November-December 2015 Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

HOLLY AND HISTORY • OPTIONS • WOMEN’S JEWELRY • MICHAEL EDDY

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 VOL. 30, NO. 6

November-December 2015

Vol. 30, No. 6

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor Jan Murphy

Associate Editor Leah Draffen

Editorial Associate Maggie Murphy

Editorial Intern Rebecca Perrette Contributors are featured on page 18.

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

Art Director Brad Growden

Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Director of Business Development Poki Hampton

Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Angelle Albright

Caroline Battaglia Barbara Bossier

Lindsay Gardner Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe Amy Taylor

Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

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

On the cover

Artist Tanya F. Dischler

Lost in the Landscape

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ©2015 by M & 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.

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Inside Northside

page 34

page 32

Features

contents table of

20 A New Vision Cover Artist Tanya F. Dischler 32 Women’s Jewelry 34 A Loving Christmas Tradition The Krieger Home 40 OPTIONS Weaving and Working Together 48 New Sparkle for the Holidays The Dowdle Home 54 Holly and History West Twenties Home Tour 72 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes 100 Generous Hearts Making an Impact 04 Finding Beauty in the Unlikely 1 Artist Michael Eddy 125 Power of Women

The American Red Cross Celebrates Some of New Orleans’ Finest

Profile page 40

16 St. Tammany 1 Hospital Foundation

page 54

page 104

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Inside Northside

contents table of

page 90

Departments 14 Publisher’s Note 17 Editor’s Note 18 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 31 IN Other Words I Have Reservations on Thanksgiving

114 IN the Bookcase All Dogs Go To Kevin,

by Dr. Jessica Vogelsang

39 Wine Cellar Champagne

118 IN Development The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation

50 At the Table Northshore Restaurants That Say “Welcome”

120 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings

68 Traces David and Trisha Garrett Christmas Village

123 IN the Spotlight Night of Fashion

78 Traces Keeping Spirits Bright!

Covington Rotary Club’s Feeding the Needy Program

124 INside Peek 130 IN the Spotlight Kickin’ Parkinson’s

80 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents

134 IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party

88 Poki’s Picks

A No-Hassle Holiday

134 IN the Spotlight Benefits of Home Gala

90 INside Look Emerald

135 INside Dining

110

IN Rhythm “So Choice” Adam McCants in Midnight Mantics

page 88

140 Reader Resources 141 Ad Directory page 80

142 Last Bite Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop

Our real-life guardian angels

by Lori Murphy Sometimes, I think it’s not a good idea to have one day officially designated as “Thanksgiving Day.” That makes it easy to forget that there are some things—and especially some people— for whom we should give thanks not only every day, but every moment.

Among those at the top of that list are the men and women who dedicate themselves and their lives to protecting us and our property—our real-life guardian angels.

In October, some friends and I helped serve lunch at a celebration of our parish law enforcement officers that was organized by Pat Brister’s office.

The speaker was our U.S. attorney, Ken Polite. He said, “As I look around this room, I am struck by the ordinary men and women who are called on every day to do extraordinary work. When you answer a call, there is no way to anticipate what you will deal with and how you will be required to respond. As the son and brother of law enforcement officers, I thank you for your service.”

Unfortunately, most of what we read and hear in the all-tooubiquitous media reports about these public servants is not very positive. As Covington Chief of Police Tim Lenz says, “I have often compared our profession to airline pilots. Every day across this globe, planes take off and land without any issues. You only hear about the crashes. Every day across America, between 30,000—40,000 people are arrested and taken to jail. That is around 13 million people a year.

You only hear about the crashes. Police officers get it right 99.99 percent of the time.”

We only hear about the crashes.

I strongly encourage you to listen to this Paul Harvey clip—he tells “the other side of the story” best: https://youtu.be/RUUZ2fKVqcs. It speaks to why I am determined to do whatever I can to support these brave men and women.

Holiday Hint: Magazine subscriptions make excellent gifts! ;) ps…May the coming holidays be filled with many blessings for you and yours.

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Inside Northside

Call 985-626-9684 today!

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell November. I was never really a big fan. The weather is not as nice as in October. We begin to stress over the holidays.

And I never loved Thanksgiving—a short holiday that involved either a lot of travel or a lot of work. Admittedly, I can really relate to Becky Slatten’s hysterical sentiments (page 31).

But twenty years ago, my feelings about November were forever changed for the better when my baby boy arrived on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In some years, his birthday falls on Thanksgiving Day, and then it becomes my favorite holiday. This year, we’re off to Texas. Thanks to Yvette Jemison (page 72), I will be prepared!

December has always been one of my favorite months. I love the Christmas holidays and all that come with them—the decorations, parties, shopping and the home tours that pop up at this time. This year, as Ann Gilbert tells us on page 54, homes in Covington’s West Twenties neighborhood will be open for the Holly and History tour. What a great holiday activity in such a beautiful and historic part of the northshore.

It’s always fun to get new ideas for Christmas décor.

Whether you’re into traditional or contemporary, you’ll find inspiration in Poki Hampton’s articles on the Krieger and Dowdle homes, pages 34 and 48, respectively.

Holidays always mean food and drink. Tom Fitzmorris has great ideas (page 50) for restaurants that are perfect for any holiday occasion, from family gathering to a quiet, peaceful, relaxing dinner. And, of course, as Bill Kearney tells us, celebrations aren’t celebratory without Champagne (page 39).

So on that note, here’s a toast to all the holidays you may be celebrating in the next couple of months. I will be celebrating birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the ones I love.

November-December 2015 17

Contributors Ann Gilbert Ann Gilbert has been a contributor to Inside Northside for many years. Her career as a lifestyle, arts and entertainment editor for 30 years has been recognized with awards in writing, editing and design, but it is her passion for history that has graced IN’s pages most often. In this issue, she writes about the “Holly and History” homes tour of the West Twenties neighborhood near Covington’s downtown (page 54).

She and her husband, Gene, enjoy summer vacations at their log cabin in the North Carolina mountains. They have three children and five grandchildren and have lived on the northshore for more than 20 years.

Bill Kearney

Maggie Murphy

As executive director of public and governmental affairs for Southeastern Louisiana University, Erin Cowser represents the third largest university in Louisiana in both legislative and public arenas. With her daughter Eliza Kate as her muse, she authored SLU’s first-ever children’s book, Let’s Lion Up with Roomie. On page 40, she writes about Hammond’s OPTIONS.

Bill Kearney believes if you like a wine, it’s a great wine—and the best wine is shared with friends. For more than 20 years, he has added wines from many regions, grapes and friends to his private collection. Recently certified as a sommelier, he serves as the wine director for Galatoire’s Restaurant, Galatoire’s Bistro and 33 Bar and Steak, where he is also a partner. A graduate of Tulane, Bill is president of Yenraek, a governmental affairs firm. A regular contributor to Inside New Orleans, Bill will take you on a journey to find a Champagne that you love in Wine Cellar (page 39).

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Erin Cowser

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett, Leah Draffen, Tom Fitzmorris, Candra George, Poki Hampton, Anne Honeywell, Yvette Jemison, Mimi Greenwood Knight, Julie Landry, Rebecca Perrette, Becky Slatten and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

In this issue, we welcome back former intern Maggie Murphy. Having just completed a master’s in media studies at the London School of Economics in the UK, the Covington resident is happy to be back in Louisiana. Maggie graduated with a bachelor’s in communications studies from Southern Methodist University, where she was also an active member of her sorority, Delta Gamma.

While in Dallas, she interned at D Magazine Partners. Currently working on the Inside Publications team, she wrote “Making Spirits Bright!” about the Feeding the Needy Program on page 78 for this issue.

Cover Artist Tanya F. Dischler

by Anne Honeywell

Above: Marsh Island I. Below: Tanya in her Beyond the

THINGS ARE BECOMING CLEARER for artist Tanya F. Dischler. Literally. Dischler was diagnosed with Fuchs Dysphoria a couple of years ago. This genetic disease causes swelling in the cornea, which can result in cloudy vision and eye discomfort. So when Dischler underwent cataract surgery in July, her recovery was far from typical. “The healing

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Bayou Studio.

A New Vision

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Inside Northside

process has been slow, and not being able to work has been difficult. I think I tried to paint too soon, but creating art is who I am.”

It is easy for us to see who she is—an award-winning artist. The art she creates explores the natural beauty of all things indicative of South Louisiana—the fish, frogs, birds, and all of the flora and fauna of the gulf, marshes and bayous. “The birds and the fish and any other subject all come from my childhood spent growing up in nature and the love of nature I still have today,” says Dischler. “I have always been an animal lover.

My mother fussed at me because I brought all kinds of things home.”

A native of St. Mary Parish in South Louisiana, Dischler grew up on Bayou Sale at the end of Louisiana Highway 317, where her father and maternal grandfather were sugar cane farmers. “I have so many fond memories of growing up surrounded by cane fields. They were our playground as kids,” recalls Dischler.

“I was outside all the time. We played in the cane fields and swam in the Gulf of Mexico.

My work today still reflects these memories, because they’re such an integral part of me.”

Dischler studied at the University of >>

Meet cover artist

Tanya F. Dischler and see some of her favorite works on display at

De Boscq Fine Jewelry 2602 Florida Street Mandeville

Thursday, Nov. 12 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, call

626-9684

Everyone’s Invited!

September-October 2015 21

Southwestern Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University and at various artist workshops throughout the United States, Mexico, France and Indonesia.

After working with watercolors for many years, she then began experimenting with acrylics and other mediums. “My works started having more movement and texture and mystery to them, which I liked. As far as the style, it’s evolved over the years by doing it every day; painting and experimenting. It has been a journey of self-discovery, a journey I am still on.

“The older I get, the more I grow to appreciate my childhood and the more I realize how unique it was. South Louisiana is where I was born and raised. It is the beginning of my story, it is who I am, where I came from, and it is still taking me to places unknown.

Those memories, sights, sounds and smells keep pulling me back, and I embrace it,” says Dischler.

Dischler created her Burning Cane series in 2011. She says, “I had paint left over on my palette, and I just took my fingers and began to meld the colors together. My childhood memories began to surface—and there in the colors was the landscape of a burning cane field.

There it was on my canvas—my memory, the long, long orange glowing line on the horizon. I loved that orange glow, but what I really loved was the smell.”

Our cover painting, Lost in the Landscape, is from Dischler’s Unfinished Business series, which she exhibited last April. The paintings were again inspired by her childhood, including memories of fishing on Marsh Island.

In the weeks following her surgery, Dischler went to her art studio many times, but nothing happened. “The wheels just weren’t turning, you know? I began to look through some pre-Katrina paintings—pulled a few out, looked 22

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

at them in a different way. I started getting ideas,” she says. As her vision steadily improved, she began seeing the colors differently—prior to the surgery, they had been getting darker and darker.

Dischler began the process of painting again by just splashing colors on a canvas. Telling the story of the pictured Insight with the three white egrets, she says, “There was a lot of white, and I started seeing the birds, so I just started developing them as I went along. I think I am finished with it. The white spots are part of the story.”

Pointing to a large orange-hued work that is a departure from her more realistic creations, Dischler says, “A lot of times I start my paintings like that.

Not knowing what the subject matter will be, I just start playing with colors. But I am liking that one the way it is, so I am thinking this is maybe another crossroads for me to go in another direction. Which I like. I don’t intentionally change things in my paintings—they just kind of happen and change themselves. Which is life. Things happen.”

Happily, Dischler is now regularly back to painting in her studio behind her century-old,

side-hall cottage in Old Mandeville. Future exhibits include the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Covington, and she will host a Christmas Open House at her studio on December 12. She continues to do workshops and is looking forward to teaching in her studio again in the New Year.

Above: Tanya happily explaining

Tanya Dischler’s work can be found at Just Picture It and Pineapple Gallery in Mandeville; Ariodante Gallery in New Orleans; Rue Cou Cou Gallery in Baton Rouge; and at Barnel’s in Lafayette. For more information: (504) 577-1949, tanyadischler.com or tanyadischler@gmail.com.

the progression of her painting Insight.

Inset: A painting from her Burning Cane series.

November-December 2015 23

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

What’s new at the Fairgrounds

The St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds has been an important venue for more than 100 years. Upgrades include enlarging the main arena and a new roof system for the rodeo arena. Soon we can host larger equine shows, professional rodeos and events for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The 30th Annual Christmas Extravaganza Expo This year, enjoy the many ongoing improvements and expansions at the Fairgrounds while browsing crafts, art and other goods. The Christmas Extravaganza will be held December 4-6 from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Adult entry, $5, and children 12 and under are free. 796-5853. steinhauerproductions.com.

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

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

-Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President

November 1 Bayou Jam Concert and Vince Vance Halloween Bash. Heritage Park, Slidell.

5:30-7:30pm. Free. 646-4375. myslidell.com.

1-26 Table Linen Event. Hestia Luxury in Linens, 61 Park Place Dr, Covington. MonSat, 10am-5pm. 893-0490.

3 Science on Tap. Fountain of Youth by Dr. Robert Kramer. Tope LĂ Catering, 113 E Thomas St, Hammond. Doors open, 6:30pm. Kyle Piller, kpiller@selu.edu or Brian Crother, bcrother@selu.edu.

3, 10, 17 Play and Learn. Parents and children 16mths-4yrs. Class sizes limited to 12 parent/child couples. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center; 1505 N Florida St, Ste B; Covington. 9:3010:15am. 898-4435. ksupan@stph.org.

5 Holiday Bling. Holiday design ideas.

American Factory Direct, 68490 Hwy 59, Mandeville. 5:30pm. 871-1120. afdfurniture.com.

5 North Oaks Joint Pain Seminar.

North Oaks Diagnostic Center, E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, 15837 Paul Vega MD Dr, Hammond. 6pm. Free. 2306647. northoaks.org.

7 Covington Art Market. Fine arts, live music, children’s activities, Covington Trailhead. 419 N New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.com.

7-8 Malawi Bazaar. To benefit the Mwana Mission Project. Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2480 Hwy 190, Mandeville. Nov 7, 9am-12pm; Nov 8, 9:30am-12:30pm. 727-9200.

7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 27-29 Louisiana Renaissance Festival. Mini-theme park, shopping and educational exhibits. 46468 River Rd, Hammond. Adult, $18; under 13, $10; season pass, $118. larf.net.

11 Essence of Style Design Symposium and Luncheon. Room for Today: Easy Living with Antiques, by Suzanne Rheinstein. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans. >> November-December 2015 25

Inside Scoop 10am-2:30pm. $100-$125. Jen Gick, 293-4723 or jgick@longuevue.com.

11-Jan 8 Freedom Military Veteran Exhibit. Slidell Cultural Center, 2055

14 Santa Arrival. North Shore Square, 150 North Shore Blvd, Slidell. 12-3pm. northshoresquareonline.com.

14 Windsor Extravaganza. Holiday

Second St. Opening reception Nov 11,

shopping and more. The Windsor Senior

7-9pm; for viewing Wed-Fri, 12-4pm.

Living Community, 1770 N. Causeway

Free. myslidell.com.

Blvd, Mandeville. 11am-3pm. 624-8040.

12 Cedarwood School Open House. 607

14-15 Three Rivers Art Festival. Juried art

Heavens Dr, Mandeville. Preschool to 7th

show. Downtown Covington. 10am-5pm.

grade, 9am; kindergarten, 7pm. 845-

Free. 327-9797. threeriversartfestival.com.

7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

12 Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party.

15 The Soldier’s Story. Produced by Terry Mahady and Robert Jahncke.

Cover artist Tanya F. Dischler. De Boscq

Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New

Fine Jewelry, 2602 Florida St, Mandeville.

Hampshire St, Covington. 5-6pm. Free.

5:30-7pm. 626-9684.

12-13 Christ Episcopal School Mistletoe

892-3177.

18 Business Appreciation Luncheon. St.

Market. Christ Episcopal School

Tammany West Chamber of Commerce.

Gym, 80 Christwood Blvd, Covington.

Clarion Inn & Conference Center, 501 N

8am-4pm. 871-9902.

Hwy 190, Covington. 11:30am-1:10pm.

13 Odyssey Ball. Presented by IBERIABANK and WDSU-TV. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll

Members, $35; nonmembers, $45. sttammanychamber.org.

18 H2O’s WOW Wednesday. Book

Cir, New Orleans. $150-$1,000. 658-

appointment for a Style2Go and receive

4100. noma.org.

complimentary Kerastase Nectar

13 Pallets With Purpose: Covington Food Bank Fall Event. 840 Columbia St, Covington. 6:30-10 pm. $75. 893-3003. covingtonfoodbank.org.

12 Professional Women of St. Tammany Holiday Bazaar. Hosted by the Volunteer Auxiliary at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. Main Lobby Areas, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.11am-

Thermique and hair brush. H2O Salon, 3908 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 951-8166.

18 Top Chefs Tasting Event. Benefits the Covington Food Bank. Franco’s Health Club and Spa, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. 11:30am-1pm. In advance, $15; at door, $20. myfrancos.com.

18 Wine Down Wednesday. Complimentary wine and snacks while shopping after-

4pm. 867-3900. lakeviewmedical.com.

hour specials including 10% off purchase.

13 Starry November Night. Downtown

Cameo Boutique, 302 Girod St,

Hammond. 6-10pm. dddhammond.com.

13-16 Canned Food Drive. Bring a can, get a free gift with purchase. Cans to be

Mandeville. 5-7pm. 231-1332. facebook. com/cameomandeville.

18-19 Franco’s Holiday Market. Franco’s

donated to the Covington Food Bank.

Health Club and Spa, 100 Bon Temps

Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature

Roule, Mandeville. Shopping, 9am-7pm;

Store; 2735 Hwy 190, Ste C; Mandeville.

holiday happy hour, 5-7pm. 797-0220.

778-2547.

myfrancos.com.

14 Holland Demonstration. Outdoor

20 Cindy Scott. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430

Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy 190,

Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:30-9:00 pm.

Covington. 10am-2pm. 893-8008.

$10. dewdropjazzhall.com.

outdoorlivingcenter.com.

20 Home is Where the Art Is. Benefits

East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity.

Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. 7:30-11:30pm.

Individual, $50; couple, $75. 639-0656.

20-Dec 6 Santa at North Shore Square. 150 North Shore Blvd, Slidell.

Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun, 12-6pm. northshoresquareonline.com.

21 Big Green Egg Cooking Demo.

Outdoor Living Center, 2101 N Hwy 190, Covington. 10am-3pm. 893-8008. outdoorlivingcenter.com.

21 From Field to Table. Celebration of an 1821 harvest. Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville. 10am-3pm. (225) 635-3739.

26 Turkey Trot. 5k and 1-mile fun run or walk to benefit Run for Hope. TerreBella Village, 111 TerraBella Blvd, Covington.

7:30am. terrabellavillage.com.

27 Black Bra Friday. Sips, snacks, shopping. Bra Genie, 2881 Hwy 190, Mandeville. 951-8638. thebragenie.com.

27 Black Friday at [brown eyed girl].

Celebrating third anniversary and Black Friday. First 20 customers receive a $10 gift card. 1600 W Causeway Approach, Ste 10; Mandeville. 626-0100.

27 Black Friday Event. Gas logs $75 off.

Outdoor Living Center, 2101 N Hwy 190, Covington. 893-8008.

outdoorlivingcenter.com.

27-29 Colorful Weekend. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store; 2735 Hwy 190, Ste C; Mandeville. 778-2547.

27-Jan 3 Celebration in the Oaks. City Park, 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans. SunThurs, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat, 6-11pm. $8.

483-9415. celebrationintheoaks.com.

29 Teddy Bear Tea. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. 1-4pm. $45-$85. (504) 335-3129.

December 1 Science on Tap. The Reptiles Made Me >> November-December 2015 27

Inside Scoop visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Griffith

Dr. Sean Doody. Tope Là Catering, 113

Park, Slidell. 6-9pm. Free. 646-4375.

Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf

myslidell.com.

Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way, New

E Thomas St, Hammond. Doors open, 6:30pm. Kyle Piller, kpiller@selu.edu or Brian Crother, bcrother@selu.edu.

3 Holiday Open House and Trunk Show.

5 Breakfast with Santa. For children ages 3-8. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, The Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner

Orleans. Various times. $45-$85. (504) 335-3129.

6 Christmas in TerraBella. Letters to

Hand-carved and -painted Russian

Blvd, Covington. 8am. One unwrapped

Santa, Santa Claus, train rides and more.

Santas. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home

toy to be donated to St. Tammany

TerraBella Village, 111 TerraBella Blvd,

Décor, 3902 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 5-8pm.

Project Christmas for admission. 867-

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

727-9787.

3900. lakeviewregional.com.

6, 13, 10, 27 Sip and Shop at Bra Genie.

5 Covington Art Market. Covington

2881 Hwy 190, Mandeville. 12-5pm.

4 Black and Gold Day. Contribute $1 or more to support the Children’s Museum of

Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire

St. Tammany and wear your black and gold

St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650.

all day at school or work. cmstkids.org.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

4-6 30th Annual Steinhauer Productions’

5 Deck the Rails Kids Event. Covington

Christmas Extravaganza Arts and

Trailhead. 419 N New Hampshire St,

Crafts Expo. St. Tammany Parish

Covington. 4:30-7pm. 892-1873. covla.com.

Fairgrounds. 10am-5pm. Adults, $5;

5 The Rotary Christmas Parade.

951-8638. thebragenie.com.

7-19 Santa at North Shore Square.

150 North Shore Blvd, Slidell. MonSat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 11am-7pm. northshoresquareonline.com.

7, 21 Grief Support Group. For parents who have lost a child, from infant to adult.

children 12 and under, free. 966-7863.

Sponsored by the Hammond Downtown

St. Tammany Hospital Hospice office,

steinhauerproductions.com.

Development District. Downton

725 W 11th Ave, Covington. 7pm. Ada

Hammond. 5pm. dddhammond.com.

Marion, amarion@stph.org. 871-5974.

4, 5, 11, 12 Christmas Under the Stars.

Christmas lights, Parade of Trees and

28

5-6, 12-13, 19-23 Teddy Bear Tea. The

Do It: 20 Years in the Australian Tropics,

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

hammondrotary.com.

8 NAMI Family-to-Family Support

Program. Family members and family

nonmembers $40; day of: $45. (504)

caregivers of individuals living with serious

581-7032. prcno.org.

mental illness. Lakeview Regional Medical

11 Sips of the Season. Twenty beverage

Center, Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner

stops, caroling, live music; mug purchase

Blvd, Covington. 7-9pm. 626-6538.

required. Mug, in advance, $10; day of,

namisttammany.org.

$15. 5-8pm. oldmandevillebiz.com.

9 Christmas Open House. Free

11-13 Let There Be Light. 19106

holiday gift bagging with purchase;

Playmakers Rd, Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm;

20% off entire purchase. Mandeville

Sun, 2pm. 893-1671. playmakersinc.com.

Party Company, 2200 N Causeway

11-20 It’s A Wonderful Life. 30 by Ninety

12 Christmas Past Festival. Old Mandeville Business Association, 400-600 blocks of Girod Street and Mandeville Trailhead.

9am-3pm. Free. oldmandevillebiz.com.

12 Dickens Christmas Tea. Reservation required. Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St, Mandeville. $28.99. 624-5683. viannes.com.

12 Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour. Tour headquarters:

Blvd, Mandeville. 4-7pm. 674-1605.

Theatre, 880 Lafayette St, Mandeville. Fri-

Trinity Episcopal Church-Bishop Polk

mandevillepartycompany.com.

Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (844) 843-

Hall, 1329 Jackson Ave, New Orleans.

3090. 30byninety.com.

10am-4pm. PRC members and groups

10 St. Tammany Parish Hospital Angels of Light. Tree lighting with tributes to

12 Christmas at Rosedown. Main House

of 10 or more, $30; non-members in

past and present hospice care patients.

dressed in period-style decorations and

advance, $40; at door, $45. (504) 581-

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Lobby,

stories by costumed site staff. 12501

7032. prcno.org.

1202 S Tyler St, Covington. 5:30-

Hwy 10, St. Francisville. 9am-5pm. (225)

6:30pm. sthfoundation.org/angels.

635-3332. stfrancisville.us.

11 Preservation Resource Center

12 Christmas Open House & Studio.

12 Winter on the Water. Lighting of the oaks, live performances and the annual boat parade. Lakeshore Dr,

Holiday Home Tour Patron Party. 70

Artist Tanya F. Dischler’s Beyond the

Old Mandeville. 4pm. 626-3144.

Audubon Blvd, New Orleans. 7-9:30pm.

Bayou Studio. 1-5pm. (504) 577-1949.

cityofmandeville.com.

Advance tickets: members $30,

tanyadischler.com.

13 Junior Auxiliary of Slidell Tour of

>>

Inside Scoop Homes. Holiday music, drinks, auction items and small bites provided at the host home. 52198 Hwy 90, Slidell. 1-5pm. jaslidell.org.

13 Christmas on the Northshore. The St. Timothy Choir with Northshore Orchestra and special guest soloists. St. Timothy on the Northshore UMC, 335 Asbury Dr, Mandeville. 3-7pm. Free. 626-3307.

13 Sound The Trumpet Holiday Concert.

Christ Episcopal School Theater, 80 Christwood Blvd, Covington. 3pm. $20. npassingers.org.

12-13, 19-20, 22-23 Royal Teddy Bear Tea. Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St. Seating times, 11am-1pm; 2:30-4:30pm. Adult, $69-$85; children, $49-$66. (504) 553-2328.

18 LPO Baroque Christmas. Church of the King, 22205 Little Creek Rd, Mandeville.

7:30pm. $20-55. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

18 Winter Sales Event. Paisley, 2180 N Causeway Blvd, Ste 10; Mandeville.

10am-6pm. 727-7880.

18-20 The Nutcracker Ballet Slidell Little Theatre. 2024 Nellie Dr. Fri-Sat, 7pm;

Rare blue diamonds are professed to give their wearer clarity, wisdom and good fortune. The “Kizz� symbolizes our commitment to the finest craftsmanship, bold designs and an impeccable quality assurance guarantee.

Sun, 2pm. Adult, $16; youth $8. 6410324. slidelllittletheatre.org.

20 Frozen Christmas Tea. English Tea Room, 734 E Rutland St, Covington.

11am or 2:30pm. $30. 898-3988.

20-24 Santa at North Shore Square.

150 North Shore Blvd, Slidell.

Sun, 10am-8pm; Mon-Wed, 10am-8pm; Thurs, 10am-6pm. northshoresquareonline.com.

23-24 Feeding the Needy. The Covington Rotary Club and hundreds of volunteers work to provide a complete Christmas meal for families in need. Donations are accepted year round. feedingtheneedy.org.

Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue.

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE the holidays are upon us already. I’ve yet to finish off the Halloween candy I bought for the Trick or Treaters I knew wouldn’t come, and here I am making Christmas gift lists.

Of course, before we can dive into the magic of Christmas, we first have to suffer through Thanksgiving. Oh, I can just imagine the gasps of horror: “I love Thanksgiving!” you say, and, “We should all pause and give thanks for our many blessings.” I say, blah, blah, blah … if Thanksgiving had a birth order, it would be the middle child. I

I Have Reservations on Thanksgiving mean, it’s a wonderful holiday if you love whipping up casseroles and doing dishes; in my world, it’s three days of cooking, 30 minutes of eating and four hours of cleaning up. Personally, I’m thankful for restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day. Can you remember what Thanksgiving was like before football and Black Friday? I definitely liked it more as a kid; at my grandparents’ house, the women cooked, and then cleaned; the men dozed on the living room sofa; and the kids kept quiet and out of sight so they didn’t get shanghaied into doing chores. We always ate well. I did love spending the day with my many cousins; the 13 of us sat together at the “kid table,” and for some unfathomable reason, we all longed to graduate to the “grownup table.” We never did; we just somehow became the adults.

Back then, we waited for the Sears and Roebuck catalog to arrive in the mail with almost as much anticipation as Christmas Day. Day after day, we poured over page after dog-eared page of glorious toys (occasionally flipping over to the lingerie section to snicker at the bras and girdles).

My mother may disagree, but I recall being very happy and easy to please on Christmas morning. I particularly remember the year I got a lime-green beanbag chair and a portable TV. (It was a foot wide, 3-feet deep and weighed about 600 pounds.)

Now that my children aren’t little anymore, I have a completely different view on Christmas gift-giving— it’s not any fun anymore; in fact, it’s very stressful … and expensive. For example, my 15-year-old wants only one thing: a $650 cell phone. That’s it.

Nothing else. And just 364 days to wait for the new model. I think I’ll make her read the Little House on the Prairie books on Christmas morning; that little Laura Ingalls was ecstatic to just get a peppermint stick and whatever Pa whittled from a stick.

Another problem I have procuring Christmas gifts is a condition I call shopaphobia. This disorder prevents me from going anywhere near a mall or a Walmart on Black Friday as well as the month of December. I would gladly pay extra to avoid the stress of finding a parking spot and fighting the crowds. I believe Cyber Monday was invented just for me. I marvel at friends of mine who get up at 3 a.m. on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving to go shopping! Their bravery, determination and energy are enviable and amazing to me. Personally, I have to have ample time to recuperate from the trauma of Thanksgiving before I can even think about the magic of Christmas shopping online.

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2.

1.

Women’s Jewelry 3.

4.

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1. Artistic ladies 14 kt rose-gold pendant with .75 cttw white diamonds, $3,600. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098.

2. 18 kt hand-engraved yellow gold Marco Bicego bracelet with brilliant cut diamonds, $3,260. Aucoin Hart Jewelers, Metairie, 504-834-9999.

3. 18 kt yellow-gold ring with 2.17 ct fine oval-cut emerald accented by 1.25 cttw diamonds, $13,550. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 6740007. 4. Fleur de lis pendant with 1 cttw diamonds set in 14kt gold, $4,900, DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

5. 20” 18 kt oval yellow gold links and chain necklace, $2,990. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

6. 18 kt yellow-gold hematite and micropave diamond bracelet. Adler’s 8.

New Orleans, 504-523-5292.

7. 18 kt yellow-gold bangle accented by a hexagon design and pave diamonds on each side of clasp, $9,875. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

8. 14 kt yellow-gold ring with a 2.79 ct cabochon-cut rubellite tourmaline, $475. Symmetry Jewelers and Designers, 5.

New Orleans, 504-861-9925.

7.

6.

November-December 2015 33

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Inside Northside

A Loving Christmas Tradition

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The Krieger Home

by Poki Hampton

SUZANNE AND BILL KRIEGER’S LOVE of Christmas has extended out into the Slidell community for many years.

From 2006-2011, Suzanne served as chair of the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite performed in Slidell by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Delta Festival Ballet of New Orleans. And that love is still there today.

Suzanne’s enthusiasm culminates in the decoration of her home and the many times she entertains friends and family during the holidays, including hosting a Christmas luncheon for 100 members of the St. Tammany Master Gardeners.

The Kriegers’ home, Mayfair, was built in 1912 by Suzanne’s grandparents, using timber cut from the property and Salmon brick that her grandfather burned to build the pillars of the house. Some of the bricks are signed with his name and are reclaimed from the now-University of Louisiana >> November-December 2015 35

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

campus in Lafayette. The house has been added to and renovated over the years, but after Hurricane Katrina flooded the entire first floor, a major reconstruction took place. The Kriegers were able to save and refinish all of the antique furniture and replace the walls and ceilings.

For the holidays, no detail is overlooked in decorating, inside or out.

Solar lights along the long driveway light the way for arriving guests. White poinsettias lead up the brick walk to the house, where outdoor tables are topped with red poinsettias and antique glass cloches that keep the frost off the plants in cold weather. The front door is decorated with natural greenery, oversized twigs and hanging ornaments, with tall wooden soldiers flanking the door.

As you enter the house, you are greeted by a beautiful custom wroughtiron balustrade with granite steps that has replaced the original wooden staircase lost in Katrina. Red poinsettias alternate on the treads, as a toy soldier stands sentry. The entrance hall’s c1890 sideboard is filed with antique cranberry glassware and topped with a porcelain Nutcracker stage, a gift to daughter Adele when she danced in The Nutcracker. A collection of Christopher Radko nutcrackers and ornaments flank the stage.

In the dining room, a c1920 French-cut crystal chandelier hangs from an ornate plaster medallion. Red poinsettias are tied with red and gold cut-out velvet ribbon. The dining table is topped with a red and green plaid tablecloth. A large gold and white porcelain Oriental footbath contains fresh poinsettias. Two cut-crystal candlesticks hold gold beeswax candles.

Flower holders, copies of Mr. Stern’s vases from Longue Vue, hold red and >> November-December 2015 37

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Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

white knock-out roses. Completing the look are 19th century English chairs.

Behind the dining table, a mirrored étagère is festooned with magnolia leaves, red and gold poinsettias, and greenery mixed with white grapes for a lavish look. Old Paris vases are on display on the étagère.

In the family room, the tree is decorated in shades of turquoise with poinsettias, glass ornaments, tassels and small silver ornaments.

The Kriegers’ fervor for all things Christmas is beautifully evident in the warmth of their holiday-attired home, making guests feel welcome throughout the season.

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney

THE JOYOUS CELEBRATIONS associated with the holidays create copious opportunities to imbibe in wonderful wines. Our minds drift to light and sparkling and an endless stream of bubbles seeming to appear out of nowhere. No other wine is more associated with celebration than the nectar of the Gods, whose juice emits those tiny bubbles. It is the beverage of kings and queens and endless celebrations, and it inspires us to smile and raise our glass in toast.

You got it—Champagne!

The truth is that Champagne can only originate from that special place known as Champagne, France. Winemakers around the world have attempted to duplicate the glass of bubbly, but their products should rightly be called “sparkling wine.” In fact, there are a few imposters from California who actually do a pretty good knock-off, but we truthfully cannot call them “Champagne,” as they do not hail from the region of Champagne, France.

Shramsberg, Domaine Carneros, Mumm and Iron Horse are a few American wineries that produce very good sparkling wines in California. Some will argue that they use similar grapes as well as the traditional methods (Methode Champenoise), but they are still not from Champagne—and yes, that does matter!

The primary grapes used in making Champagne are the light-skinned chardonnay and dark-skinned pinot meunier and pinot noir. These become important as we find Champagnes called “blanc de blanc” (white from white) and “blanc de noir” (white from black), which are white Champagnes made from lighter- or darker-skinned grapes.

It is common to find Champagnes made with a blend of these grapes, as well

Champagne as four other grapes used for blending purposes. The variety of wonderful flavors found in stylistically different-tasting Champagnes can be attributed to the different quantities of grapes used in each blend.

Then, of course, there are the extraordinary Rosé Champagnes that are salmon and coral in color and bring an elegance of softness that many Champagne drinkers find alluring. This additional color is usually attained by the addition of small amounts of still pinot noir during the blending process. Rosé Champagnes can be unique and exquisite expressions of classic Champagnes, though they are usually a bit more expensive and harder to find.

There are a plethora of famous Champagne houses that have become synchronized to our American memories as symbolic of grandeur and fine celebration.

Moet & Chandon’s Dom Perignon evokes such a fondness, as do others such as Louis Roderer’s Cristal. These will also create a dent in the wallet, so I recommend looking for Laurent-Perrier, Lallier, Mumm and Henriot; of course, many of you will defer to Veuve Cliquot. There has also been a strong movement by smaller producers who call themselves “Grower Champagnes.” These wines may lack the marketing budgets and name identification, but I can assure you that they are usually worthy of your purchase and offer glassclinking enjoyment. Their bottles of bubbles are fun, as is the everfamiliar ring of the cork popping.

Just remember to focus on what is in the bottle and not on the label. That alone should dictate if what you like is truly a good wine.

November-December 2015 39

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Inside Northside

OPTIONS Weaving and Working Together

SAORI WEAVING NOT ONLY ACCEPTS differences, but relies on them to create true beauty. A Japanese art form, it celebrates patterns and threads that are exquisite in their variety. This is in stark contrast to manufactured weaving and even traditional hand weaving on looms in which weavers are trained to strive for regularity and consistency of the final product.

The word “Saori” has roots tracing back to the Zen vocabulary, with “sa” expressing the belief that everything has its own individual dignity. No two weavings are alike. The irregular selvage and accidental skip of thread add unprogrammed beauty to Saori cloths.

As is often found in nature’s artwork, this is described as “beauty with lack of intentions.”

Just as Saori weaving appreciates and champions differences in cloth, the nonprofit agency OPTIONS, Inc. does so with >>

photo courtesy: OPTIONS

by Erin Cowser

November-December 2015 41

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Inside Northside

2012, providing once-a-week art-therapy sessions for adults. The program has since grown from a half-day enrichment program to a full business, employing four full-time weavers and two part-time employees who create and sell handcrafted woven products to the public.

The popularity and success of the program quickly called for additional space. Over 200 community members were on hand to celebrate the recent grand opening of the expanded studio. The new studio location provides a large room for the weaving as well as an immediately adjacent room for sewing. There are currently four looms, all of which host active projects, and there is plenty of room to continue to expand for future production needs.

The studio continues to serve as a source of enrichment and therapy opportunities for other OPTIONS participants. Two of the looms can be outfitted for specialized use. One can be raised to allow for wheelchair access, for example, while

photo courtesy: OPTIONS

individuals who are also beautiful in their differences.

The OPTIONS mission is one of enabling individuals with disabilities to live, work and engage in the local community. At any one time, the Hammond organization serves approximately 220 individuals and their families with training, support and employment.

The newest OPTIONS support outlet came about after Karen and Horst Pfeifer, owners of Middendorf’s Restaurant, traveled overseas to Germany as they often do to visit Horst’s family and hometown.

While in a nearby village, they were introduced to an organization similar to OPTIONS that included weaving among its therapeutic mix. A weaving aficionado herself, Karen took the lead upon her return stateside, pitched a weaving studio concept to the OPTIONS board of directors and then, with the help of friends JoAnn Ziller and Betty Franson, launched the weaving endeavor.

The Weaving Studio at OPTIONS opened in

another accessory can be added to assist individuals who may not be able to fully grip the shuttle on their own.

“Ours is a studio not only of woven products, but one full of confidence, self-esteem, sense of accomplishment, focus, determination, skills and creative expression,” says Pfeifer. “Our clients learn the entire process, from winding the bobbin to changing thread colors and creating art. The products and the process are equally beautiful.”

The sale of their products supports salaries and ongoing business expenses.

Weaving as work enables people with disabilities to be valued and respected integral members of the community, earn paychecks and learn life skills. The studio and employment opportunities are made possible by the sale of their products and donations from the public.

Financial donations are important, but quality equipment and cotton weaving yarns (3/2, 5/2, 8/2, and 10/2) are also needed. In addition to weaving the products, the staff is involved in sewing and requires items such as measuring tapes, needles and sewing thread. The studio also accepts donations of old materials, equipment, or even just a few hours of time. “And you don’t even have to know how to weave to volunteer,” says Pfeifer.

Other OPTIONS While the Weaving Studio is the newest addition to the OPTIONS fleet of services that serve both its clients and the community, a myriad of other businesses are maintained by the organization: All-Pro Business Laundry, Assembly Work, Cleaning Service, Fabulous Finds clothing re-sale store, Firewood, Garden Center, Ironing Service, Lawn Service, Second Line Bead Recycling & Sales and >> November-December 2015 43

Karen Pfeifer stop to pose for a photo while working at the OPTIONS Weaving Studio.

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photo courtesy: OPTIONS

Fabrizio Badely and

Shreddergator.

Originally a part of the Tangipahoa Association for Retarded Citizens or TARC, OPTIONS has provided quality services since 1973. In 1990, it was decided that two separate, non-profit agencies were required to meet the needs of the community.

OPTIONS was created by parents of individuals with disabilities to provide community services so that children and adults with disabilities could continue to live at home.

With CEO Sylvia Bush at its helm for 36 years, OPTIONS has an excellent reputation for continually providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities ranging from those with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, autism and Down syndrome to individuals with blindness, hearing impairment, physical limitations and other developmental disabilities.

Approximately 30 participants at OPTIONS are employed by local businesses, such as First Guaranty Bank, Wal-Mart, Tangipahoa Parish School System and Liquid Container. Others are

employed by OPTIONS to perform contract work such as lawn maintenance and janitorial work, as well as assembly work at OPTIONS workshop.

OPTIONS was the first agency in the region to provide community homes and supported living services for people with disabilities. Currently, 24 individuals live in community homes supported by OPTIONS, and 30 individuals in supported living have their own homes or apartments. Situated in residential areas and neighborhoods, community homes are home to six individuals with 24-hour awake staff who provide training and support.

In addition to providing residential housing services and employment opportunities, OPTIONS oversees job placement and vocational training so individuals can continue to thrive in the jobs suited to their interests and skill levels. Training takes place six hours per day, 240 days a year, with continual job coaching in place and periodic checks to insure quality goods and services.

OPTIONS makes transportation available to its clients so they can get to and from work, doctors appointments, church, the grocery store and more. >>

November-December 2015 45

All donations may be sent to Options, Inc., Attn: Options Weaving, 19362 Shelton Road, Hammond, LA 70401. options4u.org.

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photo courtesy: OPTIONS

Over 18,650 miles are traversed per month to enable people with disabilities to be more self-sufficient, respected members of society.

Families of those with disabilities receive support services via personal care attendants through OPTIONS that enable their children to remain at home as long as possible. And in order to make sure clients can fully embrace the quality of life available to them, OPTIONS coordinates an enrichment program. Through this program, people with disabilities are encouraged to enjoy self-growth, friendship, recreation and the arts.

Leadership and planning for OPTIONS are provided by a volunteer board of directors consisting of people with disabilities, family members and community leaders from a variety of professions.

It’s an incongruous collection of caring individuals woven together by their desire to provide meaningful support for those with disabilities and their families.

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS The OPTIONS Weaving Studio offers quality handmade items, including rugs, scarves, bracelets, dish towels, coasters, note cards, necklaces, table runners and tablet sleeves, at these locations: • The OPTIONS Weaving Studio, 19362 W. Shelton Rd., Hammond, off Industrial Park Rd. next to the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport. MondayFriday, 8:30am-2:30pm.

• The Hammond Regional Arts Center, 217 E. Thomas St., Hammond.

• Hammond Junior Auxiliary’s “Jolly Jingles Market,” Saturday, November 7, 9am-6pm, Southeastern Louisiana University campus.

November-December 2015 47

New Sparkle for the Holidays The Dowdle Home

by Poki Hampton

THE SOFT GREY NEUTRAL PALETTE of Annette and John Dowdle’s new home called for some new holiday decorations as well.

Annette enlisted the help of Patrice Senac of Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor to select just the right touches. Patrice selected natural materials mixed with silver, platinum, white and the palest blue green to accent the grey and off-white of the house’s interior.

In the great room, the tree is decorated to perfection. Oversized, unbreakable ornaments secured to the trunk give depth and dimension.

Sprays of leaves, berries and poinsettias were placed on the boughs of the tree. Layer after layer of hand-blown glass ornaments in varying shapes and sizes were followed by beaded hummingbirds and crystal icicles.

The gold gourd votive holders on a side table are beaded inside; they can be hung by 48

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

filament to create an illusion of floating in air.

The stone fireplace mantel is decorated with elongated cone-shaped trees that are glittered with silver, toy soldiers in a platinum finish, a silver jingle bell garland mixed with pine, soft rose-gold poinsettias and greenery. Battery-operated mini-lights on timers give off a warm glow. A Patience Brewster stocking for each family member provides the final touch.

On the dining room table is a centerpiece of pine garland with hand-made platinum petal trees, mercury-glass goblet candleholders and wired ribbon.

Boughs of greenery embellished with pinecones, hand-blown ornaments and pale, blue-green wired ribbon are placed at 3-foot intervals along the stair railing in the back hallway.

Even the home office gets a little holiday sparkle, with four oversized snowflakes hung from the library ladder rail. The cocktail table is embellished with a small pine bough, pinecones, ornaments and wired ribbon.

The kitchen island boasts a platinum sleigh holding greenery and hand-blown ornaments with mercury-glass LED trees.

By using a neutral palette, Patrice accented the upscale character of the Dowdles’ new home while giving it an extra sparkle for the holiday season.

November-December 2015 49

At the Table

by Tom Fitzmorris

AN UNEXPECTED AND ENCOURAGING THING is happening to northshore restaurants. Just as their counterparts in the city stage a race to the atmospheric bottom, northshore restaurateurs are going the opposite way. New restaurants here are comfortable and welcoming. Handsome.

Well served. And quiet enough so that people are learning the art of conversation again.

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In contrast, a new restaurant in the city is more likely to be built in a battered old warehouse, made to look like an even more beat-up, older warehouse.

The latter trend is nothing new. It is widely believed that the more ordinary the atmosphere, the better the food. This is not actually true. If it were, the chain restaurants would be acting accordingly—but they don’t. The idea has some sort of lurid appeal.

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

Northshore Restaurants That Say “Welcome”

Because of this, even when a restaurateur wants to present his customers with pleasant surroundings, he might have to sneak the atmosphere in.

The perfect example of this is Pardo’s, one of the best new restaurants on the northshore in years. Three years ago, after working with Emeril for a good long time, Osman Rodas took over a failed restaurant space on Highway 21 across from the River Chase mall. He applied everything he knew about building a first-class restaurant to the project.

With just one exception. And I’m not sure whether that was intentional, too. From the outside, Pardo’s looks like the kind of suburban place you stop in for a pizza, a seafood platter, a roast beef poor boy or perhaps a wellassembled—but basic—daily special.

The reality of the restaurant could hardly be more different. The interior decor is not flagrantly formal, but it’s well-enough designed that a menu of adventuresome cooking, sophisticated servers and an impressive list of wines all seem right in place.

As if to make certain that the ambitiousness of the kitchen isn’t missed by customers, such icons of gourmandize like foie gras, pork belly and top-end meats are scattered through the menu. All that, plus all the non-trendy foodstuffs like crabmeat, grilled local fish, lamb chops and the other essentials.

Osman and his crew all but dare you to test their resources. You can dress to the hilt (although you don’t have to) and play all the gourmet games you like. Pardo’s is equal to them.

Restaurants of this caliber and handsomeness are hardly new to the northshore. Dakota fit these descriptions when it opened 25 >> November-December 2015 51

years ago. So, in its own way, does Trey Yuen—the oldest restaurant in Mandeville. In Lacombe, La Provence’s charming, rustic surroundings are unique for hundreds of miles in any direction, and the renovation John Besh applied to it some eight years ago makes it even nicer.

And so we come to Pat Gallagher, whose impressive cheffing career began with the roadhouse en route to Folsom called The Winner’s Circle. That opened around 1980, reappeared in the building that’s now Dakota, then in the old Forest Steak House, followed by a stint at Annadele’s Plantation (and a few more places, but I know you’re getting tired) right before he disappeared into the kitchen of Ruth’s Chris in Metairie.

He moved back to his Covington hometown after Katrina with an intimate, exciting new gourmet bistro.

A couple of months ago, after discovering how many of his customers in Covington were driving there from Mandeville, Pat opened a second location of Gallagher’s Grill in a convenient but not-very-visible location right off the Causeway. (If you can find the Winn-Dixie, you’re very close.) You won’t remember the name (Pat Gallagher’s 527), but you will surely recall with enthusiasm the food that proceeds from Pat’s kitchen. Prime beef is the mainstay, but he’s as strong with seafood as any other northshore restauranteur.

The premises of Gallagher’s new place seem to have been designed to resemble the one in Covington. The tall ceilings and intimate dining rooms create a rich feeling, with a casual touch.

The improvements in restaurant environments have not been limited to large restaurants. Café Lynn opened about 10 years ago with brilliant cookery from the hand of 52

Inside Northside

Chef Joey Najolia, long-time former chef de cuisine at La Provence. His customers had only one consistent complaint: originally, Café Lynn was in a converted (you couldn’t even say renovated) Burger King. About a year ago, Café Lynn moved to an incomparably finer venue. As in the case of Pardo’s, the exterior is still less than impressive. Indoors, however, the feeling of a French bistro makes dining there substantially better than at the old BK. The food is in his unmistakable south-of-France style.

All that said, the restaurant attracting the most attention for its creature comforts is Ox Lot 9, the restaurant of the newly restored Southern Hotel in the middle of downtown Covington. With expansive windows on two sides, a tile floor and an open kitchen, Ox Lot 9 lends a great enhancement to the vital core of Covington.

The list of impressive restaurants shows that this is no short-term trend.

Keith Young’s Steak House, the recently remodeled Del Porto, The Lakehouse (in the historic Bechac’s building on the lakefront) and Nuvolari’s are all very comfortable meeting places for an evening of pleasure.

Returning to Osman Rodas at Pardo’s: he took over the pan-Asian Tchoupstix—same mall as Pardo’s— about a year ago. That sort of fell in his lap and showed his managerial savvy. Since then, he’s been engaged to take over the former Bosco’s in the TerraBella development. The new restaurant (the original Bosco’s in Mandeville is unchanged) has a FrenchCreole-American quality in its menu and a much-improved bar. It opened in September under the name Forks & Corks. It’s a lovely little space. But that’s the norm on the northshore now.

November-December 2015 53

Holly History and

West Twenties Home Tour

BEGINNING IN THE 1890S, the city of Covington expanded into an area that is today called the West Twenties. Grand Queen Anne homes and small cottages were erected under the spreading oaks.

In recognition of the historic architecture of these residences, the Covington Heritage Foundation and the City of Covington are sponsoring “Holly and History,” a candlelight tour of 11 homes 54

Inside Northside

on Sunday, December 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. The homes, built between 1895 and 1920, are within walking distance of each other on 22nd, 23rd and 24th avenues near Covington’s downtown. Luminaries will light up the neighborhood as holiday music, caroling and jazz combos entertain the crowd. A booklet that focuses on the first owners of the homes will be given to those on the tour. >>

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Ann Gilbert

The home of Steven and Gina Hayes.

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The home tour showcases the start of an historic plaque program. Sharon Nunez, CHF president, says, “We are offering residents of historic homes—those on the 1927 Sanborn map—an opportunity to participate in the recognition of Covington’s architectural history. (The Sanborn map was designed for fire insurance companies; it indicates where homes were located in Covington.)

We commissioned a hand-carved porcelain tile for residents to display, made by Covington native Nick Hasslock of New Orleans Tile Company. The plaque will include the year the home was built.”

For more information on the plaque program, see covingtonheritgefoundation@gmail.com.

Chairs of the home tour are Nunez and Sue Osbon, CHF vice president. In connection with the tour, a lecture entitled Documenting the Historic Houses of Covington will be given by Jack Terry at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, at the Covington Library.

He will discuss how to research and document a house and how he researched the homes for the tour.

Terry has been instrumental in compiling the largest architectural inventory in Covington’s history as a part of CHF’s new program, Preserving Historic Covington.

Here are glimpses of the “Holly and History” houses and the people who chose to live in them.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Steven and Gina Hayes The largest home on the tour, a distinctive Queen Anne, is owned by Steven and Gina Hayes. The busy, multilayered façade draws the eye in. A dormer and multi-windowed gable call for attention above the entry, with its curving roof-line, while a gable with a bull’s-eye window projects over the side gallery. >>

Jo Ann Popplewell’s Queen Anne home.

Inset: The former Tunes Grocery now serves as a guest house.

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This grand old house was the first in Covington to have air conditioning and a swimming pool. Gina says, “So many have shared with us their memories of swimming here as a child.” That same pool is still enjoyed by this family and their friends.

Jo ann Popplewell

Above: Artist Linda Rupp’s former home, now owned

by Helen Curran and Cleo Seay.

Right: Gina Rowbatham’s circa 1896 cottage.

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Two well-known families in Covington, the Blossmans and the Champagnes, once called this mansion home. The Hayes’ route to this house was a tortured one; they lost everything to Katrina. A few short weeks after that tragic disaster, “on 11/11 at 11 o’clock,” Gina remembers, the family took possession, carrying only suitcases. A neighbor asked, “Have you moved in? I didn’t see the moving van.” Gina restored the grandeur of the center hall, ripping out paneling that covered original doors and fireplaces. She didn’t miss a Magazine Street auction and filled the double parlor with an inviting eight-piece Victorian suite in a soft teal. The stately formal dining room displays all the pomp of a plantation home on River Road.

The transformation of this mansion was not left completely to others. Gina and her attorney-husband, Steven, hung the heavy decorative cornice, piece by piece, working late into the night. A seamstress, Gina designed and made the voluminous drapes that puddle to the floor in the parlor and dining room.

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Jo Ann Popplewell’s Queen Anne home, painted in white and soft clay, has a substantial look—a bayed dormer with projected pediment dominates the roof line. Another bay window adds interest to the left side of the home. Two distinctions mark this asymmetrical mansion. The stairs leading to the verandah are positioned on the corner, reinforcing the corner lot of the property. A second door off the porch leads to the elegant, formal dining room, which is decorated with a bay window.

The ceilings appear to be taller than 12 feet, and they are embellished with deep crown molding. The first room off the wide entrance hall is quite small; it may have held a piano (the music room) or been the smoking room where the men gathered after the meal. As seen in so many homes of the early 1900s, etched-glass French doors are found at the end of the great hall, in which is displayed stunning works of original art.

Optimum use of space is made with an exceptionally small bath in one bedroom off the hall.

Two glass, built-in china cabinets frame the space leading to the kitchen, where distinctive glass fixtures hang. Steps lead down from the kitchen into a great room, filled with light and views of the gardens, where a plantation bell hangs.

Copper awnings accent back doors of the home. The former attic contains a two-bedroom apartment, with an exterior staircase.

Longtime residents of the area remember Tunes Grocery, which was especially popular with youngsters. That store occupied the building in the rear of this property. It is now a spacious, twobedroom guest house; the entry is marked with the names of children written in wet concrete poured decades ago.

Helen Curran and Cleo Seay A popular Covington glass artist, the late Linda Rupp, lived in the West Twenties and created the leaded glass for several houses on the tour, including her own.

Helen Curran and Cleo Seay now own Rupp’s home. The gallery exhibits all the embellishments of Queen Anne architecture: six fanciful, bracketed colonettes and between them, saw-tooth and spindle ornamentation. A centerfront gable is decorated with scalloped fish-scale shingles.

The center hall has a “triple” fireplace, situated at an angle, so it is back-to-back with fireplaces in two other rooms. All three share a chimney, and all three hearths still have their original ceramic surrounds—royal blue for the main hall and neutrals in the bedrooms.

Decorative cast iron covers the openings.

Helen and Cleo’s introduction to St. Tammany followed their drive from Michigan pulling a vintage Airstream.

Cleo is a contractor, and they came during Christmas vacation to help rebuild after Katrina. After 10 years of >> November-December 2015 59

repeated visits to the area, the couple moved here last year.

Their corner lot is landscaped with crepe myrtles and Bradford pears. Mrs. Rupp‘s former studio in the backyard is Cleo’s workshop. This building also includes a garage and a two-bedroom apartment. The owners’ crawfish boils often draw uninvited visitors—the chickens belonging to neighbors Todd and Dee Simoneaux.

Gina Rowbatham Gina Rowbatham’s circa 1896 home is a center-hall cottage with six columns on the wide verandah. Floorto-ceiling windows face the porch. The house straddles two lots, as many of the West Twenties’ homes do, providing a spacious yard. Gina plans to enroll in the Master Gardener program, but her gardens already have a professional touch. “I tried to used trees and plants from the period—crepe myrtles, sasanqua, magnolia, and antique climbing roses on the picket fence.”

A neighbor once exclaimed to her while pointing to the two old Grancy Graybeards that anchor the front corners of the house, “Do you know what you have here?”

Past owners lowered the ceilings in the center hall, covering the transoms in the doors. In restoring the house, the wide hall was brought back to its original architectural design. The attic is unfinished, but there is a garage apartment, perfect for a teen hangout.

The West Twenties are convenient to Tyler Street and downtown Covington, with their restaurants, music venues, school and stores. It’s a walkable neighborhood, or you can ride your bike to everything. In terms of traffic and congestion and needing cars to function, Gina says, “It is like living in the city here, but we are not in the city.” >> 60

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The home of Larry Rolling.

November-December 2015 61

Mike Hays’ circa 1905 home.

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Heavy oak limbs frame the picturesque corner cottage owned by Larry Rolling, where a swing invites guests to come sit and enjoy the view. “My neighbors tell me drivers are always stopping to take a picture,” he says with a smile. Bracketed colonettes on piers decorate the gallery. The front-facing gable wears vertical shingles and is decorated with an arch and spindles. A sparkling leaded-glass door with transom and sidelights is paired with two shuttered slip-head

Inside Northside

Mike Hays Dean Duplantier of Broadmoor Design renovated the circa 1905 home of Mike Hays, who is one of the many owners in the West Twenties enjoying the

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Larry Rolling

windows. They function as doors and allow access to the porch from inside. Some call these tall and heavy windows “guillotine.” (Larry doesn’t open them.)

The interior of his home is elegant, yet warm and comfortable. The wide hall projects sophistication with full-length, burnished-gold drapes. A piano dominates the front parlor, where colorful sheet music belonging to Larry’s mother hangs on the wall.

Rolling’s stove top with granite counter sits catty-corner in the kitchen, making creative use of space. A whimsical pantry cabinet is tucked next to it. The finished attic holds Larry’s collection of framed newspapers. This ultimate Saints fan—he is a 28-year season-ticket holder—attracts photographers with the clever signs he creates to wave at games. Larry is excited to be the owner of this historic cottage, and his great hope is that another member of the family will want to live here one day.

original wood floors of their historic homes. There may be patches, and there may be nail holes—they tell the story of previous owners. Pine was the wood of choice for floors in these cottages, but the doors often gleam with the grain of cypress.

The kitchen cabinets in the Hays cottage are cypress reclaimed from a shipyard, where they formed a table to hold the canvas for sails under construction. Mike points to the many black spots from the tacks, which held the canvas down. In the parlor, he proudly displays a large antique cabinet owned by his mother. Another charming piece is a small drop-leaf desk, which appears to be for a child, but was a salesman’s sampler.

Renovator Duplantier added a handsome staircase in the hall, providing access to the attic expansion. Mike laughs, “You’ve got to watch your head up here.” The fanlight in the upstairs bedroom repeats the half-moon window in the office above the garage, which can be seen across the backyard.

Todd and Dee Simoneaux Famous plantation historian, restorer and

architect Richard Koch of New Orleans designed the sprawling 1940s cottage of Todd and Dee Simoneaux.

Occupying one city block, the property was heavily forested with old-growth pines until Katrina. Two tornadoes also swept over the home, now dubbed “Windy Corner.”

Although the house is not as old as others on the tour, it is included because of its well-known architect. Koch lived here a while, and then a relative, Lydia Frotscher, moved in. She was an amateur >>

“Windy Corner,” home of Todd and Dee Simoneaux.

horticulturist and hired gardeners Paul Steinhauer and his father, who cross-pollinated and grafted dozens of camellias here. Dee says, “In Katrina, we lost 55 camellias in 10 different varieties and most of the old St. Joseph and calla lilies.” Six long, brick beds, designed by Koch, remain in the sweeping landscape, but only one holds camellias now.

With a wide, overhanging roof, the entry of the house is reminiscent of West Indies architecture. Stretching the length of the rambling house, the back porch replicates the verandah at Butler-Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville, which Koch restored. On the other end of the home is a carriage house with a charming double-slope roof and two dormers; it contains the Simoneaux’s bed-and-breakfast. It is separated from the main house with a breezeway complete with screen doors.

The porch for B&B guests has wooden jalousies, such as found at the Audubon House in St. Francisville. They allow breezes in, while keeping the hot sun out. Continuing the plantation theme at this home are several oil paintings of antebellum houses executed by Dee’s great-aunt, Ella Plaisance.

Paul and Kelly Stahls The carved front door of the cottage owned by Paul and Kelly Stahls is of reclaimed sinker cypress, a recent design

by Albany Woodworks. The façade has paired gables wearing fish-scale shingles.

Square, rather than turned, posts are found on the porch, which is decorated with a bay window. A picket fence adds to the curb appeal of this cottage, as with so many houses in the West Twenties.

As in the Fulton house, the interior has been stripped to the studs, walls moved and sheetrock added. Kelly has filled her home with family heirlooms 64

Inside Northside

and antique furniture acquired at auctions in New Orleans, St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. The handmade fishing pole in a glass shadow box was made by Cecil Coleman, Paul’s grandfather. The radio box, circa 1930s, belonged to Kelly’s grandfather.

It contains vintage dress patterns. A Louis Phillipe sideboard, antique mirror and Empire bookcase are of interest in the living room, in addition to several works by Louisiana and Mississippi artists. The antique icebox in the kitchen belonged to Kelly’s mother, Lynn Mitchell. The guest bedroom contains an armoire and a four-poster bed; a rose inlay table came from Kelly’s great aunt.

The home of Paul and Kelly Stahls.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Colin and Christen Shea The young couples of the West Twenties put a lot of sweat equity into their historic homes.

Christen Shea, a nurse by profession, found the time—even with young children—to fashion the window treatments for her Queen Anne home.

From their unpainted, beaded-board ceilings, she and her husband, Colin, hung a stunning variety of large, modern light fixtures in creamy glass and silver metal. They make a bold statement in the airy rooms with 12-foot ceilings. Colin built the dining table for 10 from reclaimed heart pine, while Christen designed the steel supports. The Shea home is twice its original size, with a great room across the back and three bedrooms and a bath in the former attic.

Three fireplaces share a single chimney in this house, a common feature in cottages circa 1900. It is architecturally possible when the three occupy corners. The fireplaces are small, since they burned coal; many homeowners are converting them to gas.

The ceramic tile hearth and surround remains on one, its tiny square tiles a bright green.

In typical Queen Anne fashion, the porch is asymmetrical with a bay window. The large columns, however, are not typical and may be a replacement.

Ferns dancing in the breeze add to the charm of the gallery. Glancing across her porch, Christen says, “It took hours and hours to redo all this trim.”

Colin and Christen Shea’s Queen Anne home.

Nick and Cody Ludwig Nick and Cody Ludwig own a side-hall cottage, and Cody wondered what she would do with that

>>

November-December 2015 65

Pat Fulton Pat Fulton’s historic cottage was stripped to the studs and is now modern and contemporary inside.

Fulton designs and builds kitchens. He applied for a contractor’s license so he could redo the old house he bought in 2012. Walls were moved, and sheetrock replaced beaded board. The floors are from a 200-year-old New Orleans warehouse. Under

Cody Ludwig’s side-hall cottage.

Right: Pat Fulton’s renovated cottage.

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Inside Northside

the staircase is the utility room, hidden behind a swinging bookcase. The modern kitchen sports an old Chambers range and opens to the den with a spreading granite counter separating the two spaces. Antique sports equipment—fly rod, skis, tennis rackets—hangs high on the den wall. On the opposite wall is Pat’s dad’s 1956 Mississippi State maroon wool letter blanket. In the master bedroom, this renovator installed mahogany “floating” end tables and television stand, adding eye interest to this contemporary home within an historic shell.

Parking for the “Holly and History” will be available at the Greater Covington Center on Jefferson Avenue, where tickets will be on sale the day of the tour for $20.

Tickets will also be available at Braswell’s Pharmacy, 1107 S. Tyler Street. Because of darkness, uneven ground, many steps and similar factors, the tour is not suitable for children or persons with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.

For more information on the historic plaque program and the Covington Heritage Foundation, see covingtonheritgefoundation@gmail.com.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: Nick and

long wall of dark beaded board facing the windows.

She elected to hang old family photographs in white frames, including one of Nick’s great-grandfather, who was in charge of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City and is pictured with President Harry Truman.

The couple uses the wide “living hall” as a dining room, with a long rustic table moved to the center of the room for gatherings of family and friends. Glasspaned French doors separate the long hall from the next spacious room, which was often the dining room for families in the early 1900s. The Ludwigs repainted the exterior and most of the interior of the colorful house, but they kept the kitchen red. In other rooms, neutrals and grays, and white closets and cabinets contrast with the dark walls. Designer Matt Voelkel— Cody calls him “King Neutral”—helped the young couple select their colors.

Cody is one of three homeowners participating in the tour who have a new baby on board. “Imagine bathing a baby in an old claw-foot tub,” she says with a laugh. “We want to stay here, so we plan to convert the attic into children’s bedrooms.”

An inviting swing adorns the front porch, as it may have a century ago. A sunburst brightens the apex of the gable, but this is not the original façade of this home. Cody says that on her first trip up into the attic, she found part of the original front wall of the attic, an earlier façade from when the house was expanded by widening the front porch and building a new front wall.

Traces

by Rebecca Perrette

David and Trisha Garrett “SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA” and “snow” usually don’t go together. That is, unless you’re at the Mandeville home of David and Trisha Garrett, where the snowcapped roofs of their wintery Christmas Village say it’s time for Christmas.

Just as the holiday season commences, the Garrett family begins setting up the village, which illuminates its setting with a warm, yellow light for two months. It 68

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Christmas Village.

takes up an entire room. Each piece is thoughtfully laid out, keeping in mind the way a true landscape might look.

Smaller buildings are placed toward the back to give it perspective. But the entire village is nestled around one pivotal piece. “The white cathedral is my favorite piece,” Trisha confesses.

“There’s so much color; all the buildings are whimsical and Christmas-y. The cathedral draws it all together.”

The beauty of the village certainly isn’t achieved overnight. Trisha laughs as she talks about how much time it >>

from the branches of the tree they put up in the room each year, and children’s gift bags sit snuggled under it. Trisha says, “I never worry about the children breaking anything. If they get curious and touch or break something, it’s OK, because I keep the children’s village toward the front. We showed the village to the Fairhaven children last year. I think the most memorable comment was from a little girl who asked if I was Santa’s friend. I said ‘Of course!

And I’ll tell him you were extra good at the village today!’ She had the biggest smile!” She adds that members of the Windsor Senior Living community are also very enthusiastic when they tour the village.

“The pictures don’t do it justice,” 70

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

takes to set up the eye-catching scene.

“We recorded 40 hours straight one year, working right through the night!”

The village wasn’t always this expansive; it sprang from a few small pieces and sparse greenery that from year to year grew into the town it is today. “It originally started off as gifts,” says Trisha, recalling the Christmas it began, in 1994.

“My children knew I was a realtor, so my very own village seemed like an obvious choice. But now it’s about 50/50 gifts and personal buys.”

Trisha and David give tours of the village every year. The most treasured moments are those of pure excitement and awe. For guests who call ahead, the Garretts dangle a personalized ornament

courtesy: DA VID AND TRI SHA GARRETT

Trisha says, recalling an incident with a skeptical photographer that had a rocky start. “He just did not seem excited at all to be here. But when we showed him the room, he was totally shocked!�

Whether in awe of the detail or the magic of the holiday cheer, visitors are affected in very different ways.

On Christmas Eve, quiet settles on the village. Is that the sound of sleigh bells ringing in the night? Toasting hot chocolate, the Garretts sit around their very own tree and exchange gifts, enjoying the peace after hectic days of tours. Soon, the village will be allowed to rest until they bring it to life to once more to give holiday pleasure to their many guests.

November-December 2015 71

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes

by Yvette Jemison

minute availability of oven/stove. Tightly pack food in sealed bags in a cooler or insulated bag to last for the duration of your trip.

Whether at home or away, add the finishing touches on Thanksgiving Day for dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. For more recipes, visit Ydelicacies.com.

CRAWFISH ANDOUILLE CORNBREAD DRESSING

baking powder and salt until combined. Whisk in eggs, milk and butter until a thick batter forms.

3. Pour batter into prepared baking dish, and bake until very firm in the center, 30-35 minutes.

Make Ahead: Cornbread can be made and

completely cooled. Wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. TO SERVE: Thaw cornbread overnight in refrigerator. Crumble 7-8 cups to be used in Crawfish Andouille Cornbread Dressing.

Servings: 10-12 Cornbread

Dressing

2 cups cornmeal

1 lb. andouille sausage

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup butter

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 cup onion, diced

2 Tablespoons baking powder

½ cup celery, chopped

2 teaspoons kosher salt

½ cup bell peppers, diced, any combination of red,

4 eggs

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yellow or green

2½ cups milk

2 bay leaves

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 Tablespoons Italian herbs

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar,

1½ teaspoons poultry seasoning

Inside Northside

1½ teaspoons black pepper 1 teaspoons kosher salt

>>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

GET A HEAD START on your holiday cooking by preparing some make-ahead dishes—and spend more time visiting with guests. And if you’re heading over the river or through the woods, your hostess will greatly appreciate treats that are easily thawed and/or reheated.

For freezing, choose hearty and dense foods that retain their color, flavor and texture after reheating, such as sweet potatoes, stuffings and sturdy desserts.

Cool all food completely before freezing; freezing warm food can form large ice crystals that may affect the quality once thawed and reheated. Label food and include thawing and reheating instructions.

If you’re traveling, determining which dishes to make ahead involves more than selecting a dish that will withstand being frozen and/or reheated. Check with your hostess about such factors as freezer/ refrigerator space, utensils, equipment and last-

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

November-December 2015 73

1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning 1 lb. crawfish tails, thawed and well drained 1½ cups green onions, chopped ¾ cup fresh parsley, chopped 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock 7-8 cups crumbled cornbread

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch glass oven-safe dish and set aside.

2. Cut half of the andouille into bitesize pieces. Finely chop the remaining half of the andouille sausage. Set aside.

3. In a large skillet or wide-bottom pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions, celery and bell peppers until the onions are translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add andouille sausage and sauté until heated and fat is rendered, 4-5 minutes. Add the bay leaves, Italian herbs, poultry seasoning, black pepper, salt and Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning; stir until combined.

4. Add the crawfish tails to the

skillet and sauté until heated through. Add the green onions, parsley and chicken stock; stir to combine.

Add the crumbled cornbread in batches, allowing the bread to soak up the stock.

5. Spoon the dressing into the prepared dish.

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly along the edges, 30-40 minutes.

6. Place under the broiler until the top is golden brown, about 1 minute. Serve warm.

8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more for buttering dish 2 Tablespoons olive oil 3½ lbs. crookneck squash, ¼-inch slices 3 cups onions, large diced 1 Tablespoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 1 Tablespoon Italian herbs, divided 2 cups water 1 teaspoon Tabasco pepper sauce

Make Ahead: The dressing can be baked, but skip

1 cup green onions, chopped

the broiling step. Completely cool. Divide between two 1-gallon re-sealable storage bags. Place flat and store in freezer up to 1 month. TO SERVE: Thaw overnight in refrigerator (at least 12 hours). Spoon dressing into a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Place 3 Tablespoons butter, cut into thin slices, across the top. Bake at 350°F, uncovered, until bubbly along the edges, 30-35 minutes. Place under a broiler until the top is golden brown, about 1 minute. Serve warm.

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

SQUASH AND SHRIMP CASSEROLE Servings: 10-12

2 lbs. uncooked shrimp tails, peeled and deveined 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. In a large skillet on low heat, melt 4 Tablespoons of butter; add the olive oil. Add the onions and sweat, about 4 minutes. Add the squash; cook until lightly softened, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium high; occasionally shake the skillet rather than stir until the bottom layer is browned, 7-10 minutes. Stir well; let the bottom layer brown >>

November-December 2015 75

again, about 3 minutes.

3. Add water and Tabasco pepper sauce. Deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil to reduce the liquid by half, about 5 minutes.

4. Add shrimp. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are pink in color, 3-5 minutes.

5. Remove the pan from heat. Add green onions and parsley; stir to combine. Gradually add the breadcrumbs until incorporated.

6. Spoon the squash into the prepared baking dish. Place 4 Tablespoons of butter, cut into thin slices, across the top. Bake until the corners of the dish are bubbling, 15-20 minutes. Stir well; bake until the corners and the center are bubbling, 20-25 minutes. Serve warm.

re-sealable storage bags. Place flat and store in freezer up to 1 month. TO SERVE: Thaw overnight in refrigerator (at least 12 hours). Spoon into buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Place 4 Tablespoons of butter, cut into thin slices, across the top. Bake at 350°F, uncovered, until bubbly in the center, 30-35 minutes. Serve warm.

Make Ahead: The casserole can be baked and

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment

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Inside Northside

Servings: 16 Crust 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup light-brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup pecans, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 12 Tablespoons butter, chilled

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

completely cooled. Divide between two 1-gallon

PECAN PIE BARS

hanging over the sides for easy removal of the bars.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, pecans, salt and baking powder until well combined. Use a grater to grate the butter into the bowl. Toss with the flour mixture to coat the butter pieces. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until all of the flour is incorporated and the dough resembles pebble-size pieces. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside.

Filling 1 cup light-brown sugar, packed 2/3 cup corn syrup 8 Tablespoons butter, melted 2 eggs 1 Tablespoon orange zest 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1½ cups pecans, chopped ½ cup dried cranberries

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, orange zest, vanilla and salt until well combined. Add the pecans and cranberries and whisk until combined.

2. Pour the filling over the baked crust. Bake until the top is browned and the filling is set, 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan and cutting into bars.

Make Ahead: Bars can be made 2 days

ahead and kept covered at cool room temperature. The slab of bars, without being cut, can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a 1-gallon re-sealable freezer bag for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. TO SERVE: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Cut into bars and serve at room temperature.

November-December 2015 77

Traces

by Maggie Murphy to serve as a substantial Christmas Day meal with plenty of extra to help on the days between Christmas and the New Year. Last year, the program provided over 14,000 turkeys to recipients in St. Tammany and Washington parishes.

John Baldwin, a co-founder of the project, says, “This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. There is poverty on the northshore that most people are unaware of.” He adds, “When you put food in a home with hungry children, you know that it makes a difference.”

Baldwin, along with co-founder Craig Babylon, first started Feeding the Needy in 2002 after noticing the lack of programs to provide food for a family meal on Christmas Day. After talking to the Covington Food Bank, which at the time was serving approximately 65 families, he asked if they could try something different. They presented the plan to the Covington Rotary Club, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since its inception, the project has grown exponentially and been a great success, primarily because of the participation and support of the community. Feeding the Needy relies heavily on donations from local individuals, businesses and foundations, as well as volunteer efforts by individuals, congregations, service organizations and members of the

Making Spirits Bright!

Right: Feeding the Needy co-founder John Baldwin. Far Right: Volunteers preparing Christmas meal boxes, each with a 12 to 14-pound cooked turkey, six side dishes and dessert.

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Each year, hundreds of community volunteers and donors participate in the Covington Rotary Club’s program, Feeding the Needy. The project aims to address the closure of school cafeterias over the long winter break by providing complete Christmas meals to families and other community members in need.

On December 23 and 24, volunteers from all over the area gather in the cafeteria of Saint Paul’s School to prepare Christmas meal boxes to feed a family of four. The boxes include a 12 to 14-pound cooked turkey, six side dishes and dessert. The families need only to heat the food, and it is ready

Inside Northside

photo: LEAH DRAFFEN

Covington Rotary Club’s Feeding the Needy Program.

A team of volunteers verifying addresses before the boxes are delivered.

Covington Rotary Club, all of which play a part.

The program offers a variety of opportunities for involvement, from making direct donations to helping prepare the food and delivering the boxes on Christmas morning.

“Many tell me throughout the year how much being part of Feeding the Needy means to them,” Baldwin says of the program’s volunteers, some of whom have been a part of the project since its beginning. “Over the years, many started out with us as young students, and now that they are married with their own children, they volunteer as a family.”

In addition to Feeding the Needy, the Covington Rotary Club promotes many other local and international causes, including Habitat for Humanity, the Covington Food Bank and Safe Harbor. The local chapter is an affiliate of Rotary International, a secular service organization aimed at bringing together area professionals in order to provide for the community.

For more information on Feeding the Needy, how to donate and/or volunteer and a description of the various positions available, visit feedingtheneedy.org.

November-December 2015 79

Flourishes

2

1

3

4

1. Repurposed wine cask round tray, $159. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

2. Original hand-crafted and – painted rosary, $95. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152.

3. Silver and gold silhouetted place setting, in sets of four, napkins, $70; cocktail napkins, $25; placemats, $69. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 4. Frasier Fir reed

5

diffuser set, $60.95. Earthsavers, 6

Mandeville, 674-1133. 5. The Pizarro handcrafted maple frame bar stool with signature curved arms, soft edges and optional leather, starting at $1,086. The Cypress House, Mandeville, 629-4656. 6. Small gray Parisienne vase, $80. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522.

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Inside Northside

November-December 2015 81

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Inside Northside

Flourishes 1

2

1. Hand-painted ceramic ornament, starting at $18. Saint Joseph Abbey Gift Shop, St. Benedict, 867-2227. 2. Metal striped reindeers, $29. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories,

3

Covington, 809-3244. 3. Choose from three delicious tapenades to serve with Fornelli crackers, starting at $19.95. Oil & Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693. 4. Mistletoe trees, $54; mistletoe topiary, $38.

Arabella Fine Gifts & Home DĂŠcor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

5. The Oyster Bed, used to prepare and serve countless dishes, paired with select olive

4

oils, $129.95. InfusĂŠ, Mandeville, 778-0903.

5

November-December 2014 83

Flourishes 2

1

1. Festive fall arrangements, starting at $85. Florist of Covington, 892-7701. 2. Emerald Swamp, 40� x 30� textured acrylic by Elizabeth Impastato, $1,085. Impastato Gallery and Art Therapy, Covington, 778-5338.

3. Compact LUNA mini skincare device for deep yet gentle

3

cleansing, $139. Oasis Day Spa,

4

Mandeville, 624-6772.

4. Custom t-shirts, monogrammed bags, totes, trays and more. Mudbugs Creative Designs, Franklinton, 795-3233.

5. Ardelle nesting tables from Bernhardt with petrified wood, $1,050 for set. Bergerhome by Georgian Furnishing, Mandeville, 624-3433. 6. Accent garden stools work as extra seating or side tables, $129. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

7. Brother Persona PRS100 single needle embroidery machine, regularly priced $13,999; Precision discount, $9,999. Precision Sewing Machine Co, Covington, 249-6156 6 5

7

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Flourishes

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3 1. House blessings cross by Jan Barboglio, $225. mélange

by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652.

2. Driftwood wreath with holiday

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accents, starting at $90. Water Street Wreaths, Madisonville. z792-7979. 3. Stainless steel hand-crafted alligator soup spoon perfect for gumbo or any

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soup, dishwasher safe, $10.99.

Mandeville Party Company, 6741605. 4. Dominique table lamp

by Flambeau with star-shaped base and gold leaf, black and cream striped stem, $203. Pine Grove Lighting & Electrical Supply, Mandeville, 893-4003.

5. 24” x 24” feather down-

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filled pillow with taupe fringe pattern, $118. Gild Home Décor, Mandeville, 629-4002.

6. Multi-use leaf bowl crafted from premium-quality natural teak wood, $275. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070.

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Poki’s Picks

by Poki Hampton

photos courtesy: CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

Holiday Wrap Up

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WE ALL DREAM of a no-hassle holiday season, knowing all-too-well that sadly, it is only a dream.

But there are ways to make it less of a nightmare!

“The best way to insure a stress-free holiday is to be prepared with a well-thought-out plan,” says Nadine McCoy of Organized Impressions.

“Trying to wing the holidays is a very bad idea.” She suggests making several lists and keeping a detailed calendar. “Use them to track everything from parties to house cleaning, from shopping and wrapping to writing cards. Emotions run high, and stress can be eliminated by planning ahead.”

Create a space dedicated to gift wrapping, whether a closet, an entire room or just a special area. California Closets can make a closet or an extra bedroom into a wrapping/craft room that can be

used all year. “From selecting the perfect work height to incorporating smart storage, we can customize a space that perfectly fits your needs,” says Lynell Dow. “With multiple rolls of wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons, bows, tags, scissors and tape organized to perfection, you can create beautiful packages for any occasion. Drawers for supplies, dowels for paper and a large counter to work on are ideal.”

“Wrapping a few extra gifts ahead of time to have on hand for emergencies, such as wine, soaps, candles or chocolates, is a good idea,” says McCoy. “Be sure to mark them to identify the contents.”

Everyone makes a gift list, of course. But be creative…what about a grocery list that includes items you use mainly during the holidays, such as ingredients for cookies, food gifts, special holiday recipes? Egg nog? Pumpkin spice? Include stocking up on extra soft drinks, teas, coffee, hot chocolate, along with extra wines, liquors, mixers and beer.

Also, keep extra cheeses, assorted nuts and crackers on hand for hors d’oeurves for unexpected guests to eliminate last-minute runs to the store.

Organize your kitchen to make holiday cooking easier. “Drawers are very efficient for small items, spices, seasonings and table linens,” says Ann Wise of Louisiana Custom Closets. “The items you use most should be within easy reach, while less-used items

can be at a higher level.” The company designs and installs beautiful pantries that give easy access to each item you need for baking, cooking and entertaining during the holidays and all year long.

Hopefully, being better organized will help you remember not only the reason for the season, but that spending relaxed, enjoyable times with family and friends is at the top of the list of things you have to do during the holidays.

Opposite page:

photos courtesy: LOUISIANA CUSTOM CLOSETS

A gift-wrapping station is a perfect way to stay organized this season. Left: Fill your pantry with seasonal staples to make holiday cooking easy and fun.

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INside Look

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Emerald 1. Arrowhead necklace by Virtue, $32-$62. Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 7920200. 2. Silk tie-neck peplum top in emerald green, $248.

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The Villa, Mandeville, 6269797. 3. Long-sleeve green sweater with fringe detail, $59. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 626-0100. 4. Oliver Peoples Sofee polarized sunglasses,

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$340. Louisiana Family Eye Care, Covington, 875-7898.

5. 18kt white-gold Bez Ambar ring with 1.92 ct emerald and

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a halo of blaze-cut diamonds around the emerald and onto the shank, $15,995.

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

6. Variegated bead bracelets

by Virtue, $32-$62. Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 7. Olive green suede t-shirt dress. Juju’s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600.

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INside Look

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3 4 1

Emerald 1. Multi-strand beaded necklace with medallion by Virgins Saints and Angels.

Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844. 2. Kendra Scott Alex earrings in emerald, $55. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 3. Freya Bondi swimsuit in Seaspray green, no-wire bikini top, $56; matching tie-side bottom, $42.

Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638.

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4. Isabelle vest in green, down-filled puffer 6

vest with printed lining, $198; shown with the Weekender Legging and Luxletic t-shirt.

Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville, 778-2547. 5. Non-iron, slim-fit men’s dress shirt with 100% silk plaid tie and mid-calf mercerized cotton socks, shirt, $79.50; tie, $59.95; socks, $13.50. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 6244067. 6. Handcrafted personalized 14 kt gold and silver bracelet. All Wrapped Up,

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Mandeville, 778-2041. 7. 18 kt white-gold ring with 5.30ct oval-cut black opal center stone surrounded by multi-rows of pave diamonds and pave 1.28 cttw tsavorites and diamonds on the shank, 1.44 cttw diamonds, $29,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

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Emerald 1. Adelyn Rae emerald-green Bodycon dress, $88. POSH

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Boutique, Covington, 898-2639.

2. JenĂŠ DeSpain Orbit earrings.

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 3. Angel wing pendant by tat2 designs, $238. Vine, Mandeville, 9510005. 4. Green corduroy dress with white stitching from Bella Bliss, $63. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772. 5. Antiquestyle 14 kt white-gold ring with .55 ct cushion-cut emerald and 1.25 cttw diamonds, $4,625.

Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098.

6. KREWE St. Louis Ivy sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription available, $145.

North Oaks Eye Care Clinic, Hammond, 230-3937.

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Sapphire

Emerald 1. Faux emerald and crystal owl 5

pendant on a gold box chain, $15.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 2. Go-to Tee available in many colors, sizes S-XXL, $70. CDN Clothing, Covington, 327-7300.

3. Iconic Sarra cuff with antique brass base, hand-colored glass stones and Czech crystals by Loren Hope, $78. Cameo Boutique, Mandeville, 231-1332. 4. Paisley print open-shoulder dress, $79.

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Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 and 809-1690.

5. 1.08 ct emerald and 1.05 cttw diamond ring set in 14 kt white gold, $3,100. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry, Covington, 892-2317.

6. Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Remedy haircare collection. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166.

7. Emerald hobo clutch or wallet, $110. Shoefflé, Covington,

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898-6465.

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Emerald 1. Synthetic emerald and cubic zirconia 18� sterling silver necklace, $169.99.

Grande Opus, Covington, 888-1420. 2. Emerald-green party dress by Karlie, $98.

Hemline, Mandeville, 7780906. 3. 18k white-gold earrings with Colombian emerald center stones surrounded by a double pave diamond halo with a round diamond at the top and emerald-cut diamonds on the leverback closures, 7.60 cttw emeralds and 1.8 cttw diamonds, $59,500.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

4. 18kt white-gold ring with 4

.55 ct emerald-cut emerald center stone surrounded by 1.35 cttw round brilliant-cut and baguette diamonds, $16,847. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

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Generous Hearts

Impact

by Susan H. Bonnett

Making an

Right: Gabe Zeringue, Raleigh photos courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Martin, Phoebe Martin and Olivia Kerth creating cards for troops overseas.

Opposite page: Elizabeth Crain, Phoebe Martin and Ella Blossman volunterring at a Cards-4-Kids event.

IF THE POINT OF MY ARTICLE is to backup the idea that Philanthropy = Power, I could literally just stop here. $457 billion was given to charities in the United States in 2014 alone. That is the same dollar amount as the gross domestic product of Norway.

The entire economy of Norway in 2014 was equal to the money that we, as generous Americans, gave away last year to love and serve our fellow man. It’s easy to assume that

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huge American corporations make up the bulk of that giving, but that is just not the case. In fact, last year, 74 percent of all charitable giving in the United States was done by individuals, and less than 1 percent was made up of Buffet- and Gatessized mega gifts. So what does that mean in simple terms? It means that little ole you, little ole me, and a whole lot of others just like us make for a very powerful wave of goodness and generosity, one grain of sand at a time.

THE PAST November is National Philanthropy Month. It has been since Ronald Reagan declared November 15 to be National Philanthropy Day in 1986, thus introducing the nation to the season >>

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Holly Rodgers moving boxes for the Grant’s

photo courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Gift Foundation.

of giving—the launch of the holiday season when we, as a nation, focus on thankfulness, peace and hope for the future. In reality, we also focus on buying, list making and material things.

However, as we buy, buy, buy and check our lists, invariably we are pulled to give to things bigger than ourselves and our lives. Ringing bells outside of malls, angel trees at work, food baskets for families who cannot buy their own turkey all become part of our routine.

And that is the part that feels so good and defines us as a people.

THE PRESENT Interestingly, though November is National Philanthropy Month, December is traditionally the highest month in charitable giving. In 2014, almost $40 billion was given away in December alone. Because, while it all holds true about the giving season and hope and joy, it is also the last month of the tax year, and turkey and mistletoe don’t make us forget about “what we owe.”

Many families take this final month of the year as the opportunity to look at tax consequences and choose to give to charitable causes in a more generous fashion. Every year, the Northshore Community Foundation has been busier the final two weeks of the year than we 102

Inside Northside

are at any other point. While we are a generous people, we are also a procrastinating bunch! But that is OK, because at the end of the day, we are moved to give generously and touch the lives of others, and that’s really all that matters.

THE FUTURE Our children are the future. Since we opened our doors, our foundation has found an incredible willingness of the youth in our community to give back and serve. They just need help figuring out how. So, we have started a program called Youth in Philanthropy to help guide the youngest of us in giving, volunteering and charitable engagement. Very simply, the program aims for purposeful action of our local youth in the hopes of inspiring them to plan, act and give for the common good of their “place,” now and in the future. We know that everyone, regardless of age, has an innate desire and ability to give, to participate, to learn and to create the world they want to live in. Our local youth are incredibly motivated and need leaders to help them channel their energy, skills and knowledge into meaningful service that will build a better place for us all.

The Youth in Philanthropy program unites students who need or desire service hours with local nonprofits that are holding events or want general assistance. In joining, students can document their participation in YIP on their transcript as a service organization that is not affiliated with any one school, but rather, their entire community. YIP members volunteer to work only the events or causes that interest them and fit into their schedules. By making it easy and fun, here is what happens: As YIP members enthusiastically spread the word about works of the nonprofit sector to their peers, they become the thought-leaders in all things GIVING in this region within the youth community and build a knowledge base about philanthropy that will follow them throughout their lives.

FULL CIRCLE Doing good works is great, but learning why it is so important is even better. It is important to realize that our active participation in volunteering and advocacy in our area makes our community stronger. By putting the needs of the common good above our own individual interests, even if it is just for an afternoon, we all learn the importance of civic virtue and that our contributions make a real impact in the place that we live.

So, yeah—$457 billion. Whether it is donated during a certain month, for end-of-year tax benefits, to help educate your children on the power they possess to change the world or just because doing for others ALWAYS makes us feel better inside, keep up the generosity. And well done, you.

November-December 2015 103

ASK NORTHSHORE ARTIST Michael Eddy to label his artwork and he’s at a bit of a loss.

His chosen medium? Concrete. What’s artistic about that, right? But you might be surprised what this innovative mind can coax from a slab of paving material.

To categorize his creations as “decorative concrete” or “fine-form concrete” doesn’t do justice to what his mind conceives and his hands achieve when he marries this most pedestrian of building materials to vibrant hunks of colored glass, stone and sometimes metal. The result is unmistakably

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Finding Beauty in the Unlikely masculine, while at the same time graceful and delicate. Add to that any play of natural or artificial light, and his artwork all but breathes with life.

Peggy DesJardins Schoen serves as education coordinator at the St. Tammany Art Association in Covington. In that capacity, she’s watched Eddy grow as an artist as well as an art teacher. “His use of materials creates work that is paradox at its best,” Schoen says. “The substantive quality of concrete juxtaposed with the delicacy of glass creates a wellconceived tension.”

Not bad for material that for centuries has been

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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Artist Michael Eddy

seen as little more than functional. Eddy has taken that functionality and elevated it to art form. And as his work evolves, he’s seeking ways to move the art form back into functionality in custom-commissioned home elements such as countertops, sinks, floors, walls and fireplaces.

It all began with an assignment he reluctantly accepted from his mentor and former college instructor, Jeff Mickey, professor of sculpture at Southeastern Louisiana University. Mickey describes Eddy’s work this way: “Michael has the rare ability to see beauty in common materials that the average

person may overlook. He uses those materials to create a formal three-dimensional composition that not only activates the viewer’s space, but also has the power to inspire contemplation.”

As a child, Eddy was hardwired toward art and lucky enough to find likeminded friends. While other boys were exchanging Pokémon cards, Eddy and his buddies swapped their artwork. “I can’t remember a time I wasn’t drawing or creating something,” he says.

“My mom saw some talent in my work and talked to my middle-school teacher about getting me into the talented art program.” (The St. Tammany Talented >> November-December 2015 105

Art Program is an audition-based component of the St. Tammany Public School System, serving students who show interest and potential in music, theatre and, in Eddy’s case, visual art.) Eddy’s first teacher, Connie Davis, was one of the original organizers of the program. “She exposed us to various mediums, like pen and ink, acrylic, oils and some clay sculpture,” Eddy says. “I also watched my older brother, who was doing a lot of woodworking at home.” Throughout junior high and high school, Eddy was able to explore numerous outlets for his artistic ability and begin honing his style.

On to Southeastern, where he majored in visual art and found himself in Mickey’s 3-D sculpture class struggling with an assignment to create an artistic mold out of concrete. “I started school determined to excel in every medium,” Eddy says. “We did photography, printingmaking, ceramics. Then came the concrete project from Jeff. I tried and failed. I just couldn’t make anything that I liked. It wasn’t working for me. Somehow, Jeff saw the ability in me that I didn’t, and he kept encouraging me. The project was

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due on a Monday; over the weekend, I had a dream.

What if I incorporated glass into the concrete, and what if I used foam to displace some of the material, leaving open (negative) places?”

Eddy woke at 4 a.m. and set feverishly to work on the project, eventually nabbing an “A” and, more importantly, discovering a passion for working with concrete. “I became fascinated with the diversity of concrete and exploring its ironic pairing with glass,” he says. “To understand glass in the same respect as concrete is to push the concept of fragility vs. strength. I observed, through meticulous tests of trial and error, the delicate dance between weight and structural composition. Texture creates positive and negative shapes and voids. When incorporating metal and glass into the concrete, I could break down the essential characteristics of space and observe the reflective properties between two planes when they interact with each other through light and shadow.”

Eddy created 20 more pieces of concrete and glass and sold them all, as well as his assignment piece, in one day at the New Orleans Arts Market. That gave

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

him the confidence to apply to the Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, a juried show each November featuring 200 artists from 20 states. Begun in 1996, the show has become known throughout the country, making it increasingly difficult for local artists to make the cut. In 2007, Eddy was accepted on his first try and won “Best in Show.”

That attention garnered him a grant through the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, which he used to obtain additional tools and expand his newfound medium. Next came a coveted spot in the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, another juried show with an even tougher entry process. The same unrelenting sun that blistered festivalgoers that year loaned its light to Eddy’s sculptures, casting puddles of color around his work and drawing crowds to his booth. He was an instant showstopper. “I’ve done the Jazz Fest six times now and, although I may only sell 15 to 18 pieces each year, I always pick up some commissioned work from it,” >>

Colorado this November. The awards consist of a 12-inch concrete cylinder on a base, representative of the cylindrical samplings extracted from large industrial and municipal structures to test their strength. But Eddy’s cylinders appear to be “peeled back” in the middle to reveal a stunning network of multicolored glass shards. “I’m pretty excited about this international exposure and hope it will mean commissioned work elsewhere in the world,” Eddy says.

Although he’s far from exhausted his exploration of concrete, Eddy has of late begun exploring the use of metal micro-fasteners and rivets to create what he calls “cold connection jewelry”

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Eddy says. You may have seen some of that work at Stone Creek Club and Spa in Covington, Guerilla Baseball in Mandeville, Turn Services in New Orleans or in the homes of private collectors around the northshore and New Orleans.

A representative of the American Concrete Institute saw Eddy’s work at one of his shows and commissioned him to create a custom piece for the ACI to present as a goodwill gesture to the Japanese Concrete Institute. That work came out so well that he’s currently designing and constructing 25 awards to be given to recipients from all over the world at an ACI convention in

without soldering. He generates the same juxtaposition between the matte finishes of the metal and flamboyant colored glass and stones in necklaces, rings and earrings. He’s also experimenting with concrete jewelry, using a special, lighter mix, and plans to feature jewelry in his Three Rivers booth this year.

“The content of the art itself is a constantly morphing journey for me,” he says. “What began as external curiosity in regards to form and space and lighting, over time has become a more internal exploration. In a way, the content is revealing itself to me.

If art for the artist is an exploration of the unconscious mind and what drives it—what it is working to process or overcome or understand—then in terms of content, my art is as much about the figurative (how there is strength in fragility) as it is about the literal.”

Eddy pays it forward as a teacher in the same talented arts program that nurtured him. In his sixth year, he mentors young artists at Monteleone Junior High in Lacombe and from several Slidell schools at Brooks Educational Center. But his favorite students are his 6-year-old son, Dylan, and his 3-year-old daughter, Maeve.

“They’ve been exposed to my art all their lives, and Dylan is starting to experiment with some of the materials, making his own pieces,” he says. “It’s definitely something my wife, Megan, and I plan to encourage. The three of them are my muse, along with wonderful, supportive in-laws. Megan even helps me with marketing, which frees me up to focus on my art.”

Eddy’s work can be experienced at a rotating exhibit at the St. Tammany Art Association on Columbia Street in Covington or at the Covington Three Rivers Arts Festival on November 14 and 15.

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by Leah Draffen

Adam McCants and Stacy Hogan.

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IT’S THAT HOPE. That hope to get the girl, that hope to win the state championship, that hope of a promotion; whether a preteen or a midlifer, everyone can identify with it. The purest representation of hope is in ’80s’ movies, especially ones that John Hughes directed.

To revive the memories, think Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink. Now that you’re picturing Molly Ringwald blowing out her candles atop the kitchen table, or maybe Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air as Don’t You (Forget About Me) hits the chorus, think

Inside Northside

about how it can inspire hope.

Adam McCants and Stacy Hogan felt the same way and decided to make a modern-day ’80s’ album. “What Stacy and I both loved about John Hughes’ movies is that they’re all laced with hope.

Our music is a realistic, coming-of-age sound that, to us, gives hope. Like the unattainable becoming attainable,” says Adam.

Adam’s love of music and the hope it brings started here in the Greater New Orleans area while he grew up on both sides of the lake. He says, “I was able to convince my mother and father to buy

photo courtesy: MIDNIGHT MANTICS

“So Choice”

Adam McCants in Midnight Mantics

me a guitar and amplifier for Christmas one year. In that same music store, I met a guy who would eventually be my musical counterpart and teach me. I performed locally at a young age. Most of the guys I played with were older. I began writing my own songs and singing. Any of my teachers would be quick to tell you that I never had an issue singing. It just came out naturally. To most it was just noise, but to me it was therapy.”

Outside of his own talent, Adam was surrounded by a family of musicians and music lovers. “My mom would never tell you this, but she’s an

excellent piano player. And my aunt in North Louisiana is honestly one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever met.

She isn’t loud about it, but she can pick up anything and play.”

Adam’s father had a love for music, which Adam inherited. “My dad was a music nut. He never played, but he was a huge music fan. Anything from ZZ Top to The Allman Brothers— there was always music playing. A lot of my rock, jazz, blues and soul background came from him.” Adam continued to perform, playing his last show at the House of Blues at 19.

“Through divine intervention, I moved to Nashville at 19,” says Adam. “I kept writing while working >> November-December 2015 111

at a record store through college. I left there to work in management, publishing and producing for movies and music and then got more immersed into licensing and the tech side.”

Adam’s work led him to meet his friend Stacy Hogan. The two would occasionally meet to play and write together. When the sound came out in one of their jam sessions, they realized their love for the ’80s. “It was the most effortless creative collaboration in my life,” says Adam. “And I think he would say the same. Stacy is an incredibly talented musician and a great friend. The entire album was written on mostly bass and synthesizers with us switching between the two.

“I like to think the best collaborations aren’t forced. They’re generally birthed out of a natural connection and mutual respect. And this was and is the epitome and embodiment of that. With just seven writing sessions, the duo named Midnight Mantics produced Mixtape Vol. 1—their first album.

Mixtape Vol. 1 is a synth-pop revival of everything beautiful about the ’80s. You’re welcome to tease your hair, wear shoulder pads and play with a Rubik’s cube while you take a listen.

It’s Aqua Net and acid-washed denim approved. “For us, if we had a mantra for the whole process, it would literally be to make something John Hughes or one of his characters would be happy with,” says Adam.

They nailed it. And if Ferris Bueller had a chance to listen, Mixtape Vol. 1 would be “so choice”—and he would “highly recommend picking one up.”

The lyrics naturally inspire hope 112

Inside Northside

Stacy and Adam filming their City of Dreamers music

photo courtesy: MIDNIGHT MANTICS

video.

and romance including, “…it’s never been a better time than right now for everything to change…” in For Everything to Change or “We both know that nothing’s changed. Forever we will feel the same. We won’t let this fade away. This love will never break...” in This Love Will Never Break.

Here on the Inside is one of the few songs that has a darker tone, but the rest reflects fun music. “It’s a lot of dreaming and hoping,” Adam grins. “It’s like a relationship that you want to pursue with the girl across the gym at the school dance you’ve never talked to, but then the moment arrives and you float across the floor to her. It either works or it doesn’t, but we like to think it works.”

The sound and feel of the album can connect to just about any listener—young or old. And for the visual crowd, Midnight Mantics has produced two music videos to coincide with the album. Watch City of Dreamers or Mixtape and live the ’80s once again (or for the first time).

“We were honestly so proud of what we created that anything after that would just be icing on the cake,” says Adam. “So far, the response has been really encouraging and has made Stacy and me want and hope to do a lot more with it. We both have music- and media-centered careers, and this just allows more creativity. Music is truly gift. As long as we look at that way, it can give a lot back to us.”

And which John Hughes’ flick is Adam’s favorite? He rattles off the gems—Weird Science, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Great Outdoors, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and Christmas Vacation—and jokes, “Anyone who likes The Breakfast Club, I typically get along with.”

Take a listen, or maybe even snag your own copy, at midnightmantics.com.

November-December 2015 113

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

All Dogs Go to Kevin

by Dr. Jessica Vogelsang

YOUR DOG KNOWS ALL the basic commands. He can speak, both indoor voice and outdoor voice. He’s got “sit” all buttoned up, with his behind planted firmly on the floor. He can stay all day long if you need him to, and he fetches like a pro—which is great.

You’ll need him to fetch you some tissues when you read All Dogs Go to Kevin by Dr. Jessica Vogelsang.

Vogelsang doesn’t just write about dogs, though. This is also a book about family, friendship, untimely loss and making dreams come fearlessly true.

It contains those behind-the-scenes tales and unique client stories you expect in a book by a veterinarian. We learn an important lesson about new motherhood that’s “delivered… by a Golden Retriever.”

Vogelsang came late to being an animal lover. When she was 8 years old, her parents allowed a Lhasa Apso named Taffy into the household.

The dog was grumpy, but Jessica understood, since she also just wanted

to be left alone. With few friends and a need for solitude, nerdy teen Jessica knew that she was expected to attend college, but she wasn’t happy with her choices. Being a doctor “was the most palatable option,” but by her senior year in college, “the luster had worn off the idea” and she was “completely confused.” Stubbornly determined, she soldiered on, until the day she followed students into a lab to observe surgery on a pig. She graduated, went home and enrolled in veterinary school.

Taffy was the first dog she loved, and Vogelsang was rightly upset when, years later, her mother had the elderly pooch euthanized without notice.

Really, though, as a veterinarian, she understood. Vogelsang was married by the time Taffy died, and her dog’s death made her long for the pitter-patter of little (puppy) feet. She and her husband adopted a Golden Retriever, Emmett, who’d been abandoned. He ultimately saved

Vogelsang’s life.

Goldens, however, are prone to cancer, which is what befell Emmett, who lived long enough to see two children born to the family. His death left a void that Vogelsang couldn’t bear and her children couldn’t grasp: In a misunderstanding, they thought Emmett had gone to stay with family friend Kevin. Not forgotten, Emmett gave way to Kekoa, then Brody, then …

We like to believe “that… we own [our pets],” says Vogelsang, at least until the “lease has expired.” The truth is, “We teach our dogs to ‘stay,’ but they never do.”

It’s really quite trite to say “I laughed, I cried” at this book. I know it is, but I can’t help it: That about sums up what I found in All Dogs Go to Kevin.

And yes, if you’ve ever loved and lost a pet (particularly, a dog), this book will make you laugh, and you’ll cry.

At the very least, for sure, All Dogs Go to Kevin will make you sit for a while.

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A HEARTFELT “THANK YOU” TO THE COMMUNITY from the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation and St. Tammany Parish Hospital. 2015 brought with it many exciting milestones for the foundation—all exceeding the $1 million mark. And we have YOU to thank for it!

In January, the foundation and hospital were notified of a legacy exceeding $1 million in the will of Gilbert J. Hattier III, long-time patient of STPH. It was his wish to honor his grandfather, Dr. Ludwig C. Heintz, and his father, Gilbert J. Hattier Jr., for their contributions to St. Tammany Parish.

“Our mission is to ensure residents of our service district have the care they need and the quality they deserve close to home,” said STPH President and CEO Patti Ellish. “This generous bequest will have a long-term impact on our ability to meet that promise.”

In August, the WE Care Employee Campaign soared over the $1 million mark, reaching $1,065,964 in employee giving through the years. Since the beginning of the WE Care Employee Campaign in 2004, employees and volunteers at the hospital have reached into their pockets to support many equipment purchases, projects and programs, including Healing Arts, Learning Together, the Walking Trail, the Employee Benevolent Fund and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at STPH. The constant in each campaign has been employee leadership at every level. These excellent caregivers and staff

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members have given of their time, talent and treasure and should be duly commended.

Couture for a Cause comes into its own after six years of non-stop lights, camera, fashion! This year the cumulative Heart and Night of Fashion events topped the—you guessed it—$1 million mark in fundraising for the hospital.

Elite fashionistas toasted the 2015 fall collection at the Northshore’s only New York-style runway show, featuring Saks Fifth Avenue models in couture’s finest fashions.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Inside Northside and Saks Fifth Avenue joined with Haute Couture Sponsors David and Carolyn Briggs and Honda of Covington to present the event.

Advancing pediatric care at STPH has been the overriding cause near and dear to the hearts of past event chairs Sue Lavin, Allyson Sanderson, Lendon Noel, Jeanine Riecke, Deborah Ethridge and Elizabeth Stokes and honorary chairs

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The foundation believes Keeping St. Tammany Parish Hospital Healthy, Keeps Our Community Healthy. It is our honor and privilege to serve our community by raising the necessary funds that ensure STPH continues to be the number one choice for healthcare on the Northshore. We take pride in helping generous people accomplish great things. Thank you donors, volunteers and friends‌your support is worth a million!

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IN Development

by Julie Landry

THE ST. TAMMANY Economic Development Foundation helps businesses thrive in our parish, creating jobs, generating wealth and improving the living status of our neighbors. We work with existing businesses to identify and accommodate needs—whether for their staff or for their operations— through workforce development and community building.

And we attract new businesses to the area, helping prospects locate the perfect site for their facilities.

720,000-square-foot facility in Pearl River by 140,000 square feet. The new facility will cover 860,000 square feet.

Associated Wholesale Grocers invested over $15 million, committing to create 35 new jobs and retain 280 jobs.

But projects often take years to complete—our completed totals in no way represent the full extent of our work. We also cooperate with local land owners to develop Certified Sites in St. Tammany.

Site selectors choosing locations for companies prefer to work with Certified Sites; they come shovel-ready for the business. At the moment, we have five Certified Sites in St. Tammany, amounting to over 700 acres worth of available land. We anticipate more Certified Sites by the end of the year. Our databases also includes 120 green fields and 97 available buildings.

The wide variety of business and office parks in St. Tammany also makes us an attractive option for businesses. Currently, St. Tammany offers 14 business

St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation So far this year, our dedicated staff has completed 10 projects, announcing the relocation or expansion of 10 different businesses. In total, these 10 companies have funneled over $35 million into St. Tammany, creating 539 net-new jobs and retaining over 2,000 jobs that might have moved elsewhere. Three of these projects brought new companies into St. Tammany.

The remaining seven represent expansions of existing businesses—of businesses who chose to grow in St. Tammany and hire more employees. While we hear most often about new businesses, expanding businesses truly reflect the strengthening business climate. These companies are selecting our parish again, and they are able to do so because of their successes here. Both Netchex and Associated Wholesale Grocers committed to expand this year.

Payroll-services company Netchex invested over $5 million, committing to create 240 new jobs and retain almost 90 jobs.

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and office parks: along interstates, beside colleges and in high-traffic areas.

Versailles Business Park—the newest of these facilities— has 92 acres in the unincorporated area of Covington. It will integrate a mix of corporate offices and Class A office space with retail and residential spaces.

Tamanend, a mixed-use development north of Lacombe, spans 848 acres. The development will contain a business park, residential areas and a satellite campus of Northshore Technical Community College.

Increased wealth opens pathways to better lives.

And with the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation working to facilitate economic growth and job generation in St. Tammany, those new investment dollars from new and expanding businesses spread across the parish, benefitting all the residents who build their careers and their lives in the area.

Julie Landry is the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation communications specialist.

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

Joann Marie Rudd and John Todd Gregory wed along the Tchefuncte River at the Abita Roasting Company in Madisonville. The bride’s V-neck gown glimmered, with a shirred bodice, illusion neckline and crystal belt. Her bridesmaids chose their own gowns in various shades of pink. The theme of the celebration, New Orleans meets Napa Valley, boasted pinks and seersucker blue and an eclectic mix of flowers, including bouquets of mixed pinks by the Design Sisters. A custom band, musicians Durand Jones, Cody Coulon, Miles Lyons and Carter MacFarland, played Dixieland jazz for the ceremony before leading a second line to Friends Coastal Restaurant for the reception. DJ Gene Fabre played music for guests to dance and send the newlyweds off to honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

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photos: KRISTIN AND HEATHER WEDDINGS

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Victoria Elizabeth Beveridge and Matthew Killeen Morales were married at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington. Victoria’s Mori Lee gown was accented with crystal-beaded embroidery and appliques. During the ceremony, she wore a cathedral-length veil, changing later to a hand-beaded veil. The wedding party and guests moved to Friends Coastal Restaurant for the reception, where Charles Furlan played the piano during cocktail hour. The arrangements of white and peach roses with white alstro, limonium, gladiolas and hydrangeas, made by Florist of Covington, complemented the coral, vintage-gold and Tiffany-blue color scheme. After dinner, guests danced to music by Rock-it Productions DJ. The couple honeymooned for three weeks in Europe that included Oktoberfest in Munich.

photo: SABREE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Dorsey-Baker

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Elinor O’Reilly Dorsey and Noah Benjamin Baker exchanged vows at the Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in New Orleans. The bride wore a custom gown of ivory silk gazar designed by her cousin, Kathleen Van Horn of KVH Designs and a veil of antique family lace worn by many family members on their wedding days. Her bridemaids graced the ceremony in pale pink haltertop dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. A multitude of white wreaths, hanging kissing balls and seasonal green and white floral arrangements decorated the nearby reception. The arrangements and bride’s three-tiered cake were by Meade Wenzel.

Guests celebrated the newlyweds well past midnight to music by The Compozitionz.

The couple honeymooned in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

IN the Spotlight Night of Fashion St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Saks Fifth Avenue and Inside Northside teamed up for the sixth Night of Fashion event benefitting the advancement of pediatric care at STPH. Haute Couture Title Sponsors were Honda of Covington and David and Carolyn Briggs.

Guests gathered at the Tchefuncta Country Club to enjoy cocktails, a seated dinner, exciting raffles, giveaways and a live auction led by Bob Breck. After dinner, partygoers filed into the ballroom for the northshore’s only true New York-style runway show. Saks Fifth Avenue models boasted fall looks, winter accents and fabulous evening wear. A special highlight this year was an expanded showing of menswear on the runway.

This year’s event took the total raised by the Heart, Night, Soul and Look of Fashion since inception over the $1 million mark.

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1. Jeanette West, Judy Herman, Nancy Box and Pauline Mouier at

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the Beau Chêne Garden Club’s brunch at Benedict’s Plantation.

2. Stylist Maddie Hubert, Lori Chopin and Gayle Reuling at Air Salon and Blow Dry Bar after Lori received a “Blown Away 3

Makeover.” 3. Rikki Gallup, Lauren Gonzales and Holly Camp at Cameo Boutique’s Wine Down Wednesday event. 4. David Roussel, Benjamin Newman, Hannah Miller, Mitchell Mejia, Alexandra Dedinsky and Doug Ferrer after the St. Tammany Cancer Fund Scholarships were presented to Benjamin, Hannah,

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Mitchell and Alexandra (Not pictured is scholarship winner Audrey Robles). 5. Northshore members of Kappa Delta at

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LSU celebrate Bid Day with new pledges from the CovingtonMandeville area. 6. Pete and Cindy Caruso with grandson Declan at Friends Fest at City Park.

7. Members of the Covington High School Class of 1975 gather for their 40-year reunion.

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Above: Honorees Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Adrianne LeBlanc, Connie Uddo, Denise Thornton, Yvette Jones, Anne Milling, Sally-Ann Roberts and Margaret Orr. Left: Members of the Louisiana Tiffany Circle with Hoda Kotb.

The Power of Women photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The American Red Cross Celebrates Some of New Orleans’ Finest

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS “Power of Women” luncheon was hosted by the Louisiana Tiffany Circle, a select group of women focused on the American Red Cross mission. Olivia Manning and Lori Murphy served as the chairs of the inaugural event. “It was an incredible day for the Red Cross, the women of the Tiffany Circle and the women who were honored,” says Murphy, who also serves as chair of the Tiffany Circle in South Louisiana. “The room was electric— we brought together an amazing group of incredible women who accomplished extraordinary things post-

Katrina at a time when New Orleans really needed it.

Everyone at the event could feel the energy and spirit of New Orleans!”

The keynote speaker was Hoda Kotb—a New Orleans fan favorite. Kotb, co-host of the fourth hour of The Today Show, was happy to accept the Tiffany Circle’s invitation to speak at the event. An anchor and reporter at WWL-TV from 1992 to 1998, she still has quite an affection for the city and visits often.

Beginning with a signature ‘selfie’ photograph with the crowd of 600 people in the ballroom of the >> November-December 2015 125

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Marriott, Kotb spoke of her love of and palpable affection for New Orleans and its soul—that same soul that could not be broken by storms or flood waters. She recounted her experiences as a journalist covering Hurricane Katrina. “It was hard to do my job. My heart was breaking,” said Kotb. Her tales ran the gamut from serious to humorous, and the audience hung on her every antidote, rewarding her with a standing ovation at the end.

Kotb was introduced by her friend and (sometimes) WWL colleague Archie Manning. In her remarks, she apologized to him for bringing up the Saints’ Super Bowl victory, saying, “The score was Saints 31, and the Colts had… less than 31…sorry about Peyton, Archie,” as she pressed her point about the city’s resilience since 2005. “Analysts tried to write this city off—they must have never met a New Orleanian!” Of course, this was met raucous applause from the crowd!

Louisiana ARC CEO Kay Wilkins and Tiffany Circle members Cindy Nunez, Susan Currie and Jennifer Rice orchestrated the ceremony and introduced the honorees. Each of whom had, in her individual way, played an intricate roll in the city’s recovery, and those in attendance made their gratitude heard! Honored were: Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Yvette Jones, Tulane University Executive Vice President, University Relations and Development; Adrianne LeBlanc, Principal of St. Dominic Catholic School; Anne Milling, Co-founder of Women of the Storm; Margaret Orr, WDSU-TV meteorologist; Denise Thornton, Beacon of Hope Resource Center; Sally-Ann Roberts, WWLTV co-anchor and reporter; and Connie Uddo, St. Paul’s Homecoming Center in Lakeview, currently Hike for KaTREEna, which replaces lost greenery and green space.

Among the members of the Tiffany Circle in attendance were Charlotte Bollinger, Christine Briede, Patricia Brinson, Pat Brister, Sheryl Duplantis, Joni Eaton, Emily Hamner and Sharon Poirrier.

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1. Chris and Linda Dautreuil at the opening reception of the Rise Delmar Ochsner exhibit at the Atrium Gallery at Christwood. 2. Skye Margolies, Lynn Wessel, JosĂŠ-Maria Cundin, Marion Cundin, Nina English and Rise Ochsner.

3. Jim and Margie Valliant.

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2 1. Amy Sellers and Amiee Dodds at the Professional Women of St. Tammany’s annual “Putting on the Glitz” fundraiser at the Maritime Museum. 2. Kerri and Robbie Lawless. 3. Steve and Ann Kern with Jim Seitz at his art opening at Huff Harrington Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. 4. Bret Kolman, Scott Boudreaux and Blake Bourque at the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce luncheon partnered with the Northshore Healthcare Alliance.

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IN the Spotlight Kickin’ Parkinson’s In support of Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research, Kickin’ Parkinson’s produced yet another successful party. Hosted

by Stone Creek Club & Spa, the event featured live music

by Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, food from 31 restaurants, wine pairings and a silent auction.

Over 550 guests dressed in their ‘boots casual’ attire and kicked up their heels for the cause. The goal of $300,000 was exceeded for the second year in a row, with a total of $310,000 being submitted to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. A very special thank you to Ken Matherne, of the Global Wildlife Foundation, for leading the way with his generous Top Kicker Donation.

All proceeds help accelerate research, treatment delivery and ultimately, a cure.

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1. Robin and Grayhawk Perkins at the St. Tammany Art Association’s Architecture of Art exhibit, partnered with the New Orleans Museum of Art. 2. Rolland Golden and Bill Binnings. 3. H2O Salon’s Heather Mahoney, wearing a Kevan Hall Sport golf dress, tees off with her son Matthew.

4. Saint Scholastica Academy alumna Lillian Guttuso with recent SSA graduates Taylor Sims, Allyson Lacoste and Molly Stalter, who pledged Chi Omega at the University of Alabama.

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1. Dr. Ed Martin, Sharon Toups, James Core, Patti Ellish and Kerry Milton at the opening of St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Ochsner Health Network’s new pediatric specialty clinic. 2. Jamene Dahmer and Lt. General Russel L. HonorÊ at the inaugural Winn-Dixie Resilience Awards honoring individuals and organization that made significant contributions to the recovery and rebirth of Gulf Coast communities since Katrina. 3. Courtney Evans and Kendal Francis. 4. Joey

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Medina, Mohamed Abul-Hawa, Terrance Osborne and Timothy Darby.

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IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party Inside Northside and the Junior League of Greater Covington joined forces with the West St. Tammany YMCA for a reception honoring artist Jim Graham. His September cover image, a large-scale canvas titled Pink Champagne Makes a Purple Toast, was on display.

Valerie Thibaut, poster artist for the 2015 Harvest Cup Polo Classic, was also featured, and members of the JLGC shared information about the October 25 event. Artist James Michalopoulos, who donated an original work for the Harvest Cup auction, was on hand to mingle with the attendees and show some of his striking canvas work.

Generous thanks go out to the Truitt Law Firm who sponsored the evening. In addition to the art, everyone enjoyed the wine, refreshments and live music they provided.

Benefits of Home Gala The Benefits of Home Gala, the annual fundraising event for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, sponsored by Hub International, was hosted by Franco’s Health Club and Spa. Guests enjoyed an evening of food prepared by local chefs, music by the John Gray Jazz Band and a live auction with WDSU reporter Heath Allen serving as master of ceremonies.

Denise Ragan chaired the gala and Alan Zaunbrecher was co-chair.

The gala raised more than $150,000 this year, bringing its four-year total to more than $650,000. All of these gifts stay local, providing vital cancer services to the northshore. The Greater Northshore President’s Council of MBPCC thanks everyone who helped organize and support this year’s successful event.

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INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-5837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950.

St., 893-4312. Seafood platters and po-boys.

Blvd., Ste. A, 871-0711. Open 7 days a week, lunch

columbiastreetseafood.com.

and dinner. A new age American restaurant concept with Mediterranean influences. gloryboundgyroco.com.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N.

MCC.

Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste. 500, 875-

Live music Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner.

7620. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis,

covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME.

calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

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

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

Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner

salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out.

and Sunday brunch. Online take-out orders at

italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri Bar, 70437 Hwy. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712.

21, 893-1380. jerksIslandgrill.com.

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 812

Tues-Sun. MCC.

MCC, RR.

Hwy. 190, 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 809-6313.

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-

service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner

1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com.

seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

MCC, RR.

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59,

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-6460. Great

Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily

food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner.

lunch specials, local produce, Louisiana seafood,

dimartinos.com. MCC.

everything housemade. lolacovington.com.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-0708.

2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids

Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 2466155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-4992. Lunch,

eat free on Sundays. MCC. McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15, 898-2800.

DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St.,

Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes.

Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC.

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

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean

dicristinas.com. MCC.

northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites.

cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 8097669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373.

Best po-boys in the world.

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880.

Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a familyfriendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396.

Catering, Sunday brunch, daily lunch specials, 72

new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 8930406. megumirestaurant.net.

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111.

Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads, pizzas, calzones. 20 craft

Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 234-9086.

beers on tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and

Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri,

dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

10:30am-2:30pm. MCC. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake Dr. #1, 898El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

6362. menchies.com.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., 898-

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300 River Highlands Blvd.,

3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event

893-2422. Open seven days a week, lunch and

teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving

dinner. Known for famous specialty burgers and

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

“havin’ a good time!” mugshotsgrillandbar.com.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190,

875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and

893-3866. MCC.

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

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992.

Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. gallaghersgrill.com.

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Cafè,

MCC.

MCC, RR.

2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 893-1488. Full service,

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-6158. Soup and

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200 River

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding

salad specialists. coffeerani.com.

Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am. nonnaskingcakes.

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia

Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500 River Highlands

beers on tap. Lunch and dinner. chimesbeeru.com.

year-round bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

com. MCC.

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11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

Louis Prima Dr., 871-6975.

11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

northshoreempress.com.

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop, 100 Osaka West Japanese Restaurant,

Tyler Square, 276-2377. Creative

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

osakawest.com

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

Ox Lot 9, 488 E Boston St., 400-

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St.,

5663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

oxlot9.com. MCC.

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

1331 N. Hwy. 190 Ste. 100, 893-

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic

1382. Authentic, fresh Mexican

Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private

cuisine. Mondays, two for one house

meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

margaritas all day. Kids eat free on Tuesday nights. Open 7 days a week

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

for lunch and dinner. MCC.

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

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

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, Tues-

St., 809-3840. Japanese cuisine and

Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour,

sushi in a casual atmosphere. MCC.

Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., 327-0520. Inspired American food.

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

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

HAMMOND

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

MCC, checks, ME.

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

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe,

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

Catering. MCC.

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME. Don’s Seafood & Steak House, Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

and catering. MCC.

542-0043. Catering, special events, weddings. Casual fine dining, chargrilled

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts

steaks, gulf fish, fresh seafood, house

with the Original Soda Fountain

specialties. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

& Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St.,

checks.

892-7220. Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a

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

week.

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll,

Sake 21 Japanese Restaurant,

sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

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

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

6990. Special salads, spring rolls,

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

soups, noodle and curry dishes.

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

outstanding service and value. Live

i music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

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atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse,

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC,

845-3855. Casual ambiance on the

checks.

Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, WedSun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

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

MANDEVILLE

Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr.,

MCC, checks.

727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch and

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

MCC.

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Trey Yuen Cuisine of China,

Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday

2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789.

brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

Innovative quality Chinese food served in Imperial surroundings. treyyuen.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

com. MCC, checks.

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W.

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch!

Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches. anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A great place to start your

Café Lynn Restaurant and

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-9007.

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and

LACOMBE

Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207

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

Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining

5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.

with a great atmosphere. MCC,

com. MCC.

checks.

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674La Provence Restaurant, 25020

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh combines hospitality with

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway

French cuisine and welcoming

Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-

hearths. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

tossed pizza and Italian foods cooked

laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC,

on stone using the finest ingredients.

checks. RR.

MCC.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190,

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

882-9443. Great food and line of

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

retail products. Family-owned for 27

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

years. Veal is the house specialty.

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

MADISONVILLE

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

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

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 6249704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Steak, crab

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR.

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

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods>>

November-December 2015 137

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g for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr.,

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

George’s Mexican Restaurant,

Louie & The Redhead Lady,

1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342.

2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044.

Family owned. Fajitas, George’s

louieandtheredheadlady.com.

nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC,

1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano,

ME.

other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

lunch, daily specials.

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR. Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida

Square Shopping Center, 674-9883.

St. (in the Florida Street Market),

Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and

674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant.

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and

com.

pasta. isabellapizzeria.net.

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252.

Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine

Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch,

in or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC,

dinner. megumirestaurant.com.

checks.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552.

Great food and margaritas. Lunch,

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for

dinner, catering. MCC.

dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart.

Casual fine dining, daily lunch/dinner

Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N.

specials, private events, catering.

Causeway App., 626-9183. Lunch,

jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

dinner.

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials.

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

Mon.-Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Express lunch and daily lunch specials under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm;

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for

com. MCC.

fine dining daily for dinner or special events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional

American cuisine with fresh,

recipes, outstanding service and value.

local ingredients. Family-friendly

Live music. Lunch and dinner seven

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. Closed

days a week. carretasrestaurant.com.

Tuesdays.

MCC. Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

Hwy. 190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.

yogurt that is the perfect balance of

com.

sweet and tangy paired with high quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

toppings.

Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

pinkberry.com.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations. lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565. Catch your morning

138

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buzz at the convenient drive-thru! Catering. pjscoffee.

food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com.

com. MCC.

MCC, checks.

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-2042. Chicken

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd., 201-8905.

lunch and dinner. brennansneworleans.com. MCC.

fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, texas toast,

Po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

RR.

Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166. Sunday

Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur, 504-529-2154.

brunch, live entertainment, fine wines and spirits.

Dinner, Sun-Thurs, 5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm.

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829.

Open seven days a week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC.

Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday Evenings.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364. Lunch,

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 288-5061. Home-style

dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Italian, seafood, and barbecue.

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy.

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

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

190, 624-8955.

seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.

lunch and dinner. carretasgrillrestaurant.

com. MCC.

com. MCC.

Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020. Great

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel

Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly

Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-523-3340.

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

Creole dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Brennan’s. 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711. Creole traditions and contemporary influences. Breakfast,

signature secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and catering. MCC.

cafegiovanni.com. RR. Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888.

Finest Chinese cuisine.

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

Open seven days. Gourmet coffee & tea. Breakfast

hotelmonteleone.com/criollo/. MCC, RR.

and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St.,

and Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

641-1911. Casual dining in former bicycle shop.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713 Lake Ave.,

Kids’ menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne.com. MCC,

504-831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana

checks.

seafood prepared in Creole seasonings, available in

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 6269159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch and dinner.

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

deanies.com. MCC.

Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-7917. Lunch,

the water tower for Ahhhfull-waffles, Sugar Watcher

dinner.

specials. Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC,

Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397.

checks.

Open Monday through Saturday. Dinner.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-

gautreausrestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055.

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

Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant au gratin.

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St., 504-525-1486.

Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

Award winning gumbo and soups, ship nationwide.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway

Lunch and dinner. gumboshop.com.

Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty

flair. Lunch, dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining featuring seafood,

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

steaks and pasta. MCC.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza,

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A

30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd., 201-

teas. Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. MCC.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy. 190 E., 629-2021.

“Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter. 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500. Casual dining in

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-

a fine dining atmosphere with experienced waitstaff,

0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

fresh dishes and made-from-scratch menu items.

PONCHATOULA

Open for lunch and dinner. lpkfrenchquarter.com.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315 Gause Blvd.

51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com.

E., 781-7272. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 147

MCC. Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., 504553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-0930. Festive Mexican

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St., 639-3335.

Offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes,

Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more.

classic Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of Quail

outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch

Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

and Oysterman’s spaghettini. Revolutionnola.com.

and dinner seven days a week. carretarestaurant.

MCC. RR. The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177.

com. MCC. SLIDELL

Deli restaurant, lunch, 11am-3pm. Sandwiches,

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524 Severn Ave., 504-455-

soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks.

2266. Seafood, filets and Italian. Breakfast and lunch.

A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 6390600. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-9768. Italian

Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. riccobonos.com. MCC. NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-525-4455. Fresh

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine St, 504-322-2188.

local ingredients, balanced yet complex dishes.

Lunch and dinner specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch,

Lunch and dinner. bayona.com. MCC.

Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm. warehousegrille.com.

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Reader Resources Contact Us: You may contact us by mail, phone, fax or on our website: Mail: Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 Telephone: 985-626-9684 Fax: 985-674-7721 Website: insidenorthside.com Receiving Inside Northside in Your Mailbox?

You are on our mailing list, and you will continue to receive Inside Northside every other month at no charge.

Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible.

Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisers’ locations or at Barnes & Noble, 3414 Highway 190, Premier Centre, Mandeville, La. Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside Northside, to our sister publication Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at subscriptions@insidepub.com.

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140

Inside Northside

Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon............985-626-1402 70

ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Georgian Furnishing/Berger Home....................

ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE North Oaks Eye Care Clinic.........985-230-2937 91

All Wrapped Up/Buckle my Shoe...985-778-2041 86

....................................georgianfurnishing.com 43

North Oaks Health System..........985-230-7870 51

American Factory Direct..............985-871-0300 70

Gild Home Decor........................985-629-4002 71

North Shore Square Mall............985-646-0661 4

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor..985-727-9787 85

Glory Bound Gyro Co..................985-871-0711 8

Northshore Harbor Center..........985-781-3650 121

Armbruster Artworks Studio........985-630-6295 56

GNO Property Management.......504-528-7028 26

Oasis Day Spa, The.....................985-624-6772 56

Aromatica Day Spa.....................985-892-5186 85

Grande Opus..............................985-888-1420 30

Oil & Vinegar..............................504-610-3963 81

Banting’s Nursery.......................985-882-5550 111

H2O Salon.................................985-951-8166 52

Old Rail, The...............................985-612-1828 113

Barley Oak, The..........................985-727-7420 113

Hemline.....................................985-778-0906 96

Olive Patch.................................985-327-5772 95

Beau Provence...........................985-778-0755 44

Hestia Luxury in Linens...............985-893-0490 85

Outdoor Living Center................985-893-8008 112

Berkshire Hathaway - Penfed Realty...850-267-0013 9

Hormone Therapy Centers of America...985-898-1940 115

Paisley.......................................985-727-7880 95

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.......504-522-9485 15

Huntington Learning Center.......985-727-0000 56

Palatial Stone & Tile....................985-249-6868 12

Blue Williams LLP.......................985-626-0058 79

Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy...985-778-5338 29

Palm Village...............................985-778-2547 96

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers................................

Infusé, Oils & Vinegars................985-778-0903 22

Pan American Power...................985-893-1270 64

.................................. boudreauxsjewelers.com 19

Integrity Builders, Inc..................985-626-3479 77

Paradigm Health System.............985-882-4500 62

Boussard’s.................................504-581-3866 13

Istre Hearing Care......................985-845-3509 111

Paretti Jaguar/Land Rover...........504-887-2969 22

Bra Genie...................................985-951-8638 91

Ja-Roy Pest Control....................985-892-6882 64

Park Provence............................985-781-0072 44

brown eyed girl..........................985-626-0100 96

Jennifer Rice, Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s.............

Personal Care MD......................985-778-2330 108

Brown Family Orthodontics ........985-626-8297 115

.................................................985-966-1321 119

Pine Grove Electric.....................985-893-4003 81

California Closets.......................504-828-5705 6

Jos. A. Bank................................985-624-4067 96

PJ’s Coffee...................................pjscoffee.com 136

Cameo Boutique........................985-231-1332 99

JuJu’s Boutique..........................985-624-3600 91

Planet Kids.................................985-845-0377 126

Carreta’s Grill ....985-871-6674, 985-847-0020 77

La Bella Vita Laser & Vein...........985-892-2950 63

POSH Boutique..........................985-898-2639 92

CDN Clothing.............................985-327-7300 92

La Carreta .................................985-624-2990 132

Precision Sewing Machine Company...985-249-6156 67

Cedarwood School.....................985-845-7111 27

Lakeside Shopping Center... lakesideshopping.com 17

Private Beach.............................985-674-2326 99

Center for Restorative Breast Surgery....504-899-2800 45

Lakeview Regional Medical Center....................

Protect Painters..........................877-212-4071 46

Children’s Hospital............chno.org/orthopedics 7

.......................................lakeviewregional.com IBC

Raising Cane’s.........................raisingcanes.com 138

Christwood Retirement Community...985-292-1234 16

LCI Workers’ Comp.....................512-612-1230 106

Ross Hogan, MD........................985-892-4544 74

Columbia Street Mercantile........985-809-1690 95

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry...........504-832-0000 IFC, 3

Rug Chic....................................985-674-1070 60

Creative Network Solutions........985-635-9439 112

LiveEdge, LLC.............................985-231-9208 140

Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The...985-231-7632 138

Cypress House, The.....................985-629-4656 37

Louisiana Custom Closets...........985-871-0810 133

Sculpting Center of New Orleans...504-309-9456 82

De Boscq Jewelry.......................985-674-0007 GATE

Louisiana Family Eyecare............985-875-7898 128

Shoefflé.....................................985-898-6465 95

deCoeur.....................................985-809-3244 82

Louisiana Heart Hospital.............985-871-4114 11

Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health...

DeLeon and Sons, LLC................504-628-1363 140

Louisiana Heart Medical Group...985-400-5566 25

.................................................985-249-7022 107

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts......985-892-2317 91

Mandeville Party Company.........985-674-3983 60

Southland Plumbing Supply........504-893-8883 28

Dependable Glass Works............985-892-0999 79

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center....985-898-4581 102

St. Joseph Abbey........................985-867-2227 59

Designs in Windows...................985-209-1689 140

mélange by KP...........................985-807-7652 81

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation...985-898-4141 116, 117

Diane LaPlace, Team LaPlace......985-727-7105 119

Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans...504-456-3727 5

St. Tammany Parish Hospital.......985-898-4000 GATE

Dupont Air Conditioning & Heating , LLC..........

Metabolic Anti Aging Center.......985-212-7972 47

State Farm Insurance, CJ Ladner...985-892-5030 82

.................................................985-893-6778 53

Michalopoulos Gallery......... michalopoulos.com 71

Stone Source..............................985-892-0695 52

Earthsavers................................985-674-1133 81

M’liss Hogan, MD, LLC...............985-898-1106 74

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop.............985-276-2377 75

EMB Interiors.............................985-626-1522 59

Money Hill Golf & Country Club...985-892-3300 109

TerraBella...................................985-871-7171 119

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories....985-778-2200 99

Monmouth Historic Inn...............601-442-5852 129

Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers......985-626-5098 114

Empire Studios...........................985-778-9181 37

More Smiles...............................985-231-5844 69

Truitt Law Firm, llc, The...............985-327-5266 86

Etan Enterprises.........................985-898-3462 43

Mudbugs Creative Designs.........985-795-3233 82

Villa, The....................................985-626-9797 99

Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar...........985-624-9704 137

Mugshots Grill & Bar..................985-893-2422 8

Village Executive Office Suite, The....985-727-6700 75

First Bank and Trust.....................FBTonline.com 21

Murphy Appraisal Services..........985-626-4115 136

Vine...........................................985-951-0005 92

Fitness Expo...............................504-887-0880 101

Nash Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.............

Water Street Wreaths.................985-792-7979 86

Fleurt.........................................985-809-8844 92

.................................................985-871-4300 140

Wealth Management Services.....985-809-0530 46

Florist of Covington....................985-892-7701 101

Natchez Grand Hotel, The...........601-446-9994 129

Weimer Family Dentistry.............985-727-1800 137

Franco’s Athletic Club.................985-792-0250 BC

Niche Modern Home..................985-624-4045 103

Windsor Senior Living Community, The..............

french mix, the...........................985-809-3192 53

Nonna Randazzo’s.....................985-893-1488 86

.................................................985-624-8040 51

North American Insurance Agency Of Louisiana, Inc. .................................................985-871-5480 102 November-December 2015 141

Last Bite

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop

STEP INTO SUGARBEAR’S SWEET Shop for an afternoon pick-me-up or to place an order for one of their many creative treats. Owner Jerry Hayes has been baking for more than 15 years.

His passion for creating custom cakes and treats turned into a full-time business just over two years ago.

Sugarbear’s offers cakes for all occasions—weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, showers and more. Jerry enjoys working with customers to design the exact cake they are wishing for. He says, “We get a wide variety of requests for cakes, and every cake we do is different. Whatever idea our customer has, we are happy to try it.” An example of his custom cakes is the pictured three-layer red velvet cake with buttercream icing, which Jerry graciously did at our request. Atop the cake are fresh strawberries drizzled with white chocolate; the sides are adorned with chocolate fleur de lis.

“Besides cakes, we serve petit fours, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and turtles,” Jerry says. “Our almond petit fours are a crowd favorite. For the holidays, we make holiday candies, including peanut butter balls, and my family’s recipe, fruitcake cookies.”

Tip: As carnival season approaches, don’t forget to ask Jerry about his signature King Cake Bread Pudding!

Owner Jerry Hayes will greet you with a smile at Sugarbear’s

Tyler Square, Covington.

Open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday, 10am to 3pm. 276-2377. sugarbearssweetshop.com.

142

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Sweet Shop located at 100

by Leah Draffen