August-September 2017 Issue of Inside New Orleans

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JUST MOVE! •

BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL. 4, NO. 4

August-September 2017

Publisher

Vol. 4, No. 4

Lori Murphy

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Editorial Interns

Rebecca Perrette

Alexa Mamoulides

Jan Murphy Leah Draffen

Contributors are featured on page 16.

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Art Director

Graphic Designer

Brad Growden Jennifer Starkey

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Business Manager

Senior Account Executives

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Account Executives

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On the cover

Contact

mail P.O. Box 6048

Metairie, LA 70009 phone

(504) 934-9684

fax (504) 934-7721 Artist Billy Solitario Sunset on Horn Island Find more on page 18.

website www.insideneworleans.net

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INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 6048, Metairie, LA 70009 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copy­right ©2017

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 New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

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Inside New Orleans

contents table of

page 32

page 63

page 38 page 80

Features 18 Contemporary Realism Cover Artist Billy Solitario 32 Layers of Interest 38 The Renaissance Man and His Muse

Russ and Sandra Herman 46 Just Move!

80 Lagniappe!

The Louisiana Purchase gave the United States the city of New Orleans... plus 15 states.

Orthopedics and

Sports Medicine 2017 Follows page 45.

Business & Leadership 2017 Follows page 65.

8

Inside New Orleans

page 59

contents table of

Departments

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note

84 IN Great Taste Cookout-Friendly Appetizers

15 Reader Resources

87 INside Dining

16 Contributors

90 IN Love and Marriage

24 INside Scoop

91 INside Peek Featuring: Let Them Eat Cake The Queen’s Birthday Brunch 2017 Women IN Business Luncheon Raphael Village SOSUSU Sixth-month Anniversary Celebration Richardson Society Soirée Juleps in June Orleans Club Closing Reception

30 INside Story Awe, More or Less 52 At the Table Al Fresco Is Not My Best Friend 56 Wine Cellar Old World Wines Made in the New World?

59 Flourishes

Extraordinary gifts and home accents 63 INside Look True Blues

page 84

98 Last Bite

Antoine’s Restaurant

Sounding the Alarm

by Lori Murphy Most of us think the American Red Cross is the non-profit, volunteer organization that provides food and shelter to those devastated by hurricanes, wind and water. That is certainly what I thought until I joined the SELA Board of Directors in 2007. While huge weather events catch headlines, the most common disaster threat is a home fire. It is surprising to realize how many people have been affected by a home fire, my family included. Comforting those families, often in the middle of the night, is what our volunteers do more than anything else. It is sad that last year in Louisiana, 45 people died in home fires, nine of those right here in Southeast Louisiana. And many of those fire deaths could have been preventable.

The American Red Cross will Sound the Alarm this fall through a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events in the New Orleans area and in more than 100 high-risk communities across the United States.

“More than 60 percent of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm, which is why the goal of Sound the Alarm is so vital,” says Joshua Joachim, regional chief executive for the Red Cross of Louisiana. “Sound the Alarm will be one of the largest, state-wide preparedness efforts the Red Cross has embarked on in our state, requiring the full engagement of our team, our partners and our volunteers.”

The Home Fire Campaign, begun in 2014, is working. Eleven New Orleanians have already been saved by the campaign’s installed fire alarms. During September and October, we will kick the effort into high gear with Sound the Alarm. Save a Life. Red Cross volunteers will partner with local fire departments in Orleans and Jefferson parishes to install 1,000 smoke alarms and educate families about fire prevention.

“By volunteering, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life,” Joachim said. “Volunteer to install smoke alarms in our community on Saturdays from September 23 to October 14, make a financial contribution, and/or take steps to protect your family from home fires.

p.s. If you live in the New Orleans area and need a working smoke alarm, call the New Orleans Fire Department at (504) 658-4714.

If you want to find out more about getting involved as a volunteer or donor for Sound the Alarm, Save a Life, log on to redcross.org/ SoundTheAlarmLouisiana or email me at lori@insidepub.com.

12

Inside New Orleans

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell Life happens. Even when we are not looking.

“Hi, Nini. I’m calling because Todd and I have some news…” Wait—WHAT? When did my niece get old enough to get engaged? When did my brother get old enough to be the father of the bride?

What’s happening? Life’s happening.

For my brother, it may be happening a little too fast.

“Come on, Dad. We have appointments all day to look at venues and churches.” I thought he was going to faint. I got to

ap, Elizabeth and her father, John Dunl with a week before he left for Iraq

tag along with the family for the day and check things out, but

the National Guard in 2004.

mainly I kept my eye on him. He was still processing this entire concept. Not at all sure what to do with all of the emotions he was feeling. I think he felt like he glanced away only for a second, and there she goes. That is far from the case as we all know, but knowing it and living it are two very different things.

Don’t worry, John. She is not going anywhere. Elizabeth will always be your girl—and soon you will gain a son-in-law! The key word in that sentence is son. My brother has five girls!

Speaking of life … Michael Harold has been in mine for most of it. Friends since we were 14 years old, it all began with laughter. I love a funny guy, and boy, he was hysterical. Still is.

This issue’s INside Story on page 30 is quintessential Michael.

Our cover artist Billy Solitario has lived a lot of his life on the Gulf Coast. As Shauna Grissett tells us on page 18, New Orleans is lucky to have this talent now living locally and set up on Magazine Street.

I think you will enjoy learning about lives of Sandra and Russ Herman. Kim Bergeron writes about this dynamic and generous couple on page 38.

So put your feet up, forget about life for a while and enjoy reading this August/September issue of Inside New Orleans. Don’t forget to take a good look around once in a while, because life, it is happening, and nothing will be exactly the same the next time we look up!

Congratulations, Elizabeth and Todd!

Elizabeth Dunlap and Todd Ollre,

14

Inside New Orleans

2017.

Reader Resources Contact Us: Telephone: (504) 934-9684 Fax: (504) 934-7721 Website: insideneworleans.net

Receiving Inside New Orleans in Your Mailbox?

You are on our mailing list courtesy of Inside New Orleans and our advertisers.

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, 3721 Veterans Blvd., Metairie.

Subscribe: To subscribe to 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. Subscriptions are $18 for one year, or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send both your old address and new address. The post office does not forward magazines.

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Inquire and Share Ideas: Do you know a person, organization or endeavor we might consider featuring in our pages? Or a great storyteller who may want to write for us?

Please contact the editor at editor@insidepub.com.

Contributors Our contributors give Inside New Orleans 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.

Other Voices: Lisa Fremont, Candra George, Ann Gilbert, Thomas B. Growden, Yvette Jemison, Bill Kearney, Rebecca Perrette and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

Shauna Grissett Shauna Grissett grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, the University of Virginia and the Fashion Institute of Design’s one-year fashion design program. She worked in New York’s rough-and-tumble garment industry for over sixteen years before returning home. Shauna has been writing a fiction book based on her former life on Seventh Avenue for the past few years. When not writing or working on community endeavors, she is busy taking care of her beloved 13-year old English Bull Terrier, who has more “people” than J.Lo. Shauna’s article on cover artist Billy Solitario is featured on page 18.

Kim Bergeron

Tom Fitzmorris

Michael Harold

Kim Bergeron is the Executive Director of the St. Tammany Art Association and a fierce advocate for the arts and artists. She is the founder of Artists & Causes, working to bring together artists of all genres and nonprofit organizations for successful fundraising efforts. She is also an avid writer whose blog, RightBrainDiaries. com, has been honored with awards from the Public Relations Society of America-New Orleans, the Public Relations Association of Louisiana and the Press Club of New Orleans. In this issue, she writes about Russ and Sandra Herman (page 38).

Tom Fitzmorris grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his Creole-French mother until he left home. Not long after that, he began writing a weekly restaurant review column that has continued 42 years. In 1975, he began a daily radio feature, which grew into his current three-hour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. He is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu.com), and joins us At the Table on page 52.

Michael Harold grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Martin’s Episcopal School, The University of the South and LSU Law School. Fluent in Spanish and French, he is also a classical pianist. Michael practiced law for more than 23 years and is now a legal recruiter. He is a contributing writer for Local Palate magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. In his spare time, he coordinates the renovation of a 19th century home in New Orleans. In this issue, Michael tells his INside Story on page 30.

16

Inside New Orleans

Contemporary Realism

by Shauna Grissett

18

Inside New Orleans

I ARRIVE EARLY for my interview with the renowned painter, Billy Solitario. While I wait on the porch of Studio Solitario on Magazine Street, I flip through the postcards printed with reproductions of the artist’s work left for passersby. Crab Claw with Tattoo, oil on canvas, catches my eye and I look, really look, at the striking image. The seemingly ordinary becomes exceptional: the claw’s many beautiful colors, its spiky angular ridges juxtaposed to its curves, the glossy patina … its teeth. I continue to gaze at the image and the seemingly endless shades of blue blend and morph into each other.

Dressed casually in shorts and a baseball cap, Solitario soon appears and warmly welcomes >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Cover Artist Billy Solitario

20

Inside New Orleans

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

me into the spacious front room of the renovated shotgun, which serves as the artist’s gallery. The cool off-white walls are covered in still lifes, landscapes, figural works and small studies. There are many depictions of seascapes, and I can practically taste the mollusk’s briny edge as I view the large canvases. Solitario’s paintings display a strong sense of composition and craftsmanship and are commanding in their presence.

Solitario is outgoing and straightforward when he talks about his work and motivation. There are no complex narratives, despite the expert and intricate use of color, perspective and spatial cues in his paintings. “I was born in California but was raised on the Gulf Coast, in Gautier, Mississippi. We moved there when I was a little kid. I love nature—it’s the inspiration for all of my work. And, I also love the Gulf Coast. I always knew that I wanted to paint it. But, I wanted to know how to paint what I saw; that was really

important to me. So, the first part of my career was devoted to learning how to paint.”

The artist attended the University of South Florida in Tampa and received his bachelor’s in painting in 1994. “I had a great time.

But I discovered that most of my professors didn’t know how to draw or paint—they were products of the 1950s and 1960s, when representational art had practically died out and abstract expressionism was what everybody was doing. No one knew how to draw any longer.”

After he graduated from college, Solitario moved to New Orleans. “I was drawn to Auseklis Ozols to learn the craft of painting.

Auseklis held out during the 1960s and stuck to realism. He understands and is able to teach the disciplines of painting and the virtues that come from the hard work of truly looking at the beauty that surrounds us. He knew the physical act of rubbing pigment onto the canvas.” Ozols founded the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts in 1978 and currently serves as director and as an instructor at the Academy. In 1997, Solitario was awarded the prestigious Gwendolyn Ozols Scholarship at the Academy and studied painting full-time.

Fortuitously, while Solitario was at the Academy, the Sylvia Schmidt Gallery (now closed) asked for their three students to fill-in for an artist who had canceled. The up-andcoming painter was asked to be in the show.

“I sold a lot of pieces and realized that I could actually make a living at this. How fun is that!”

Solitario recounts this story exuberantly, as if he just realized he could support himself by painting for the first time. He eventually moved to the LeMieux Gallery, where he has remained ever since. Solitario went on to earn his master’s from Tulane University in 2003. Never far away from the academic environment, he teaches >> August-September 2017 21

22

Inside New Orleans

Four or five of us would sail there in a skiff or a sailboat, and it was our own private island. We’d pretend to be pirates!”

Solitario always sketched from as far back as he can remember. “I drew constantly. Perhaps I was just a tiny bit better than the guy next to me at school in terms of natural talent. But the difference was I drew constantly, and the more I drew the better I became and the more motivated I became. I was always interested in drawing what I was seeing, the visual world in front of me rather than drawing creatively, out of my head.” Drawing did something else for Solitario—it helped him combat his reading disabilities. “I had dyslexia, and drawing was my escape. Exercising that part of my brain helped me with the dyslexia; it kind of rewired my brain and propelled me into the visual world.”

“Contemporary Realism” is how Solitario describes his painting. “It’s tighter than Impressionism but looser than Photo Realism.” He paints landscapes on site and then finishes the canvases in his studio from photographs. “You have to work really fast on site to get the colors, the clouds and the sky down. My favorite place to go is The Fly, looking out on the river.” In terms of subject matter, clouds are currently of particular interest to Solitario. “I love clouds. The clouds and the sky are often my substitute for nature in the city.”

The painter’s newest venture is a cookbook, On the Coast: Mississippi Tales and Recipes by Troy Gilbert and Matthew Mayfield, art by Billy Solitario. “I did the cookbook with my best friend, Matthew, who is a CIA-trained (Culinary Institute of America) chef. We grew up on the island together. The writer is a relatively new

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

a class in portrait painting at the Academy every semester. And the artist can frequently be found there as a student in the open figure drawing classes. Solitario’s early training consisted of figure drawing, among many other things, and he has a particular fondness for it. He sells his pen-and-ink gesture studies at his studio, and the sketches reflect his mastery over the human form.

His light-filled atelier on Magazine Street is where Solitario paints as well as sees clients by appointment. Not only is his workspace sunny but, it’s organized, something that isn’t always expected of creative types. “I am really into efficiency and getting things done. If you are going to make a go of painting for a living, then you have to paint constantly.

When I go on vacation with my family, I fill up sketchbooks the entire time I’m away.”

Solitario lives in New Orleans with his wife, Nici, and their ten-year-old son, Enzo. He continues, “We are going back to Venice this year. I love Italy, I’m Italian!” The artist has a boyish fervor about not only his painting but about seemingly everything in his life.

Our cover painting, Sunset on Horn Island, depicts the two most powerful themes in Solitario’s work: nature and the Gulf Coast. Both were cultivated in his youth, from his early experiences along the Gulf Coast and on Horn Island. “Our house was right on the Mississippi Sound and I had a dream childhood. I grew up like a little wild kid, barefoot, no shirt and running around the woods. Horn Island is one of my favorite places. It was just seven miles off shore from where I lived.”

As the painter talks about Horn Island with youthful animation, it’s as if he’s lost in his own daydream, “As a kid, it was so cool to have this island just over the horizon.

friend of ours.” The book is a welledited collection of photographs, quotes, Solitario’s beautiful art and Mississippi stories; it is available at Amazon, in local bookstores and at Solitario’s studio.

Billy Solitario has spent years training and refining his painting skills to become the master he is today, and his success is well earned. As for his future plans, he says, “I am starting to work with bigger brushes, and I am getting looser and looser. Hopefully, I will be an abstract expressionist by the time I am sixty! Why not? I could be! I still love nature, and I still love the figure and being out in nature, but as I get older I could see myself just falling in love with the color blue and painting only blue. I am open to anything. I love painting, and I love people who paint. Who knows where I am going with it?

As long as you are being true to yourself you are winning.”

Studio Solitario is located at 4531 Magazine St. 905-4175.

BillySolitario.com. Solitario’s next show will be at the LeMieux Gallery from November 20, 2017, through January 2, 2018, with an opening reception on December 2, 2017. The Lemieux Gallery is located at 332 Julia St., 504-522-5988. Solitario’s paintings are in the permanent collections of the Ogden Museum of Art, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art and the Whitney National Bank, among many others.

August-September 2017 23

INSIDE a handy guide to events and entertainment in and around New Orleans

NOLA on Tap

September 23 NOLA on Tap. Benefitting the Louisiana SPCA. Largest beer fest in the region with live music from Miss Mojo, The Breton Sound and Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes, 430+ beers, food, contests, art, dog friendly. 12-7pm; VIP early entry, 11am-12pm. $25-$50.

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA SPCA

nolaontap.com.

24

Inside New Orleans

August 1-31 COOLinary New Orleans.

During August, experience cuisine that is an integral part of the history and culture of New Orleans. Specially priced prixfixe lunch and dinner menus. coolinaryneworleans.com.

1-Oct 8 Jim Steg: New Work. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir. noma.org.

1-Oct 8 New at NOMA: Recent Acquisitions in Modern and Contemporary Art. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir. noma.org.

1-Oct 8 Regina Scully. Japanese Landscape: Inner Journeys. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir. noma.org.

1-Oct 16 The Georgian Collection at M.S. Rau Antiques. 630 Royal St. 224-5132. rauantiques.com.

1-Oct 21 A Most Significant Gift: The Laura Simon Nelson Collection. More than 80 works from artists such as Wayman Adams, Jacques Amans, Knute Heldner, Morris Henry Hobbs, Clarence Millet, Achille Peretti, Paul Poincy, Ellsworth Woodward and William Woodward. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm.

Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.

1-Dec 2 Storyville: Madams and Music. The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4pm. Free. hnoc.org.

1-Dec 17 Giants of Jazz: Art Posters and Lithographs by Waldemar Swierzy from the Daguillard Collection. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. Tues-Sat,

>>

August-September 2017 25

Inside Scoop 9:30am-4:30pm. Free. hnoc.org.

2 Lift Your Spirits and Enrich Your Life.

Whitney White Linen Night. Juried exhibition promoting contemporary art

Transitioning to a senior living community.

practices. Ogden Museum of Southern

St. Anthony’s Gardens, 601 Holy Trinity

Art, 925 Camp St. 5:30-9:30pm.

Dr, Covington. 10:30-11:30am. Shannon

ogdenmuseum.org.

Hedrick, MSW, (985) 750-4394.

3 Satchmo SummerFest Kickoff Party

5 Whitney White Linen Night. Enjoy live music, art, and breezy summer clothes

and The Spirit of Satchmo Awards.

in this New Orleans tradition. 300-600

Music by Germaine Bazzle, hors

blocks of Julia S. 5:30-9:30. Free. 528-3805.

d’oeuvres, full open bar. Omni Royal

5-Oct 1 Ephemera Obscura. Opening

Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St. 7-9pm.

season celebration of New Orleans

$65; couple, $100. 522-5730. fqfi.org.

Tricentennial. Contemporary Art Center’s

4-5 The Rat Pack is Back. A tribute to

annual open call exhibition of work of

some of the greatest performers of all

over 30 regional artists who examine the

time. Benefitting the Jerusalem Shriners.

relationships of objects to experiences

Jefferson Performing Arts Center,

of places and cultural identities.

6000 Airline Dr, Metairie. 731-4700.

Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.

jeffersonpac.com.

4-6 Satchmo SummerFest. Presented by

528-3805. cacno.org.

9 August Power Lunch. New Orleans

Chevron. Celebrating the life, legacy and

Chamber. Sponsored by Fidelity Bank.

music of Louis Armstrong with over 100

1515 Poydras St, 5th floor auditorium.

musicians including Kermit Ruffins & the

Registration and networking,

Barbecue Swingers, John Boutte and

11:30am; program, 12-1pm.

The Preservation Brass. Festival debuts

Members, $10; nonmembers, $20.

by Stephanie Jordan, Quiana Lynell,

neworleanschamber.org.

David L. Harris, Pin Stripe Brass Band,

12 Dirty Linen Night. 40 galleries and

and Ashlin Parker Trumpet Mafia. New

shops, local art, music and plenty of food

Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint and

and beverages. Royal St. 7pm. Free.

other locations. 522-5730. fqfi.org.

dirtylinennola.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 “Legacies for All” Estate

10 Summer of Sustainability at the

Planning Day. Schedule a time to

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

confirm your estate plan, which includes

All-inclusive five-course dinner; wine

a Will, Power of Attorney, and Living Will.

pairings; proceeds benefitting G.U.L.F.,

Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795 W.

Audubon’s sustainable seafood program.

Causeway App, Ste 103A, Mandeville.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas,

9am-3pm. $500 per basic estate plan.

1 Canal St. 6:30-9:30pm. $150.

(985) 951-2177.

audubongulf.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 The Artful Palate. Ralph

12 Red Dress Run. Presented by New

Brennan Restaurant Group cooking

Orleans Hash Harriers. Unlimited beer,

series at the New Orleans Museum of

great food, 2-mile run/stroll, live music.

Art. 1 Collins Diboll Cir. 6:30pm. Free.

Proceeds support over 100 local

cafenoma.com.

charities. Crescent Park, French Quarter.

5 Louisiana Contemporary Opening Reception. Presented by the Helis Foundation in conjuction with

12:30pm. $60-$80. nolareddress.com.

15 Lafayette 148 Trunk Show. Ballin’s LTD, 806 E Boston St, Covington.

(985) 892-0025.

17 Benefits of Home Gala. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Benefitting cancer patients on the northshore.

Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. 6:30pm. $150. marybird.org/ benefitsofhome.

18 Business & Breakfast. Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Best Western PLUS Landmark Hotel & Suites, 2601 Severn Ave, Metairie. 7:45-9:45am.

Chamber members, $10; nonmembers, $20. jeffersonchamber.org.

26 Sixth Annual Senior Moments Gala.

Evening of music, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and cuisine to benefit the Jefferson Council on Aging. Patron Party, 7pm; gala, 8pm. $70-$300. 8885880. jcoa.net.

26 Ultimate Tailgate Party VII. Presented by the Exchange Club of West St. Tammany benefiting the Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Wounded War Hereos and Upward Community Services’ 4:13 program. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr, Covington. 7-10pm. $75. sttammanyexchange.org. ultimatetailgateparty.org.

30 Chamber After 5. New Orleans Chamber. Complimentary hors d’oeurves and specialty drinks options. Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton St. 5:30-7:30pm.

Members, free; non-members, $10. neworleanschamber.org.

September 1 The Artful Palate. Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group cooking series at the New Orleans Museum of Art. 1 Collins Diboll Cir. 6:30pm. Free. cafenoma.com.

1-Oct 1 Ephemera Obscura. Opening season celebration of New Orleans Tricentennial. Contemporary Art Center’s annual open call exhibition of work of

>>

August-September 2017 27

Inside Scoop over 30 regional artists who examine the relationships of objects to experiences

9:30am-4:30pm. Free. 523-4662. hnoc.org.

1-Dec 2 Storyville: Madams and

Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium, 310 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux, La. Sept. 8-9,

of places and cultural identities.

Music. The Historic New Orleans

10am-5pm; Sept. 10, 10am-4pm. $10.

Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.

Collection’s Williams Research

tawasi.net.

528-3805. cacno.org.

Center, 410 Chartres St. Tues-Sat,

1-Oct 8 New at NOMA: Recent Acquisitions in Modern and

9:30am-4pm. Free. hnoc.org.

1-Dec 17 Giants of Jazz: Art Posters and

9-Oct 28 The Rediscovery of a Southern Regional Artist. Collection of works of Martha Wright Ambrose. Atrium Gallery,

Contemporary Art. New Orleans

Lithographs by Waldemar Swierzy

Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd,

Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir.

from the Daguillard Collection. The

Covington. Free. christwoodrc.com.

noma.org.

Historic New Orleans Collection, 533

11, 13, 20, 27, 29 Spend the Day at UA!

Royal St. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm.

Live a day in the life to find out what

Free. hnoc.org.

it’s like to be an Ursuline girl. Ursuline

1-Oct 16 The Georgian Collection at M.S. Rau Antiques. 630 Royal St. 224-5132. rauantiques.com.

1-Oct 21 A Most Significant Gift: The

8-9 Farm & Table Experience. The South’s premier conference and festival

Academy High School, 2635 State St. 866-5292. Register, uanola.org.

Laura Simon Nelson Collection.

highlighting locally sourced food. Ernest

More than 80 works from artists such

N. Memorial Convention Center, 900

Chamber. Sponsored by Fidelity Bank.

as Wayman Adams, Jacques Amans,

Convention Center Blvd. Free. 582-3072.

1515 Poydras St, 5th floor auditorium.

Knute Heldner, Morris Henry Hobbs,

8, 9 Sennod Jewelry Trunk Show. FeBe,

13 Power Breakfast. New Orleans

Registration and networking,

Clarence Millet, Achille Peretti, Paul

474 Metairie Rd, Ste. 102, Metairie. 835-

8am; program, 8:30-9:30am.

Poincy, Ellsworth Woodward and William

5250. febeclothing.com.

Members, free; nonmembers, $10.

Woodward. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St. Tues-Sat,

8-10 TaWaSI Antiques and Collectibles Show. Over 48 dealers. Warren J

neworleanschamber.org.

14-17 New Orleans Burlesque Festival.

23-24 Fried Chicken Festival. Presented

Comic emcees, singers and variety

Events presenting at The Monastery,

acts at varied locations, including the

1236 N Rampart St. 5:30-7:30pm.

by Cane’s. Food, family, music and

Queen of Burlesque competition at Civic

Members, free; non-members, $10.

the celebration of the classic Southern

Theatre and Mondo Burlesque showcase

neworleanschamber.org.

dish. Football Fan Zone, Kids’

at Harrah’s New Orleans. Prices vary. neworleansburlesquefest.com.

15 Hope Grows Here Fall Gala. Celebrate

22 Business & Breakfast. Jefferson

Coop, Sucre Sweet Spot and more.

Chamber. Crowne Plaza New

Woldenberg Park, 1 Canal St. Free.

Orleans Airport, 2829 Williams Blvd,

friedchickenfestival.com.

29 New Orleans Chamber &

the success of scholars and collegians.

Kenner. 7:45-9:45am. Chamber

Delicious cuisine from local restaurants,

members, $10; non-members, $20.

Entrepreneurs’ Organization 3rd

specialty libations, luxury auction to

jeffersonchamber.org.

Quarter Luncheon. Keynote speaker

benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope. The

22 State of the Art. Open to all 4th-7th

Jack Daly on “Coaching Companies to

Pavilion of the Two Sisters, City Park.

grade girls. Performing and visual arts,

Greater Sales and Profits.” Afternoon

7-10pm. $125. boyshopegirlshope.org.

fun activities, and a yummy dinner.

workshop available: Hyper Sales Growth.

Ursuline Academy, 2635 State St. 866-

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal

5292. Register, uanola.org.

St. 11am-1pm. Before Sept. 1, members,

15 Martini Madness. Featuring 25 daring martinis and New Orleans top restaurants. Proceeds benefit

23 NOLA On Tap. Benefitting the Louisiana

$50; non-members, $60. Members, $55;

the restoration of Popp Bandstand.

SPCA. Largest beer fest in the region

non-members, $65. Workshop, $99.

Arbor Room at Popp Fountain, City

with live music from Miss Mojo, The

neworleanschamber.org.

Park. 8-11pm. $45-$65. 483-9376.

Breton Sound and Johnny Sketch & The

friendsofsictypark.com.

Dirty Notes, 430+ beers, food, contests,

20 Chamber After 5. New Orleans Chamber. Pigeon Catering and

Send your event information to scoop@

art, dog friendly. 12-7pm; VIP early entry,

insidepub.com to have it featured in an

11am-12pm. $25-$50. nolaontap.com.

upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans.

August-September 2017 29

INside Story

by Michael Harold

IN AUGUST OF 1983, I drove with my parents during the middle of a paralyzing heat wave to the hills of Tennessee, where I would attend college for four years. No sooner was I assigned a dorm room before my mother was spraying the room with Lysol and organizing the place. I couldn’t hide my embarrassment when my freshman roommate from Marietta, Georgia, showed up to introduce himself as my mother was taking over the management of our future lodgings. The look of bemusement on his face was priceless when my mother declared the place “a lovely dawmitory.” Lord, that accent.

I realized then that you can take a lady out of New Orleans, but you can’t take New Orleans out of the lady. And, you certainly can’t remove her

a lady in a swanky Garden District home saying “New Oyenz” while someone in an outer-lying parish might say “New Wallinz.” I’ve heard locals use variations such as “New Allyunz, Nyu’awlinz, and even New Walleeuhnz with four syllables— but never, God forbid, NEVER, “Nawlins.”

Thanks to my native New Orleans parents, I grew up repeating their words and naturally, dropped a number of Rs myself before too much TV and radio curtailed it. In fact, my first spelling humiliation occurred as a result of R-lessness.

It happened one afternoon in third grade when the crotchety homeroom teacher wrote students’ misspelled words on the blackboard and sure enough, mine was up there, front and center. At

Awe, More or Less

30

Inside New Orleans

R-lessness. In case you’re wondering, R-lessness is a term that exists—I promise I’m not making it up.

I first learned the term “R-lessness” during a lecture about American dialects. The speaker was an English professor from the East Coast who discussed how inhabitants of certain U.S. cities dropped Rs after the certain vowels like O and A or at the end of a sentence. The speaker (or, better yet, “speeka”) played a recording of a fireside chat given by Franklin Roosevelt and a second recording of a Brooklyn cop. Despite the differences in their accents and upbringings,

the time, I blithely assumed the common illness was spelled “sowa throat” as in “boa” or “Noah,” but much to my shame I learned the word was “sore” as in “more” or “core.” It didn’t end there.

As a kid, I took it for granted that people put their “unda-draws in chesta’ draws” and nothing seemed strange when “Nash Robbits” reported on a tropical “stawm neah’ Pawda Reeka.” We attended church services with our “Grandfawtha” where hymns were played by an ’awganist named Charlotte. More like “Shawlitt,” actually.

At the start of my junior year, much of my

they both shared one common trait: R-lessness.

According to the professor, the habit of dropping the R is still alive and well in three metropolitan areas, namely, Boston, New York and of course, New Orleans. A prime example is how some locals pronounce the name of their own city. Picture

local accent had dissipated; however, the incoming freshmen still had their local patois, and I loved it. Six that year came from New Orleans, three of whom went to my high school and one was my cousin Ed. The first week of school someone asked me, “Is your cousin from New Jersey?” and

the following week I heard someone say “Y’all, it’s so cute. Bess just ordered a sandwich with lettuce, tomato and my-nezz!” Fortunately, none of the group went as far as to “make groceries” or even worse, tell someone “they been knowin’ me fa’ evva.” By the time I entered graduate school, answering machines came into fashion, and unlike today’s voice mail, messages were stored on cassette tapes and played back for the whole world to hear. Nothing could make a young adult blush quicker than a message from a parent. In my case, the opening line, “Michael? It’s ya’ mutha” plagued me for years. Today, I wish I still had those old cassette tapes.

Only in recent years has it started to dawn on me that some of the locals who drop Rs are also inclined to add Rs. I tried looking it up, but there was no such word, so I’m officially creating the term, “R-moreness.” Haven’t you ever heard someone in New Orleans order a “vodker and tonic?” Or, has your host asked you to have a seat on the “sofer?” It’s not a common occurrence, but when I hear it, I can’t help grinning.

My favorite was the time I ran into an acquaintance at Breaux Mart who told me that he and his wife “Linder” were going to see a play at “Ler Petite Theater.”

For someone who treasures local accents like I do, that double whammy made my day. Personally, I see nothing wrong with it. I like our habit of dropping the occasional R and putting it back in the wrong place. It’s part of our charm. After all, this is the city that “care fuh-got.”

August-September 2017 31

Layers of Interest

by Lisa Fremont

A beautifully tailored hexagonal center table covered in fabric by Quadrille takes center stage surrounded by classic Chippendale side chairs in a creamy Hermès leather. An original fireplace mantel is flanked by fabulous green and turquoise bookshelves.

32

Inside New Orleans

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

THERE ARE WELL-DECORATED HOUSES, and then there are wonderfully appointed spaces that contain myriads of fabulously interesting treasures that all perfectly meld together to create the harmony of a home. It takes real skill and precision to make this very intentional collection of eclectic riches appear haplessly thrown together. But it is this perfected assembly of collections and acquisitions >> August-September 2017 33

Right: Striking photograph of Indian man by David Hillegas hangs above Eli Ali pen and ink.

Both poised over beautiful 18th century Louis Philippe chest from Ware & Co.

Above: Luscious deep blue velvet from Lee Jofa covers club chairs

by Jonas. Chandelier

shades hangs above coffee table from Ware & Co. Wonderful vintage floor pillows from Katie Koch.

34

Inside New Orleans

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

from Circa with custom

that give a home interest and intrigue.

Designer Wade Porter has achieved this artful composition through the layering of gems and oddities discovered while combing antiques shops as well as faraway beaches and back-alley boutiques.

Wade moved here from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, just over a year ago, but he has quickly become every bit a New Orleanian. He’s already found a seat on the Board of the Ogden Museum, and as do all true Nola residents, our every conversation was centered around restaurants and the love of all things edible.

His design talent is also showcased in a wonderful retail space on Magazine Street called Ware & Company, a chic and savvy showcase of his clever mix of 18th century antiques and modern whimsy. Another feather in his cap is a spot in the gorgeous upcoming coffee table book by Ronda Rice Carman featuring designers in their homes.

Ware’s design skill is further apparent at his home, a precious renovated shotgun nestled in the lower Garden District. His fearless love of bold color and pattern wash over visitors and transport them to >> August-September 2017 35

Below: A touch of whimsy is

A collection of antique military prints flanks a portrait

found in a fabulous antique bust

of Lord Byron from Neil Auction. Lucious deep camel

from Karla Katz Antiques adorned

custom sofa from Jonas. Rug from Langham & Fine.

with Ware’s straw fedora.

a higher plane. Each room is rich in detail; layers of pattern and texture. The seemingly careless, but very purposed mix of elegant navy blue with lime green and wisps of pale pink swirl around the room and elevate the mood. Gorgeous fine antiques are playfully balanced with striking contemporary art.

Touches of elegant whimsy keep the space fun and interesting.

Ware Porter’s historical uptown cottage is a virtual jewel box of color and collectables, an imaginative retreat demonstrating his flair for the eclectic and passion for detail.

Left: The exposed staircase adds interest to the downstairs powder room.

August-September 2017 37

It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.

The

Renaissance Man Muse Russ and Sandra Herman and His

by Kim Bergeron IF YOU’VE BEEN TO ANY of New Orleans’ many social events, there’s a good possibility you’ve been in the company of Russ and Sandra Herman. He is the self-professed student of Cicero, Shakespeare and the Greek philosophers, a man of wisdom and wit.

She is petite and picture perfect, yet, paradoxically, a powerhouse. Together, they are Crescent City royalty, celebrating the wonders of the kingdom they call home.

By day, Russ is a masterful attorney, respected by 38

Inside New Orleans

his colleagues, treasured by those he has represented, and considered by his peers to be among the top litigators in the country. But if you delve a little deeper, you’ll find a philosopher, poet, playwright and painter, for whom the art of words and pictures come with ease.

His wife, Sandra, is a savvy business woman and visionary, a trailblazer whose efforts have championed Louisiana’s natural beauty, shaped its cultural offerings and empowered women to dare, to dream and to do. The two are fierce advocates of human rights— humanitarians and philanthropists whose generosity has benefited many New Orleans organizations.

Among their favorites are those that showcase culture, including performing arts, ballet and art museums.

Russ and Sandra are incredibly accomplished, yet remarkably grounded. They share a love of interesting people and grand escapades, and they relish the everyday joys of life. Whether attending a black tie event, a quirky costume party or anything in between, they fully embrace every opportunity with an endearing combination of dignity and humor, making each the life of the party.

The walls of their St. Charles Avenue penthouse are adorned with an extraordinary collection of fine art, including the works of Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Delacroix, Bonnard and Tiepolo, a collection that begins on the first floor and continues alongside the winding staircase leading to the second. The breathtaking view from their patio balcony stretches for miles and miles, showcasing the community they love so dearly.

Clearly, for the Hermans, life is beautiful.

Russ is New Orleans born and reared, the first of five children and the son of an attorney in a family filled with the same. He is a partner in the firm now known as Herman Herman & Katz, LLC, founded by his father, Harry, and his Uncle David (sans Katz) in 1942. Through the years, the firm also has included his brothers Maury and Fred, and now his son, Stephen, continues the family’s legal legacy. Russ’ rich family history includes paternal grandfather, Jacob, an immigrant from the Ukraine. The cabinetmaker

photo: KIM BERGERON

– Marcus Tullius Cicero

had a shop on Magazine Street, and his workmanship was included in the original Louisiana governor’s mansion.

Russ’ mother, Reba Nell, was a pianist who composed music for theater and movie soundtracks, inspiring her son’s passion for the arts. She graduated from Newcomb College at the age of 18.

Among Russ’ maternal ancestors were a financier of the Revolutionary War and officers of both the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. In 1883, Russ’ great aunt, Emma Lazarus, was the poet who penned The New Colossus to help raise money for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The words of that sonnet— “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free … ”—were engraved on a bronze plaque that in 1903 became a permanent fixture at the base of Lady Liberty.

While Russ is proud of his heritage, it’s when he speaks of his parents that his eyes light up. “They were extraordinary people,” he says. “At a time when there were no attorneys who would represent African Americans, my father did so.

He ended up taking on about 30 such cases in St. Tammany and Washington parishes, for which his compensation came in the way of turkeys and gumbo.

He built a wonderful reputation as a fair and just attorney.” But his father’s decision to represent minorities did not come without consequences. Russ recalls coming home from school one day and seeing the racial slur “N*Lovers” painted in black on the family’s home. “Instead of removing it, my mother, who was a teacher, added underneath, ‘Yes, we are.’

It was a powerful moment,” he says. >> August-September 2017 39

After his high school graduation, Russ completed basic training in the Air Force National Guard, then went on to Tulane University. Fueled by his mother’s passion for the arts, Russ wrote a number of short stories, poems and plays. For a brief period, he contemplated moving to New York to become a playwright. But inspired by the lessons he had learned from his father, Russ recognized the need for fair legal representation for less-educated and economically disadvantaged citizens.

He went on to obtain his degree from his father’s alma mater, Tulane Law School, in 1966.

As Russ began his legal career in the big city of New Orleans, the young woman who would someday become his bride was living a much different life. Sandra’s father, Homer Smith, was one of nine children, born and reared outside the little town of Jena in central Louisiana. Her mother, Eric Elizabeth Wright, was from Baskin, a farming community in northeast Louisiana.

Sandra was the second of their six children. “My mother was a poet and an optimist who always saw the glass half-full,” says Sandra. “My father was an articulate Church of Christ minister who had the ambitious goal of starting a congregation in every parish in the state.”

These efforts brought the family to Bastrop, Rayville, Houma, Patterson, Morgan City, New Iberia, Pineville and then to Monroe, Louisiana, where Sandra graduated from Neville High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University. It was here that she met her future husband, Ron Thompson. The couple fell in love and married. While still in school, he worked two jobs, and she dropped out so she could work full time. The couple’s daughter came along a year later. The family spent several years in El Paso, where Ron completed 40

Inside New Orleans

photo: KIM BERGERON

his ROTC duties and the couple celebrated the birth of their son. They returned to Baton Rouge so Ron could pursue a law degree.

One day, Sandra’s chance encounter at a grocery store opened the door to what ultimately would become her career in government. As she was checking out, she offered to let a man behind her go ahead of her, as he had just a few items. The two struck up a conversation, and he asked if she was interested in a job, saying that he was always on the lookout for friendly people. As it turned out, that man was Wade O. Martin, Louisiana Secretary of State. Initially, Sandra was intimidated by the offer, but following the encouragement of her husband, she went in for a job interview. “The secretary offered me coffee in a little demitasse cup,” she recalls. “I was so nervous that my hand was shaking, and the cup was rattling. I had to put it down and hoped that no one had noticed.” A few weeks later, she received a phone call confirming that she had been selected for a position. It would mark the beginning of a career in government spanning 20 years and countless milestones, achievements and awards.

Sandra learned the many intricacies of running an office, and her dedication and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. When Governor John

McKeithen asked Secretary of State Martin to head up a project focused on the Atchafalaya Basin, Sandra embraced the invitation to become part of it. She recalls the first meeting relative to the project being quite contentious, with environmentalists and sportsmen on one side, landowners and oil company representatives on the other. It was Sandra who served as a mediator for both sides, eventually leading to a unanimous vote in favor of the project.

When the Atchafalaya Basin Project moved forward under newly elected Governor Edwin Edwards, its commission named Sandra as its head.

She also was offered an opportunity to present a proposal for restructuring a state department by bringing together agencies in a way that made good business sense. She recommended combining state parks, tourism, recreation and historic preservation divisions to form the state’s Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. She then brought the plan to Charles Roemer, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Administration, who was quite impressed and said he would take it from there. The administrator offered one bit of advice. “You’re just 29, and you’re a woman—don’t tell anyone you did this because nobody’s going to believe it,” he said. >> August-September 2017 41

Two years later, it passed, and based on Roemer’s recommendation, Governor Edwards appointed Sandra Secretary of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Following this success, when Paul Hardy was running for governor, colleagues convinced Sandra to run for secretary of state. She formed a task force, spent a day in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and was a front runner in the polls. In the end, she lost by a small margin.

That outcome led to the next chapter of Sandra’s life. She left her role in government in search of a job that would enable her to pay back the $200,000 in campaign debt she had amassed. After a bit of research, that plan evolved into an entrepreneurial endeavor, the foundation of SanSon, Inc., a transportation company serving the oil industry. “My goal was to spend a few years working to repay those loans,” she says.

After a challenging start, the three-truck business took off, bringing in $2.5 million the first few years.

The fleet grew to include 20 trucks and annual revenue of over $2 million. The business enabled Sandra to pay off all of the campaign debt and put her children through college, and while still operating

the company, she returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in government.

After 15 years, she sold the business and went back to work for state government. Sandra received a call from Jack Caldwell, secretary under Mike Foster, who advised her that $250 million in federal funds had been allocated for the Atchafalaya Basin Project.

She was invited to return to the project, an offer she accepted. Sandra led the task force that developed the state master plan, requesting an additional $85 million from the State of Louisiana. The project received 42 editorial endorsements and passed unanimously. What resulted included the creation of the Welcome Center at Butte La Rose, boat ramps providing access to the basin, parks and water management programs, garnering the project and its leader numerous national awards. Sandra went on to earn her MBA in 2003, and in 2007, following the successful completion of the Atchafalaya Basin Project, she retired.

Meanwhile, back in New Orleans, Russ was a rising star in the courtroom. The first of many high-profile cases was dubbed the “Howard Johnson

Honeymoon Death Trap,” and he represented the family of the young, newly married couple killed by sniper Mark Essex in 1973. In the end, the motel was deemed liable for substandard guest security.

The verdict, and several subsequent judgments against hotels with similar issues, led to significant improvements in hotel security nationwide, including the magnetized hotel room key cards that remain in use today.

One of the cases of which Russ is most proud was that which took on “Big Tobacco.” A series of class action cases with 30 appeals and a strategy to negotiate an individual case with the plaintiff versus Liggett Group provided remarkable results. “While CEOs of other companies appeared before Congress and swore under oath that nicotine was not addictive, for the first time in history, one company finally admitted that it is, indeed, addictive, that smoking causes cancer and that the tobacco companies targeted young audiences with their advertising,” says Russ.

That case led to a major global tobacco settlement undertaken in Washington, D.C., for which Russ was one of five lead negotiators. The

resulting judgment was $365 billion, which was later reduced to $246 billion, the largest settlement in U.S. history. The funds were distributed to participating states to cover Medicaid costs for illnesses caused by smoking, plus to create educational programs to generate awareness as to the dangers of smoking.

Russ calls the victory, “an historic turning point on the three-decade war on smoking, impacting thousands of lives.”

He also was lead counsel in a three-year trial against Big Tobacco that netted $200 million, placed in trust to the State of Louisiana for smoking cessation programs in hospitals and clinics. To date, over 65,000 people have utilized the program.

Other notable cases have included those in which “Big Pharma” companies have been deemed liable for damaging and deadly drugs, and representation of homeowners who were victims of defective Chinese drywall, the latter of which has produced $1.1 billion in judgments and settlements to date. He considers each of these cases injustices for the victims and remains adamant that those guilty of the transgressions be held accountable for their actions. >>

August-September 2017 43

Russ’ success in the courtroom has led to countless awards and accolades and numerous speaking and teaching engagements in Canada, Great Britain and 49 states, with Alaska sure to be a future stop. He has authored numerous articles and books, including a bestselling series of books and videos titled Courtroom Persuasion: Winning with Art, Drama and Science. The series’ book is currently in its fifth printing.

Among his more joyful opportunities were working with his brothers Maury and Fred on the negotiation of Tom Benson’s purchase of the New Orleans Saints; at one time, Russ was part owner of the team. He also served as “Pistol Pete” Maravich’s personal attorney and has represented celebrities including Def Jam Recording founder and entrepreneur Russell Simmons and Bethenny Frankel of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise.

Russ and Sandra met in 1979 when his firm supported her run for secretary of state. Their paths crossed again in 1998 when Sandra was a witness in a case Russ was trying. “I was impressed watching him work in that trial,” she says. “He was ‘in the zone.’ I don’t think he even remembers who I was.”

It would be a few years later until they encountered each other again.

While attending a holiday party hosted by a mutual friend, Sandra learned that Russ had been divorced a few years. At the time, she, too, was divorced, so the next morning, on a whim, she decided to give him a call. When he asked for a date that weekend, she said she was going to New Orleans to take a friend to a movie premier. They agreed to meet, drop her friend off and have dinner.

Russ admits he was quite smitten. “She put the hook in me,” he says. “I was dangling like a tarpon. It felt like we had known each other forever.” As time

went on, he proposed, and six months later, the couple married. That was eight years ago.

When he’s not in the courtroom, Russ enjoys painting, a hobby he started when he was 17 or 18, calling it “relaxing.” Though he had long since given it up, he was inspired by a photo of a sunset Sandra had shot from their balcony. He went to the store to purchase a canvas, oil paint and brushes and rediscovered that passion. He also continues to write poetry, often waking up in the middle of the night with inspirations that “flow freely.”

The couple enjoy traveling all over the world. They also love reading, and have hosted book signings and dinner parties with a roundtable full of authors.

“And JazzFest,” says Russ. “That’s my stomping ground.”

Both Russ and Sandra are actively involved in the community. His philanthropic efforts have included work with the Jewish Federation, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Contemporary Arts Center. He also serves on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations. She serves as president of the Advisory Board of the Louisiana Center for Women in Government and on the boards of the State Museum Foundation and BRAVO (Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization.) She is also a member of First Lady Cheryl Landrieu’s Gallier Hall Restoration Committee and was recently appointed to First Lady Donna Edwards’ Louisiana First Foundation Board of Trustees. The non-profit foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Louisiana children via education, with emphasis on arts, music and movement.

Sandra remains a champion of women’s rights, and continues to work to mentor and inspire women. She has amassed numerous awards and recognition for

photo: KIM BERGERON

her work in the arts, conservation, public service and women’s rights.

She says that for the many organizations with which she is involved, she brings one rule to the table: “No mean girls allowed.” She believes that all women should follow the code of supporting each other.

“When we work together, we can accomplish anything,” she says. “I’m proud to say that with all of the diverse women’s groups with which I work, we collaborate together beautifully.”

“Sandra has done extraordinary

work for Louisiana women in government and business,” says Russ.

“I’m very proud of her. She reads, she’s curious, and she’s a wonderful companion and life mate. I’m more in love with her today than I was yesterday.

“Every day, he finds a new way to ask me to marry him, all over again,” she says, with a twinkle in her eye. “And every day, I accept his proposal. He’s such a romantic.”

It’s safe to say that for this royal couple of St. Charles Avenue, the honeymoon is just getting started.

August-September 2017 45

t s Ju

Orthopedics and sports medicine 2017

MOVE! Why is physical activity so important for health and well-being?

There are so many reasons why regular activity boosts your health. We know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know it can also improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life?

Most people experience increased energy and an improvement in overall well-being as physical activity becomes routine. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help relieve depression and may even lower your risk of developing it. Being physically active also helps maintain a healthy weight.

About 70 percent of American adults are overweight, and more than one-third are obese. This means higher risk for many serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

The why.

Here are just a few of the ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better. Because, why not?

It’s a natural mood lifter.

Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know that “feel good sensation” you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects!

Most people notice they feel better over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of their lives.

It keeps you physically fit and able.

Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t stop moving from growing old—you grow old from stopping moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities.

It helps keep the doctor away.

Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watch more than four hours of television a day had an 80 percent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

46

Inside New Orleans

Being more active can help you:

activity each week. That’s only 30 minutes a

• lower your blood pressure

day, 5 days a week. And three 10-minute brisk

• boost your levels of good cholesterol

walking breaks count toward your goal.

• improve blood flow (circulation)

You don’t have to be a gym hero to get

• keep your weight under control

enough physical activity to improve your health.

• prevent bone loss that can lead to

There are a lot of ways to make regular activity

osteoporosis

part of your life, which can help you have more

All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions and medications later in life!

energy, handle stress better, reduce your risk of illness and disease and look and feel good! It’s pretty much a no-brainer. But most of us (about

It can help you live longer.

80 percent of Americans) don’t make exercise

It’s true that 70 is the new 60—but only

a regular habit. And many say it’s because they

if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven

just don’t like it.

Instead of forcing yourself to do something

years longer than those who are not active

you don’t enjoy, find ways to exercise that fit

and are obese. And the important part is that

your personality. If you’re a social person, do

those extra years are generally healthier years!

something that engages you socially—take a

Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic

group dance class, join a recreational sports

illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So

team, or start a walking group with friends.

active adults maintain their quality of life and

Connecting with your peeps is a great way to

independence longer as they age.

stay motivated and avoid working out alone.

If you’re more of a lone wolf, running or

Here are some other benefits you may get

swimming might be a better fit. And if you’re

with regular physical activity:

not a morning person, you’re not likely to get up

• Helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.

at the crack of dawn to make a boot camp class.

• Boosts your energy level so you can get more done.

It can take a while for a new behavior to become a habit, so give yourself time to get

• Helps you manage stress and tension.

into a regular routine. One way is to try to be

• Promotes a positive attitude and outlook.

active around the same time each day. Exercise

• Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more

can become addictive in a good way. Once it

soundly.

becomes a habit, you’ll notice when you aren’t

• Improves your self-image and self-confidence.

• Provides fun ways to spend time with family, friends and pets.

• Helps you spend more time outdoors or in your community.

The how.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate

doing it.

Where to start? Start small. As they say, just move. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Just start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.

Information for this article was obtained from the American Heart Association News.

Orthopedics and sports medicine 2017

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we think about the exercise itself. Worrying that “I might make it

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dedicated to athletic safety

worse” can keep us from getting back up on the horse, so to speak.

conditions. Board Certified Hand

through education, prevention,

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and treatment.

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recognized for their expertise and

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successful outcomes.

cooling down after your workout also has positive results. It is

48

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their field.

Inside New Orleans

Standing (Left to Right): Jeffrey J. Sketchler, MD, Charles G. Haddad, Jr., MD, Joseph L. Finstein, MD, Harold M. Stokes, MD; Sitting (Left to Right): Michael Zeringue, MD, MPH, John Carradine, DPM, John G. Burvant, MD, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD, Keith Melancon, MD (not pictured).

Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine extensive and impressive experience in Orthopedics

Consultant for both the NCAA Division I Women’s

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and Sports Medicine. All physicians are board

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have provided quality medical care to the greater

certified in their area of expertise.

NCAA Division III National Soccer Tournament.

For over 30 years, the doctors and staff of

New Orleans community. As a full-service medical

Dr. Carradine recently joined the practice in

Also sports-minded, Dr. Melancon attended

facility, the team of doctors and fully staffed physical

May 2017 and brings years of experience in the

LSU, where he was a three-year letterman in

therapy department can provide everything you

surgical care of the foot and ankle. Dr. Michael

football and the starting offensive guard for the

might need to get back to your everyday quickly.

Zeringue, MPH, is a triple-board-certified physician

1986 SEC championship team. He completed

Patient Lindsay E. says: “The arthritis in my

in Pain Management, Sports Medicine and Family

his medical degree at LSU New Orleans and then

knee had become unbearable. The doctors and staff

Medicine and specializes in interventional spine

received his residency training at University of

at Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

and ultrasound-guided injections.

Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

were caring and helpful from diagnosis through my

When Dr. Stokes joined, he added the

All Orthopedic problems related to the neck

subspecialty of Hand Surgery to the group. Also

down to the feet of both adults and children can

in Hand Surgery, Dr. Donnelly is an Orthopaedic

be treated at Pontchartrain. Conservative treatment

the care of the musculoskeletal system, which

Surgeon who specializes in Hand and Upper

is always first before a decision for surgery is

includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons,

Extremities. Dr. Donnelly focuses on all aspects

made, and patient input is given the highest

muscles, nerves and related structures of the body.

of injuries and ailments affecting the hand, wrist,

consideration during any course of treatment.

Playing recreational or professional sports can be

elbow and arm in adult and pediatric patients.

If injury or discomfort arises, let the team at

fun, satisfying, and a great way to stay in shape.

He is especially interested in minimally invasive

Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine help

Unfortunately, even the best athletes fall victim to

arthroscopic surgery of the hand and wrist.

you get back in the game.

knee replacement surgery rehab.”

Pontchartrain physicians specialize in

sports injuries. “I hurt my shoulder in a wrestling

Several Pontchartrain physicians serve

match,” says patient Brian P., “but Dr. Haddad was

local high school teams, earning the respect of

able to quickly diagnose, treat my injury and get me

student athletes and their parents and coaches. Dr.

back on the mat.”

Haddad, for example, has worked with Hahnville

Drs. Charles G. Haddad, John G. Burvant,

High School and Jesuit High School, while Dr.

Jeffrey J. Sketchler, Michael Zeringue, Joseph

Finstein serves as the team doctor at De LaSalle

L. Finstein, Keith Melancon, Harold M. Stokes,

and the team Orthopedist at St. Charles Catholic

Brandon P. Donnelly and John Carradine offer

High School. He has also served as an Orthopedic

Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has two locations: Metairie, 504-885-6464; Boutte, 985-764-3001. posm.org.

August-September 2017 51

At the Table

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Tom Fitzmorris

52

Inside New Orleans

A COMMON QUEST among New Orleans diners is for restaurants with outdoor dining. Because surely, with all its courtyards and patios and sidewalk tables, our city has many options for al fresco dining.

Doesn’t it? I mean, you give it moment’s thought, and you envision the Court of Two Sisters, and Commander’s Palace, and ... let’s see … who else?

The fact is that our town doesn’t have as many courtyards for full-service dining as you might suppose. And, to tell you the truth, I never thought that Al Fresco was much of a host for fine dining.

There’s a reason for this paucity of courtyard dining: the weather. During long sections of the calendar, it’s too hot to dine comfortably outdoors.

Thanks to global warming, other parts of the year get battered with tropical thunderstorms and worse.

Nobody I know likes eating in the rain, not even with a big umbrella mounted over them. And when we get

she really does feel strongly. And add that she has a special favoritism for restaurants with outdoor tables. I asked her for a list of such places and she immediately batted out forty-three of them.

I will go through that list to eliminate the mediocrities in the food. While I’m busy with that, please read my thirteen-best list of restaurants with outdoor dining that also excel in the culinary departments. Please know that no matter what the weather is like outside, I’d prefer dining in a nicely air-conditioned dining room.

into festival seasons—Carnival, Jazz Fest, etc.—the unfortunate cold winds and colder rains make dining in the open air intolerable.

On the other side of that disappointment is good news. When the city and the surrounding suburbs passed ordinances allowing sidewalk tables in many parts of town, the number of outdoor dining possibilities increased greatly. To make sure that this is a reality, not another supposition, I checked in with an authority on the subject: my wife, Mary Ann. She is a serious student of dining outdoors and has been to most really nice courtyards and sidewalk dining opportunities.

I can prove her authority with this oftenproclaimed opinion of hers: “I would rather eat in a beautiful restaurant with average food than in a place with the best food in town but not-so-good surroundings.” I can attest that this is something

sidewalk tables. Left out: Café Degas, whose deck-like dining room is sort of outdoors but sort of not. Slip it into this ranking wherever you think it belongs—and it should be in here somewhere.

1. Brennan’s. French Quarter: 417 Royal St. 504-525-9711. For most of its history, the courtyard at Brennan’s—certainly one of the prettiest places in the French Quarter—was not used for dining.

The new owners, led by Ralph Brennan, spent tens of millions of dollars in the restoration. One of the best parts of that work was the bar, which gives out onto the tree-laden courtyard. It offers a generous menu for more casual dining (and what else is there, these days?). Anyone who wants to dine among the fountains in the courtyard is welcome to do so.

2. Commander’s Palace. Garden District: 1403 Washington Ave. 504-899-8221. The epitome of courtyard dining, under immense oaks, quiet and >>

The Thirteen Best New Orleans Area Restaurants For Outdoor Dining The ranking below is based on a fuzzy combination of the excellence of the environment.

I give more preference for restaurants with actual patios, balconies or courtyards than to those with

Al Fresco Is Not My Best Friend

August-September 2017 53

romantic. With five-star food, to boot. Open when the weather is good, the courtyard at Commander’s is in use much more these days than, say, twenty years ago.

3. Broussard’s. French Quarter: 819 Conti St. 504-581-3866. The largest courtyard for dining in the French Quarter, the big open area behind Broussard’s backs up into the courtyard of the Hermann-Grima House. Flowers, trees and an enormous wisteria vine keep the courtyard Eden-like.

Broussard’s management of the past four years has made much greater use of all this. At the very least, the courtyard offers cocktails out there if the weather is even marginally tolerable.

4. Lakehouse. Mandeville: 2025 Lakeshore Dr. 626-3006. In 1847, a two-story Greek revival plantation home went up on the lakefront in the center of Mandeville. In 1885, the Bechac family opened a restaurant there. It lasted more than a century, succeeded by at least five other restaurants in recent times. The current management uses both floors of the main building for dining. But on a nice day all working tables are on the patio and the lawn in front of the restaurant, with its view of the lake and the setting sun.

The contemporary Creole cooking is good, too.

5. Court of Two Sisters. French Quarter: 613 Royal St. 504-522-7273. Open except in really bad weather, the large courtyard here was designed for dining, and has become an apotheosis of the style.

Live jazz. Better food than you think, particularly at dinner. Brunch, offered every day, is a buffet that will appeal most to fans of all they can eat.

6. Bayona. French Quarter: 430 Dauphine St. 504-525-4455. A small courtyard with a few tables, very pleasant in cooler weather. And you get the food, for which Susan Spicer is famous.

7. Santa Fe. Esplanade Ridge: 3201 Esplanade Ave. 504-948-0077. The triangular building began its life long ago as a hamburger stand. The interior dining rooms can be noisy and cramped. Even if that were not the case, the tables along the sidewalk, lit by tiki torches, are in the greatest demand. Big umbrellas and the canopy of large live oaks make it possible to dine out there even in a light rain.

8. Blue Crab. West End: 7900 Lakeshore Dr. 504-284-2898. A large deck with views of the lake and the marina is ideal for the eating of big seafood 54

Inside New Orleans

platters. It’s not quite as scenic as the Katrinadestroyed West End Park, but to protect against future storms the building is lifted higher than any of the old places. And you’re actually outdoors.

9. Brisbi’s. West End and Bucktown: 7400 Lakeshore Dr. 504-304-4125. Another seafood house on the New Basin Canal, Brisbi’s deck also has a good view of the lake and the sailboats in the harbor. Down below is a very casual covered outdoor area where crawfish and crab boils go on while oysters get shucked.

10. Café Amelie. French Quarter: 912 Royal St. 504-412-8965. Café Amelie’s large, well-planted space is not only among the most attractive, but casual and affordable enough that it gets a lot of walk-in business from strollers on Royal Street. The courtyard is the focus, shady and breezy, with lush plantings all about.

Broad umbrellas defeat falling leaves and even light drizzle. Summer days find the courtyard still full, with customers dressed very lightly.

11. Avo. Uptown: 5908 Magazine St. 504509-655. It’s a suave Italian restaurant with an emphasis on Sicilian food, but in an original style.

The courtyard is the preferred dining area. Either a reservation or a long wait is essential for getting a table there. What makes the dining especially good is that if it starts raining or gets cold, the management can throw a few switches and ameliorate the environment with heaters or fans or a domed roof.

12. Tableau. French Quarter: 616 St. Peter St. 504-934-3463. The outdoor tables at this beautiful, old-New-Orleans-look restaurant are in an unusual spot: several balconies overlooking St. Peter Street, Jackson Square, the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral and even the river. There could hardly be a more advantageous perch. The menu tends strongly toward the Creole classics and is not quite as fine as the surroundings predict. But that’s the usual Brennan family schedule: Mr. B’s and the Red Fish Grill and even Commander’s Palace took two or three years to get up to speed. I’m sure Tableau will as well.

13. The Chimes. Covington: 19130 W. Front St. 892-5396. In a parklike setting overlooking the Bogue Falaya River, Chimes has a big deck with ramps running through the cypress trees and down to the water’s edge. This makes for one of the most striking restaurant decks hereabouts.

Other restaurants with outdoor dining above the level of sidewalk tables, listed in alphabetical order.

This is not an exhaustive list, but captures the best al fresco venues: • Altamura. Uptown: 2127 Prytania St. 504-265-8101.

• Andy’s Bistro. Metairie: 3322 N. Turnbull Dr. 504-455-7363.

• Doris Metropolitan. French Quarter: 620 Chartres St. 504267-3500.

• Kenton’s. Uptown: 5757 Magazine St. 504-891-1177.

• La Carreta. Mandeville: 1200 W. Causeway Approach. 624-2990.

• Middendorf’s. River Parishes: Exit 15 off I-55, Manchac. 386-6666.

• Mr. Ed’s. Kenner: 910 W. Esplanade Ave. 504-463-3030.

• Rip’s Seafood Restaurant.

Mandeville: 1917 Lakeshore Dr. 727-2829.

• Station 6. West End and Bucktown: 105 MetairieHammond Hwy. 504-345-2936.

• Sylvain. French Quarter: 625 Chartres St. 504-265-8123.

Sidewalk Tables Only • Café B. Old Metairie: 2700 Metairie Road. 504-934-4700.

• Cava. Lakeview: 789 Harrison Ave. 504-304-9034.

• Del Porto. Covington: 501 E. Boston St. 875-1006.

• Forks & Corks. Covington: 141 TerraBella Blvd. 273-3663.

• Lola’s. Esplanade Ridge: 3312 Esplanade Ave. 504-488-6946.

• New Orleans Food & Spirits.

West End and Bucktown: 210 Hammond Hwy. 504-828-2220.

• Ox Lot 9. Covington: 428 E. Boston St. 400-5663.

August-September 2017 55

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney I RECENTLY RETURNED from my first trip to the Oregon wine country. The occasion was the Oregon Wine Country Pinot Camp, which was celebrating its 18th year. It was an extraordinary event, with over 270 industry professionals who hailed from 41 different states in America and represented 11 different countries. Oregon has been known for producing some fairly outstanding pinot noir, though it has been diligently attempting to emerge from under the longstanding shadow of neighboring California.

While it has an established identity for pinot noir red wines, Oregon has predominantly produced pinot gris for white wines. This reliance on pinot gris for whites occurred as a result of planting the incorrect clone for chardonnay

intriguing qualities that will only be enhanced with time and certainly do create Burgundian comparisons. While I am not always a fan of ratings and scores, I suppose there were many well-founded rationales for Wine Spectator awarding Domaine Serene’s 2014 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay with the #2 Wine of the Year and their top White Wine for last year.

The wines of Domaine Serene have received some distinguished ratings the last few years for both chardonnay and pinot noir. While Wine Spectator has bestowed the Evanstad Reserve Pinot Noir with multiple awards and scores, the wine world was somewhat shocked when the Francophile wine journal known as Decanter awarded the Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir as the best pinot noir in the world, thereby surpassing both Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines in Burgundy.

Indeed, Domaine Serene is producing wines that are being compared to, and in some cases surpassing, the great wines of Burgundy.

It is often said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and thanks to the efforts of many in Oregon, pinot noir and chardonnay are receiving some heralded attention. Whereas the Oregon wine country is certainly youthful in terms of history, it is growing by leaps and bounds, from less than 50 wineries to over 700 wineries in the last 40 years. While there are many pioneers of the Oregon wine industry, few can be credited with the dedicated vision of quality and excellence like owners Grace and Ken Evenstad of Domaine Serene. Their unwavering focus of never compromising or creating shortcuts in attaining the very best wine has raised the bar for all of Oregon.

The Evenstads have created a world-class winery in Oregon and recently completed the purchase of Domaine de La Cree in Burgundy, thereby pioneering a reverse trend in Americans going to Burgundy as opposed to Burgundians coming to America. Domaine Serene in Oregon is truly a gem and trophy to the world of wine created by a wonderful and endearing couple who give selflessly of themselves to others.

The characteristics of Grace and Ken can be described as charm and elegance, and these traits are abundantly apparent in their wines. We are the beneficiaries of the largesse of their dedication to great Old World wine made in the New World.

If you are a fan of wines that deliver these characteristics, I suggest you find the wines of Domaine Serene, as Oregon chardonnay and pinot noir have certainly arrived!

Old World Wines Made in the New World? and then deciding the soil and climate were not sufficient for good chardonnay production. The default was to plant pinot gris until several years ago when a brilliant gentleman started planting the correct clonal variety for chardonnay, for which we will all be eternally grateful.

Throughout the wine-making world, the highest compliment for pinot noir and chardonnay production is the elusive comparison to Burgundy. New World (read American) winemakers spend small fortunes and lifetimes trying to reproduce wines that will be complimented by the term “Burgundian in style.” Few would argue that there is anywhere in the world that can produce wines that are as prodigious as the pinot noir and chardonnay wines of Burgundy. Creating wines in the New World (United States) that compare to the Old World (France) is considered to be the highest compliment.

While I was certainly aware of the pinot noir wines of Oregon, its exciting production of chardonnay was a great surprise. These are not wines that are influenced by oak- and butter-like qualities; rather, they are wines of great finesse and style. These wines elicit

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Inside New Orleans

August-September 2017 57

58

Inside New Orleans

Flourishes 1

1. Weathered sand, 9-foot, two-door curio cabinet with removable glass shelves, halogen light, and antiqued mirrored back panel. American Factory Direct, Covington, 985-871-0300. 2. Crystal

2

orb on nickel base, $115. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985-624-4045. 3.

Antique rug pillows in assorted sizes and colors. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 985-6741070. 4. Lee Circle cutting board; maple and walnut woods, $80. NOLA Boards, 516-2601. 5. Wesley Hall Scout Chair, $2,999 as shown. Price varies based on fabric selection. Susan Currie Design, 2373

6112. 6. Transitional 9’ x 12’ handwoven wool and bamboo silk rug. Nola Rugs, 891-3304.

4

5

6

August-September 2017 59

Flourishes

2

1

3

5

4

1. Stephen Joseph quilted backpacks, $27. Auraluz, Metairie, 888-3313 or shopauraluz.com.

2. Blue, gold and white decorative ceramic footed plate, made in Italy, $350. Little Miss Muffin, 482-8200.

3. Antoine’s 175th Anniversary mug.

Antoine’s Restaurant, 581-4422, antoines.com. 4. Misty River artwork set in crystal block on crystal base; small, $172; large, $262. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 985-626-1522.

5. The Craftsman 18-inch indoor/ outdoor wall clock with hygrometer and thermometer, $95. Outdoor 6

Living Center, Covington, 985-8938008. 6. Embossed leather bench with Lucite legs. Available in fabric or leather and in three lengths. The French Mix by Jennifer Dicerbo Interiors, Covington, 985-809-3152.

60

Inside New Orleans

August-September 2017 61

62

Inside New Orleans

INside Look

3

1

2

4

5

True Blues

6

1. Konstantino blue lapis pendant necklace, $1,290. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000.

2. C. LUCE zip-front, fit-and-flare dress with pleated skirt, $74. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 9858

792-0200. 3. Handmade Art Deco engagement ring with 1.10 ct minecut center diamond surrounded by 0.16 cttw diamonds and 0.44 cttw French-cut sapphires, $7,950. Friend & Company, 866-5433. 4. Milly v-neck, knit dress with long bell sleeves in Midnight, $365. FeBe, Metairie, 8355250. 5. 18k white gold, sapphire and diamond ring; price upon request. Adler’s, 532-5292.

6. Sanilla silk dress, style 25931, $198. Palm Village, A Lily

7

Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville, 985-778-2547.

7. Passion Lilie sarong/scarf, $34. The Shop at The Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 598-7147. 8. Flippy Skort in Navy, $96; Mock Scuba Top in Smart Paisley, $90. Beth DePass Kevan Hall Sport, kevanhallsport.com.

August-September 2017 63

INside Look

1

3 2

True Blues 1. Executive collection tropical blend traditional woven sportcoat in linen and wool mix, $358. “New” Traveler 4

performance stretch sport shirt, $89.50.

100% linen pocket square, $29.50. Jos. A. Bank, New Orleans and Metairie, 528-9491. 2. Sapphire blue sheath dress with asymmetrical neckline. Elizabeth’s, Metairie, 833-3717. 3. Sapphire and diamond ring, $35,000. Lee Michael’s

5

Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 832-0000.

4. Gretchen Scott travel dress in geometric pattern with contrasting threequarter length cuffs and ruffle neckline, $160. The Linen Registry, Metairie, 831-2882. 5. OMEGA Seamaster Professional Diver 300M Co-Axial, $4,400. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 6. Elomi Matilda lightweight, full-cup plunge bra in sizes 36-42 E-JJ, $72; matching panties size M-3XL, $34. Shown is Denim Blue. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 985-951-8638. 7. Clear 6

crystal embellished clutches with metallic hardware and lining, push lock top, $173.

Town & Country, 523-7027.

7

8. Rupert Sanderson Anita mules in Azure Lurex, $690. SOSUSU Boutique, 309-5026.

8

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Inside New Orleans

August-September 2017 65

Business & Leadership 2017

New Orleans Chamber Executive Committee For the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, one thing

is certain—the board is not boring. It’s real people making real change. Contrary to the stereotypical image of a stiff meeting

Executive team, and the Board of Directors that they lead, are

nurse. Over time, Paige has combined his interest in the medical

Together, these six dynamic leaders come together to improve the New Orleans community and the region.

Stephen Caputo, Paige Sensenbrenner and Brandon Davis; Sitting: Melissa Gibbs and Deanna Causey.

66

While Vice Chair Paige Sensenbrenner is established as a

successful attorney and Senior Partner in Charge at Adams and

as eclectic and vibrant as the community they are representing.

(Ben) Johnson,

working to learn and improve the city of New Orleans.

room full of talking heads, the New Orleans Chamber’s Executive Committee works to create real impact in a hands-on way. The

Standing: Gregory

Work Network and the Data Center, among others. She is constantly

Melissa Gibbs of Gibbs Construction leads the Chamber’s

Board of Directors and Executive Committee. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Melissa holds her own both in and

outside of the office. She spearheads business development for

Reese LLC, his career path began on a much different path as a field and passion for making a difference in people’s lives to

become an influential professional in the New Orleans community.

Paige has focused on everything from medical malpractice

defense to pharmaceutical and medical device products liability

and everything in-between. Paige is a brilliant individual with the power to make an impact.

The New Orleans Chamber’s Treasurer is Deanna Causey

the established company, keeping it active and present in the

of Sankofa Record Retrieval. A small business entrepreneur and

through her ideas, input and active role. Not only is she involved

problems and mentoring people and an accomplished sales and

community. Melissa keeps the Board in order by fearlessly leading with the Chamber, she is also on the boards of GNO, Inc., Good

Inside New Orleans

consultant, a former operations executive with a love for solving

marketing professional are a few of the roles Deanna has taken on

during her career. She is highly motivated to learn new things and stretch beyond the boundaries she has already tested. Currently,

Deanna is drawn to activities and causes that bring enrichment and change—starting with her circle, and hoping to see it grow beyond.

Brandon Davis of Phelps Dunbar LLP serves as the Secretary

of the Board. Brandon is a partner in Phelps Dunbar’s labor

and employment practice group and focuses his practice on

employment law, business immigration and white collar defense.

In addition to these professional endeavors, Brandon also works to devote time to various civic engagements. He is an active

parishioner at St. Peter Claver Church in New Orleans’ historic Treme neighborhood. In addition to serving as a lector there,

Brandon also supports the religious education department, the

annual summer camp program, and is currently working to develop feeder pipelines to support the Church’s Boy Scouts initiatives.

Immediate Past Chairman Stephen Caputo is a tourism

advocate for the New Orleans region. He is the manager for the

Dr. Karen McNay

Hotel Monteleone, a historic four-star luxury hotel in the French

“It’s amazing to watch these girls grow into young women,” says Ursuline

hotels, including the Hyatt Hotels and Bienville House Hotel.

program does. We focus on each student as a whole, developing leaders of

& Visitors Bureau, the French Quarter Management District and

Commissioner with the Civil Service Commission. He believes

Kentucky girl to New Orleans five years ago. I felt compelled to be a part of it.”

before and since Katrina to keep the French Quarter and city

Innovation continues to be a forefront, creating opportunities for students to

Quarter, and has worked for several other well-known New Orleans

Academy President Dr. Karen McNay. “And that’s exactly what our education

Stephen also serves on the boards of the New Orleans Convention

confidence and compassion.

the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, and is a

educated women could change the world. Their mission is what brought this

tourism is vital to the success of our city and has worked tirelessly

thriving.

learn skills needed to enter the workforce. “It was unheard of for women to be in

Johnson who serves as the President and CEO of the New Orleans

our girls can be part of whatever field interests them.”

serve on the Executive Committee. Throughout his career, Ben has

Way, a hands-on curriculum enhancement program. Ursuline Academy is the first

the former President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation

as K-12 engineering and computer science pathways. In addition, the extensive art

Institute (NORLI) and other powerful programs in our community.

extracurricular offerings distinguish an Ursuline education as one committed to

positive change through their leadership roles with the Chamber.

Legislature for NOLA Day and LACCE Day at the Capitol, address

will serve. “Our Serviam establishes more than just the foundation of an Ursuline

issues and topics. Their commitment to serve and to lead furthers

serve others once she leaves our school.”

To round out the Executive Committee is Gregory (Ben)

“The sisters who founded Ursuline here 291 years ago believed that well-

Ursuline education is rooted in a tradition of formation and innovation.

positions of science and math 20 years ago,” says Dr. McNay. “We make sure that

Chamber. Through his role, he is the only full-time staff member to

made a significant and powerful impact on the community. He is

all-girls school in Louisiana to offer the Launch and High School programs, as well

and one of the founders of New Orleans Regional Leadership

and music programs, 1:1 technology tools and variety of athletic and non-athletic

Together, this powerhouse committee works to create

Technology and science programs are implemented through Project Lead The

whole-person development.

In a diverse community with an inspiring heritage, Ursuline Academy fosters

Selfless and hard-working leaders, they come together to meet at

spiritual formation, academic excellence and a life-long commitment to Serviam: I

public affairs, handle Chamber finances, and educate on local

education. It’s a matter of how each student can use her God-given gifts to help and

the mission of the Chamber.

provide the opportunities and resources that will enable businesses

operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States.

The mission of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is “To

Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy

of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously

to prosper through networking, education and advocacy.”

To learn more, visit neworleanschamber.org.

The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is located at 1515 Poydras St., Ste. 1010. 799-4260.

Ursuline Academy is located at 2635 State Street. 861-9150. uanola.org.

August-September 2017 67

attend conferences, seminars and mind-shares to implement new ways to solve common problems.”

With communities on both the north and south shores, Robert attends association meetings, prepares bids and proposals for association projects and maintenance, provides personal advice to Board Members and residents, and responds to association needs. GNO can professionally manage all daily community functions, handle homeowner disputes and issues, negotiate contracts with vendors and handle large community improvement projects (such as drainage).

“What makes us different is that we also listen to our customers,” Robert explains. “We’re open to finding more ways to benefit our communities.”

Further benefitting our communities, GNO will partner with the City of Mandeville to host the second annual Unity in the Community event, which will be held this year on October 28. “Now more than ever, community cohesion is vitally important to our quality of life. Our local communities play an increasingly important role in how our children and grandchildren view the world around them, which is why we created Unity in the Community. It’s a chance for the

ROBERT PHILLIPS

GNO Property Management Celebrating its ten-year anniversary, GNO Property Management has grown from managing one association to 75. Representing over 7,500 homeowners, GNO President Robert Phillips says the company’s growth has been strictly by referrals. “A compliment of our company is that we bring communities together,” says Robert. “It’s a matter of giving communities back that neighborhood feel.”

Robert launched GNO Property Management in 2007 after seeing the need for community management during post-Katrina. “At the time, people were rightfully focused on their families and personal lives. There was

community to gather as a whole.”

As GNO looks upon the next ten years of the company, Robert hopes to continue creating cohesion and quality of life in each association they manage.

“Problem solving is my favorite aspect of the business— it keeps me thinking forward. My second favorite is a simple thank you from a resident or association,” he grins. “Their recognition of our devotion to their community definitely keeps us going.”

no additional time for them to devote to self-managed associations. That is when I decided we could be of help.”

With over 12 years of experience in all aspects of commercial and residential property management and construction management, Robert opened the full-service company to offer complete support to Louisiana homeowners, condominiums, cooperatives and commercial property management associations. Prior to starting GNO, Robert worked as a property manager for one of the top management companies in Atlanta, Georgia, managing 18 communities, representing approximately 6,000 residents in condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homeowner’s associations.

Since opening, Robert has gathered a full staff to assist in the daily operations. “From our Receivables and Payables Department to our Customer Service Representatives, I truly believe we have developed the most qualified team in our ten years of business,” he says. “We also have a Senior Manager who trains our Property Managers on staff. They can rely on her for assistance throughout their careers. It’s certainly a well-oiled machine.”

Robert and his team continue to improve the business by paying attention to industry trends on a national level. “We are heavily involved with the Community Associations Institute, which is our governing body. We 68

Inside New Orleans

GNO Property Management is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Community Associations Institute, St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. 504-528-7028. gnoproperty.com.

site will launch featuring the jewelry found in the store, including diamond engagement rings and ruby, sapphire, emerald and South Sea pearl collections. “There will be videos and images of each piece along with pricing options. For a bride looking for her groom’s band, she can choose size, metal, width and weight all online to get the exact price. It’s going to be a great asset moving forward.”

Also new to Friend & Company is a premium selection of vintage and estate wristwatches for men and women. “We now specialize in mint-condition, pre-owned, highgrade watches. All of our watches are guaranteed authentic and come with our comprehensive in-house warranty.” The selection adds to Friend’s ever-changing collection of estate and antique jewelry.

The business has been home to Ken since he joined his mother, Pat, in the venture in 1983.

Ken never had any intention to enter the jewelry business, but soon found out that’s where his creativity was kept. He says, “I’ve never thought of myself as creative. Nor did I ever think I would be creating jewelry at this level. But I also now believe that everyone has creativity—it’s just a matter of how they express it.”

Ken’s roots stretch deep into New Orleans, while his mother’s reach even further. Friend &

Ken Friend, Jr.

Friend & Company Fine Jewelers If ever a name captured the essence of a business, it’s Friend & Company Fine Jewelers. Owner Ken Friend, Jr. makes his relationships with his clients a priority, creating the friendship and family-like

Company began under the name Simply Gold, out of their family home on Arabella Street. The store’s house-like building on Maple Street adds to that continued family nostalgia. “Shopping here is like coming home,” smiles Ken. “Our customers become our family.”

atmosphere that New Orleans has enjoyed since 1976.

In 41 years, Friend & Company has earned the trust of customers, notably when designing or picking out the most important rings in their life. “I like to help every man that comes in to choose or create the perfect engagement ring,” says Ken. “Once that relationship is started, they know that they can come to me in the future for anniversaries and birthdays.”

That very relationship and trust is what Ken believes will help their family business continue to thrive even amidst the wave of online jewelry shopping. “Within the last couple of years, we’ve seen a trend of young people coming in asking if we can match prices,” he grins. “We not only can match prices, we can usually beat them—especially in value. You get the high quality piece at a great price, and you get me for free. Do you want to talk to an operator or face-to-face with the owner? You pick.”

With the changing times, Ken knew that Friend & Company needed to create an online experience that can draw customers into its brick and mortar location. On Labor Day weekend, a new

Friend & Company is located at 7713 Maple St. 866-5433. Friendandcompany.com.

August-September 2017 69

The Team of Canon Hospice Canon Hospice is dedicated to helping patients and families accept terminal illness positively and resourcefully, to preserve dignity, and endure the challenges that they are faced with during this critical time of life. Our goal is to allow our patients to live each day to the fullest and enjoy time with their family and friends. We are committed to meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their families. Canon has been serving the community with Hospice services since 1999.

Canon is making a difference in the community by providing quality end of life care to those seeking comfort and dignity while dealing with a life limiting illness. Canon’s community commitment is extended even further through the non-profit Akula Foundation. The Foundation sponsors: Camp Swan (a 3-day camp for children ages 7-12 who have lost a significant person in their life) which is held three times a year; Grief support is offered to anyone in the community who has experienced any type of loss; Many education hours offered to health professionals; Legacy Moments (a program assisting families to create lasting video and book memories); and AIM (a program for patients who are terminally ill and still receiving treatment).

Each Saturday Canon and the Foundation sponsor The Canon Hospice Health Hour. The program airs live each Saturday from 3pm – 4pm, on WRNO 99.5 FM New Orleans, WBUV 104.9 FM Biloxi/Gulfport, WJBO 1150 AM/97.7 FM Baton Rouge and features physicians, authors and community health organizations. Tune in or Call in at 877-585-0995.

Now Offering Private Rooms For more information call location close to you or go to www.canonhospice.com and www.akulafoundation.com

Gulf Coast Office Products

For the Gulf Coast Office Products team, people are most important.

Director of Sales Andrew Cassara says, “We’re excited to be celebrating 40 years

as the largest, locally owned copier and software distributor in Louisiana. But while

our business name is important, we want our customers to know our faces and names when we walk through their door.”

Andy, along with his team, provides customers with excellent service and the best

office equipment on the market today. Business Development Manager Lloyd Johns and Account Executive Stephen Wagner work to find the right products and software for each client. “We work with clients of all vertical markets and sizes,” says Andy,

“including official partnerships with the New Orleans Pelicans, New Orleans Saints and LSU and ULL Athletics. We give the same customer service and attention to all, from the most well-known firms to the more modest.”

Gulf Coast’s portfolio of integrated products, services and solutions, adapts to

meet the needs of the many different work styles within its varied market. The portfolio also includes network communication products, document management systems, IT services and production print solutions. Logistics Manager John Muller works to

expedite the sale of products by scheduling delivery and IT services for clients. Andy

says, “He makes sure products arrive on time and are functioning the way our clients need them too.”

Perhaps GCOP’s dedication to clients is what feeds the company’s steady growth.

Andy says, “Our company, as a whole, has grown about $1.5 million a year, achieving 300 percent growth in the past six years alone. We have found a balance between being small and personal, yet established enough to stock $1 million in Savin

equipment, supplies and parts at local warehouses. However, no matter our growth, we believe that being in front of our customers on a daily basis makes the biggest impact in the field.”

70

New Orleans, 504-818-2723, Baton Rouge, 225-926-1404,

Gulf Coast Office Products has locations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge,

The northshore, 985-626-3051, Mississippi Gulf Coast, 225-926-1404.

Mandeville and Lafayette. 504-733-3830. gcopnet.com.

Inside New Orleans

Megan McCarthy Nelson In the ever-changing real estate industry, Megan McCarthy Nelson knows the importance in balancing the use of all the newest advanced technology available to agents and the personal touch necessary to get a contract to

Baker, along with the office staff, are all wonderful to work with and have helped make my success easier.”

Megan enjoys specializing in high-end residential properties in Greater

closing. “It’s incredible that today’s technology allows me to do such things

New Orleans, including Old Metairie, Uptown, the Garden District and the

as set up searches for my clients so they get ‘hits’ on their phones the second

CBD. Her strong understanding of the market along with her dedication to

a property is available,” says Megan. “Yet, finding the right house is only the

her clients has landed her many rewards; however, Megan says: “the greatest

beginning of the process, and often the easiest part.”

joy I get in my job is knowing I have helped people have the best real estate

Megan understands that buying and selling a home can be daunting.

experience possible in what can be an overwhelming process.

That is where 16 years of real estate experience and masters in counseling

“Having happy clients is what makes a year successful for me.”

gives her an edge in helping her clients.

Megan can be reached at 504-957-4497 or megannelson@remax.net.

“Emotions can run high when buying and selling real estate. Not only between the buyers and the sellers, but also between couples and even agents, so understanding different personalities and how to get a contract to close is important in our business and I believe has been a strength in my career.”

Megan stresses that there is “no perfect house even if you build it”, but she has the ability to help clients see the potential in a home, whether it is cosmetic paint changes or a simple floor plan change to improve flow that can result in making a home more “perfect” for her clients.

Megan began her real estate career with her brother, but has been selling on her own for the past 10 years. Last year, she joined RE/MAX N.O. Properties to further her successful career. The office has been the #1 RE/MAX office in the Metropolitan New Orleans since 2006.

“My broker, Mary Ann Casey-Theriot, and our operations manager, Bill

620 Iona Street | Metairie, La 70005 | $3,795,000 August-September 2017 71

Frank was the one to take an interest in the business. He says, “My mother started the spacewalk rental company in New Orleans. I encouraged her to take it outside of Louisiana. And before long, we had more than 200 franchises in 35 states.”

Still working with his parents before and after classes, Scurlock soon dove into his studies at Loyola with a mix of communication, business, pre-law and religion classes—while also working as a disc jockey at popular spots like Shanahan’s, Hillary’s and Fat Harry’s and falling more and more in love with the culture and the people of New Orleans.

When his father suffered a debilitating heart attack, Frank was there to step in and take over the business full time so his mother could care for him. But once his father was back on his feet, Frank heard the world calling and moved to Europe for an extended period before learning that, once New Orleans gets in your blood, she always calls you home.

frank scurlock

Home-grown Entrepreneur Announces His Bid for Mayor of New Orleans Frank Scurlock wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, as some may think. He was born with vision and parents

opened several locations of the first-ever indoor, all-inflatable fun factory, which he trademarked as Fun Works. It was then he was invited to joined the prestigious Young Entrepreneurs Organization (now Entrepreneurs Organization), a global non-profit that seeks to bring together leading entrepreneurs from around the world.

Scurlock married, and he and his wife had three kids. Then

who instilled a hard-work ethic in him from a young age. The

one day brought an eye-opening experience. “I was coming out

elder Scurlocks exposed their son to the entertainment industry,

of a business meeting in 2000 when somebody put a gun to my

taking him out of school for two weeks each year to attend the

head,” he says. “I managed to free myself from the mugger, but

International Amusement Park and Attractions conferences

then the police refused to take a statement from me. That was it.

with them, starting in junior high school. As soon as he was old

I hired a CEO and a COO for my company, gathered up my young

enough, he took an active interest in the family business.

family and moved for 10 years to Celebration, Florida, inside the

Frank’s father was the quintessential self-made man, the inventor of the original spacewalk, among other things. Frank says,

72

In 1985, after further studies in business and law at LSU, he

Disney property. It was a great place to raise young kids.”

In 2005, Frank watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina

“Most people don’t realize the spacewalk was founded in New

ravaged the city that would always be his home. He did all he

Orleans. The first factory was at 511 North Solomon, then later it

could from Florida to help with the rebuilding. Then in 2010,

was relocated to Metairie.” The youngest of the four Scurlock boys,

it was good timing to move his family back home again. “My

Inside New Orleans

Scurlock’s platform is spelled out in the acronym A.C.E.S.—Affordable Housing, Crime Prevention, Employment/Education and Streets/Infrastructure. daughter was reaching high school age and was open to starting

That’s a mistake. I want to reinstate trade and technical classes,

her high school years in New Orleans.”

training our kids to compete in the global technology market.

Back in New Orleans, he was immediately drawn to the old

Crime is our next challenge. Most people have Uber on their

Six Flags property, which had been abandoned since the storm.

phone. I want to ‘Uberize’ the police department, so when you

“For the next seven years, I worked on my plan to reopen it,” he

call for help, you can know where the responding officers are

said. “I obtained all my funding and put together my proposal.

and how soon they’ll get to you. Then there’s affordable housing.

But each time I presented my plans to the city for approval, it

Geographically, one-third of this city is undeveloped, but the

was shot down. The last year

infrastructure is there to support

that park was open, in excess of

development. We need someone

a million people attended and

strong at the helm to guide the

there were plans to add a water

construction of affordable homes

park. I have the vision to bring

for every New Orleanian.”

it back even better than it was.”

Yet Scurlock’s proposals

Watch ScurlockforMayor. com for the debut of Frank’s 40

consistently met with

Days and 40 Nights campaign.

bureaucratic gridlock. He

He says, “I’ll introduce 40

says, “My financial backers

different platforms based on the

kept telling me the policies

feedback we’ve gathered from

and procedures of the city

people throughout this city. Part

needed to be changed and

of the beauty of New Orleans

that I should be the one to

is that we’re 18 jurisdictions

change them. The more they

of very diverse people. That’s

encouraged me, the more it made sense. So on May 5, I threw

what makes us unique. I want to make New Orleans not just

my hat in the ring to run for mayor of New Orleans.”

the best city in America, but the best city in the world. We

Frank says that his kids are at the helm of the family business now. “I’ve recently opened Big Easy Network, through

have everything it takes to get there. We just need the right leadership. And I want to be that leader!”

which I hope to share the culture and values of the city of New Orleans with the world. And I’ve launched Positive Skywriting, to spread joy, hope and love through inspiring, uplifting skywriting.

But I’m in a position to do so much more for this city.”

Scurlock’s platform is spelled out at ScurlockforMayor.com, highlighted in the acronym A.C.E.S.—Affordable Housing, Crime Prevention, Employment/Education and Streets/Infrastructure.

He says, “Our public schools have eliminated trade classes.

Visit scurlockformayor.com for more details.

August-September 2017 73

THE PERFECT FIT Bra Genie

Bra Genie’s 18 bra-fitting experts understand the needs of women of all shapes

and sizes. “We are a supportive environment,” says Owner Jeanne “Genie” Emory.

“We assist all of our clients, bringing choices to them, educating them about the fit, wear, and care of each brand and style.”

After acquiring her degree in Merchandising from LSU, Emory worked as a

Buyer, a Store Manager, and finally as a Merchandiser for a full-cup bra manufacturer.

Frustrated that so many women were not fitted properly due to a lack of department store options, she opened an in-home “by appointment only” bra fitting business, Hooked On You in 2005.

With dedication to fitting techniques and attention to detail, Emory’s clients

began calling her the “Bra Genie.” Her success led to Bra Genie’s first storefront in Mandeville in 2008 and Baton Rouge in 2015. Both are now one-stop shops for women to get properly fitted for bras and swimwear.

“If you are disappointed by past bra fittings, we can help. We carry nearly 200

different bra size options, from 28-inch to 50-inch bands, as well as cup sizes A, B, C,

Fidelity Bank

Small Business Solutions

Small business at Fidelity Bank is anything but small!

Every day, Fidelity Assistant Vice President-Small Business Relationship Manager

Justin Sablich strives to add value to his client relationships by supporting local

businesses that make our community thrive. “Our mission at Fidelity is “Here for

Good.” We surprise clients by showing up at their place of business, spending our own money, and showing them we’re invested in their success.”

Justin Boswell thought it was just an ordinary day at his Wayward Owl Brewery.

He did, that is, until fifty Fidelity bankers showed up, participating in what they call a Fidelity Frenzy. “It’s a way for us to show our small-business clients some love,”

says Sablich. It’s just one way Fidelity Bank is reinventing the small business/banker relationship.

Fidelity Bank’s business model is relationship-based. “We saw a real gap in

services for the mom and pop business doing less than 1 million dollars in annual

revenue—the restaurants, the boutiques, the small accounting and other professional

D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ and K!” During the bra fitting process, women learn

service firms. I partner with these great businesses and help them reach their

launder and store bras. Bra Genie welcomes walk-ins and appointments, staying true

owner. “This isn’t one-size-fits-all banking; it’s highly personal, individualized care.”

the right way to put on a bra, the importance of rotating a bra wardrobe, and how to

financial goals.” Fidelity created a special product suite tailored to the small-business

to Emory’s personal relationship-building focus.

times in her life. “Women often want to purchase the exact same size and style bought

the better equipped we are to advise them on how to succeed.” For Sablich, “Here

past styles and also try new ones for comfort, appearance, and even health reasons.”

back to the community. “My clients are our neighbors and friends. They can call my

Emory says fittings are vital, because a woman’s body changes on average six

in the past,” she says. “Because our bodies change over time, it’s important to retry

Sablich’s background in accounting allows him to step seamlessly into a

consulting role with his clients. He says, “The more we know about a client’s business, for Good” means keeping his clients’ best interest at the forefront and also giving

personal cell number any time. Their financial success means success for our whole community.”

Bra Genie is located at 2881 Hwy. 190, Ste. D, in Mandeville, 985-951-8638, and 7539 Corporate Blvd, #180, in Baton Rouge, 225-223-6114.

For more information, visit thebragenie.com.

Visit Justin at Fidelity Bank at 1201 South Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans (504) 861-5064 or go to bankwithfidelity.com to learn more.

74

Inside New Orleans

Riccobono Restaurants

While family dinners are a strong tradition for many New Orleanians, the

only our family, but our guests.”

For almost 50 years, three generations of the Riccobono family have

Café in 1998. Panola Street Café in the heart of Uptown serves classic breakfast

Riccobono family takes it a step further—family restaurants.

established superb restaurants throughout Metairie and New Orleans. Many area residents know Riccobono’s Peppermill as a staple in the lineup. Joe and Josie

Riccobono opened Peppermill in 1976 as their first venture in the then-growing Metairie area. The two had already become successful restaurateurs, owning the Buck 49 chain of steakhouses, including locations on Bourbon Street and the Riverbend on Carrollton Avenue, and Rick’s Pancake Cottage on Canal Street.

Riccobono’s Peppermill was their first foray into the more upscale style of

dining they enjoyed at many of New Orleans’ famous restaurants. The concept

of classic New Orleans dishes and Riccobono family Italian recipes is still thriving over 40 years later under third-generation management. Cousins Joseph

Vincent Riccobono, Joseph’s father, opened Riccobono’s Panola Street

specialties and lunch specials every weekday. In keeping with family tradition, in 2007, Joseph’s sister Heather Riccobono created Café Navarre a casual neighborhood go-to in Mid City for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Joseph and Heather recently added a new venture into the lineup of family

establishments, Sala Restaurant + Bar. Sala is a modern, comfortable space for all to gather around brunch and dinner. The menu focuses on delicious cocktails and wines paired with delectable small plates. “Our family has owned and operated

Peppermill for over 40 years, Panola St. Cafe for 20, and Cafe Navarre for 10,” says Joseph. “And each has its own unique identity. We are excited to add Sala to the

family legacy.” As the newest family endeavor, Heather and Joseph are enjoying

Riccobono, Cami Chiarella, and Lizzie Randol, who all grew up in the restaurants,

welcoming new guests into their restaurant and hoping they stay a while.

and dinner.

moment with friends and family.”

carry on their grandparents’ tradition of timeless cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch

Heather says, “We want you to make yourself at home and enjoy the

After all, family is the tradition.

“The essence of New Orleans cuisine has changed little over the years. Trends

come and go, but what has remained constant for our family is hospitality and a

reverence for timeless cuisine,” says Joseph. “We pride ourselves in knowing that you are as important a guest as the first person who walked through the doors nearly a half century ago.”

The Peppermill’s warm and family-focused atmosphere underwent

renovations last year to brighten and modernize the restaurant. “While the space may look a little different, everyone’s fond memories of family celebrations and dinners will remain,” Cami says. “It’s a privilege to carry on this tradition for not

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 504-455-2266; Panola Street Café, 504-314-1810; Café Navarre, 504-483-8828; Sala Restaurant + Bar, 504-513-2670. riccobonos.com.

August-September 2017 75

UNO Extended Campus encompasses online learning, degree programs and additional noncredit offerings. Its goal is to provide opportunities for nontraditional student communities in the greater New Orleans area through the use of new teaching technologies designed to assist students, whether on or off campus. “We want to be the city’s University,” Dr. Nicklow says. “We want to better serve individuals who may already be in the workforce or are wanting to finish their degrees.

The improved and more accessible degree and certificate programs will allow them to achieve their academic goals in a more specialized and convenient way.”

These programs include certificates and degree paths that offer relevant skillsets for graduates entering the workforce or adults expanding their professional prospects. Certificates include Geographic Information Systems, Human Capital Management, Community Development Finance and Coastal Engineering. The new Geographic Information Systems certificate involves translating spatial data and information in nearly every facet of modern transactions; the Coastal Engineering certificate has been created through a partnership with GNO, Inc. “Our focus is to offer programs for our

Dr. John Nicklow

The University of New Orleans For the University of New Orleans, momentum is building in more ways than one.

As a comprehensive metropolitan research university committed to providing educational excellence

community and workforce when, where and how they need it,” says Dr. Nicklow. “With creativity and innovation, we have been able to design programs that will engage a broader and more diverse audience.”

In addition to hybrid, online, and on-campus

to a diverse undergraduate and graduate student body, the University serves students from across the

programs, UNO Extended Campus now offers a

state, the nation and the globe, while enhancing the quality of life in New Orleans and abroad. The man

fully online bachelor’s degree completion program

driving this momentum of improving quality of life through education is President John Nicklow.

in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration

“I’m incredibly passionate about higher education,” says Dr. Nicklow. “I look forward to seeing the momentum of our university continue to grow.”

Dr. Nicklow was selected President by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on

in Maritime Industries, and a Planning and Urban Studies concentration is underway; both of these programs are relevant to New Orleans. An online

March 16, 2016. As President, his priorities have been to increase enrollment, research and community

master’s degree in Education with an expanded

partnerships. In just one year, the University has seen a 20 percent increase in freshman applications for

number of concentrations is also being launched.

fall 2017.

Dr. Nicklow says: “There’s a pride and positive morale spreading vigorously throughout campus.

“I’m very excited about the crossover between partnerships and enrollment. We

Interest in enrolling is rising, which I believe is due to our community partnerships and programs that we

have been able to form these partnerships with

are establishing through UNO Extended Campus.”

foundations, local industries and community

76

Inside New Orleans

colleges. For community college students, including those at Delgado,

President Nicklow earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil

Northshore Technical Community College, and Nunez Community College,

Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and a

we want transferring to be as easy as possible, with compatible credits and

doctorate in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. He began his

coursework.”

career as an Environmental Engineering Officer with the U.S. Public Health

Furthering the University’s outreach, Dr. Nicklow has delivered more than 100 presentations since last year to share the need for partnerships and

Service and was responsible for design and construction of water supply and waste disposal facilities for American Indian communities.

employer input and connect with the community. From industry internship

About UNO

opportunities to employers being involved in degree curricula, Dr. Nicklow

The University is one of the region’s foremost public resources,

wants graduates to have the most relevant and current education possible. “By

offering a variety of world-class, research-based programs, advancing shared

engaging city employers in our curricula, we ensure that our students meet

knowledge and adding to the region’s industry, culture and economy. As a

industry-specific needs. We want to be their workforce pipeline.”

global community asset, the University of New Orleans serves national and

About Dr. Nicklow

international students and enhances the quality of life in New Orleans, the

Prior to his presidency, Dr. Nicklow spent nine months as the University’s

state, the nation and the world by participating in a broad array of research,

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He brings nearly 18 years

service learning, cultural and academic activities.

of higher education experience as a faculty member and administrator with

Academic programs offered at UNO prepare students to participate

extensive experience in research, enrollment management, student success

in the global economy. The College of Business Administration boasts an

initiatives, fundraising, campus-wide collaborations and academic program

accounting program with an AACSB International accounting accreditation that

innovation.

puts it among the top two percent of programs in the world, and its master’s

As Provost and Chief Academic Officer, he was responsible for managing

degree program in hospitality and tourism management has a 100 percent

academic programs and support units and the policies and practices that affect

industry-specific job placement rate. The College of Engineering offers the only

the academic success of students at the University. He oversaw undergraduate

electrical, mechanical and civil engineering programs in the New Orleans area,

and graduate education; recruitment and retention of students; faculty affairs,

and the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is one of only

including promotion and tenure; outreach to the community; information

several in the nation.

technology; and institutional effectiveness and assessment.

President Nicklow previously held the position of Provost and Vice

The Computer Science Department, within the College of Sciences, has certifications from the National Security Agency and the Department of

Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern Illinois University, as well as earlier

Homeland Security and partners with GE Digital, providing students with real-

appointments as Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management, Associate Dean

world software development work experience to supplement their academic

of Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering at that institution. As Provost,

curriculum. The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development

Dr. Nicklow led an effort that resulted in increased overall student enrollment,

offers students a robust preparation in disciplines including the arts and in

following more than 10 years of consecutive declines. Other highlights of his

educator and counselor training. UNO students, faculty and alumni perform

tenure included two of the largest freshmen classes in 20 years, the largest

on more stages at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on an annual basis

international student population in 30 years and strong gains in the number

than representatives from any other college or university. The University has an

of transfer students as well as rates of student persistence. Dr. Nicklow helped

annual economic impact of nearly half a billion dollars on metro New Orleans

triple the size of the University Honors Program; grew accredited online

and boasts more than 42,000 alumni in the eight-parish region.

programs and online enrollment; managed new, successful recruitment initiatives; created centralized First-Year Advisement; and established a number of cross-disciplinary and new academic programs.

President Nicklow has been widely recognized at the university level by the American Society of Civil Engineers and by industry for his teaching and research. His research interests are focused on STEM education and on environmental and water resources systems optimization. He has published more than 75 articles and is the author of four books. He is a registered professional engineer, a certified professional hydrologist, a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

The University of New Orleans is located at 2000 Lakeshore Drive.

888-514-4275. Visit uno.edu for more information.

August-September 2017 77

Top Row (Left to Right): Patricia E. Pannell, Casey Blasiar, Sheila Craft, Maria Toups Landry, Melissa Daigrepont. Second Row (Left to Right): Jessica LeBlanc, Liz Ackal, Donna Accardo, Tina Meilleur, Emily Dodart, Rebecca M. Gustafson, Kimberly Lobert. Bottom Row (Left to Right): Amy Landry, Christine Zichichi, Sarah Covert, Kya R. Robottom, M.D., Amy Borrell, Amanda Aguillard, Amanda Weir and Sandra Lindquist.

Patricia E. Pannell, J.D. Gotcha Covered HR patti@gotchacoveredhr.com 504-737-2438 Casey Blasiar, LCSW Neutral Ground Therapy casey@neutralgroundtherapy.com neutralgroundtherapy.com - 504-264-6312 Sheila M. Craft FileLink - Sheila@filelinknola.com 504-885-0187 Maria Toups Landry Owner of Fleur-de-lis Insurance, LLC marialandry@fleurdelisinsurancellc.com 504-451-6995 Melissa Daigrepont, J.D., LL.M., MBA Business Banker, Capital One Bank Melissa.Daigrepont@capitalone.com 504-655-0679 Jessica LeBlanc, CPA, CFF, MBA CPA Realty, LLC and Jessica D. LeBlanc, CPA, LLC jessicaleblanc@cparealtyllc.com 504-812-7105 Liz Ackal, Realtor Latter and Blum-Million Dollar Producer lackal@latterblum.com - 504-810-3481

Donna Accardo Inner Design - NOLAInnerDesign.com Dmaccardo@gmail.com - 504-234-1388 Tina Meilleur, CPA, MBA Founder, Design Your Success tina@designyoursuccess.com 504-330-7405 Emily Dodart The Divorce Resource Center for Women Emily@thedrcforwomen.com - 504-533-8663 Rebecca M. Gustafson, CFP®, CLTC, LUTCF, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CASL® Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. becky.gustafson@nm.com 504-831-8146 Kimberly Lobert Pole Perfect Fitness - www.poleperfectfitness.com kimberly@poleperfectfitness.com 504-322-3878 Amy Landry, SHRM-CP Owner of Fuel Success Academy, LLC amy.landry@fuelsuccessacademy.com 281-468-7989 Christine Zichichi Owner/Partner Olympus Insurance Agency olympusnola@gmail.com - 504-309-6266

Sarah Covert Sarah’s Pet Care Revolution sarah@sarahthepetsitter.com 504-457-8778 Kya R. Robottom, M.D., CEO Ideal Health New Orleans kya@idealhealthnola.com 504-327-2650 Amy Borrell, MBA, SHRM-CP Nola Bloom nolabloom.com 504-231-7908 Amanda Aguillard, CPA Aguillard Accounting, LLC amanda@aguillardaccounting.com 504-324-9270 Amanda Weir NV5, Inc. - Amanda.Weir@nv5.com 504-655-8850 Sandra Lindquist New Orleans Chamber slindquist@neworleanschamber.org 504-799-4260 New members are voted in on a six month basis.

Visit thepowerofwomen.org to learn more.

CHEF ANDREA APUZZO

Andrea’s Restaurant

If Chef Andrea Apuzzo can’t serve it fresh, he won’t serve it. Since January of

Mullin Landscape Associates

“As a leader, I enjoy working as part of a team and watching our team members

excel,” says Chase Mullin, owner of Mullin Landscape Associates. “It’s very rewarding to see them give clients the exceptional experience we are founded on.”

1985, Andrea’s Restaurant has been preparing the best in authentic Northern Italian

An essential part of Mullin’s priorities is having effective, open communication.

and commercial clients throughout the design-build and maintenance process.

cuisine and fresh seafood from around the world.

Chase guides his team of 80 to “walk the talk” and communicate with residential

superb variety of entrées accompanied by professional European-style service. Born

“Even seemingly small things like responding to phone calls promptly and arriving at

while working in a bakery in his hometown of Anacapri at the early age of 7. At 14,

his culinary training in some of the best hotels in Europe and abroad.

makes the project run more efficiently. We enjoy presenting a well-finished product to

most respected chefs, Chef Andrea moved to Bermuda in 1973 to work at the

came to the United States as executive sous-chef of the Omni International Hotel in

explains. “But I found myself really passionate about the dynamic nature of landscape

Royal Orleans Hotel, a position he held until he left to open Andrea’s—his lifelong

landscaping.”

company offers landscape architecture and construction; planting and maintenance;

As a casual, local favorite, Andrea’s has received a five-star rating for serving a

and raised on the Isle of Capri, Italy, Chef Andrea began his formal culinary education

meetings on time are important to us.”

he left Capri to travel to Germany, Switzerland, England and South America to further

“Whenever our clients have a concern or question, they know who to go to, which

our clients on time and on budget.”

After working 35 years in kitchens all over the world under some of the

A project manager is assigned to each project as a point of contact for the client.

Chase grew up in construction, but founded Mullin Landscape Associates

Southampton Princess Hotel and later in the Hamilton Princess Hotel. In 1975, he

after Hurricane Katrina. “I participated in the rebuilding process after the storm,” he

Atlanta, Georgia. And in 1977, he moved to New Orleans as executive chef of the

installations. The light bulb went off—I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in

dream.

the community by participating in charitable functions, cooking demonstrations and

and irrigation design and contracting. “The details are really important,” says Chase.

Presently, as Andrea’s continues to grow, Chef Andrea invests a lot of his time in

Mullin doubled in size after year one and has continued to grow. The full-service

personal service at his establishment.

“Often, small things can get overlooked while building a pool or other outdoor space.

a Sunday Champagne Brunch menu and special holiday menu. Chef Andrea

clients’ expectations. We want to ensure that our clients are able to see the value in

Andrea’s offers lunch, dinner daily and weekend brunch menus, including

welcomes private parties to dine any time of the year. Andrea’s serves the freshest in

“We make sure it all comes together—plantings, pools, structures—to meet our

what we’re building. I believe that’s a cornerstone of our good reputation.”

authentic Northern Italian cuisine for private events, weddings and holiday parties

in private rooms to accommodate up to 500 people. Andrea’s is open for all major holidays.

Mullin Landscape Associates offers services to residential and commercial clients Andrea’s is located at 3100 19th St. at Ridgelake in Metairie. 834-8583.

in New Orleans, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell and surrounding areas.

andreasrestaurant.com.

10356 River Road, St. Rose, LA 70087. 504-275-6617. mullinlandscape.com.

August-September 2017 79

Lagniappe!

As we approach the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans next year, we look back at the Louisiana Purchase, the remarkable sale of the Louisiana Territory by the French Emperor Napoleon to the United States in 1803.

by Ann Gilbert

80

BY THE BEGINNING of the 18th century, France had established scattered settlements along the Mississippi River. In 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, founded the city of NouvelleOrléans in a crescent of the river on high ground north of its mouth. In 1762, France transferred what was known as the Louisiana Territory to Spain— from the Mississippi River in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west and from the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Canadian border in the north— and for 40 years, New Orleans was a Spanish city. By 1803, France again had possession of the territory— including New Orleans.

But New Orleans was the port city President Thomas Jefferson wanted ever so badly. Unknown to him, however, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to sell much more. Historian Douglas Brinkley said

Inside New Orleans

The Louisiana Purchase gave the United States the city of New Orleans …plus 15 states. the deal that was eventually made “was deemed the most significant real estate transaction in history.”

Gail Feigenbaum, curator of the New Orleans Museum of Art, described the acquisition in the museum’s Louisiana Purchase exhibit guide: “Without a shot fired, with just a few strokes of a pen, the U.S. almost doubled its size. The only military action was ceremonial gunfire.”

It was a win-win for the two larger-than-life figures who orchestrated the complex treaty between the two countries. Why was it so important to them?

The renewed acquisition of the port of New Orleans by the French was worrisome for Jefferson.

Since the late 1700s, American settlers had gradually moved west, and they were dependent on the Mississippi and the port of New Orleans. Jefferson feared that France would deny them access to both.

decision. A French general said, “There does not exist a single city that might become as important as New Orleans.” He even predicted that a canal would connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with New Orleans benefitting from its location To secure the port of New Orleans, Jefferson sent Robert Livingston and James Monroe to Paris in January 1803, with an offer to buy New Orleans for no more than $3 million. Robert Livingston was a close friend of the president, but he was hard of hearing and was not fluent in the French language.

James Monroe was sent as a special envoy, but when he arrived in Paris, he became sick. Not a good start.

Congress had given Monroe the authority to pay

slaves there that began in 1791, but the combination of yellow fever that decimated his military and the strong resistance of the former slaves defeated him.

From a French force of 30,000, only about 8,000 returned to France. Napoleon also needed money to continue his war with England. And lastly, he probably recognized that Jefferson was ready to align the United States forever with England should Napoleon re-establish himself in America; together, they would crush the French on the high seas.

Not everyone was happy with the emperor’s

$2½ million, but Jefferson told him he could go as high as $9½ million. However, the French ministers negotiating for Napoleon, Charles de Talleyrand and Francois de Barbe Marbois, instead offered Monroe and Livingston 830,000 square miles for $22 million, or about four cents an acre.

Monroe was shocked. Livingston choked with anticipation. The two Americans really didn’t know what they were offered. A survey had never been done. They asked the French ministers if they could be more specific. Livingston and Monroe were >>

photo courtesy: The Historic New Orleans Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, 1988.9

Feigenbaum said, “Having the aggressive Bonaparte at his back pushed him to action.”

Jefferson himself told a friend, “Who owns New Orleans and controls the port is our natural enemy. He has his hands on the throat of the American economy.”

While Jefferson was a democratically elected president, Napoleon was an extravagant monarch who had crowned himself emperor and then finagled a lifetime contract. A series of events led the dictator to sell Louisiana. Napoleon took the colony back from Spain to have the port of New Orleans as a part of his plan to build his Caribbean empire, which included Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He sent his forces to the island to quell the rebellion of the half-million

August-September 2017 81

photo courtesy: The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1974.25.10.64

alone in their decision, but they seized the day and negotiated the price down to $15 million. It would take two months to get a letter, which was written in code, to Jefferson across the ocean.

The treaty was agreed to on April 30, 1803, and translated into English to be signed on May 2.

Livingston said, “On this day, the United States takes its place among the powers of the world.”

Brinkley suggested, “In this sale was found one of the great ironies: Part of the money the United States gave to France ($5 million) came from English banks, which Napoleon used to fight England.”

Jefferson didn’t learn about the “lagniappe” that the treaty had added to his original goal of obtaining only New Orleans until July 3. He had to act quickly.

Congress wanted to debate changes, but there was no time for amendments. Napoleon would withdraw.

The treaty was submitted to Congress on the grounds of national security, i.e., it was necessary to keep an aggressive foreign country out of the Mississippi Valley.

It was not until December 20, 1803, that representatives of France and the United States gathered around the flag pole in Place d’Armes (Jackson Square) in New Orleans. Pierre Clement Laussat was the envoy from France, while William 82

Inside New Orleans

C.C. Claiborne and Gen. James Wilkinson represented the United States. The French tri-color came down as the American flag was raised. The Americans proudly clapped, while tears flowed down the cheeks of the French and the Spanish. Laussat was clearly dejected, as he had come to New Orleans with his family months earlier to be in charge of the French territory for his king. Claiborne became commissioner of New Orleans, and Wilkinson, based in St. Louis, oversaw the rest of the territory.

Many in America were not thrilled about the Louisiana Purchase. The country had ports on the Atlantic coast, and many thought that was enough.

Some said a constitutional amendment was needed for the purchase; others that the only things beyond the Mississippi were wolves and savages. One gentleman put it succinctly: “We are paying for useless land with unspecified borders and questionable ownership.”

And former Congressman Fisher Ames said eloquently: “We have spent too much money, of which we have little, to buy more land, of which we have too much.”

In New Orleans, there were feelings of trepidation.

The Catholics feared their religion would be outlawed by the Protestant Americans. The Ursuline nuns

thought their school might be closed and wrote to the president. He put their worries to rest and told them to continue their good work.

In 1803, the population of New Orleans was approximately 8,000, consisting of about 4,000 whites, 3,000 slaves and 1,000 free persons of color. As more Americans arrived, tension developed between the existing residents, who were concentrated in the Vieux Carre, and the newcomers. The Americans generally settled across what came to be known as Canal Street in what was known then as the American Sector, today as The Central Business District. The street’s median was considered a neutral dividing line; the medians of all the city’s streets are called neutral grounds to this day.

After the Louisiana Purchase, in addition to the Americans, masses of Europeans immigrated to the territory from Germany, Ireland and Sicily and thousands more would come from the Caribbean. All would make significant contributions to the city’s diversified culture. When architect Henry Latrobe came to the city in 1819, he said the voices were more numerous than at the Tower of Babel.

Almost immediately following the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson sent Captain Meriwether Lewis and his close friend, Second Lieutenant William Clark. to explore the approximately 830,000 square miles of new territory.

The United States had doubled its size. Eventually, all or part of 15 states were carved from the “lagniappe” land acquired.

On April 30, 1812, nine years to the day after the original Louisiana Purchase agreement was signed, Louisiana, the first state to be formed from the territory, became the 18th state of the United States—and New Orleans was its capital.

August-September 2017 83

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Jemison

Cookout-Friendly Appetizers Up your snack game at the grill

84

Inside New Orleans

With a little weekend prep, you can enjoy all of these flavors for your weeknight grilling or your next backyard get-together.

Grilled Bread Servings: 8-10 1 loaf country-style bread, sliced into 1/2-inch slices 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic

1. Lightly brush bread slices on both sides with olive oil.

2. On an outdoor grill or grill pan on mediumhigh heat, grill bread until grill marks appear, about 1 minute on each side.

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

ITS GRILLING SEASON, and you know the routine.

You light up the grill, and instantly, everyone begins to make a few sweeping passes to see if dinner is ready. Your best defense when everyone is hungry is to keep a few make-ahead items on hand that can transform grilled bread into the easiest appetizer while the grill heats up for the main course. Grilling bread takes minutes, and if you happen to make it garlicky, it’s hard to resist. A few simple toppings like chimichurri, charred red pepper dipping sauce and herbed goat cheese are easily prepared and store well for days when chilled. These refreshing flavors enliven grilled bread, but why stop there? All of these toppings are incredible when spread on grilled vegetable planks, burgers and steak. It’s a versatile way to turn up the flavor on your backyard grilling.

3. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub on the top surface of each grilled slice of bread. Transfer to serving dish.

Herbed Goat Cheese Servings: 6-8 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 2 Tablespoons capers 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 12 oz. goat cheese, cut into 1/2-inch rounds Olive oil

1. In an 8x8 dish, mix parsley, basil, capers and red pepper flakes until combined.

2. Coat cheese slices on both sides with herb mixture and nestle slices into dish.

3. Pour olive oil into dish until cheese is covered. Serve with grilled bread. Refrigerate herbed goat cheese up to 5 days.

Charred Red Bell Pepper Dipping Sauce Servings: 1 ½ cups 2 large red bell peppers 1/4 cup whole almonds, toasted 1 garlic clove 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup olive oil

1. On an outdoor grill or on a gas cook top, using high heat, place the bell peppers directly over flame. Using a pair of tongs, rotate the peppers until all of the skin is charred, 8-10 minutes.

2. When the peppers are cool enough to handle, remove stems and seeds.

3. Transfer peppers to the bowl of a food processor. Add almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar, paprika and salt. Pulse>> August-September 2017 85

until coarsely chopped.

4.With the processor running, slowly add oil and blend until smooth.

Serve with grilled bread. Store in an airtight container, chilled, up to 1 week.

Chimichurri Dipping Sauce Servings: 1 1/2 cups 2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups packed parsley leaves and tender stems 2/3 cup olive oil 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse garlic and salt until minced. Add parsley, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped and well blended.

2. Stir in lemon zest, and serve with grilled bread. Pour into an airtight container, and store in refrigerator up to 1 week.

For more recipes go to Ydelicacies.com and @y_ delicacies on Instagram.

86

Inside New Orleans

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

Zest from one lemon

i (Hyatt Regency Hotel),

INside Dining New Orleans is home to more great restaurants than we could hope to list here. For a comprehensive listing of restaurants in the New Orleans metro area, please refer to Tom Fizmorris’ nomenu.com. In this guide, you will find some of the best bets around town.

Tom’s fleur de lis ratings are shown.

CARROLLTON, RIVERBEND AND BROADMOOR Babylon Café aaa Middle Eastern, 7724 Maple St., 504-314-0010 Barcelona Tapas aaa Spanish, 720 Dublin St., 504-861-9696 Basil Leaf aaa Thai, 1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-9001 Boucherie aaaa Southern Barbecue, 1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-5514 Brigtsen’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 723 Dante St., 504-861-7610 Cooter Brown’s Tavern aaa Sandwiches, 509 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-9104 Dante’s Kitchen aaaa Eclectic, 736 Dante St., 504-861-3121 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs,

5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 615 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-5900 Maple Street Café aaa Creole Italian, 7623 Maple St., 504-314-9003 Mat & Naddie’s aaaa Eclectic, 937 Leonidas St., 504-861-9600 Mikimoto aaaa Japanese, 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881 Panchita’s aaa Central American, 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-281-4127 Pupuseria La Macarena aaa Central American, 8120 Hampson St., 504-862-5252 Riccobono’s Panola Street Café aa Breakfast, 7801 Panola St., 504-314-1810 Vincent’s aaaa Italian, 7839 St. Charles Ave., 504-866-9313 Ye Olde College Inn aaa Neighborhood Café, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-866-3683 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Blue Room aaa American, 123 Baronne, Roosevelt Hotel. 504-648-1200 Bon Ton Café aaa Cajun, 401 Magazine St., 504-524-3386 Borgne aaa Seafood, 601 Loyola Ave.

504-613-3860 Café Adelaide aaaa Contemporary Creole, 300 Poydras St., 504595-3305 Chophouse aaa Steak, 322 Magazine St., 504-522-7902 Desi Vega’s aaaa Steak, 628 St. Charles Ave., 504-523-7600 Domenica aaaa Italian, 123 Baronne St. (Roosevelt Hotel), 504-6486020 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 2 Poydras St., 504-584-3911 Herbsaint aaaa Creole French, 701 St. Charles Ave., 504-524-4114 Liborio aaa Cuban, 321 Magazine St., 504-581-9680 Lucky Rooster aaa Pan-Asian, 515 Baronne St., 504-529-5825 Lüke aaa French, 333 St. Charles Ave., 504-378-2840 MiLa aaaa Eclectic, 817 Common St., 504-412-2580 Morton’s The Steakhouse aaa Steak, 365 Canal St. (Canal Place Mall), 504-566-0221 Mother’s aaa Sandwiches, 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656 Poppy’s Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill a Seafood, 500 Port of New Orelans Pl., Suite 83. 504-5693380 Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill. Hamburgers. 1 Poydras St. (Riverfront). 504-247-9265 Restaurant August aaaaa Eclectic, 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-2999777 Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast, Neighborhood Café, 200 Magazine St., 504-525-9355 Ruth’sChrisSteakHouseaaaSteak,525 Fulton St., 504-587-7099 Windsor Court Grill Room aaa

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Royal St., 504-525-9711 Broussard’s aaaa Creole French, 819 Conti St., 504-581-3866 Café Giovanniaaaa Creole Italian, 117 Decatur St., 504-529-2154 Court of Two Sisters aaa Creole French, 613 Royal St., 504-522-7261 Crescent City Brewhouse aaa Pub Food, 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571 Criollo aaa Creole French, 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 601 Deanie’s Seafood Seafood, 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316 Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse aaa Steak, 716 Iberville St., 504-5222467 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 81 French Market Place, 504-525-9752 Frank’s aaa Creole Italian, 933 Decatur St., 504-525-1602 Galatoire’s aaaa Creole French, 209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021 Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak aaa Steak, 215 Bourbon St., Gumbo Shop aaa Creole, 630 St. Peter St., 504-525-1486 GW Fins aaaa Seafood, 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467 Irene’s Cuisine aaaa Italian, 539 St. Philip St., 504-529-8811 K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen aaaa Cajun, 416 Chartres St., 504596-2530 Kingfish aaaa Cajun, 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005 Louisiana Bistro aaa Contemporary Creole, 337 Dauphine St., 504525-3335 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen aaa Pizza, 95 French Market Place, 504522-9500

504-522-1994

921 Canal Street (The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans) 504-670-2828

Iberville St., 504-522-5973 Antoine’s aaaa Creole French, 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422 Arnaud’s aaaa Creole French, 813 Bienville St., 504-523-5433 Bayona aaaa Eclectic, 430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455 Bombay Club aaa Contemporary Creole, 830 Conti St., 504-577-2237 Bourbon House aaa Seafood, 144

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504-523-1504 Port of Call aaa Hamburgers, 838 Esplanade Ave., 504-523-0120 R’evolution aaaa Creole French, 777 Bienville, 504-553-2277 Red Fish Grill aaa Seafood, 115 Bourbon St., 504-598-1200 Rib Room aaa American, 621 St. Louis St., 504-529-7045 SoBou aaa Contemporary Creole, 310 Chartres St., 504-552-4095 Tujague’s aaa Creole, 823 Decatur St., 504-525-8676 GARDEN DISTRICT Commander’s Palace aaaaa Contemporary Creole, 1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221 Coquette aaaa Creole French, 2800 Magazine St., 504-265-0421 Delmonico aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1300 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-4937 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 2018 Magazine St., 504-569-0000 Mr. John’s Steakhouse aaaa Steak, 2111 St. Charles Ave., 504-679-7697

504-335-3932

M Bistro aaaFarm to Table Restaurant

Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 724

e

Frenchmen St., 505-309-3362

American, 300 Gravier St.,

FRENCH QUARTER

d

Mr. B’s Bistro aaaa Contemporary

LAKEVIEW Café Navarre aa Sandwiches, 800 Navarre Ave., 504-483-8828 Cava aaaa New Orleans Style, 785 Harrison Ave, New Orleans LA 70124, 504-304-9034 El Gato Negro aaa Mexican, 300 Harrison Ave., 504-488-0107 Lakeview Harbor aaa Hamburgers, 911 Harrison Ave., 504-486-4887 Mondo aaa Eclectic, 900 Harrison Ave., 504-224-2633 Munch Factory aaa Contemporary Creole, 6325 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-324-5372 Ralph’s On The Park aaaa Contemporary Creole, 900 City Park Ave., 504-488-1000 Steak Knife aaa Contemporary Creole, 888 Harrison Ave., 504-488-8981

Creole, 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078 Muriel’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 801 Chartres St., 504-568-1885 New Orleans Creole Cookery Classic Creole, 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632 NOLAaaaaContemporary Creole, 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652 Palace Café aaa Contemporary Creole, 605 Canal St., 504-523-1661

Bourbon St., 504-522-0111

Pelican Club aaaaa Contemporary

Brennan’s Contemporary Creole, 417

Creole, 312 Exchange Place,

METAIRIE Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 3000 Veterans Blvd., 504-309-4056 Andrea’s aa Italian, 3100 19th St., 504-834-8583 Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West Esplanade Ave., 504-888-5533 Caffe! Caffe! aa Breakfast, 4301 Clearview Pkwy., 504-885-4845; 3547 N. Hullen., 504-267-9190 Café East aaa Pan-Asian, 4628 Rye St., 504-888-0078 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320 >>

August-September 2017 87

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g Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-305-4833 Casablanca aaa Mediterranean, 3030 Severn Ave., 504-888-2209 China Rose aaa Chinese, 3501 N. Arnoult St., 504-887-3295 Crabby Jack’s aaa Sandwiches, 428 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 504-833-2722 Cypress aaa Contemporary Creole, 4426 Transcontinental Blvd., 504-885-6885 Dat Dog a Craft Hot Dogs, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Lakeside Mall), 504-304-7005 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., 504-888-9254 Heritage Grill Contemporary Creole, 111 Veterans Blvd., 504-934-4900 Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian,

Crescent City Steak House aaa Steak, 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271 Dooky Chase aaa Creole, 2301 Orleans Ave., 504-821-0600 Five Happiness aaa Chinese, 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-482-3935 Juan’s Flying Burrito aaa Mexican, 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-9950 Katie’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3701 Iberville St., 504-488-6582 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-485-5658 Liuzza’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3636 Bienville St., 504-482-9120 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179 Parkway Poor Boys aaa Sandwiches, 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047

3400 16th St., 504-455-1545

Ruby Slipper Café aaa Breakfast,

Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 2300 N.

Neighborhood Café, 139 S.

Causeway Blvd., 504-831-6788 Martin Wine Cellar Deli aaa Deli, 714 Elmeer Ave., 504-896-7300 Mellow Mushroom aa Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155 Mr. Ed’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 1001 Live Oak St., 504-838-0022 Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House aaa Seafood, 3117 21St. Street, 504-833-6310

Cortez St., 504-309-5531 Rue 127 aaaa Contemporary Creole, 127 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-483-1571 SWEGS Kitchen Healthy comfort food, 231 N. Carrollton Ave., Ste. B, 504-301-9196 Toups’ Meatery aaa Cajun, 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999 Venezia aaa Italian, 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991

Parran’s Po-Boys aaa Sandwiches, 3939 Veterans Blvd., 504-885-3416 Riccobono’s Peppermill aaa Creole Italian, 3524 Severn Ave., 504-455-2266 Ristorante Filippo aaa Creole Italian, 1917 Ridgelake Dr., 504-835-4008 Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd., 504-888-3600 Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411

NEW ORLEANS EAST Cafe Trang Vietnamese, 4637 Alcee Fortier Blvd., 504-254-4109 Castnet Seafood aaa Seafood speciality, 10826-1/2 Hayne Blvd., 504-244-8446 Deanie’s on Hayne aaa Seafood, 7350 Hayne Blvd., 504-248-6700 Messina’s Runway Cafe Creole Homestyle, 6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd., 504-241-5300

Chastant St., 504-885-2984 Zea aaa American, 4450 Veterans

NORTHSHORE

Blvd. (Clearview Mall), 504-

Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole,

780-9090; 1655 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-738-0799

2600 Florida St., Mandeville, 985624-9007 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 1340

MID-CITY Angelo Brocato aaa Dessert and Coffee, 214 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-486-0078 Café Degas aaa French, 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635 Café Minh aaaa Vietnamese, 4139 Canal St., 504-482-6266 Cafe NOMA Contemporary Creole,

1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-482-1264

Canal Street Bistro aaa Mexican, 3903 Canal St., 504-482-1225

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Lindberg Dr., Slidell, 985-8470020; 70380 LA Hwy. 21, Covington, 985-871-6674 The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W. Front St., Covington, 985-892-5396 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 985-892-3712 Fazzio’saa Italian,1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-624-9704 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 812 Hyw 190, Covington, 985-400-5202; 1200 W. Causeway Approach,

i Mandeville, 985-624-2990 La Provence aaaa French, 25020 US 190, Lacombe, 985-626-7662 Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246 Girod St., Mandeville, 985-626-5619

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Martinique aaa French, 5908 Magazine St., 504-891-8495 Midway Pizza aaa Pizza, 4725 Freret St., 504-322-2815 Mona’s Café aa Middle Eastern, 4126 Magazine St., 504-894-9800

OLD METAIRIE Byblos aaa Middle Eastern, 1501 Metairie Rd., 504-834-9773 Café B aaa Contemporary Creole, 2700 Metairie Rd., 504-934-4700 Galley Seafood aaa Seafood, 2535 Metairie Rd., 504-832-0955 Porter & Luke’s aaa Creole Homestyle, 1517 Metairie Rd., 504-875-4555

Pascal’s Manale aaa Creole Italian, 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877 Patois aaaa Creole French, 6078 Laurel St., 504-895-9441 Rum House aaa Caribbean, 3128 Magazine St., 504-941-7560 Salú aaa Eclectic, 3226 Magazine St., 504-371-5809 Slice aaa Pizza, 5538 Magazine St., 504-897-4800 Taqueria Corona aaa Mexican, 5932

UPTOWN Amici aaa Italian, 3218 Magazine St., 504-300-1250 Ancora Pizzeria aaa Pizza, 4508

Magazine St., 504-897-3974 Upperline aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1413 Upperline St., 504-891-9822

Freret St., 504-324-1636 Apolline aaaa American Gourmet, 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881 Atchafalaya aaaa Contemporary Creole, 901 Louisiana Ave., 504-891-9626 Baru Bistro & Tapas aaa Caribbean, 3700 Magazine St., 504-895-2225 Bistro Daisy aaaa Creole French, 5831 Magazine St., 504-899-6987 Casamento’s aaa Seafood, 4330 Magazine St., 504-895-9761

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT AND CENTRAL CITY American Sector aa American, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1940 Annunciation aaaa Contemporary Creole, 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245 Café Reconcile aaa Lunch Café, 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 504-568-1157 Cochon aaa Cajun, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-2123

Charlie’s Steak House aaa Steak,

Emeril’s aaaaa Contemporary

4510 Dryades St., 504-895-9323

Creole, 800 Tchoupitoulas St.,

Clancy’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 6100 Annunciation St., 504-895-1111 Dat Dog aa Sandwiches, 3336 Magazine St., 504-894-8885; 5030 Freret St., 504-899-6883 Dick & Jenny’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-894-9880 Flaming Torch aaa French, 737 Octavia St., 504-895-0900 Gautreau’s aaaa American, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397 High Hat Café aa Creole Homestyle, 4500 Freret St., 504-754-1336 Joey K’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3001 Magazine St., 504-891-0997 Kyoto aaa Japanese, 4920 Prytania St., 504-891-3644 La Crepe Nanou aaaa French, 1410 Robert St., 504-899-2670

504-528-9393 Grand Isle aaa Seafood, 575 Convention Center Blvd., 504-520-8530 La Boca aaaa Steak, 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-525-8205 Mais Arepas aaaa South American, 1200 Carondelet St., 504-523-6247 Pêche Seafood Grill aaa Seafood, 800 Magazine St., 504-522-1744 Rock-n-Sake aaa Japanese, 823 Fulton St., 504-581-7253 Root aaaa Eclectic, 200 Julia St., 504-252-9480 Tomas Bistro aaaa Creole French, 755 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-5270942 Tommy’s Cuisine aaaa Creole Italian, 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-581-1103

La Petite Grocery aaaa French, 4238 Magazine St., 504-891-3377 La Thai Cuisine aaaa Thai, 4938 Prytania St., 504-899-8886 Lilette aaaa French, 3637 Magazine St., 504-895-1636 Mahony’s aaa Neighborhood Café, 3454 Magazine St., 504-899-3374

WEST END AND BUCKTOWN Blue Crab aaa Seafood, 7900 Lakeshore Dr., 504-284-2898 Deanie’s Seafood aa Seafood, 1713 Lake Ave., 504-831-4141 Sala Small plates and great cocktails, 124 Lake Marina, 504-513-2670

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

Rebecca Anne Coady and Brandon Michael Boudreaux exchanged vows at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters at sunset. Rebecca wore a custom Katrina Tuttle gown with an illusion bodice, hand-placed lace appliques, a sleek fit-and-flare silk crepe skirt, and a custom veil. She wore custom-made Boudreaux’s signature earrings and a diamond tennis bracelet to complete the look. Maria of InNOLA Events & Design created an elegant evening with antique urns and candelabras. Four cypress trees were brought into the space that were later planted in the newlyweds’ back yard. Omega Sounds played throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. The happy couple now reside in their Lakeview home.

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Inside New Orleans

photos: HEATHER WILKINSON

Coady-Boudreaux

INside Peek Let Them Eat Cake The first debutante party of the season, the French-inspired “Let Them Eat Cake” soirée, was beautifully set in the New Orleans Museum of Art, where a painting on the second floor gallery by Louise Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, Portrait of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, c.

1788, looked down on debs Beth Carter, Sophie Diliberto, Emily Frischhertz, Elle Lovick and Sarah McKendrick.

Hosted by their parents, Dorothy and Glen Carter, Katherine and Robert Diliberto, Lori and Kevin Frischhertz, Lana and Grayson Lovick Jr., and Ann and Stuart McKendrick, the elegant festivities made for a sweet summer evening flourished in the fanciful and ornate spirit of Marie Antoinette.

Partygoers were greeted by “Marie Antoinette,” whose skirt was outfitted to hold champagne glasses filled with the debs’ signature cocktail, “The Mademoiselle.” As guests were entertained by music by The Boogie Men in the Great Hall, they enjoyed the savory offerings of Southern Hospitality Catering’s chef Max Bouzaid. Along with the sweet theme, came cakes—from the edible cake on a crystal cake plate within a Versaillesinspired gilded frame on each table—to the magnificent dessert table featuring cake balls, pink cameo chocolates, an Oreo tower, a doughnut display, and two towering French macaron trees, as well as each debutante’s favorite cake.

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INside Peek 1. Show Chairman Jane Brown, Soon Young, Show Judge Pio Lyons and Shaung Ding at the 87th Annual Pirates Alley Art

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Show held in partnership with the French Quarter Festival. 2. Jennifer Bodin and Mandy Wienhusen hosting a pop-up Pure Barre New Orleans class at Town & Country Bridal.

3. Kip Cullen and Jonathan Maki at the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana Le Gala de la Bonne Vie 2017. 4. Kim Hasney, Melinda Bourgeois and Jackie Hughes at Jefferson Performing Arts Society Leading

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Ladies Guild’s “Une Promenade de Jardin” at the Cannery. 5. Davis, Ken and Charlotte Friend celebrating Charlotte’s graduation from Isidore Newman. 6. Kim Hasney giving Penny Baumer a Leading Ladies Guild Gold Membership pin for her continued support of JPAS.

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The Queen’s Birthday Brunch 2017 The English-Speaking Union New Orleans Branch closed its 20162017 season with its annual brunch in celebration of the Queen’s birthday at the New Orleans Country Club. This year’s theme was “Talley Ho! A Day at Royal Ascot,” featuring the art and artistry of Amanda Talley. Talley’s striking paintings were placed throughout the country club, giving the venerable location an explosion of color. The artist’s signature line of fabrics decorated the tables as runners. The Icemen provided classic New Orleans jazz for guests. Ladies, dressed in their finest garden party attire and hats, competed in the annual hat contest, with the Best Hat prize going to Sarah Abrusley.

The New Orleans ESU branch is part of a national and international organization that provides educational opportunities to students and educators.

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INside Peek

Women IN Business Luncheon The Inside New Orleans Women IN Business gathered at Tomas Bistro for a delectable lunch and warm conversation.

Publisher Lori Murphy welcomed the women before introducing Inside New Orleans cover artist Amanda Talley, who was dressed in one of her own creations.

Designer Grace W. Kaynor spoke to the women about her life determinations and triumphs, leaving luncheon-goers inspired—and very few dry-eyed.

Raphael Village David Fennelly and David Schulingkamp recently hosted a party at the home of Cindy Nunez to introduce community supporters to Raphael Village and inform guests of the plans to build the town center of Raphael Village on Jackson Avenue in New Orleans. The concept is to provide a place that offers lifelong solutions for differently-abled people to become fully engaged in the community. The vision is an integrated life-sharing community where special-needs individuals live, learn and work in partnership with the larger public as active, contributing members of society. To learn more about Raphael Village, please visit raphaelvillage.org.

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Inside New Orleans

photos courtesy: SOSUSU

SOSUSU Six-month Anniversary Celebration SOSUSU Boutique celebrated its six-month anniversary with a Meet the Designer party. Designer Jerome C. Rousseau joined owner Susan Stall to welcome clients, family and friends. Among the guests were Ann Redd, Suzanne Dumez, Debbie Tabb, Carro Gardner, Susan Gundlach and Jimmy Gundlach. Everyone enjoyed conversation with Jerome, sweets and champagne as they tried on Jerome’s latest shoe designs.

photos courtesy: THE OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART

Richardson Society Soirée The Richardson Society, which supports the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, held its Soirée at the home of Karen and George Solomon. Guests, including Friends of the Museum and members of the Kuhlmeier Circle and the Society enjoyed cuisine from Joel Catering.

Richardson Society membership is a way to experience shared passions for the visual and culinary arts, music, literature and all things cultural that comprise the Museum’s mission; it is vital in promoting the Museum to an expanded audience. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art welcomes over 80,000 visitors through its doors each year and engages over 14,000 students, parents and educators for guided tours, family day activities, and teacher trainings, connecting to schools and residents throughout the United States. More than 10,000 people each year enjoy Ogden After Hours, a music series presented each Thursday evening.

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INside Peek

Juleps in June On a beautiful summer night, debutantes Whitney Appel, Madeline Bienvenu, Margaret Ann Bryan, Virginia Bryan, Emily Ellison, Ellen Feringa, Megan Feringa, Elizabeth Hamrick and Riley Kirkpatrick were celebrated at Juleps in June, an indoor-outdoor garden party at The Monastery.

Hosted by their parents, Carol and Conrad Appel, Carol and Al Bienvenu, Rae and Randy Bryan, Felicia Rabito and Bill Ellison, Kara and Peter Feringa, Aby and Tom Hamrick and Jamie and Tim Kirkpatrick, the soirée welcomed guests with mint juleps and Southern hospitality under the twinkling lights above the courtyard.

The relaxing garden setting featured a color palette of white, ecru, gold, silver and hints of greenery. Artistic elements throughout the venue included a custom designed monstera leaf art display.

Honorees’ dads were in the spirit, wearing NOLA Couture custom-designed, mint julep-motif ties. Mothers were in summery dresses, and the debs selected white or ivory fashions to wear—each expressing her own personality.

Guests, young and old, danced the night away to the tunes of Liquid Blue while enjoying edible treats from Pigeon Catering.

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Inside New Orleans

Orleans Club Closing Reception Orleans Club members and their spouses recently gathered for the Orleans Club’s annual Closing Reception. Partygoers were entertained by the Joe Simon Trio and the sounds of Mike Morris.

VIPs milling around were new President Marilyn Aiken and Reception Chairmen Donna Flower and Elizabeth Woolverton.

Chef Sarah Wood’s menu included fried oysters with dill caper sauce; lamb lollipops with a mint julep reduction and prosciuttowrapped asparagus; a Gulf of Mexico display of boiled shrimp, and marinated crab claws; BBQ shrimp with parmesan grits; and a carving station with beef tenderloin. To satisfy the sweet tooth were assorted sweets and chef’s famous pralines!

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Last Bite

Antoine’s Restaurant

by Rebecca Perrette

Antoine’s encourages a business casual dress code. Open MondaySaturday for lunch, 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner, 5:30 to 9 pm. Jazz Brunch is served on Sundays from 11am to 2pm. Antoine’s is located at 713 Saint Louis St. 581-4422. antoines.com.

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Inside New Orleans

photo: JASON VAN HAVERBEKE

STANDING IN FRONT of Antoine’s Restaurant brings a surge of nostalgia. The 177-year-old restaurant wafts out the savory scent of charbroiled oysters, crawfish étouffée and pecan bread pudding— lunch is served at Antoine’s!

The historic building stands as a regal beacon amongst the everevolving businesses of the French Quarter. Handed down from generation to generation since 1840, Antoine’s is a fifth-generation, familyowned establishment with a flare for everything New Orleans. Antoine’s boasts the creation of famous Louisiana staples such as Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardou.

Antoine’s current $20.17 lunch special includes appetizer choices of charbroiled oysters, Vichyssoise or demi-wedge salad. For entrées, patrons can choose from Louisiana drum, veal and grits, and grilled pork chop. Top it off with a sweet tradition: pecan bread pudding, red velvet cake, or old-fashioned ice cream sundae.