we meet and the animals who get the satisfaction of working. One of the biggest things for me is encouraging and motivating our volunteers to get plugged into the community and find essential fulfillment in what they do. I try to help them realize that what they’re doing with their dog in a one-hour visit is actually making a big difference in so many people’s lives. It affects not only the patient, but their caregiver, family member, nurse, doctor, therapist and roommate—and that’s one of the most rewarding things for me.”

Inside Northside

To learn more about Love on a Leash—St. Tammany and how you and your pet can get involved, contact Sandy McMurtry at loveonaleashsttammany@gmail.com, visit http://loal-st.com/ or check out the chapter’s Facebook page, Love on a Leash—St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.

November-December 2013 77

aTail

Ducks

Above: Preening Pintail and Old Squaw.

Right: Dave Hall. 78

MY FATHER, DAVE HALL, was accomplished at many things—and he accomplished more in his life than most. It has been said that he did more to preserve America’s wildlife than many other environmentalists and federal agents in his field. I would dare to say that as a result of his enforcement operations in the 1970s, he was probably the one most responsible for saving the American alligator from the endangered species list. Also, by exposing what the purse seiners—boats using seines, or dragnets, that are closed at the bottom—were really doing to the redfish breeding stock during the ’80s, he saved the redfish populations from decimation. He’s been featured in Life and People magazines, as well as on television programs such as 48 Hours, 60 Minutes and American Heroes, and in books, one of which, Game Wars, includes some of his true life’s tales. What many may not know is that my father was an accomplished artist. He painted, did

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: DAVE HALL

of two

Preening Pintail and Old Squaw

by David Hall edited by Sasha Steinberg

scrimshaw on ivory and carved birds, fish, cooking utensils, bowls and just about anything else you could conceivably think of. He also carved walking sticks and fishing lures. But what he loved most was carving wooden duck decoys. He collected duck decoys most of his adult life. I spent many a day walking door-to-door with my father throughout South Louisiana asking folks if they had any old wooden decoys that they might want to sell. I think my father and I physically knocked on every door in south Lafourche Parish in search of those wooden pieces of art and history. When we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knocking on doors, we visited the old carvers at their homes. I sat on stumps of wood for hours watching the likes of Mitchel LaFrance and others carving Louisiana masterpieces. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sight and a smell that never escapes you. When my father found the time, he would carve duck decoys. I often watched the slivers of tupelo and cypress root peel off the blade of his custom-made carving knives. When the carving was complete, then came the paint. It was amazing to see the process evolve from the selection of November-December 2013 79

the wood stock, to the drawing of the templates, to the carving and the paint. Amazing indeed. This is where this story really begins. Most of my father’s most memorable decoys were carved in the early ’70s, two of which I think were his best pieces of work. They were beautifully carved and painted, but their stories were equally great. One was the Preening Pintail. The decoy drew a lot of attention because many a critic suggested that they had never seen a pintail preen in that exact fashion—just as many suggested to Audubon that some of my father’s paintings depicted birds in positions and environmental situations unnatural to the species. Like Audubon, my father proved the critics wrong; he produced photographs of several pintail drakes preening themselves exactly as depicted. The beauty and the unusual posture of this decoy earned it a spot in the Louisiana Duck Decoy Carvers book. The other of the two special duck decoys was Old Squaw. My father and some other carvers from the northeastern United States were going at it about whether it was possible to hand-carve a decoy out of hard ash. My father believed it was possible; ultimately, bets were made. He took the bet. Several months later, he produced a beautiful old squaw decoy carved out of that heavy and rocksolid piece of wood. He literally had to mount the bird on a jig and chisel out the form. The finished product was a magnificent piece. But here’s the twist in this tale. My father wasn’t just an accomplished artist; he was also extremely generous, almost to a fault. He traded or gave away almost everything he carved to friends, other artists and colleagues. At 80

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: DAVE HALL

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGPRAHY

its peak, his decoy collection consisted of thousands of birds; in today’s market, it would probably fetch half a million dollars or more. He sold and traded many of them but gave most away to a prominent collector so they’d be well kept and preserved. Regrettably, most of the fishing lures and other artifacts, including the two special decoys, were given away and later found to have been sold on the auction market for profit. My father had a custom brand that marked his collection, a brand that to this day still pops up at auction houses all over the country. My mother and father did keep several of his carvings and artistic pieces to give to my sister and me when the day came. Unfortunately, Katrina changed all that. Months prior to Katrina, my mother began cataloging the paintings, antique photographs, antique books and remaining decoys and fishing lures. She had placed many items in a museum in Shepherdstown, W. Va., in 2004. The remaining family heirlooms were stored in my parents’ home. There was so much there that their home was a museum in and of itself. To give an example, there was a book done by Audubon in his own hand, with wildlife pictures scribed and painted on each page. Not a copy or a print—in his

own hand. Value? Who knows! You know the rest of the Katrina chapter of our lives here in Southeastern Louisiana. My parents’ home, like so many others, was inundated with six feet of raging water that destroyed everything in its path. To this day, most of their belongings have not been found; what was found was ruined beyond recognition. The force of the water blew out the rear French doors, along with so many heirlooms. We did, however, recover my childhood roundbottom pirogue from the nearby swamp. It has been restored almost to completion and given to my son. Above: David Hall When I was 13 years old, my father and I hand-laid with his children that boat in a mold that we made off a real dugout and Preening Pintail pirogue that was more than 100 years old. I was and Old Squaw, blessed to find the boat and bring her back home to which were handour family where she belonged. carved by his dad, Katrina robbed my parents of their home, in a Dave Hall. Left: literal sense as well as a physical sense. My father Dave Hall. November-December 2013 81

handmade by Dave Hall. 82

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Carolina to be near my sister. We sold their home, the one that I had helped to build with my own two hands, the home in which I had lived since the age of 12. A tough choice, but a necessary one. There is an upside, though. We managed to sell the home to old friends who had some little ones of their own. There was comfort in knowing that they would grow up in such a wonderful place and get to share in the same type of childhood memories that we did on the Honey Island. I take pleasure on occasion in driving by and seeing the old place, which conjures up memories of those simpler times. Katrina placed us in a holding pattern for more than a year. Finally, we were out of the FEMA trailer and into our newly-remodeled home. We were blessed to have the trailer but were not sad to see it go. We did celebrate a Thanksgiving, a

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGPRAHY

Fishing lures

was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple of years before Katrina. Because of his condition, my mother was not in a position to attempt to rebuild their life here in Louisiana. You see, all of our family’s homes in Slidell flooded during Katrina. My parents’ home, my wife’s parents’, her grandparents’ and her sisters’ and brother-in-laws’, as well as that of my immediate family. It’s very hard to take care of one another when you’re having difficulty taking care of your own. My wife, Vicki, and our children moved to Destin along with her family while I worked on a plan to get us all up and running again. A difficult decision was made. Mom and Dad left the state they so dearly loved—the state where they had raised their children, built their dream home and made lifelong friends. They packed what belongings they had salvaged and moved to North

Christmas and an Easter in that bad boy. We are very thankful to FEMA for providing that tin box. It served us well. Gottaluvit! With Katrina in the history books, we began realizing the things that truly matter. We’re survivors, and we’ve moved on. Life had changed for the Halls, but what ya gonna do? My mother and father were 1,000 miles away, and my father’s health was in rapid decline. He was no longer the man I had spent a lifetime getting to know. I’ve spent my life fixing problems for so many people, most of whom I don’t even know, but I was helpless to fix this problem; not even modern medicine had the fix needed here. That brilliant, driven, artistic soul had faded away. My mother admirably kept him by her side as long as she physically could, but then the time came to place my father, my daddy, in a home. My mother visits with him every day. A terrible disease indeed. We could sit around and wallow in self-pity and cry about this mess, but that’s not how the Halls roll. In my infamous words, “It Is What It Is; Deal With It!” Those who know me know that parts of me are harder than steel and colder than ice. That being said, if you really know me, there is a sentimental side that shows itself on occasion. I was becoming bothered and ever so preoccupied with the fact that I did not have a thing made by my father’s hand, other than some cooking implements and a few fishing lures. Don’t get me wrong—I love the handmade cypress cooking implements; I use them in cooking all the time. Maybe that’s why I derive such pleasure from cooking— it reminds me of my father. I decided it was time to change all that. I made a promise to myself that >> November-December 2013 83

I was going to track down Preening Pintail and Old Squaw. I knew who my father had originally given those birds to in the ’70s. The Preening Pintail went to a collector in New Orleans. I won’t mention his name. This individual was contacted by my sister and apprised of the fact that we had no family heirlooms left to speak of and that we would like to make an offer on the Pintail, fair market, of course. He said he wasn’t interested in selling. We asked that he please contact our family first if he ever reconsidered. Did he sell the bird? Yes! Did he contact us? No! Supposedly a friend to our family—and don’t forget that my father gave him the bird for free. Truth be told, it was later discovered that the Preening Pintail had been sold long ago. Understandably, folks are embarrassed in admitting that they sold and profited on a gift, but like I explained to my mother, it was theirs to sell. Old Squaw was given to a gentleman in West Virginia back in the ’70s as well. The gentleman was and still is a collector and broker of fine decoys. To make a long story short, he sold the Squaw at auction in the ’80s. Well, if you know me, I was not giving up that easy. The long and short of it is this—I searched high and low for these birds. They had been auctioned and sold all over the country. I was hot on their trail for a while, and then it went cold. You have to understand that all of these transactions had occurred 30 and 40 years ago. It hurt to know that the birds were out there somewhere, but the trail was dead. I didn’t find the birds, but I had contacted so many folks in the search that other artifacts were coming to the surface. The first call I received was 84

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from a dear friend of our family who happened to be at a hunting and fishing camp out of state. While at the camp, he saw a shadow box containing some handmade fishing lures that looked like my dad’s. Closer inspection revealed my father’s signature on the lures. The camp owner explained that he had purchased them on eBay for $600. Our friend told him about our family’s situation and asked if he were willing to sell. The camp owner removed the shadow box and said to return them to their rightful owners. No cost. This is one of the many moving stories that have occurred in this journey. My father was a generous man. Many that he considered his friends weren’t so generous. But in the spirit of many an outdoorsman like my father, that generous spirit lives on. To date, I have received old photos, fishing lures, duck bands and small carvings, all of which were once in the hands of my father. They are now in mine, and one day will be passed on to my son and daughter. Recently, as an old friend and I were chatting, the Preening Pintail came up in conversation. He said he heard that it had been purchased by a local collector at an auction on Oak Street in New Orleans many years ago. Two days later, I was at Peck’s Seafood in Slidell with the collector. He verified that he indeed had Preening Pintail, and get this—he also had Old Squaw. These birds traveled the continent much like those ducks that they replicate, but they made their final migration down South. I struck a deal; my daddy’s ducks have come home. For the first time in 40 years, they’ve been touched by the hands of a Hall. Now that’s what I call a happy ending. Life is a journey. Embrace it. November-December 2013 85

Book Report

by Stephen Faure

The Other Side of the Painting by Wendy Rodrigue

WENDY RODRIGUE’S The Other Side of the Painting is a tell-all book—but not of the salacious tabloid-by-the-grocerystore-checkout variety of tell-all books. She does share intimate facts about her famous husband—but what she reveals are his, and her own, thoughts and feelings about art and life. None of it is titillating, but for fans of George Rodrigue’s work, Wendy’s book will be fascinating nonetheless. For years, Wendy has kept an online blog journaling her thoughts, which is aptly named Musings of an Artist’s Wife; the book’s material has been drawn from these online essays. As a result, it does not read like the typical memoir or biography. With each essay, usually no more than a couple of pages long, we find Wendy diving deeply into a single topic. In the end, we’ve learned how Wendy and George, from vastly different backgrounds, came together and continue to live their lives in art. Wendy Rodrigue, née Wolfe, was the daughter of Westbank New Orleans natives, but she grew up in the Florida

Panhandle. It was while visiting her aunt in the city that her interest in art was ignited as they visited the King Tut exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Through the book’s vignettes, we learn more about the girl who would study art history at Tulane University and eventually become a member of NOMA’s board of trustees. Her art history background shows as Wendy assumes the role of documentarian of George’s life and work. She takes us through George’s childhood in New Iberia, his early battle with polio and his recuperation in the family’s attic, which was converted to a studio. Along the way, George adds his own commentary to Wendy’s essays—for example, how his father, a master brick mason, was an artist in his own right whose work, houses, sugar mill kilns and many other structures throughout Southwest Louisiana still stand as his legacy. George’s early career is revealed as well. Following his training at the University of Southwestern Louisiana

(now ULL) and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, he returned home and became known for his impressionistic landscapes featuring the moss-draped oaks of Acadiana. Artists (and aspiring artists) will appreciate Wendy’s recounting of George’s perseverance throughout his early career. We learn that in 1970 he was looking forward to his first big exhibit, to be held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, because of its possible review in the region’s most important newspaper, the Morning Advocate. The review came, but its title, “Painter makes Bayou Country Dreary, Monotonous Place,” and conclusion, which read, “One feels that the artist takes Acadiana much too seriously, and perhaps himself as well,” could have been discouraging. Nonetheless, Wendy notes that negative criticism didn’t—and still does not—faze him. And of course, there’s the Blue Dog. The brooding dog gradually came to dominate George’s work after its first appearance in 1984 as his embodiment of the “loup-garou,” the Cajun version of the werewolf legend (it’s also known as a “rugarou,” depending on which part of bayou country is telling the story). There are plenty of stories as Wendy reflects on life as George’s spouse—and muse, and model, at times—as they cheer on the Tigers and the Saints, as they travel together across America and as Wendy rides along the six-mile parade route as a member of Muses. A book about a popular and prolific artist would not be complete without pictures. More than 100 images accompany Wendy’s numerous essays. Family snapshots, George’s earliest sketches and paintings from throughout his career are included, and there is one haunting image, a photo of Tiffany, the Rodrigue family dog who became the basis of all the dogs to follow.

a-half months on my more than 500-mile walking journey to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Arriving in the tiny French village of Saint-JeanPied-de-Porte set high in the Pyrenees Mountains, I wander about the cobblestone streets searching for the Saint Jacques information center. I register and pick up my credentials, which are nothing more than an accordion-type pamphlet with spaces to imprint “sellos,” the stamps from each place I spend the night. The “pilgrim’s passport” credential serves as proof to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago that I have actually walked the official road as claimed. It is also a requirement to gain entry into each hostel, albergues or refugio, as they are called in Spain, in order to get a bed for the night. A scallop shell is selected for me, and I am told the grooves in the shell represent the various routes pilgrims traveled on the way to the tomb of James in Santiago de Compostela. A metaphor is shared with me: “As the waves of the ocean wash scallop shells up onto the shores of Galicia, God’s hand also guides the pilgrims to Santiago.” Later, on the Camino, this shell, being the right size, will serve a practical purpose for >>

by Lorene Holmes

Above: Santiago de Compostela.

Right: Lorene Holmes. Opposite: Scallop shell markers on the path to Santiago. 88

DURING THE LONG OVERNIGHT FLIGHT from New Orleans to Biarritz, France, I have plenty of time for reflection. I recall first reading about Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, some 20 years before. The Way of St. James was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times, together with the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the top pilgrim destination because it was the earthly place most closely connected to Jesus. These walks are undertaken by pilgrim believers who travel to a holy place, a place where God seems especially close, to ask for pardon, to beg a favor or give thanks for blessings received. I don’t know why it is so important for me to make this journey, but here I am. After landing, I clear customs and pick up my backpack, which is known in Spain as a mochilla. It is to be my constant companion for the next two-and-

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

A Pilgrim’s Journey

Camino de Santiago

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photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

dipping into water. I tie the shell onto my mochilla, and I am officially a pilgrim. I get a secret warm rush when I am called “peregrino” for the first time. Across the street is the L’Esprit du Chemin hostel where I spend my first night as a pilgrim. It is a typical Basque house built toward the end of the Middle Ages. The hostel is run by Arno and Huberta,

Top right: Cruz de Ferro, or Cross of Iron. Middle left: Lorene drinking wine at Irachi. Middle right: Arrow trail markers, known as “flechas,” and scallop shell markers pointing in the direction of Sanitago. Bottom: Lorene’s pilgrim passports. 90

one-time pilgrims from the Netherlands. I meet my fellow peregrinos. There is Ian, whose teenage son was murdered in a South African church by terrorists. Ian has spent many months making tiny crosses to leave as he walks the Camino in his son’s memory. Judy from Colombia is walking in honor of her mother. Others share their reasons for hiking the Camino, the most common of which is that they seek faith, that God will help them in dealing with life’s tribulations. Arno inspects my mochilla and pronounces it substantially overweight. He begins by tossing out a guide book, sewing kit, first-aid kit, all sorts of vitamins, pain relievers, ace bandages, etc. He advises shipping home the extras and traveling as a peregrino. After an uneventful night with seven other pilgrims, some snorers, I pack my

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mochilla and go down to a more-thanhearty pilgrim’s breakfast. Arno tells us the Route Napoleon is closed due to heavy snow blocking the pass even though it is mid-April. I follow behind two French women who appear to know where they are going. Big mistake. After two miles, I realize they are hopelessly lost, and I return to take the other fork in the road on my way to Valcarlos, Spain. To follow the trail, you simply follow the arrows, called “flechas.” They are everywhere. Or you can follow the scallop shell markers through towns that point you in the direction of Santiago. Sometimes, the markers are concrete pillars with the ubiquitous scallop shell carved thereon.These markers are often covered with small stones left by pilgrims in honor of a loved one, for retribution for sins, for the unborn children or for those intentions known only to God. The temperature is cool and hiking is pleasant with my Gortex jacket and gloves. I travel through the “Witches’ Forest” of beech trees over a quiet country road, then up and upwards. The altitude is becoming difficult for me. My mochilla is grinding into my shoulders. I have been told training in the New Orleans area for hiking is like planting banana trees in Alaska. It is not at all productive and certainly not rewarding. This is a baptism by fire. Up, up and up. I hike over fields and streams, with beautiful wildflowers everywhere. I express deep gratitude for my boots, that the sun is not baking hot and that I have a warm jacket, gloves and face warmer. My legs are “giggling.” I exchange “Buen Camino” greetings with passing peregrinos. Eight hours, many prayers and 12 miles later, I arrive exhausted at the albergue and fall into a bed with my clothes on. After a fitful sleep, I am up and out early. I pass through small villages, each with their own particular character. A >> November-December 2013 91

photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

Heather-covered mountain.

woman stands out on the Camino with fresh-cooked pancakes; when a Euro is proffered, out pops the sugar shaker from her apron pocket. And up the Camino I go. Day in and day out, through Espinal, Zubiri and the beautiful Larrasoana. I arrive in Pamplona, where I buy a chicken bocadillo sandwich for my lunch tomorrow. Then I fall into bed and am immediately asleep. Tomorrow is a big day.

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I am up and out in the early morning fog. Already I am exhausted. I trudge along in my own little world, thinking, “What am I doing here? I live in a nice town; I have a warm bed; I have family and friends who love me. I can go to Mass every day with the Carmelite nuns on River Road in Covington. Whatever possessed me to do this thing?” I begin to have a pity party. A sign appears on a bridge that reads, “What are you walking for?” Then, out of nowhere, the Fuente Reniega, or the Fountain of Denial, appears in the fog. Legends say a medieval pilgrim, upon arriving at this very spot, found himself very dry and thirsty. The devil appeared to him and offered him a spring of fresh gushing water to slake his thirst if he would first deny his faith. The pilgrim denied the devil and was rewarded by Santiago with fresh water from the spring from his own scallop shell. I continue, albeit slowly, up the side of the mountain. I struggle toward the summit along a ridge of mountains called the Alto de Perdon or the Mountain of Forgiveness. I begin to bargain. I tell Jesus, “I do not ask for easier, but I ask for strength

to help me up the mountain.” Some hours later, I change my pleas to Jesus, telling Him, “OK. You win. I am begging for easy; I am groveling for easy.” I ask forgiveness from all whom I have disappointed or injured in some way in my life. I contemplate my regrets. I pray another Rosary. A woman dressed in hiking clothes coming down the mountain toward me slows and says, “You will need courage for the Montana.” She puts her hand over her heart, taps it several times and asks, “What is your name?” I tell her, and she pulls me to her, hugs me, then kisses me on each cheek and says, “Courage.” She has an accent, not American, not British. Who is she? An angel? My guardian angel? The one thing I know about such a physical long-distance challenge is that it is 50 percent physical and 50 percent mental. The mind is the most powerful tool of the human body. Mine is stretched to its limits, particularly as my body surrenders to the trail. It tells my prosthetic left knee to move that leg, and then tells the prosthetic right knee to move the right leg. Never mind that the left knee prosthesis is less than four months old. Keep moving, fellas! My >>

The grooves in the scallop shell represent the various routes pilgrims travel to the tomb of St. James.

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photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

mind tells my sea-level lungs to quit gasping and to try to relax. It further reminds me that in a special pocket somewhere in my mochilla is a note that Divine Providence Sr. Barbara gave me to read when the “going gets tough.” A fellow peregrino calls out as he passes, “Walk with the saints.” Finally gaining the summit, I find myself atop the windswept mountain, where I promptly take off my mochilla, boots and socks and massage my aching feet. I ask forgiveness from God for everything bad I have ever done and for all the good I could have done and did not do.I replace boots, socks and mochilla and follow other peregrinos down the steep, steep path filled with loose boulders and slippery rocks. To lighten my mochilla, I discard rubberbands, paperclips and a T-shirt. There are no trees here; the altitude is too high. The flechas guide me down the mountain path toward Santo Domingo de la Calzada. I have wonderful garlic soup, a specialty of some local monks. I’m getting tired of the baptism by fire of walking in deep, muddy ruts; some lateral slipping and sliding. My left knee does not like this. Sue from Australia with toes black from abuse and wearing wornout boots passes me like I am standing still, all the while singing out, “Buen Camino.”

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photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

Many days later, I arrive in the beautiful city of Leon with an aching back and decide I am still carrying too much. I tear out the pages of my guide book of the towns I have already passed; I throw away my small towel. I discard my compass and ask Jesus to guide me. The yellow flechas are replaced by shiny brass conchas, or shells, embedded in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sidewalks that will guide me onward on the Camino. Most people here have smart phones. When you can find it, Internet is available mostly in bars or in alburges where you have paid to spend the night. The computer is down a dark hall, and the only light is sensor controlled. You type awhile, the light goes off; you wave your hand and the light returns. I am ecstatic. Today is my 80th birthday. My daughter, Barbara, has emailed everyone asking that birthday wishes be sent to me. There comes a flood of emails. I sit here crying and waving my hand for the light to come back on. A fellow peregrino has produced a chocolate cake. Life is good, and God is great! It is another tough day. It is bitter cold, with blowing rain. I lean over so much into the wind that I almost fall when the wind quits gusting. The countryside is covered with acres and acres of beautiful wild flowers. The locals report this as February weather. There are fences with miles of crosses made by peregrinos that are woven into the

fence and left in memory of someone or something. I need to find a refugio. I am so cold and tired. Thinking that the drizzling rain will stop, I keep my rain poncho inside my mochilla. Now I am soaked and my pants stick to me. No use to put on the Top: Cahors poncho now. The sign says there is a refugio in Rabe Valentre bridge de las Calzados, which is another two hours, at least. on the route to I trudge on and finally locate the refugio and it is Santiago. Above: FULL. I take off my hat, and with my grey hair all Alto de Perdon, over everywhere, I plop down in the nearest chair. A or Mountain fellow peregrino tells the proprietor he should find of Forgiveness. me a bed. He produces a cot and puts me in a room Opposite: A pause with four bunk beds. My cot is against a wall, and I >> for reflection. November-December 2013 95

photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

Exhausted and “I’m a mess!”

collapse onto it. A man comes into the room from the shower wearing only a towel while another in the top bunk is singing O Sole Mio. Whatever. I am grateful for a place to sleep. It is impossible to describe the beauty of today. I walk through massive fields of purple heather, down paths of rock that make it impossible to know where

Inside Northside

your feet are going. I struggle up to the highest point on the Camino to the Cruz de Ferro, or Cross of Iron. Pilgrims bring mementos from home and leave them at the base of the cross. It is a very emotional time. With the wind blowing and me gasping for air, I make it to the top where I place a very fine arrowhead in memory of my deceased brother. Crying, I read the pilgrims prayer, “Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross of the Savior, one day weigh the balance in favor of my good deeds when the deeds of my life are judged. Let it be so.” I keep asking Jesus what He wants me to learn from this journey. He is silent. Help me remember it is the journey and not the destination. Help me to listen. What should I do with the rest of my life? For it is said when one comes to the end of life’s journey, they regret the things they did not do more than the things they did do. I am less than 65 miles from Santiago de Compostela and four miles from Sarria, where I am to meet Barbara, who will walk the last 100 miles with me. She is such a joy to be with, always

photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

happy, always laughing. Barbara arrives, and we immediately make plans for an early departure on the Camino. We choose the route that follows the road less traveled. We have magnificent views of grape vineyards and fields of lavender through forests of beautiful eucalyptus trees. We go up one side of the mountain and down the other. I tell Barbara, “If I get to the top of this mountain and look out, I had better not see another mountain.” There is another mountain, and I want to cry. Instead, we find a flat spot with green fields and throw off our mochillas for a well-deserved rest. My feet burn, my legs ache and my back hurts. I reach a point where I cannot go one more step. I’m a mess. We detour off the Camino to Santa Lucia Ermitage, where tradition instructs the pilgrim to wash one’s face and eyes in the fountain water provided by a mountain stream. It is purported to heal all eye ailments. This is particularly meaningful to me as I have been diagnosed with central vein occlusion in my right eye; without monthly injections in the eye, I will eventually be blind. Having had several injections in my eye, I wash my eyes and dry >>

Santa Lucia Ermitage.

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with a Kleenex that I leave behind as instructed. I pray the water washes away my sins along with the tears of remorse at past wrongs so that my spiritual and physical blindness be healed. We are blessed. The sun doesn’t go down until 9:30, and it doesn’t get dark until after 10. We are both drained. After having walked 18 miles, we are in sight of Monte del Gozo, which is located on a hill overlooking Santiago de Compostela. It is an albergue housing 400 pilgrims at a charge of 10 Euros, or about $13, per bed. We are more than grateful as we collapse onto our bunk beds. Early morning finds us making our way down the hill into Santiago de Compostela. Legend has it that the martyr St. James is buried here. We follow the ubiquitous pilgrims to the stunning Plaza del Obradoiro. In silence I behold the baroque façade of the cathedral and Santiago himself perched in its uppermost niche looking down on me. We make our way to the “0 Kilometer” marker stone Barbara and Lorene with a fellow pilgrim outside

photo courtesy: LORENE HOLMES

Santiago de Compostele.

with the image of the shell carved into its surface. I have come more than 500 miles for this moment. We pick up our Compostelas, the official certificate of completion, and hurry back to the cathedral in time for the noon pilgrims’ Mass to begin. It is exuberant and 98

Inside Northside

Inside Santiago de Compostela..

beautiful. The organ blares. As the Mass ends, a 100-year-old ritual takes place. Eight priests in heavy robes act as a counterweight, pulling a thick rope while a massive silver thurible, familiarly known as the botafumeiro, sweeps through the gothic arches overhead and richly scented incense pours from its sides. I ascend the stairs behind the high altar and hug the apostle, St. James. I go down the stairs to the crypt and reliquary chapel located beneath the altar. Here, I kneel before the casket that contains the relics of the great saint and offer my prayers. The two months it took to get here is like a dream, something I will never forget. We met people from all over the world doing the same thing. Getting to know people intimately is an intense experience, so saying goodbye at Santiago is not easy. Someone once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is an invisible thread that connects each of us destined to meet.â&#x20AC;? For those special angels who helped me along the way, I am grateful for your having walked with me to Compostela. Thank you for being in my life. A few days after returning to Louisiana, I visit my Ochsner retinal specialist, Dr. Laurence Arend, in New Orleans. After an examination of my eyes, I am told I have 20-20 vision and no injections are needed. November-December 2013 99

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ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES of the holidays begins with your nose. That’s where the scent of cookies went right away when you entered Grandma’s house: cookies, fresh from the oven and waiting for frosting. Your nose also led you to turkey dinners at Granny’s, too, with her signature dressing (what was her secret?) and Auntie’s famous pecan pie. Fresh bread, tangy salads, so many things Mama put on her table—and then there was that one pumpkin dish you wish you could make. Your favorite holiday memories begin with scent, so why not make some new memories with new recipes and traditions all your own? Why not grab (or give!) one

Cooking with Louisiana Love

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

of these fine Louisiana cookbooks? If you’re just beginning to cook authentic New Orleans-style food—or if you’re already a pro at it and simply want your recipes all in one volume—then making an investment in a few cookbooks that you’ll use for the rest of your life is a great idea. Start with The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by John Folse. Though it’s a little on the pricey side, don’t let that put you off; this book is filled with step-bystep, easy-to-understand recipes, as well as plenty of pictures and narrative that makes this more than just a cookbook. (It’s a great wedding gift!) Along these same lines (no pun intended), look for Folse’s Hooks, Lies & Alibis, which focuses on Louisiana’s traditional seafood fare. Imagine 900 pages of recipes, photographs and a great meandering tale of fishing on the river, the bayou

and the ocean. Then, to round out your collection (and to have a comprehensive set to get you started), look for After the Hunt: Louisiana’s Authoritative Collection of Wild Game & Game Fish Cookery, also by Folse. If you have these books on your shelf, you have the basics. It should be noted, by the way, that Folse is a partner of Chef Rick Tramonto’s. If you want to taste their work, you can do it at Restaurant R’evolution in New Orleans. Hot off the press is John Besh’s third cookbook. Cooking from the Heart: My Favorite Lessons Learned along the Way brings his experiences into the everyday cook’s kitchen with step-by-step “Cooking Lessons.” It is a great follow-up to My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking, which offers both neophyte cooks and old kitchenistas basic recipes that don’t require a lot of expertise—Besh will teach you how >> November-December 2013 101

to “Risotto… Almost Anything.” Once you’ve mastered the recipes, you can have the fun of tweaking them to your family’s tastes. Besh’s first cookbook, My New Orleans, tells his New Orleans story season by season and dish by dish. For more classic home-style, comfort-food recipes your family will eat up, also try Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Louisiana Kitchen. Add a little bit of French Quarter to your kitchen with Arnaud’s Restaurant Cookbook: New Orleans Legendary Creole Cuisine by Kit Wohl, David Spielman, Paul Rico and Linda Ellerbee. Just like the restaurant, this book has elegant dishes, including appetizers and desserts, but there’s more. Take time to browse, and you’ll find photographs, history and pictures of fun memorabilia. Yes, this is a cookbook, but it’s also a little bit of a souvenir, too.

Your French Quarter cookbook tour wouldn’t be complete without Galatoire’s Cookbook: Recipes and Family History from the Time-Honored New Orleans Restaurant by Melvin Rodrigue and Jyl Benson. Based on the signature dishes available at this more-than-100-years-old restaurant, the cookbook includes recipes for any special event with emphasis on Creole cooking. These recipes, I think, will take a little more of an experienced hand and a little less casualness, but when 102

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you’re cooking to impress or you want to make a real meal statement, this is the cookbook you’ll want. Also check out Emeril’s Creole Christmas by Emeril Lagasse. Some of the recipes here will require unique, not-often-used ingredients, and the instructions aren’t for newbies, but the final product is to die for. Don’t you hate when you find a dish you like but you can’t seem to recreate it at home? Well, Commander’s Kitchen, by Ti Adelaide Martin and the late Jamie Shannon, promises to fix that. You know what you like best about eating at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, so bring those tastes home and fix them for your family. This cookbook will take you from appetizers to desserts to everything in between—plus, you’ll get tips on throwing an old-fashioned New Orleans-style fête. Along those same lines, look for Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard Cookbook by Ann Benoit and the Preuss Family (and designed by Inside Northside’s art director, Brad Growden). You’ll get recipes, of course, from the famous Broussard’s Restaurant, and a little history (you’d be disappointed if you didn’t, wouldn’t you?). What’s nice and unique about this cookbook is that you’ll also get hints and tips on the wine to serve and the music you’ll want to play while dining. Talk about a full-scale experience!

The recipes in Antoine’s beautiful book go back to 1840, when the restaurant was founded, and it’s a feast for the eye as well as the palate. Your collection isn’t complete without it. You’ll get a whiff of nostalgia just looking at its cover. Antoine’s Restaurant Cookbook by Roy F. Guste, Jr. is available from the restaurant either online or in the gift shop.

But let’s say you’ve got a crowd coming. You want to make food they’ll like, no fuss, no problems. That’s when you want And Still I Cook by Leah Chase Weiss. With famous Dooky Chase recipes inside, you know you’ll please the whole family. And when everybody’s gone, this cookbook does double-duty with reflections on life, business and >> November-December 2013 103

loved ones in between recipes. Pair it with The Dooky Chase Cookbook, also by Chase, and you won’t know whether to spend your day in the kitchen cooking or in the easy chair reading. Or perhaps you’d rather watch your food on TV. If that’s the case, don’t touch that dial. Look for Treme: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans by Lolis Eric Elie, Ed Anderson, David Simon and Anthony Bourdain.

This cookbook, inspired by the HBO series, includes recipes from a variety of the city’s best chefs and beloved postKatrina restaurants, and pays tribute to New Orleans characters, both authentic and imagined. 104

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So you’ve gotten this far in this article and you’re asking yourself, “Where can I find the best of the best of the best?” That’s a hard question, because everybody has their Louisiana favorites, but it’s a good bet that you’ll find what you’re looking for in Tom Fitzmorris’s New Orleans Food by Tom Fitzmorris and Emeril Lagasse. Revised in 2010, this book gathers more than 250 of the Crescent City’s best recipes all in one

place; it includes Creole and Cajun cuisine and more. Pair it with Tom Fitzmorris’s Hungry Town: A Culinary History of New Orleans, the City Where Food is Almost Everything. I think that title pretty much says everything you need to know. Then, once you’ve got those books in your hand, look for The New Orleans Cookbook by Rima Collin and Richard Collin, filled with classic recipes and typical New Orleans-style comfort food. A much-praised favorite for many years—it has never gone out of style. Then again, if you’re a firm believer that cooking and laughter belong together, that pans and puns go hand-in-hand, then look for Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? A Cajun/Creole Family Album Cookbook by Marcelle Bienvenu. These cookbooks (there are two of them, Book 1 and Book

2) are filled with old-fashioned recipes, old-time stories and old-style cooking. They’d make a great gift (as would any or all of these excellent cookbooks) for you or for someone you know who can’t stay out of the kitchen. Bon appétit!

Traces

That’s Nutty! Seasoned boiled peanuts from Frankie and Marlin Rittenberry at the Peanut Factory are a staple at the market. Mouth-watering cheese straws make the best party nibbles. While shopping, snack on one of their delicious fried fruit pies or cashew brittle.

Get Fresh!

Dashing through the Covington Farmers Market

¡Muy Bien! For a break from traditional holiday fare, see Hot Tamale Mama, aka Rebecca Janania. She makes wonderful avocado dip, pica de gallo, black bean salsa, and, of

When it comes to holiday shopping, an unheralded treasure is the Covington Farmers Market. A morning or two with the friendly vendors can be an enjoyable adventure that yields delectable gift items and also gives you fresh ideas and ingredients for your own holiday cooking. A wide array of gift-worthy gourmet foods can be ordered in advance for delivery closer to the holidays. Obvious choices quickly come to mind—like coffees, jellies and honey. But any hostess would appreciate ready-to-serve appetizers such as cheese straws, hummus and herbed goat cheese, or luscious desserts that range from Italian cookies and gluten-free macaroons to Pumpkin Ooey Gooeys and handmade Belgian chocolates. In addition to food items, soaps and natural skin care products are available at the market. Or choose a gift certificate. 106

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photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

course, delicious tamales.

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 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 â&#x20AC;˘ For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

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Traces

Apple butter from Abundant Life Kitchen is delicious spread on warm toast on a chilly morning.

Go from farm to table!

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Make your own holiday meals fresher and healthier by using seasonal ingredients from the market. Start with grass-fed beef and pork, ducks, free-range hens and jumbo shrimp. Add fresh produce direct from the farmers. Season with savory herbs, a distinctive salad dressing and perhaps a cranberry pepper jelly glaze for the turkey. Serve with homemade bread. And for a quick bite during those hectic days, keep a selection of delicious soups or other ready-to-eat goodies on hand. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tip to make your farmers market experience even better. Before you go, visit covingtonfarmersmarket.org. Many of the vendors are pictured there, along with a detailed description of what they have to offerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;much more than we have room for here. Just like a catalog!

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IN Better Health

by Kaley Boudreaux

with Ann Bennett MANDEVILLE RESIDENT Ann Bennett has lived with sporadic pain in her left knee since she injured it while playing soccer in high school. Diagnosed with a dislocated knee at the time, Ann attended brief physical therapy and went on to live an active lifestyle. It wasn’t until recently, in her late 20s, that the pain became unbearable and she sought further treatment. “A friend of mine was getting married at the beach, and I was helping with the wedding. After walking all weekend through the sand, my knee was so swollen that I could barely walk. I couldn’t help but think, ‘This is insane! I am in my 20s and I can barely walk just from being on the beach. There has to be something someone can do,’” Ann says. “That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.” Shortly after returning from her 110

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trip, Ann scheduled an appointment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Darr of Covington Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute. He performed several tests, which revealed severe damage to Ann’s left knee. Because of the injury in high school, Ann did not have an ACL, her meniscus was torn and she had severe cartilage deterioration and arthritis. “So for 12 years, I had been playing tennis, running, working out and lifting weights without an ACL. I was shocked that I was able to do all that stuff with that type of injury,” she says. In December 2012, Dr. Darr performed a complete ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and microfracture in her cartilage to stimulate growth. She started therapy shortly thereafter and assumed she was on the road to recovery. “After my first surgery, I couldn’t walk for a few months. I had very limited mobility and a hard time straightening and bending my knee. I was in a lot of pain,” says Ann. In July 2013, Ann had to have a second surgery. Dr. Darr says, “Despite having aggressive physical therapy, Ann wasn’t able to gain her strength and mobility back. She developed scar tissue from the first surgery. The purpose of the second surgery was to clean out the scar tissue that had formed in her knee.” To augment the surgery and to help with recovery, Dr. Darr suggested

two fairly new treatments, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Accelerated Recovery Performance (ARP) Wave Therapy. Eager to heal more quickly and have less pain, Ann agreed. One week after the second surgery, Dr. Darr injected PRP into Ann’s knee. Initially used in veterinary practices, PRP injections are now used to treat several orthopedic issues, including tendinitis, muscle and tendon tears and even arthritis. Dr. Darr explains, “Blood is drawn from an individual and processed in a centrifuge. It spins and concentrates the platelets, activating them to release alpha granules, which have a high concentration of growth factors and antiinflammatory factors. This can accelerate tissue repair and cell regeneration. PRP is a type of cellular therapy where we use the body’s own tissues and cells to heal itself. It can be very promising.” Ann says, “I noticed a big difference from the PRP injections. My knee felt a lot better. It wasn’t the most comfortable [procedure], because I am terrified of needles, but I knew the health benefits outweighed the nerves.” After the injections, Ann began a course of ARP Wave Therapy. “This therapy uses a patented bioelectrical current simultaneously with active range of motion exercises to speed up the body’s recuperative ability. It helps with building strength and increasing range of motion,” says Dr. Darr. “The ARP Wave is really interesting

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Health Concern: Knee injury Treatment: Surgery, ARP Wave Therapy and PRP injections

because it is really intense. You feel great at the end of a session. It contracts your muscles 500 times per second, and at the same time, you do exercises. For instance, I am typically holding a squat position,” Ann says, “After the treatment, it feels like you have done a two-hour leg workout.” In Ann’s case, the ARP Wave Therapy helped with her mobility and strength and helped diminish her pain. In addition to augmenting surgery, it can be used for individuals who have arthritis, an injury or difficulty with mobility and strength. According to Dr. Darr, Ann responded very well to both treaments. Her range of motion improved, her strength increased and her pain diminished. “I always felt like I was in really good hands with Dr. Darr and my therapists. I trust them a lot and feel very safe with all of them. Everyone has had my best interest at the forefront,” Ann says. Now approaching the one-year anniversary of her first surgery, Ann is beginning to see a silver lining. “I’ve been through the gauntlet of knee surgeries. The pain in my knee is still there, but I know it is temporary. I am still in recovery and have a ways to go, but now I know it’s not something I’m going live with for the rest of my life.” Ann continues to alternate between traditional therapy and ARP Wave Therapy with Dr. Darr. Other than having to avoid high-impact exercising, Ann’s life is what most would label normal. “I have been to several weddings where I stand and watch everyone else dance while I’m in flats,” Ann jokes. “I am very much looking forward to when I can dance and wear heels again.”

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1. Go with God. Handmade painted decorative clay rosary, $84.50. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 2. Pop the cork. Louis Roederer Brut Premier, $45.99. Martin Wine Cellar, Mandeville, 951-8081. 3. Old World elegance. French fruitwood settee, circa 1800, $1,800. History Antiques and Interiors, Covington, 8920010. 4. Hostess with the mostess. L’Objet Venise spreaders, spoons and quartz platter with gold trim by Rablabs. Set of 4, $135;

platter, $420. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 5. Perfect pizzazz. Alligator-shaped metal wine bottle

holder, $36. The Grapevine, Covington, 8932766. 6. Wine and dine. Decorative bottle carrier baskets, starting at $10.50. Infusé Oils and Vinegars, Mandeville, 778-0903. 7. Good night’s sleep. Loungewear with satin pants and matching t-shirt, $117. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490.

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1. Angels we have heard on high. Stone cherub on stand, $180, Berger Home, Mandeville, 624-3433. 2. Holiday stylin’. Wella Extra Volume Styling Mousse, $16; Flowing Form, $14; and Mirror Polish, $16. Studio 311 Salon, Covington, 327-7775. 3. Show your true colors. Saints tee with bling, $40. All

Wrapped Up, Mandeville, 778-2041. 4. Keep the swamp monsters at bay. Petit Gaston candleholders handcrafted by Mike Malloy, $95 each. Artisan Home Décor, Mandeville, 778-2113. 5. Around the world. Sphere lamp in gilded iron by Visual Comfort Lighting, $420. Bmac Interiors at TerraBella, Covington, 635-4540. 6. Oink oink. Piggy bank, $41.99. Anne’s Boutique, Mandeville, 635-1496. 7. TOMS sunglasses, $139. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 and 809-1690. 6

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1. Sparkle and shine. Small jeweled handbag by Paula Vizzini, $30 each. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652. 2. Handmade chic. Exclusive 7

custom-monogrammed Sasha Nicholas platter, $225. Welcome Home and garden, Covington, 893-3933. 3. Angels in heaven. Iron angel, $124.95. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 4. Restorative. U Luxury gift set, $84.95. Downtown Chic, Covington, 809-3860. 5. Glitter-encrusted gold-leafed gourd-shaped votive, $48. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 6. Calm yourself. Wall décor, $69.95. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, 892-2317. 7. Bedtime bliss. Silky soft pajamas in lavender. Robe, $81; bottoms, $64. Other colors available. George’s Girls, Bay St. Louis, Miss., 228-216-0558. 8. Scent heaven. Thymes Frasier Fir home scents, candles, potpourri and diffusers, starting at $30.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133.

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1. Coastal Christmas charm. Oyster shell wreath ornament, $12.50. Mia Sorella, Slidell, 781-3909. 2. From farmhouse to bathhouse. FarmHouse Fresh bath products. Vodkatini, $34; Sparkling Bath Soak, $20; Body Cream, $26; Honey Heel Glaze, $24. Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 6246772. 3. Serving New Orleans style. French Quarter platter, $59. Mandeville Party Co., Mandeville, 674-1605. 4. Falling leaves. Handmade leaf-shaped platter by Beatriz Ball, $78.75. Purple Armadillo Again, Slidell, 643-2004. 5. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who Dat? bracelet by Anne Dale, $39.95. You-Tique, Mandeville, 327-7102. 6. Mix and match. Make your own instant party gift or favor. More than 10 drinks and 15 dips to choose from. Dips, $5.99 each; drink mixes, $6.99 each. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 7. Repurposed for serving. Tapas tile plank made from European reclaimed wood and Spanish roof tiles, $175. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

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1. Light up the night. Rault Pool House Series lantern, $400-$600. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 249-6040. 2. Chic carryall. Patterned tote by cinda b, $75. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100. 3. Go antiquing. Antique French comfit jar available in a variety of sizes and prices. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 845-7411. 4. Funky monkey. Handcrafted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deloresâ&#x20AC;? jewelry by Becky Burt, $225. Three Rivers Art Gallery, Covington, 892-8248. 5. Statement piece. Nickel-over-brass wine and champagne cooler with peacock eye design, $350. Hazelnut Mandeville, Mandeville, 626-8900. 6. Decorate your tree. Pinecone ornament by John Hodge, $12. Walker House, Covington, 867-4878. 7. Serve up a crowd. Salad servers by Mudpie, $29. You-Tique, Mandeville, 327-7102. 120

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Anna Papp of Outdoor Living Center As Outdoor Living Center celebrates its 25th anniversary, owner Anna Papp beams with pride over this hefty accomplishment. “The fact that we have been here for 25 years speaks for itself. We have been through good times and bad times and survived,” Anna says. Previous owners opened the store in 1988 at its present location on Highway 190 in Covington. When they contemplated closing the business in 1993, Anna jumped at the chance to call the place her own. “I truly enjoyed working with the products and customers, so I asked the owner if he would sell the business to me. That was the beginning of my entrepreneurial career,” she says. Before Outdoor Living Center, Anna worked 122

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as a kitchen designer and also for a large plumbing wholesaler. She credits some of her success to her experience working in those fields. “At my age, I have had several different jobs. I majored in home education in college, which gave me a good background as far as doing the design work. Running a business wasn’t my initial intention. It seems like you never know where the road is going to lead you,” Anna says. What has kept the store open for all of these years? According to Anna, it is their customer service. She and her employees make every attempt to provide top-notch service to their clients. “We are constantly trying to provide what people want and need. If it is something we cannot get, we suggest a place to find it. We don’t just leave our customers hanging,” she says. “We have a lot of repeat customers who recommend us to others because they have received good service. You just don’t find that a whole lot these days.” Along with having the right customer service plan, Anna is no stranger to hard work. “I don’t expect my employees to do anything that I don’t do. I work more hours than they do, and I like to set a good example,” she says. “When I come into work, I never know what the day is going to bring. Owning a business is always fun, but it is not easy. I think the first couple of years I owned the store I didn’t even have a salary!” Anna is especially grateful for two loyal employees, Tammy Bacon and Penny Lemoine, both of whom have worked for the store for more than a decade. The trio has been through ups and downs together, and is ecstatic to see the store flourish. “It continues to be difficult to compete with big box stores and the Internet,” Anna says. “We try to keep

photos: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

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up with the latest technology, and we offer higher-quality products.” Many of the store’s products may look similar to those you would see at big box stores, but according to Anna, there is one significant difference. “Yes, they may carry a well-known brand name, but the difference is that manufacturers make those products specifically for those stores, and they are actually lower quality. The consumer just recognizes the name and assumes that a product is quality when actually it is not.” Another difference between Outdoor Living Center and larger stores is the stock they carry. “We offer seasonal merchandise yearround. This is beneficial to the customer for many reasons,” says Anna. “For example, you may purchase a patio set this year, and next year you want to add a chaise lounge or more seating. We will still have those products and be able to coordinate the request. Big box stores might not be able to, because the product is not in season. Once they are out of something, it’s gone.” While Anna’s best sellers are outdoor furniture and barbecue grills— No. 1 is the Big Green Egg grill—she sells much more. Year-round, she offers fireplace accessories, gift items, wall art, hammocks and flags. Anna and her staff can even help you design an entire outdoor living room. Anna’s favorite part about owning a business is going home at the end of the day knowing she has satisfied her customers. She says she does this by providing quality merchandise that lasts a long time. Outdoor Living Center is located at 2101 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington. 893-8008. outdoorlivingcenter.com. 124

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fe goodwill to members of race the human

Cultivating a Culture of Philanthropy by Susan Bonnett

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RECENTLY, A BOSTON AREA homeless man made headlines when he found a backpack containing more than $40,000 and immediately took it to the local police station to return it to its rightful owner. That man, Glen James, was given a commendation by city officials. His response was simply, “Even if I was desperate for money, I would not have kept even a penny of the money I found. God has always very well looked after me.” An extraordinary story, certainly, about honesty, integrity and faith. What happened next, however, is more remarkable, as it speaks to what one man’s actions stirred in the hearts of thousands of others. Hundreds of miles away, another man read the story of Glen’s honesty and his situation in life. With a simple understanding of technology and a deep desire to help, that man started an online-giving webpage specifically to support Glen James and change his life. Forty-eight hours later, more than $100,000 was raised by more than 4,100 people who wanted to touch Glen. Single moms offered $5 of their already tight budgets; students sent the little they could afford; others gave more—whatever moved in them. Their spirit was stirred and they were called to give. And it felt good—really, really good. And that, in its most simple form, is philanthropy. Closer to home, it seems a little different, and that raises an uncomfortable question. Why is it that while our region continues to outpace the nation in our economy, our educational outcomes, our crime statistics and our quality of life measures, we struggle to keep up with other communities in our culture of philanthropy? We are a prosperous people with significant resources; we are a caring people who know our neighbors and look out for them; and we are a committed people who long to maintain the value of the communities we call home. Look around the rest of the nation. Everywhere you find thriving, vibrant places, I promise you that you will find robust cultures of philanthropy where giving back is so engrained that it is literally part of all they do. Why aren’t we there yet? More importantly, how can we get there? This enigma has been the center-point of countless conversations I have had over the last seven years of leading our Northshore Community Foundation. As I spend my days focused on philanthropy in our region, I talk to anyone who will listen and I dig. I dig a lot—some might even say pry—into people’s attitudes, thoughts

and even secrets about sharing their resources. With all of my uncovered, albeit unscientific information, I have developed a few thoughts about why our sister communities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge have robust cultures of philanthropy, yet our giving net is loosely woven and the holes are broad.

We Are Young Until the last 30 years or so, we were a rural region. We gave money to our places of worship, and when our neighbors were in need, we took care of them. We made them a casserole, helped to look after the children and gave them a little extra when times were lean. Then, the people started coming. And they kept coming and coming. And without even realizing it, there were so many of us that it wasn’t just our neighbor or our church anymore. We became more anonymous and the needs in our communities grew. Our hearts didn’t change; our demography did. So organizations were born around common needs—social services, the arts, the environment, animal welfare— and we moved from an individual approach to an almost wholesale way of addressing the issues that faced us and our neighbors. And then those organizations needed to be funded …

Tickets and Tournaments— The Event Explosion When an organization needed funding and a committed group of volunteers agreed to raise it, the almost-automatic solution became an event. After all, it’s Louisiana; a good party is always a good solution. So over the last 20 years or so, we have grown our community events calendar to resemble the to-do list of an over- achieving, type-A, stressedNovember-December 2013 127

out superhero with no sidekick and no end in sight. The unfortunate and unintended consequence of this solution is that in many ways, we have morphed into a society of ticket buyers and foursome sponsors who often have vague information about or connection to the organization we are supporting. While the event pays the bills in the short term, it does little to connect the attendee to the true missions and needs of our communities. And even worse, it does nothing to teach the value of philanthropy.

Best-Kept Secret in Town If we refer back to points one and two and accept that many of our longtime local philanthropists are private, humble people who might not be interested in sponsoring another table, a logical pattern occurs. When we give, and we do, we most certainly don’t talk about it! We are not boastful or proud, and further, we don’t want to get even more requests than we do now, because we already have to say “no” too often. So our giving is a secret, and we like it that way. In other communities around our nation—no bigger or wealthier than ours—it is not uncommon to read in the local paper about a $50,000 gift to this organization or a $250,000 gift to another. On the northshore, that news story is rare, but amazingly, that gift is not! We have many donors in our region who generously support the people, places and missions they love, but it is done so quietly that no one even realizes it happens. One of the most kind and generous couples in our community sat across a table from me one day and asked me what they could do to promote philanthropy in our region. My answer to them was simple: “Let me tell people what you do! When your neighbors and

friends hear what you are doing, it will light a fire in them, and that spark is desperately what we need.”

Confusing Investment with Philanthropy While our culture of philanthropy is perhaps underdeveloped, our pattern of what I call “investment philanthropy” is incredibly healthy. To assure the world that this is not an exercise in finger pointing, I will use myself as the example in this one. My husband and I have four kids in the St. Tammany Parish public school system. Like everyone else, our property tax dollars dedicated to schools are a significant investment in our children’s education. However, because my family can see the direct result of a well-funded PTA at our children’s schools, we happily “give” to support those efforts, and are equally happy to get the tax deduction in return. While I would love to defend this as generosity, the truth is, what I am really investing in is my children. For my contribution, the kids at their schools get better equipment, more books in the library, special training for teachers and a great deal more. So the test scores go up, the school gets rewarded and my kids get even better outcomes. Is that philanthropy or is that an investment in what is good for me? My sense is that, as a region, we are incredibly good at generously funding projects and programs that we use and enjoy. That in itself is a testament to the value of our community. While I am in no way discrediting this very important pattern, I simply offer that we should work toward thinking of true philanthropy as what comes when we give of ourselves and hold no expectation for what we get in return.

The Second-Best Kept Secret in Town If true philanthropy comes when we expect nothing in return, then perhaps this point will discredit the one I just made. Because the next-best-kept secret in town is that true philanthropy feels really, really good. Generously giving of one’s self and one’s resources to impact humanity is one of the best feelings in the world. And once you feel it, you’re hooked. Just like the 4,500 people found out from helping a homeless man in Boston, positively touching our world and the people in it stirs something deep inside, and, once stirred, it cannot be contained. That contagious spirit of giving is not only what the true spirit of philanthropy is; it is the roadmap to a vibrant and thriving future for our region.

A Call to Action So the next time you are asked to sponsor a foursome in a golf tournament, do it because it is a fun day off work that will ultimately fuel a critical mission in our community. And before you make the turn at the 9th hole, make sure you know what that mission is. Then, see if it matters to you. There are hundreds of organizations in our region meeting needs all day, every day. They do it on incredibly tight and efficient budgets. I challenge you to learn about them—not for them, but for you. When you find the mission that stirs in your soul, you will know it, and your checkbook will know it, too. Giving out of guilt or obligation is a limited, short-term action that pays few dividends in return. Giving when it touches a place in your heart is limitless, no matter your resources. Find your passion; give generously, and yes, selfishly—because at the end of the day, it feels really, really good. November-December 2013 129

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The Pennies for Bread program of Saint Joseph Abbey provides freshly baked bread to the hungry twice a week through designated charitable organizations. Currently, 2,000 loaves are distributed weekly, bread for more than 1 million meals annually in the New Orleans area. The program is made possible by the simple donation of pennies. saintjosephabbey.com.

7144; The Samaritan Center, 402 Girod St., Mandeville, samcen.org or 626-4577; The Southeast Food Pantry, 105 Highland Park Plaza, Covington, 867-8333.

Tigers, Saints, Green Wave, Pelicans and Lions…Oh My! We are lucky in Southeast Louisiana to have so many sports teams to root for. The Saints’ season continues through

The Season of Giving and of Giving Thanks:

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

St. Joseph’s Pennies for Bread and the Abbey

10 (of the Many) Things Inside Northside is Thankful For Winter on the Water The city of Mandeville hosts this festival of lights, music, and Christmas spirit on the Mandeville Lakefront every year. “Winter on the Water highlights the Christmas season in our city,” says Mandeville Mayor Don Villere. “Everyone enjoys the lighting of the trees, the children singing, Santa giving candy to every child, our glittering boat parade and great entertainment.” Winter on the Water is Dec. 14, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. cityofmandeville.com.

Holiday Meals Shared by Our Community Through Area Food Banks

December (at minimum!) with Coach Sean Payton back on the sidelines, and basketball fans can be thankful for our newly dubbed New Orleans Pelicans. Be on the lookout for Louisiana’s next champion sports team.

by Abigail Jennings

Hunting and Fishing Living in Sportsman’s Paradise allows us to really get back to our roots. Many treasure the opportunities to go fishing with grandpa or hunting with dad. Not to mention the delicious meals that feature the resulting bounty. The abundant game of our state is the envy of the whole country, and it’s even been popularized on TV shows like Duck Dynasty on AETV and Swamp People on The History Channel.

Local area food banks are a great way to get involved in making a family’s holiday one to remember. Organizations such as Our Daily Bread Food Bank in Hammond, Boxes of HOPE Food Pantry in Slidell, the Samaritan Center in Mandeville and the Southeast Food Pantry in Covington use their resources to get food to those who need it. Our Daily Bread Food Bank, 1006 W. Coleman Ave., Hammond, 542-4676; Boxes of HOPE Food Pantry, 1114 Brownswitch Rd., Slidell, 788November-December 2013 131

The Tammany Trace

Community-Organized Youth Sports With Louisiana being such a great sports center, children have many opportunities to participate in organized team sports. Pelican Park, Coquille Parks and Recreation, and several Slidell locations offer a variety of sports year-round. For more information, visit pelicanpark.com, conquillerecreation.com, or call the Slidell Recreation Department, 646-4371.

For years, the Trace has given the northshore something to be thankful for. People go biking or jogging down the old rail lines that span 31 miles through the parish. Many amazing plants and animals can be seen on and around the Trace’s path, giving those on it a real look into the swamps, wetlands and forests that Louisiana is famous for. tammanytrace.org.

Local Music Scene On the northshore, we’re never lacking for entertainment. Venues like the Tap Room in Covington, the Riverside Tavern in Madisonville, and The Landing and Landlubbers in Slidell are great places for live bands. Among the many others are Winos and Tacos, Blue Hickory Blues and Barbecue and Ruby’s Roadhouse.

LPO Concert at Heritage Park in the Spring Each spring, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs a free concert at the Heritage Park in Slidell. This crowd-pleasing show is truly “Some Enchanted Evening,” with picnickers, kids dancing, and neighbors walking to the party with folding chairs. For more information on the many LPO northshore events, go to lpomusic.com.

For this Covington festival, more than 200 artists from all over the country enter their works in a juried art show. Spectators join in on the festivities, including the Three Rivers Run. The Three Rivers Art Festival is Nov. 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. threeriversartfestival.com. 132

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Three Rivers Arts Festival

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SAPPHIRE AND SILVER 1. Men’s Tissot watch with blue dial, Swiss quartz movement, date function, sapphire glass and stainless steel case and bracelet, $425. Lowe’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 845-4653. 2. 5cttw sapphire and 2.25 cttw diamond bracelet set in 18kt white gold, $9,000. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 3. Dupioni slim A-line gown by Montage with hand-beaded elbow-length sleeves, open-back bodice, Queen Anne neckline, beaded three-dimensional flower accents, pleated empire bodice and sweep train; $658. Southern Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 4. One-of-a-kind Évocateur artisan cuff with vintage jewels and 22k gold leaf brilliance, $390. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 5. Gulf Coast glamour. Unique oyster bracelet designed by Achor, $36. Bea Connick Linen Apparel, Bay St. Louis, Miss., 228-467-2800. 6. Metallic blue clutch with silver accents, $40. Azure Spa, Mandeville

727-7799. 7. Manolo Blahnik silver satin heels with Swarovski crystals, $1,685. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, (504) 524-2200.

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8. Antique-style halo ring with .95ct blue sapphire surrounded by 1cttw diamond set in 18kt white gold, $4,250. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 9. Betsey Johnson scallop-edged blue suede pointed-toe pump, $79. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 10. Muse lace cocktail dress, $208. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

11. Chain strap top by Michael Kors, $89.50. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 12. Men’s 100% cotton plaid button-down cobalt-and-earth-tone longsleeve shirt with paisley contrasting cuff and collar by Robert Graham, $198. H.W. Rosenblum, Mandeville, 7279955. 13. 100% cotton Traveler Tailored Fit collection sport shirt and 100% silk grey paisley tie. Shirt, $87.50; tie, $99.50. JoS. A. Bank, Mandeville, 625-4067.

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SAPPHIRE AND SILVER 1. The Stephanie two-way seamless shaper and the Sylvia Skinny Strap version, two for $58; Nici Shaping Briefie and the Nina Shaping Shortie, two for $30. Available in white, black or hush. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 9518638. 2. Grey top with black lace, $68. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 3. Sheer cream blazer and tribal print palazzo pants. Blazer, $39; pants, $42. Three Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Boutique, Ponchatoula, 386-8680. 4. Grey infinityneck sweater, $58. Laurier, Covington, 875-0823. 5. Owl appliquĂŠ ruffle coat, $74. Available in sizes 2T-7. The Silver Plum and 1,2 Buckle my Shoe, Mandeville, 674-4343. 6. Cargo pant by J. Brand, $262; coated leather pant by Citizens of Humanity, $228; and DL 1961, $168. EROS, Mandeville, 727-0034.

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1. 7.9cttw sapphire and 2.15cttw diamond necklace in 18kt white gold, $14,895. Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers,

Mandeville, 626-1666. 2. Sapphire Nicole Miller sheath, $485. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844. 3. Sapphire peplum top by under skies, $44. POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 4. Madison Marcus sequined blouse, $265. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 5. Linen gathered-

sleeve tunic, $136. California Drawstrings Northshore, Covington, 327-7300. 6. Coral cowboy boot, $289. Many more styles and colors to choose from. JuJuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600.

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SAPPHIRE AND SILVER 1. Pearl and blue stone necklace and pearl earrings. Set, $21.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 2. Gold-tone hammered bar earrings with silver crystals, $78. Susannah Elle, Mandeville, susannahelle. com. 3. Level 99 Liza skinny stretch twill trousers with velvet flocking in Celtic heatherette pattern, $130. Bastilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing Company, Mandeville, 626-4220. 4. One-of-

a-kind handmade Raven and Lily silver triangle charm cuff bracelet made from bullet casings and recycled metals, $76. Other styles starting at $44. brown eyed girl, Mandeville, 626-0100. 5. Smokey blue bra, $99; panty, $50. Bra la Vie!, Hammond, 662-5065. 6. Two-tone sterling silver antique yet contemporary ring with 22kt gold leaf and blue topaz, $1,000. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-2599.

7. Handmade 14kGF True Abundance Bangle with precious emerald and raw aquamarine, starting at $140. One size fits all. Rug Chic Home DĂŠcor, Mandeville, 674-1070.

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photo: BRENDA EBEL PHOTOGRAPHY AND BELLE AMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: JAMES PECK OF EROS PRODUCTIONS

Emily Lotz and Jonathan Hines were married in Jackson Square in New Orleans. After the ceremony, guests second-lined around the French Quarter and watched the sun go down on the river before the reception started. A photo booth by Anytime Booths was a major hit, as well as the candy bar favors. The bride’s dress by Jasmine Couture was from Southern Bridal. The guests danced the night away with Rock-It Productions. The couple honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii.

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Davila-Bowers Marcela Davila and Joseph Bowers were married in a garden ceremony at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville. The bride’s gown was from Southern Bridal, as were the dresses and tuxedos for the entire wedding party, including the groom. After the ceremony, guests second-lined to the grand ballroom for the reception, where they danced the night away. The couple’s wedding was featured on TLC’s Four Weddings program.

Lemoine-Hall Chloe Lemoine and Christopher Hall were united in the covenant of marriage on the grounds of Maison Lafitte in Mandeville. The bride’s bouquet highlighted treasured items like her maternal grandmother’s wedding band, a World War II heirloom pin and a bonnet she wore as an infant. The reception, decorated with furniture that was hand painted by the bride, featured cuisine by chef Pat Gallagher. After the guests danced the night away, the couple departed in a shower of sparklers for their honeymoon in Great Exuma, Bahamas.

photo: HANNAH MCSWAIN AND OLLIE ALEXANDER

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Caroline Landry and Frank Breeden exchanged vows during a nuptial Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mandeville. The bride wore an ivory Alençon lace gown with a cathedral-length train and carried a bouquet of hydrangeas wrapped with lace from her mother’s wedding gown. During the reception at Beau Chêne Country Club, guests enjoyed a four-tier wedding cake and danced the night away to music by Rewind. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii, and are now enjoying their new home in Mandeville.

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IN the Spotlight Lee Financial Partners, LLC, Client Appreciation Event Blue skies and the waters of Lake Ponchatrain were an inviting backdrop for the Lee Financial Partners, LLC, Client Appreciation Event at The Lakehouse in Mandeville. Each year, Jim and Mary Lee host a special gathering to celebrate with their clients and support their favorite causes and charities, with reinvesting in our community as a resonating theme. This year, the Healing Arts Initiative at St. Tammany Parish Hospital was the focus, with Chyrl Corrizo, manager of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, as the featured speaker. Mary Lee, chairman of the Healing Arts Initiative, spoke of the local, regional and national impact of the healing arts and referred to the initiative’s upcoming auction and fundraiser. Artwork from the most recent installation at the hospital was on display. Handcrafted “Super Bowls” by the “Little Rembrandts” Program at Lyon Elementary were on hand for all to see and will soon be available for online auction at biddingforgood. com/HealingArts. Many guests began to bid for their very own “Super Bowl” to help heal others. Jim Lee spoke about meeting the challenges of our economic climate and the importance of understanding new tax law regulations. While enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guests listened to the music of harpist Jessica Meltz.

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INside Peek 4

1. Chase Cochran, Matthew Melanco, Joseph Monahan, Ryan Meraux and 2

Garret Grass earn Eagle Rank with Boy Scout Troop 160. 2. Melissa Torres,

owner of Columbia Street Mercantile in Covington, distributes TOMS shoes with Coprodeli USA volunteers at a school in Peru. 3. Melissa Torres with one of the students. 4. Heidi Bowers, Shannon Schwall, Donna LaCaze and Melanie Geier at Skarlett Roaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debut art show at The Scottsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coffee & Tapas Bar in Mandeville. 5. Artist Skarlett Roa (middle) with her daughters, Madison Hogan (left) and Brooke Hogan (right). 6. Councilman Reid Falconer, St. Tammany Office

for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) coordinator Lynette Savoie, Parish President Pat Brister and STOPS board members Dorothy

Garcia and Frank White at the September parish council meeting. 7. Parish President Pat Brister; Dale Mackie, who received a Certificate of Recognition for his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission; and Councilman Steve Stefancik. 8. Catherine Bumpas and Councilman Marty Gould with Andrew Bumpas, who received a Certificate of Recognition for his service on St. Tammany Parish Sub-Drainage District No. 2 of Gravity District No. 5. 9. Chief Chuck Flynn (middle) was recognized for his retirement from the St. Tammany Parish Fire District No. 3. He is pictured with Fire Chief Scott Brewer, Chief Earl Gorrondona, Chief Merrick Tassin, Parish President Pat Brister, Chief Chuck Flynn, Councilman Jake Groby, Chief Pat Sicard, and Director of Fire Services John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil. Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party

Inside Northside’s September Meet the Artists party celebrated cover artist Garland Robinette; Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2013 poster artist Gretchen Armbruster; giclée donor James Michalopoulos; and the 16 other Harvest Cup artists who gave their work to be auctioned at the Junior League benefit Nov. 3. The guests who mixed and mingled at Champagne Beverage Co. in Madisonville enjoyed the exhibit of work from all of the featured artists while munching on delicious food. Samplings included deviled eggs topped with tuna remoulade, gazpacho, pasta salad and barbecue pork over grits. Champagne Beverage Co. kept the spirits flowing with a selection of craft beer and wine. Music from Rick Samson Project had the party hopping. 148

Inside Northside

November-December 2013 149

INside Peek 4

1. Gary DeMarsh and Lynne Armado at the East St. Tammany Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business After Hours event at 3

the Salmen-Fritchie House. 2. Bill Borchert and Debbie Callens at Business After Hours. 3. Culinary Kids owner Sherri Hansen, pictured with Mack Deloney, was awarded Innovative Business of the Year at the 2013

SCORE Awards in Dallas. 4. Lauren Acquistapace, RN, Kristen Johnson, RN, Kim Kocken, RN, CLC,

Melissa Sheridan, RNC, IBCLC-RLC, Michelle Fuller, RN, IBCLC-RLC, holding Lakeview Regional Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certificate declaring the hospital as a GIFTcertified facility. GIFT stands for Guided Infant Feeding Techniques. 5. Emerging Young Professionals board members Juliette Bloomer, Rebecca Estain, guest speakers Shirleen Carter and Rebecca Thees, and Linda Larkin, Erin Blackwell, Chrissy Smith and Mike

Scardino at the group’s quarterly luncheon. 6. Janet Himes, Stephanie Pagliarulo,Jessica Gilmore and Mallory Goorley at the Emma’s Shoes & Accessories anniversary event.

7. Beth Madden, Catherine Monica, Sylvia Rochester, author of Disrobed for Death, Andrea Kopfler, Suzanne McLin and Nancy Bourgeois at Rochester’s book signing at Bra la Vie!

in Hammond. 8. Angie Whitehead, Doug Gitter, Tom Cianfichi, Bryan Batt and Molly Lebourgois at Hazelnut Mandeville’s Clementine Hunter Collection event. 8

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

November-December 2013 151

IN the Spotlight Benefits of Home Gala

More than 400 people were in attendance for the Benefits of Home Gala hosted by the Greater Northshore President’s Council of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, including Sen. Mary Landrieu, who briefly took the stage to greet the crowd at Franco’s Athletic Club in Mandeville. Benefiting the Cancer Center, this year’s event raised more than $160,000 to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in the local community. Co-chairs Kendra France and Denise Ragan welcomed guests, who enjoyed culinary delights from local chefs and live jazz music. The live auction featured getaway vacations, hunting excursions and sporting events packages. Proceeds from the gala will help to provide cancer treatment, community education, cancer screenings, transportation, nutritional supplements and support groups.

152

Inside Northside

3 4

INside Peek 2

1. Susan Falls, Kelly Blackwell, Chandra McCall, Courtney Benson, Amanda Hover and Rebecca Estain at the Emerging Young Professionals booth at the East St. Tammany Chamber’s Saints Fan Up Pep 1

Rally at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 2. Charlotte Champagne, Mark Meyers, JoAnn Chelchowski and Jaime Burchfield at the United Way booth. 3. Jan Sawa and Heidi Rhea at Heidi and husband Rob’s ’70s-themed 40th anniversary party. 4. Rob Rhea and Julie Brown at the anniversary party. 5. Eally Smith and Greg Sawa. 6. SSA seniors Virginia Stewart, Rachel Rovira, Haley Thorson, Meghan McNeely and Carley Boyce toga at their last back-to-school dance. 7. SSA eighth graders

at the back-to-school dance. Front Row (left to right) Stephanie Bodin, Sarah Young, Merrick Bourgeois and Sarah Drivon. Back row (left to right) Lindsay Horridge, Gabrielle Goetz, Kylee Jackson and Anna Kate Broussard. 8. Kendall Kramer, Emily Kuebel, Marisa Kyriakides show off their senior rings at the SSA Ring Mass. 9. Emily Frosch, Alayna Almeida, Emilia Perera, Margot McNeely and Hannah Frosch are excited to receive their senior rings. 10. Levere Montgomery, daughter Claire and mom Mimi Minnis Montgomery, Class of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;78, make SSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ring Mass a family affair. Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

November-December 2013 155

INside Peek 3

1. Northshore LA Tri Delta Sorority Alumnae Chapter members deShea Richardson, Cecily Bateman, Sally Schmidt, Kim McMahon and Kathy Lacoste at a chapter gettogether. 2. Ruth and Robert Fabacher cutting a rug at The Windsor Senior Living

Community’s Senior Prom. 3. Melissa Watkins, Ashley Etheridge, Jessica Garfield and Elizabeth Motichek celebrate a Mad Hatter Bridal Shower with Bride-to-Be Leanne Fincher (center) at N’Tinis in Mandeville. 4. Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s 19 junior volunteers receive Certificates of Appreciation and gifts for contributing 1,177 service hours during June and July. 5. Mandeville Mayor Donald Villere, Debbie Denova Baker and Chef Neil Thibodaux at the grand opening of Koko FitClub in Mandeville.

Whitney White Linen Night 2013 Julia Street in New Orleans was a blizzard of art lovers in splendid summer fashions during the Whitney White Linen Night 2013. Music echoed in the canyon of antique warehouses and the aromas of inspired snacks rose to the heavens. The profits from the summer soirée benefitted the Contemporary Arts Center.

Covington’s First Annual White Linen Night Winos and Tacos and Tripolo Gallery teamed up to present Covington’s first annual White Linen Night. The evening of great art, great food and great wine included special welcome drinks by Absolut before a wineand-tapas tasting. Live music by a jazz trio from the Water Seed band entertained guests, and an after-party with music from Soul Project kept the fun going until midnight.

156

Inside Northside

WHEN BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT with Martini

between haircuts. “I’m all about

Rossie, prepare to relax and be spoiled in her

win/win.” It’s not surprising

beautiful private retreat. Recently relocated to Old

that Martini has developed

Covington, M. Rossie Salon is a charming haven on

such a loyal following; always

the Bogue Falaya River.

professional, warm and

Since 1989, ladies and gentlemen of the northshore,

gracious, she immediately puts

New Orleans and beyond have sought out Martini for

her guests at ease and wants

her expertise at haircutting, coloring and styling, as well

them to feel confident that

as for the personal attention they receive during their

they’re in capable hands. “I pay

appointments. Martini is passionate about creating an

attention to every detail about

upscale experience for her clients, and she gives each

the client,” she says. “I want

one her undivided attention. She prides herself on her

her to love how she looks when

ability to listen closely and discern what a client dislikes

she walks out of my salon.”

about her appearance and what she hopes to achieve.

Martini also likes to educate her

“Let’s just say that I can see and hear what my clients

clients on how to care for and

have a difficult time describing,” Martini says.

style their own hair between

Once she has a clear vision, Martini puts her experience and talents to work to execute a perfect cut, color and style. She considers her extensive and ongoing training an important investment in her relationships with her patrons. She travels four or five times a year to consult with private coaches

appointments to maximize their experience with her.

Martini Rossie M. Rossie Salon

specializing in cut and color. “I feel I’m in a partnership with my clientele; we develop a plan together and we implement that plan according to the individual’s needs,” Martini says. And because of her high level of training, her customers get more “bang for their buck.” “You definitely get what you pay for, and a precision haircut just lasts longer,” she says. Martini also prides herself on working within her client’s budget, “Not everyone can come every four or five weeks,” she says. Her skill at creating a hairstyle that grows out beautifully can allow for longer periods

Martini is also passionate about mentoring young stylists struggling to build their clientele and would love to devote more time to helping them get established. “I love helping people. I’ll never forget those who helped me along the way and it’s important to me to give back.” Many in the area remember her salon in Hammond, The Zoo. “It had great energy,” she says. “It was trendy and fun and everyone from students to young professionals loved it!” Martini especially enjoyed passing on her experience to the next generation in the industry, something she’d like to do again. “I love what I do, and I love people. It makes me feel good when I help my clients to look and feel beautiful.” M. Rossie Salon is located at 124 Park Drive in Covington. 985-867-8906. September-October 2013 157

158

Inside Northside

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 4005025. 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. 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. Blue Hickory BBQ, 570380 Hwy. 21, Ste. 9, 871-4216. Meats smoked on site, handmade sausage; brisket, ribs, chicken, seafood and salads. Drive-thru. Open 7 days a week. bluehickorybbq. com. MCC. 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.

Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm. MCC. The Cheesesteak Bistro, 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-9793.

208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish

El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

Original cheesesteak sandwiches,

rolls. Family owned and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

soups, salads, gumbo and super

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

spuds. Breakfast, lunch. All under $10.

St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

MCC, checks.

teas. Special event teas, English scones,

and Caffè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast

5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round

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

and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm.

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com. MCC.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-

Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N.

7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC.

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins

and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at

coffeerani.com.

Blvd., 867-8289. Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St.,

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123

892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima

N. Columbia St., 893-4312.

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress.com.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200

Osaka 21 Japanese Restaurant,

River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21,

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant,

specials, appetizers, sandwiches,

Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190,

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

salads, soups and burgers. Live music

809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza,

osakawest.com

Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner.

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and

covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME.

pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659.

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

multi-cultural cuisine with local flair.

Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch,

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled

dinner and Sunday brunch. Online take-

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, Tues-

Seafood platters and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com. Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An American bistro with a blend of

out orders at copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190,

Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri

Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and

Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380.

catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

jerksIslandgrill.com. Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St.,

Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

892-4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner,

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

MCC, RR.

Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily lunch

MCC, checks, ME.

specials, local produce, Louisiana Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

seafood, everything housemade.

Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy. 21,

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine.

lolacovington.com.

Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys, seafood,

delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

burgers and lunch specials. MCC. Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-

0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC,

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

6460. Great food and reasonable prices.

checks.

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning buzz

Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC.

at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15,

MCC.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy.

898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads,

21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and

overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

-operated franchise. Kids eat free on

com. MCC, checks.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with

Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

the Original Soda Fountain & Café

Sundays. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N.

Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160. Conveniently located next to the new

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and

Covington Courthouse. Italian and

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

after school, six days a week.

seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC.

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on tap.

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

6990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups,

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake

11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm.

Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm.

Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 2349086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys.

salathaibysu.com. MCC. New Orleans Food and Spirits,

November-December 2013 159

g Schwing’s Restaurant, 1204 W. 21st

Dinner, Tues-Sun; Lunch, Wed-Fri; Sunday

Ave., 893-1899. Fresh seafood and home

Brunch; Closed Mondays. jacmelinn.com.

cooking. schwingsrestaurant.com. MCC.

MCC, checks.

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St.,

Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 542-

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809-

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad

6483.

Ave., 419-9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from

Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd.,

traditional recipes, outstanding

809-7886.

service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse,

meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529. BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

sausage. oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

com. MCC, checks.

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy. com. MCC, checks, ME.

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch,

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy.

dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC,

190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps

checks.

and more. MCC. Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600. Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC.

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N.

in a casual atmosphere. MCC.

Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative quality Chinese food served in Imperial

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC,

327-0520. Inspired American food.

checks.

zearestaurants.com. MCC. VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. HAMMOND Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905

Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated

345-1112. A great place to start your

fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band.

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

adoberestaurant.com. MCC. LACOMBE Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

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

La Provence Restaurant, 25020

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh

breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

combines hospitality with French cuisine

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

MCC, checks. RR.

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-9443. Great food and line of

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-0043.

retail products. Family-owned for 27

Casual fine dining including Creole, Italian,

years. Veal is the house specialty.

Caribbean and Southern cuisines. Hand-

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

trimmed steaks, seafood and specialties.

160

Inside Northside

MADISONVILLE Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill,

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am on weekdays and all

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy.

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch,

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704.

atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

Italian. Lunch, dinner. fazziosrestaurant. com. MCC, ME, RR.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St., 845-3855. Casual ambiance on the

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule,

Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, Wed-

792-0200. Fresh organic foods for

Sun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos. com/dining. MCC.

Great barbeque— Hickory Blues and more! Blue and Barbeque

MANDEVILLE The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr.,

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer,

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

call and premium liquors. Lunch and

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne al

dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC, ME.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 4700 Hwy. 22, 674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida St. (in the Florida Street Market),

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch!

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches.

pasta. isabellapizzeria.net.

anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC. Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252. Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering,

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007.

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

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

Joyce and Johnny’s, 1461 N.

Catfish remoulade, pasta du jour. Tues-

Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727.

Fri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm.

Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes,

Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

sandwiches, po-boys.

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552. Contemporary

Lunch, dinner. chilis.com. MCC, ME.

Louisisna cuisine by award-winning chef Tory Stewart, formerly of Broussard’s

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

Restaurant. Reservations encouraged.

“A LOT OF TIMES you will hear about a ‘great barbeque restaurant’ with the ‘best brisket.’ Then you eat there, and the brisket is good, but the sides are terrible or come from a can,” says Chef Ben Doolittle, owner of Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque. “My brisket will probably be in the top five you have ever eaten, but everything across the board is going to be very good as well.” At Blue Hickory, Ben serves affordable, homemade barbeque and sides in a relaxed Southern atmosphere with the soul of the blues. He cooks with only fresh ingredients and makes everything from scratch, including his sauces, sausages and desserts. The best-selling menu item is the BBQ Cobb Salad, a salad with pork, brisket and chicken along with tomatoes, red onion, eggs, avocado, bacon, blue cheese and homemade ranch dressing on a bed of iceberg lettuce. Ben first learned to cook as a child in the kitchen with his mom and received a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts at Chef John Folse’s Culinary Institute at Nichols State University. He became interested in barbeque specifically when he took it up as a hobby. “I believe the northshore has been waiting for something like Blue Hickory,” says Ben. “Even though Louisiana is known as a food state, it has never really been much of a barbeque state. We are trying to change that.”

0560. Soup and salad specialists. K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530. Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway

Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw

Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed

oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express

pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

lunch and daily lunch specials under

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

$10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC.

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

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque is located at 70380 Louisiana 21 in Covington. 871-4216. bluehickorybbq.com. November-December 2013 161

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere.

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

waffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast,

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC, checks.

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 674-

service and value. Live music. Lunch

3436. petuniasplace.com.

and dinner seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

PONCHATOULA

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

middendorfsrestaurant.com. Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434

yogurt that is the perfect balance of

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Old Bayou Liberty Rd., 643-0443.

Hwy. 190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

sweet and tangy paired with high

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave.,

Waterfront dining featuring seafood,

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry

370-0930. Festive Mexican

steaks and pasta. MCC.

toppings. pinkberry.com.

atmosphere, fresh food from

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

traditional recipes, outstanding

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause

Special events venue open 7 days for

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

Blvd., 201-8200. Burgers, ribs,

private events. Call for reservations.

190, 674-1565. Catch your morning

and dinner seven days a week.

steaks, pasta, sandwiches and

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

buzz at the convenient drive-thru!

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

seafood. MCC.

Dr., 626-3006, events 807-5014.

Catering. pjscoffee.com. MCC. Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant

Palmettos on the Bayou,

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore

& Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 386-

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

Dr., 727-2829.

3634. Charming Bavarian bungalow,

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Louie & The Redhead Lady,

European-style breakfast, German-style

2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901

lunch. tasteofbavariastaurant.com.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

louieandtheredheadlady.com.

Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented

MCC, checks.

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys,

Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC.

seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

SLIDELL

1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano,

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore

other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal,

Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks.

macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner.

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks. Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant,

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

lunch, daily specials.

Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC, checks.

951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St., 6393335. Famous hamburgers, starters,

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St.,

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

mandinasrestaurant.com.

coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700

4969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

9768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd.,

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 641Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-

The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause

available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and

Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166.

Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch,

Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine

11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads,

wines and spirits. Open seven days a

wraps. MCC and checks.

Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644. Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner.

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway

megumirestaurant.com.

App., 626-9159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400.

Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-

Great food and margaritas. Lunch,

7917. Lunch, dinner.

week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC. NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 288-

Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur,

5061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and

(504)-529-2154. Chef Duke’s New

barbecue.

World Italian Cuisine. Dinner, SunThurs, 5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm.

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

Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway

Traditional seafood and New Orleans

Friday Evenings. Perfect Catering

Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway

Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers,

cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

for next social or business event.

App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner.

starters, steaks and more. Lunch,

dinner, catering. MCC.

dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC. N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

Cafegiovanni.com. RR. Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.-

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and

Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St.,

Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

(504)-523-3340. hotelmonteleone.

China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch, Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619. In

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

com/criollo/. MCC, RR KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St., 641-1911. Casual

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville

mignon, linguini fruta di mare. Dinner. Open

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

dining in former bicycle shop. Kids’

St., (504)-553-2277. Located at the

seven nights a week. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

624-5683. A full café menu with over

menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne.

Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern,

120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

com. MCC, checks.

imaginative reinterpretations of classic

Old Mandeville. Gnocchi, escargot, filet

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade American cuisine with fresh, local

162

Inside Northside

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-6196.

Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfull-

Revolutionnola.com. RR.

November-December 2013 163

164

Inside Northside

Northshore Living by Lauren Parrish

photo: DON KADAIR

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT adding landscape lighting to your home and outdoor space? You may want to feature a beautiful tree, wall or fountain, or perhaps use decorative lighting to highlight the outside of your home. “The proper lighting in the right location will really make your home pop and create a whole new outdoor environment for entertaining family and friends,” says Mary Wiley of Artistry of Light in Baton Rouge. Wiley has been designing landscape lighting for 32 years. Exterior lighting allows you to reap a full return on your investment. Strategically placed accent lighting brings to life your home’s archways, porches and patios, while low-voltage lighting accentuates the grand architecture. By highlighting

Landscape Lighting the unique features of your home, as well as its Landscape lighting natural textures such as trees, ponds or shrubs, at the home of your outdoor spaces will find a second life beneath Mr. and Mrs. the moonlight. Fred Blossman in “When carefully planned and installed, exterior Mandeville. lighting can transform your property at night, turning trees, buildings and other landscape features into dramatic focal points, making them works of art,” says Wiley. There are multiple ways to incorporate lighting into your outdoor space. If your backyard has a small pond, waterfall, fountain or other running water feature, lighting can increase the amount of time that these features can be utilized. With a waterfall, for example, lighting the underside of the water drop creates an elegant enhancement of the overall space for homeowners and guests to view. Lighting can also be used to >> November-December 2013 165

enhance a garden. Many homeowners invest a lot of time, energy and money in maintaining their yards and gardens. Enjoying them at night is easy with the addition of lighting that gives a whole new angle to the view of the garden. Decorative outdoor lighting serves a practical purpose, as well. Safety and security are both benefits of lighting up the dark. With the implementation of outdoor lighting, your home is much less likely to have a break-in because well-lit homes are not easy targets. “Next to alarms, an outdoor lighting system is one of the most practical methods of discouraging burglars and vandals,” says Wiley. Outdoor lighting serves as a safety feature by increasing the visibility outside your home, thus reducing the risk of someone tripping or falling. Lights on steps and walkways create safer passage; they are also a good choice for eliminating dark areas around windows and doors. “Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by accenting your home with landscape lighting,” says Wiley. “It creates drama and interesting show patterns while adding security.” After adding exterior lighting to your home and landscape, you may find yourself reluctant to say goodnight to the beauty of a true Louisiana evening. If you would like specific ideas for lighting up your home, call Mary Wiley at (225) 247-8963. 166

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November-December 2013 167

168

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket.......... ............................................. 985-893-0593 113 Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN.... 985-845-7121 33 All Wrapped Up...................... 985-778-2041 124 Al’s Plumbing Co.................... 985-845-9390 84 American Factory Direct.......... 985-871-0300 70 American Red Cross...................................... ..............................redcross.org/NewOrleans 94 Anne’s Boutique..................... 985-626-3099 133 Arabella Fine Gifts & Home Décor... 985-727-9787 114 Armbruster Artworks Studio.... 985-630-6295 164 Aromatica Day Spa & Therapeutic Touch........ ............................................. 985-892-5186 114 Artisan Home Décor............... 985-778-2113 117 Artistry of Light...................... 225-247-8963 4 Asset One.............................. 985-727-2834 63 Azure Spa.............................. 985-237-1980 102 Barley Oak, The...................... 985-727-7420 158 Bastille’s Clothing Company... 985-626-4220 133 Beaver Creek Health & Rehab... 888-600-2393 79 Bedico Creek Preserve............ 985-845-4200 93 Bella Cucina........................... 985-626-7886 155 Berger Home.......................... 985-624-3433 26 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights... 985-249-6040 27 Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque... 985-871-4216 158, 161 Bmac Interiors at TerraBella....bmacinteriors.net 55 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers...... 985-626-1666 153 Bra Genie............................... 985-951-8638 125 Bra la Vie!.............................. 985-662-5065 140 brown eyed girl...................... 985-626-0100 140 Brown Family Orthodontics..... 985-626-8297 30 California Drawstrings Northshore... 985-327-7300 139 Carreta’s Grill........ 985-871-6674, 847-0020 100 Center for Women’s Health..... 985-249-7022 99 Champagne Beverage Co.............................. ............................. champagnebeverage.com 10 Champagne Jewelers............. 985-643-2599 26 Chris Wynne Designs..................................... ......................chriswynnedesigns.tumblr.com 168 Christwood Retirement Community............... ......................................... christwoodrc.com 20 Church of the King................. 985-727-7017 129 Columbia Street Mercantile.... 985-809-1789 136 Computer Troubleshooters...... 985-624-2302 168 Covington Orthoepaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic..... ............................................. 985-892-5117 30 Culinary Kids.......................... 985-727-5553 168 De Boscq Jewelry................... 985-674-0007 Gatefold deCoeur...................................... decoeur.net 113 DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold.... 985-892-2317 143 Designs in Windows............... 985-209-1689 117 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.............. 985-871-2225 168 Dimitri Clinics, The.................. 504-465-8390 124 Downtown Chic..................... 985-809-3860 143 Dr. Burkenstock, Skin Body Health... 985-237-1960 102 Earthsavers............................ 985-674-1133 118 Emma’s Shoes & Accessories... 985-778-2200 125 Eros Home & Clothing............ 985-727-0034 121 Etan Enterprises..................... 985-966-7042 80 Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital.................. ......................................fairwaymedical.com 37 Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar....... 985-624-9704 103 Fielding Photography.............. 985-626-7549 144 Fitness Expo........................... 504-887-0880 75 Fleurt..................................... 985-809-8844 154 Florist of Covington................ 985-892-7701 37 Fostering Angels...............fosteringangels.org 108 Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter.......... ............................................. 888-627-7596 129

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Franco’s Athletic Club............. 985-792-0200 BC french mix, the....................... 985-809-3152 69 George’s Girls/Bea Connick.... 228-216-0558 121 George’s Mexican Restaurant. 985-626-4342 158 Glenn Michael Salon.............. 504-828-6848 17 GNL Contractors.................... 985-288-5112 63 GNO Property Management... 504-528-7028 167 Grapevine, The.... grapevinegiftsandgallery.com 118 Grieshaber Dermatology......... 985-893-1035 75 H.W. Rosenblum..................... 985-727-9955 139 Hazelnut - Mandeville............ 985-626-8900 150 Hestia Luxury in Linens........... 985-893-0490 8 History Antiques & Interiors.... 985-892-0010 114 Honda of Covington............... 985-892-0001 IFC Honda of Covington............... 985-892-0001 3 Humane Society of Louisiana.... HumaneLA.org 77 Huntington Learning Center... 985-727-0000 60 Hurley Homes LLC.................. 985-966-5280 69 Infusé Oils & Vinegars............ 985-778-0903 111 Integrated Spine & Disc.......... 985-626-0999 80 Integrity Builders, Inc.............. 985-626-3479 104 Istre Hearing Care.................. 985-845-3509 94 Jennifer Rice Realty Group...... 985-892-1478 167 Jill Gibson, MD, LLC................ 985-898-5990 12 Jim Stone Co.......................... 985-882-5907 113 John Marc Anderson Design Studios.............. ................................ johnmarcanderson.com 117 Jos. A. Bank............................ 985-624-4067 33 Joy Productions LLC............thejoytheater.com 111 Ju Ju’s Boutique..................... 985-624-3600 133 Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard.... 985-778-2552 160 K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar... 985-626-0530 164 KentJacob Color Salon............ 985-845-8011 146 Koko Fit Club......................... 985-746-4161 25 La Bella Vita Laser & Vein....... 985-892-2950 55 Lafargue Pianos..................... 504-831-3008 144 Lake After Hours..................... 985-375-9979 60 Lakehouse, The....................... 985-626-3006 163 Lakeview Regional Medical Center... 985-867-3900 IBC Laurier................................... 985-875-0823 139 LCI Workers Comp.................. 985-612-1230 41 Lee Financial Partners LLC...... 985-624-4860 145 Lift Training Studios................ 985-727-1540 66 Louisiana Custom Closets....... 985-871-0810 123 Louisiana Heart Hospital.....louisianaheart.com 19, 149 Lowe’s Jewelers..................... 985-845-4653 151 Lynn Stirling Antiques............. 985-898-2911 39 M. Rossie............................... 985-867-8906 157 Mandeville Animal Hospital.... 985-377-0800 77 Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence........ ............................................. 985-626-4401 5 Mandeville Party Co................ 985-674-1605 23 Martin Wine Cellar................martinwine.com 28 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center..marybird.org/stph 92 mélange by KP....................... 985-807-7652 121 Mellow Mushroom................. 985-327-5407 164 Mia Sorella............................. 985-781-3909 136 Mix, The................................. 985-727-7649 125 Montage Jazz Band................ 985-778-9993 168 MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau ... 985-809-7645 147 Neurology & Sleep Medicine... 985-892-6291 79 New Orleans Advocate, The................................ ...........................theneworleansadvocate.com 13 Niche Modern Home.............. 985-624-4045 132 North American Insurance Agency... 985-871-5480 127 NORTH Institute, The.............. 985-871-4114 87 North Oaks Health System........northoaks.org 85 North Shore Square Mall........ 985-646-0661 50 Northshore Harbor Center...... 985-781-3650 34 Northshore Window Works..... 985-893-5010 103

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Oasis Day Spa, The................. 985-624-6772 121 Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore............ .................................................. ochsner.org 9, 29 Old Rail Brewing Company, The... 985-612-1828 158 Oil & Vinegar.......................... 985-809-1693 118 Outdoor Living Center............ 985-893-8008 127 Paisley................................... 985-727-7880 130 Palatial Stone & Tile................ 504-340-2229 128 Pan American Power............... 985-893-1271 Gatefold Paretti Jaguar......................... 504-455-2101 104 Peace Enterprises................... 985-966-7777 167 POSH Boutique...................... 985-898-2639 136 Preservation Resource Center. 504-581-7032 77 Private Beach......................... 985-674-2326 130 Profit on Hold........................ 800-569-4653 98 Purple Armadillo Again.... purplearmadillo.net 114 Raising Cane’s..................... raisingcanes.com 163 Rapid Urgent Care................. 985-674-4464 83 Real Results Weight Loss Clinic... 985-590-4061 38 Rehab Dynamics LLC.............. 985-871-7878 85 Resource Bank...............bankonresource.com 84 Richard C. Dalton LLC............. 985-778-2215 24 Rick’s Professional Painting Service.... 985-845-0533 168 Riverview Camp for Girls........ 800-882-0722 107 Ruffino Custom Closets.......... 985-809-7623 57 Rug Chic................................ 985-674-1070 40 St. Joseph Abbey......... saintjosephabbey.com 91 St. Romain Interiors................ 985-845-7411 118 St. Tammany Parish Hospital... 985-898-4000 73 Saks Fifth Avenue................... 504-524-2200 7 Schneider, MD, Ellen............... 985-781-7531 86 Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The... 985-231-7632 163 Shoefflé.....................................shoeffle.com 136 Silver Plum and 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe, The...... ............................................. 985-674-4343 130 Southeast Louisiana Urology Associates......... ............................................. 985-542-1226 91 Southern Brain & Spine......504-454-0141 x1 32 Southern Bridal...................... 985-727-2993 143 Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 133 State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner .... 985-892-5030 123 Stone Creek Club and Spa...... 985-801-7100 6 Stone Source.......................... 985-892-0695 164 Studio 311............................. 985-327-7775 125 Surgical Specialists................whyweight.com 98 Susannah Elle Design......... susannahelle.com 139 Tchefuncta Club Estates.........tchefuncta.com 62 TerraBella............................... 985-871-7171 96 Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers.. 985-626-5098 97 Three Rivers Art Festival................................. ..............................threeriversartfestival.com 83 Three Rivers Gallery................ 985-892-2811 113 Three Sisters Boutique............ 985-386-8680 143 Town & Country Travel, Inc...... 504-838-8702 94 Tran, Dr. David..........................985-400-LIVE 123 Vantage Point........................ 985-259-7774 105 Villa, The................................ 985-626-9797 130 Village Executive Office Suites, The................. ............................................. 985-727-6700 167 Walker House......................... 985-867-4878 168 Wax’d.................................... 985-778-2005 140 Weems, Dr. Alan..................... 985-892-9233 57 Welcome Home and garden... 985-893-3933 117 Whitney National Bank........... 504-552-4779 15 Windsor Senior Living Community, The........... ............................................. 985-624-8040 70 Witt, Dr. Victoria..................... 985-643-5145 144 You-Tique............................... 985-327-7102 140 Zea Rotisserie & Grill........ZeaRestaurant.com 160 November-December 2013 169

Last Bite

Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard Owners: Stephen and Bronwyn Planchard Chef: Tory Stewart

by Amanda M. Westbrooks

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

DIVINE INTERVENTION is rarely credited for the placement of a business, but there’s no denying it’s responsible for bringing Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard to Old Mandeville. Previously New Orleans residents, Stephen and Stephen and Bronwyn Bronwyn Planchard ventured Planchard and Chef across the lake almost two Tory Stewart. years ago to visit a church in the area and fell in love. “I dropped Bronwyn off for the service at the Church of Christ and then got lost,” Stephen says. “I drove down Lafitte and saw Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and how beautiful it was; the area was gorgeous and so close to the water.” Even better, there was a prime restaurant location up for grabs. “It needed a lot of work, but you could see what it could be. I picked up Bronwyn, and she loved it, too,” Stephen says. “I called Tory and told him there was a too-good-to-be-true building here.” The timing was perfect. Stephen had worked as chief financial officer at Broussard’s Restaurant in New Orleans alongside Chef Tory Stewart for a number of years, and the two were ready to try other things. Formerly Griffin’s Bakery, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restaurant’s renovation was minimal, but elegantly executed. The most significant addition was the large New Orleansstyle courtyard that utilizes reclaimed brick. Stephen’s goal was a venue where Tory’s culinary expertise could shine. He says, “Tory’s very creative. I always thought that in the right atmosphere he could be unbelievable.” Tory earned his culinary degree at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. He later interned there at Chef Mario Batali’s restaurant, Esca, and at Cafe De Artiste. In New Orleans, he started as a sous chef at Begue’s Restaurant and later was chef de cuisine at Broussard’s. At Jubilee, Tory works with local farmers and fishermen to locally source as many ingredients as possible, from pork to oysters to honey and cheese. “We get to play here a lot,” he says. “The menu can be described as contemporary Louisiana cuisine. I try to make it about half seafood, and we focus a lot on presentation.” The restaurant gets its name from its location, where the church bells from Our Lady of the Lake are easily heard. “A jubilee is a festive event,” says Tory. “It just fit instantly.” 170

Inside Northside