July-August 2021 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

495

$

INSIDEPUB.com

TAMMANY TASTE OF SUMMER •

MEGHAN MICHEL • OH, OH, OPHIDIOPHOBIA • RETIREMENT LIVING

JULY-AUGUST 2021 VOL. 36, NO. 4

Summertime!

Page 64.

contents table of

Departments 8 Publisher’s Note 10 Contributors 18 INside Scoop

52 Generous Hearts Retirement Brings Clarity 57 Flourishes Extraordinary Gifts and Home Accents 60 INside Look 62 IN Other Words Road Trip 70 IN Love & Marriage 71 INside Peek Featuring: Inside Northside’s Women in Business Luncheon

Features 12 The Musical Musings of James Michalopoulos Cover Artist James Michalopoulos 24 Teas on Draft A Modern Tea Brewery 30 Turn Up the Heat for Tammany Taste of Summer!

Culinary Celebration Returns for Fourth Year 38 Going for the Gold Local Teen Merits Highest Scouting Honor

page 38 64 Summertime!

Time for Outdoor Play

43 Oh, Oh, Ophidiophobia Overcoming My Snake Phobia – One Summer at a Time

64 Summer Reading 65 Top 10 Things to do with Your Kids

Fine Wine & Canines

69 Area Museums with Young Minds in Mind!

DeLuca’s 40th Anniversary

69 Road Trip to the Coast!

New Cancer Center Chef Soirée

Retirement Living 2021

Go Red Golf Tournament

46 Age is a Work of Art

78 Treasure Hunting on the Northshore

page 60

50 Choosing Your Next Chapter

80 Haute Plates 83 IN Great Taste Summer Sandwiches to Enjoy Outdoors 85 Last Bite Half Shell Oyster House 86 Last Look 6

Inside Northside

Editorial Contributors: Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, Cayman Clevenger, Christina Cooper, Hilary Creamer, Mimi Goodyear Dossett, Candra George, Paige Henderson, Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Mimi Greenwood Knight, Joey Michel, Steven Mills, Christy Myers, Rita Powers, Becky Slatten, John Snell, Emily Songer.

Summer!

The sunshine is just what we need to shake off the doldrums of the past year.

“During the course of the pandemic, we’ve all had to find new and different ways to connect, stay active and stay encouraged,” said Rhonda Bagby, who chaired the 2021 Northshore Heart Walk with Annette Dowdle. The “walk wherever you are” re-imagined event allowed everyone to have fun and support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission, despite the national guidelines that kept everyone cautious and safely social distanced.

Annette added, “We are so grateful for the support from our sponsors and loved seeing how the northshore community came out, showed their dedication to this annual event and made the Heart Walk their own.” While walkers couldn’t gather as they normally do for this popular event, downtown Covington offered three walking routes to choose from, with activities and signage sprinkled throughout the area to keep walkers engaged as they got their hearts pumping! For that, I, along with every other heart survivor, thank them for their efforts.

And, speaking of hearts pumping—beginning on page 64 is a great collection of family adventure ideas you can tackle this summer. I hope you will add some of them to your to-do list. Get out there and have some fun!

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

p.s. A special shoutout to the Northshore Heart Walk Digital Experience sponsors, including Humana, St. Tammany Health System, Ochsner Health Northshore, Slidell Memorial Hospital, HUB International, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Textron, Our Lady of the Lake Northshore, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Resource Bank, Continental Underwriters, Stirling Properties, United Healthcare, Laporte CPA, International Paper and Command Industries.

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Contributors Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel.

Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Publisher Lori Murphy

lori@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Jan Murphy

jan@insidepub.com

Creative Director Brad Growden

brad@insidepub.com Digital Communications Margaret Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Business Manager Jane Quillin

jane@insidepub.com Operations Manager Margaret Rivera

margaret@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising Account Executives

Barbara Roscoe Poki Hampton barbara@insidepub.com poki@insidepub.com

Pemmie Sheasby Hilary Creamer pemmie@insidepub.com hilary@insidepub.com Stacey Paretti Rase –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Painted by James Michalopoulos

Cayman Clevenger

July-August 2021 Vol. 36, No. 4

Cayman Clevenger is a New Orleansbased art broker, certified fine art appraiser, attorney and realtor. Born in Shreveport, Cayman grew up in the small town of Many, Louisiana, outside of Natchitoches. He earned a bachelor’s in history from Tulane University and a juris doctorate from

On the Cover

Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas. His website is LouisianaArt.com.

Christy Myers Cover Artist James Mi chalopoulos.

Find more on page 12.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact

Christy Myers is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in counseling. She received her doctorate in educational leadership and research from LSU. Christy currently serves as the chief operating officer for the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany.

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phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 Advertising Sales sales@insidepub.com Subscriptions subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana.

Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2021 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

A FEW PRECARIOUSLY PLACED emerald green caskets seem an unlikely source of inspiration for an artist who paints the joyous revelry and movement of a city alive with character and characters. But artist James Michalopoulos has tapped into something that New Orleanians have known for a long time.

Like a New Orleans jazz funeral draws reverence and celebration from the darkest of days, it seems entirely appropriate that Michalopoulos paints the majority of his works in a former funeral home. What better reminder that life is to be cherished and celebrated— a central theme of Michalopoulos’ work and his latest solo exhibition at The New Orleans Jazz Museum—than to be reminded of the brevity of life?

In this sprawling, partially openair studio, located on Elysian Fields in the Marigny, I recently sat down with Michalopoulos, one of Louisiana’s most important, recognized and influential living artist, for a conversation about

The Musical Musings of James Michalopoulos

New Orleans culture, music, his artistic process and his most current musical museum show. From the Fat Man to Mahalia: James Michalopoulos’ Music Paintings is an ambitious exhibition of some of the artist’s most famous works, including a selection adapted to his immensely popular JazzFest posters, as well as a collection of contemporary works created by the artist after a broad, exhaustive retrospection of New Orleans’ musical culture, created during one of the only years since 1718 that live music has not been a staple of the Big Easy.

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The impact of a global pandemic and the temporary moratorium on live music in a city defined in no small part by its music scene created a unique challenge for Michalopoulos, who had agreed to the exhibition before the pandemic began. “I have this lush subject matter and this wonderful challenge, and it is on my plate, so present, but I am unable to go out and be in the heart of it, in the mix of it, in the moment. I let it lead me where it will.” Rather, like many during the pandemic, Michalopoulos was >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Cayman Clevenger

forced to be creative. “I am fortunate that I have taken photographs of musicians for many, many years and that I have quite a body of work that I can draw on,” he tells me. He also referenced YouTube and sometimes historical photos.

Gathering his thoughts and reflecting on the process that led him to what might be his most impressive figurative exhibit to date, Michalopoulos says, “On the other hand, what it did lead me to was a wonderful immersion in our music and our musical heritage, where I have spent months listening to different artists, everything they have done, and sometimes listening over and over again.

This allowed me an immersive experience the likes of which I have never had before. It was very rich on that level, coming to understand a lot of what certain artists live through and who they are. Many that I was not so familiar with when I began, and some that I discovered during this process and still others where I revisited my experiences with them.”

Michalopoulos’ process resembles the way in which a method actor prepares for a role: “Every 14

Inside Northside

night, I would turn on local music,” he says, “tailoring it exactly to what I was doing. Even though I was working visually, my primary exposure was auditory. When I am painting Big Freedia, I am listening to bounce.”

With his latest exhibition, Michalopoulos undertakes an incredibly ambitious goal: capturing the vibrant energy and milieu of the New Orleans music scene, as well as iconic figures that have made New Orleans music world famous. In abstract paintings, he channels the feeling of music into flowing works of color and texture on canvas. A partially deconstructed grand piano is sprawled across the floor as if it leapt off one of his whimsical canvases. Artifacts from the Jazz Museum’s collection accompany the works, further underscoring the importance of the figures depicted.

This is hardly Michalopoulos’ first solo exhibition. His works have been shown at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, the Venice Biennale Art Festival, the Dallas Museum of Art, the R.W. Norton, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

of Art in Biloxi, the Amuse Bouche Winery in Napa, California, and the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia, among many others.

James Michalopoulos was born in Pennsylvania in June of 1951. His father was an architect whose modernist buildings now define downtown Pittsburgh. His uncle, William Baziotes, was a renowned surrealist painter whose works hang on the walls of the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Art Institute in Chicago.

In 1981, Michalopoulos was drawn to New Orleans. He explains what first enchanted him: “The openness of New Orleans is what most attracted me.

The fact that people are generous and tolerant, that people have a wide latitude and are forgiving. There is a sense that people have a greater ability to be expressive here. There is a generalized feeling that there is a place for everyone here in town and that people are, if not encouraged, allowed to be who they are. That tolerance makes for a unique culture, a culture of richness and personal expression. It’s one where people feel able to do the work that they

need to do to be who they are, and that freedom and collective expression is what makes New Orleans one of the most unique places on the planet.”

The architecture and culture of the city became his muse, Michalopoulos says.

His work conjures emotion, movement and the ethereal in the quotidian: vibrant flowers, homes and buildings that waltz across the canvas, and vignettes of everyday life that are transformed into something profound. The artist’s catalogue includes landscapes and cityscapes, flora and fauna, architecturals and impressive portraits, among other unique subjects.

The artist explains that he approaches his subjects not from a formalized notion of what he is looking at, but rather, “a state of appreciation and allowance. It is a gestalt, and in that gestalt I am allowing for the spirit and the subtleties in what I perceive to be its reality.”

Color abounds on Michalopoulos’ canvases.

Some of his works invite you so close that you can smell the pungent perfume of oil paint. Other scenes become clearer from across the room. >> July-August 2021 15

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New Orleans famous. “I believe that in a sense things are much less solid than they seem to be, and there is a kind of movement in all things. All things are in a transitional state, and I allow myself to tune into the vibration of what is there before me. I render myself very transparently vulnerable and available to what subject is there in front of me. There is an evanescent quality to a lot of the city. The shimmering light, the seeming subtleties of the structures, I tune into it, and I allow it. I am almost in a way in a dream, and I feel that the city is almost a dream at times.”

Michalopoulos’ works seem to dance, even with stoic subjects where movement seems improbable; perhaps that is because he is dancing while he is

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Michalopoulos’ thick impasto (layering of paint) creates a truly three-dimensional quality to his work, something even more apparent when looking at the variety and sheer quantity of his oeuvre on display at the Jazz Museum.

Perhaps more than anyone else, James Michalopoulos has the unique ability and perspective to capture the way New Orleans feels in his paintings.

His iconic crooked houses and buildings—and the way he applies movement to inanimate objects—is the very movement you can often feel as the ground moves below you when a large truck rumbles down the street.

Or maybe it is a vision of the city many folks see when they partake in the libations that have made

painting. “For me, if I am listening to music while I am painting, I find myself dancing. I think that painting is a lot like a dance, and at some moment, even if I do not find myself dancing, there is a will to dance, and that is how it is best held. It is a give and take, it is a back and forth, and there is failure and success in it, but there is a groove and a possibility in it that is not just in the ending, but also the way I am with it in the middle of creating it. On the best days, I am with the painting in a respectful and engaging way all the way through the process. It is a dance, it is a thrust and a parry, and a constant state of contradiction and correction with a will toward appreciation and celebration.”

Michalopoulos chooses his subject matter carefully; he paints what inspires him. He paints people, places and things that he finds beautiful or interesting, and for that reason, his work is never repetitive and his subject matter in a city like New Orleans is seemingly endless. “I start with ‘this rocks my boat, I love what I am looking at,’ then it is just about doing honor to that,” he explains. “I know the subject is beautiful and exciting; now, how can I find my way to the successful realization of that or an evocation of an aspect of that element that is worthwhile, enlivening, honorable, or exciting.”

Michalopoulos’ paintings bear witness to the

wealth of cultural abundance that defines the Crescent City. With each canvas he documents the joie de vivre of this modern day Atlantis, triumphantly rising from the mouth of the Mississippi, through the pure and simple acts of appreciation and celebration.

“This is about inspiration, but the final piece itself is about life. This is a witness to who I am in this matter, and who we are culturally.”

For nearly four decades, Michalopoulos has been sanctifying what many of us in the modern South take for granted: the magic and beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives. With each passing year, Michalopoulos becomes more prominent, more prestigious, and he continuously proves why he is one of the most preeminent artists in the Modern American South.

There has never been a better time to experience Michalopoulos’ artwork. The Jazz Museum Exhibit will run through January 1, 2022, and the artist’s works are also on display at some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, as well as at the Loews Hotel. While you are in town, be sure to drop by the Michalopoulos Gallery at 617 Bienville Street in the French Quarter.

Cayman Clevenger is an art dealer, fine art appraiser and attorney at LouisianaArt.com.

July-August 2021 17

p resen t ed b y

Homecoming: Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration Saturday, July 3 & Sunday, July 4. Bring chairs, blankets, family and friends to Abita

live entertainment in the evening and

America’s birthday with live music,

fireworks at dusk. Lakeshore Drive,

great food with fireworks at 9pm. 1701

Mandeville. ExperienceMandeville.org.

Bayou Lane, Slidell, (985) 643-1234.

Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of

slidellheritagefest.org.

Springs Trailhead & Park for a two-

July Celebration Saturday, July

Sparks in the Park Saturday, July 3,

day Independence Day celebration!

3. Bring your chairs, coolers and

4:30-9pm. Bring your lawn chairs,

22044 Main St., Abita Springs.

picnic baskets—food will not be

picnic baskets, beverages and blankets

townofabitasprings.com/homecoming.

sold—and find a spot on the riverfront

to Covington’s Bogue Falaya Park

to enjoy the fun! Water Street,

for the annual free festival for families

Madisonville. madisonville4thjuly.com.

and friends to relax and enjoy live

Light Up the Lake: Independence Day Celebration Sunday, July 4.

The Mandeville event is free to the public and features picnicking all day,

Slidell Heritage Festival Saturday, July 3. Enjoy an evening of celebrating

entertainment, music, and fireworks at dusk. 213 Park Drive, Covington.

Farmers Markets Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market Every Sunday, 11am-3pm Abita Springs Farmers Market, 22049 Main St. 8920711 ext 7.

Camellia City Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm Camellia City Market, 1808 Front St, Slidell. 640-7112.

Covington Farmers Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm Covington City

10am-2pm Covington Trailhead, 419 N

Information is current as of June 15,

New Hampshire St. 966-1786.

however, all dates and times are subject to

Folsom Farmers Market at Giddy Up

change. More events can be found online at

Every Monday, 10am-12pm Giddy Up Folsom, 82292 LA-25. 260-5060.

Madisonville Maker’s Market Every Sunday, 10am-2pm Madisonville Ball Park & Playground. 264-2328.

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market

LouisianaNorthshore.com.

Recurring Events Sightseeing Carriage Tours of Covington Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Price: Adults, $20-$40; Children 4-18, $10, free

Hall, 609 N Columbia St. 966-1786.

Every Saturday, 9am-1pm. Mandeville

for children 3 and under, Pickup Location:

Covington Farmers Market - Wednesday

Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

316 E. Gibson St., Marsolan Feed &

Lunch Market Every Wednesday, 18

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

Seed, Covington, 788-0425

July Covington Art Market Saturdays, July 3 and August 7, 10am-2pm. Juried market of visual arts and crafts featuring work by St. Tammany Art Association members, including jewelry, photography, paintings, woodworking, fiber art and more. South side of Lee Lane will be open for pedestrian traffic only. Lee Lane, Covington. For more information, or to participate, contact St. Tammany Art Association at info@ sttammany.art, 892-8650.

Sweet Potato Queens, The Musical Fridays and Saturdays July 9 – July 25, 8 p.m.

Sweet Potato Queens tells the story of Jill and her closest friends and how they learn to grab life by the sequins, feathers and tiaras to live their lives on their own terms.

Based on the books by Jill Conner Browne.

Tickets available online at cuttingedgetheater. com. Cutting Edge Theater,767 Robert Blvd., Slidell, (985) 649-3727.

P.O.W.E.R. Plates Northshore Luncheon Friday, July 9, 11:30-1pm. Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and Fidelity Bank present P.O.W.E.R. Plates, a series of events celebrating POWERful women in hospitality from across southeast Louisiana.

The P.O.W.E.R. Plates campaign goal is to raise awareness of, and drive traffic to, women-led hospitality businesses across southeast Louisiana. Lunch is provided

by Desi Vega Steakhouse, featuring a selection from Neat Wines. Tickets are $68 per person. A portion of event proceeds benefits the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit one.bidpal.net/ pp21northshore/welcome. Après Lounge and Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, 1950 N. Highway 190, Covington, (985) 276-4994.

Kokomo Stroll Saturday, July 10, starting at 3:30pm. Flip-flops and boat drinks will be aplenty in downtown Covington for patrons to stroll from business to business to taste the most scrumptious summer cocktails and craft beers served by local businesses,

>>

Inside Scoop as well as several small-plate tastings from

personal consultation. You will also have the

local restaurants. Live beach-themed music

opportunity to visit with a few of their favorite

will be playing in the streets as patrons stop

vendors. Tickets on sale now at eventbrite.

at more than 20 outdoor tents to sample

com/e/open-house-tickets-133138521903.

all food and beverages. Your cup is your

402 Lafitte St. and 2025 Lakeshore Drive,

ticket to the event and allows you to sample

Mandeville, (985) 778-2045.

all food and beverages on site. Kokomo

HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show Saturday,

Stroll cups are $35, and can be purchased

July 24 and Sunday, July 25. Buy or browse

at gocovington.org. Historic Downtown

thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts,

Covington, info@gocovington.org.

feeders, supplies and more during this

James Samaritan’s State of Our Children

two-day event. Check out the educational

Breakfast Friday, July 16, 7am. If you or

section for a hands-on experience with

your organization has a heart for children

some of the most exotic reptiles and animals

and the foster community, you don’t want to

on the planet. A select number of vendors

miss James Samaritan’s State of Our Children

will have venomous animals for sale. We’ll

Breakfast, an informative and powerful event

also have a few vendors with saltwater

focusing on this often invisible community.

fish and coral setups. Concessions will be

Knowledgeable speakers will educate

available both days. One- and two-day

attendees on what is currently happening

passes available: $10-15 for adults and $5-8

in our community, how the community can

for children 5-12. Children 4 and under free.

help meet current needs, and ways to help

Purchase tickets at herpshow.net/buy-ticket/

prevent abuse and neglect of children in the

reptile-show-in-slidell-la/60/. 100 Harbor

future. Tickets are $30 per person, $200 per

Center Blvd., Slidell, (214) 708-8305, info@

table of 8. Sponsorships are available. 917 S.

herpshow.net.

Jahncke Ave., Covington, (985) 888-6100, info@jamessamaritan.org.

Sunset at the Landing Concert Fridays,

Lobby Lounge Concert: Hannah Belle Thursday, July 29, 7-9:30 pm. Country Music Association artist and songwriter

July 16, August 20, 6-9pm. Free outdoor

Hannah Belle. Tickets to Lobby Lounge

performance on stage overlooking

concerts ae advance only, on eventbrite.

Bogue Falaya River. Regional and touring

com/e/hannah-belle-live-at-the-lobby-

artists performing jazz, bluegrass, folk,

lounge-tickets-150109065255. Tickets

blues and more. Bring refreshments and

are $18 for general admission seating,

chairs or blankets. 100 N. Columbia St.,

$50 for a 2-seat table and $100 for a

Covington, 892-1873.

4-seat table. 100 Harbor Center Blvd.,

Tasting Open House at Maison Lafitte & The Lakehouse Thursday, July 22, 4:30-6pm.

Slidell, (985) 781-3650.

Columbia Street Block Party Fridays, July 30

Thinking of where to book your rehearsal

and August 27, 6-9pm. This free family event

dinner or wedding? Tour the venues, first

features classic car enthusiasts displaying

at Maison Lafitte, 4:30-5:30 pm, then The

their “pride and joy” over four blocks in

Lakehouse, 5:30-6:00 p.m. and enjoy

Covington’s historic St. John District. Check

complimentary sips and light bites. Check

out local shops and restaurants and live

out menus, floor plans, planning packets

and DJ music in many of the downtown

and other helpful tools, all available on

entertainment venues. Free off-street parking

the venues’ websites. The events team

and in public parking (“oxlots”). 200-500

will be available to answer questions

blocks of Columbia Street, Covington, (985)

and connect with you on scheduling a

892-1873, covla.com.

August Chefs to Watch Thursday, August 12, and Friday, August 13, 6:309:30pm. Join the 2020 and 2021 Chefs to Watch for a special two-night dinner event at the Southern Hotel in Covington. The 2020 Chefs will cook on Thursday and the 2021 Chefs on Friday.

This year’s lineup of Chefs to Watch includes both Louisiana natives and transplants who draw from the state’s bounty of fresh, local ingredients as well as their own personal experiences. Purchase tickets at events.hoffmanmediastore.com/product/2021-chefsto-watch-dinner. For more information, visit louisianacookin.com.

Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 400-5663.

Simply Beautiful Cooking Class Thursday, August 19, 12:30 p.m. As we move into a faster pace of life, join Yvette Jemison as she shares her secret make-ahead recipes, tips and hacks to make your cooking easier and beautiful. She will demonstrate a multitude of recipes that are magazine- and cookbook-worthy! Tickets available at eventbrite.com.

The Sanctuary Clubhouse, 98 Sanctuary Blvd., Mandeville.

Lobby Lounge Concert: Paul Childers Friday, August 20, 7-10pm.

Paul Childers, blending pop, R&B and soul. Tickets to Lobby Lounge concerts are advance only, on eventbrite.com/e/paul-childers-live-atthe-lobby-lounge-tickets-149582883431. Tickets are $18 for General Admission seating, $50 for a 2-seat table and $100 for a 4-seat table.

100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650.

New Orleans Saints Fan Up Pep Rally Thursday, August 26, 4-7pm.

Presented by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the Fan Up Pep Rally is the Northshore’s largest indoor pep rally, celebrating the start of the 2021 Saints football season with great food, drinks, music and a chance to win Saints season tickets—all included with ticket purchase. The ticket drawing will be during the rally at 6:30pm, with the grand prize being two Plaza Level 2021 Saints season tickets, a $2,320 value! Raffle and event tickets are $30 per person ages 10 and up; kids under 10 admitted free. Each raffle ticket purchased admits one person to the rally. For more info, call (985) 273-3007 or email megan@sttammanychamber.org. 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 892-3216.

Water/Ways Smithsonian Exhibit at the Maritime Museum August 28 – October 9: Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am-4pm; Saturdays, 1-4pm. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum presents Water/Ways, an exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution that offers local communities a new opportunity to explore the myriad ways that water affects our lives. Get a sneak peak of the exhibit and learn more at museumonmainstreet.org/content/ waterways#ExhibitionDetails. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Dr., Madisonville, (985) 845-9200.

July-August 2021 21

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teasondraft A Modern Tea Brewery

by Steven Mills

IN LIFE AND BUSINESS, TIMING IS CRUCIAL. After overcoming a health crisis three years ago, Mike Powers knew it was time for a change. Mike, a native of the Boston area, has lived in Southern Louisiana for the past 30 years, including 13 years on the Northshore. He has worked in the franchise industry for over 20 years, growing businesses in the United States and abroad, and decided to leverage his experience and skillset into building a meaningful business in the next chapter of his life.

This summer, Mike is introducing Úr Teas, located between Home Goods and Dollar Tree in Mandeville. Úr Teas features a variety of fresh teas on draft that are specially brewed daily on site. The namesake,

24 Inside Northside

Úr, which means “fresh” in Irish-Gaelic, embodies everything the business stands for. The story of how the company started involves an encounter with the company’s mascot, a white squirrel, on the evening before a major surgery, validating Mike’s faith and belief that coincidences do not exist and proving it is never too late for a new adventure in life.

“I hadn’t been to the doctor in 15 years and had no idea that there was anything wrong on the inside,” Mike Powers.

photos: RITA POWERS

says Mike. “I try to do a lot of preventative maintenance with diet and exercise so I can avoid doctors as much as possible.

My wife, along with many others, kept telling me to make a routine appointment, and it began to feel like it maybe it was sign,” he explains. It wasn’t until he ran into a doctor at a tennis tournament that he finally decided to go.

When the results came back, Mike was referred to a specialist who ultimately diagnosed him with prostate cancer.

Several searches directed him to world-renowned Dr. Patrick C. Walsh, a urologist at Johns Hopkins who developed “the anatomic approach to radical prostatectomy.”

When Mike called Dr. Walsh’s office, the receptionist explained that he did not accept new patients, but that didn’t stop Mike. He continued to tell her about the coincidences that had been occurring and everyone had been telling him to go get his blood checked. “She finally decided she would show Dr. Walsh my case and called back later to tell me that he wanted to take me on as a new patient.”

A month later, Mike and his wife, Donna, flew to Johns Hopkins to meet with Dr. Walsh. What was supposed to be an hour-long consultation, turned into a three-hour discussion about life. “Dr. Walsh sat me down and told me there’s no such thing as a coincidence. Everything happens for a reason. You’re just a passenger on the bus, you’re not driving it.”

When Mike and his family returned for his surgery, they decided to visit the Washington, D.C., museums and the White House between tests. The reality started to hit his nerves the day before surgery, and Mike began to pray for a sign that he would be okay. While sitting on a bench outside of the White House with his wife, father and daughter Rita, his prayers were answered. “There were a lot of birds and squirrels everywhere. Out of nowhere, a white squirrel walked up and stopped right in front of us. It had a brown tail with a white body. It stood up on its hind legs and bounced, as if trying to get my attention, and somehow I knew that everything was going to be okay.”

Ten days after surgery, Dr. Walsh informed Mike that the cancer was much worse than they had anticipated, but they were able to remove it completely. “I made it by about two months,” says Mike. “It was full of aggressive cancer and was ready to burst. If I had waited three more months, it would’ve erupted, and my situation would have been a lot worse.” As soon as he was released from the hospital, he created White Squirrel LLC and dove headfirst into brainstorming a new business, allowing the white squirrel to guide him through the process.

After going through this life-saving procedure, Mike started thinking of ways he could create solutions to problems that could also change others’ lives through incorporating healthy >> July-August 2021 25

Carnovale share a toast with steins of tea.

lifestyle changes. “I have always been a tea drinker, but I don’t like adding sugar,” says Mike. “All of the bottled teas in the grocery stores are old and full of preservatives, which make them very acidic. The pH is terrible so that the drinks are shelf stable.” The problem he found with most shops that serve tea

is that tea is an extra and not the main priority. “Too often tea is brewed like coffee. Coffee shops use coffee equipment to brew tea leaves, but that equipment is developed for beans and grounds. Tea leaves are dry and need to go through different processes.”

Mike spent the two years following

his surgery developing an eight-step, original tea-brewing process with temporary equipment in his garage and kitchen. The proprietary multi-step, slow process reduces the bitterness and dryness of tea leaves so it can be enjoyed without adding sugar or milk—zero sugar, preservatives or bite. “The idea was to create a line of better-for-you delicious teas that retain all of their wonderful flavor and benefits,” Mike explains. “I made six gallons of tea in my kitchen every day for two years, challenged traditional tea brewing methods, and then tested it on friends and family until I finally found the brewing sweet spot for each type of tea.

Our process develops a naturally sweet, unsweet tea.” The soulful, urban vibe of his first brick and mortar store, complete with a fully retractable glass garage door in the front, is a welcomed addition to the northshore. All of the stainless-steel kettles and brewing equipment in the

photos: RITA POWERS

Richard, Blake and Mike Powers with Greg

back of the store are exposed so people can see what goes into the process. According to Mike, “The shop was designed to be a place where people can explore the new realm of modern teas, and the reuse program was intended to influence other retailers to follow— and it all benefits the people, the community, and the environment.”

A circular bottling process was also implemented, only using glass bottles and stainless-steel containers to inspire others to stop using single-use plastic products. To pull this off, Mike used a significant amount of his initial investment to buy highquality cleaning and sanitizing equipment, ensuring customers that every bottle in the store is extremely clean. “Demand for our signature, smooth and fairly priced teas will provide us with a visible platform to demonstrate that reusable bottling programs are sustainable and can help curb our single-use plastic dependency. We will accomplish much more than just selling a new tea, and based on early feedback, it appears that a tsunami of lasting change towards reusable containers is coming. We are proud to be part of that initiative.”

Following construction of his first brick-andmortar store with his 83-year-old father, Richard, Mike was ready to expand staffing beyond Donna and his children, Rita, Blake, and Brooke. He received a call from former Christ Episcopal School Athletic Director Greg Carnovale, whom he had met through his daughters sports at the school. Greg, a Covington local, felt it was time for a new adventure and >>

Donna, Rita, Brooke, Blake and Mike Powers.

July-August 2021 27

was totally aligned with the company’s vision, and Mike hired him on the spot.

He says, “It’s well known that Greg’s leadership, hard-work ethic and passion helped build one of the most successful student-athlete programs in the state of Louisiana. Now, his devotion to growing our mission at Úr Teas is second to none.

Finding someone of Greg’s caliber at the right time was also no coincidence at all – it was meant to be.”

Throughout his cancer journey, as well as the challenges they faced designing and launching a new business during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike credits the people who have supported them through the finish line to open their first location. “It’s one thing to talk about it and draw up ideas, but to actually execute a plan and then actually invest in building it is uncommon for good reason. Becoming an entrepreneur requires a lot of nerve and you have to be able to stomach the risks involved while constantly moving forward.” A second location for Úr Teas has already been secured, and construction is set to begin in August, followed by a robust franchise plan in 2022. Each location will incorporate the company’s mascot, the white squirrel, as a reminder that every day is truly a blessing.

“My personal journey over the last three years has taught me many new life lessons and that everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that we all have purpose in life and that mine was recently defined,” says Mike. “Introducing our unique business locally and having a platform to share the white squirrel testimony is very, very satisfying. We love what we are doing and look forward to promoting it every day! I was spared for a reason, and I’m not going to let that pass me by. Now I get to tell the story of the white squirrel, which is a story of hope and faith for all.”

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

Turn Up the Heat for Tammany Taste of Summer!

by Christina Cooper

IN 2018, THE ST. TAMMANY PARISH Tourist Commission launched a month-long celebration of the culinary scene on the Northshore, Tammany Taste of Summer, to drive visitors to St. Tammany Parish and to encourage residents to support local restaurants during the traditionally sluggish month of August.

Now returning for its fourth year, Tammany Taste of Summer has proven successful for participating tourism-related businesses, and its return is eagerly anticipated by Northshore visitors and residents.

Modeled after New Orleans & Company’s successful COOLinary campaign, Tammany Taste of Summer always offered delicious deals on great prix fixe meals and discounted room rates, but the program was expanded in 2020 to offer Northshore attractions the opportunity to participate with their own deals, creating a complete travel experience for visitors, and with the goal in mind of helping as many St. Tammany Parish tourism-supported small businesses as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We look forward every year to this—and will ALWAYS participate and be so grateful for all you do to promote local business here in St. Tammany,” enthused Brandi Najolia, co-owner of Café Lynn 30

Inside Northside

Restaurant & Catering, when asked if she would participate in Tammany Taste of Summer again.

Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission, says, “Research has shown us that 25 percent of our St. Tammany Parish restaurant revenue comes from visitors, and we know that August is an extremely difficult month in the hospitality industry. Our ultimate goal is to help our tourism partners increase revenue.

We’re dedicated to investing in our community and supporting our Northshore small businesses that contribute so much to our quality of life.”

Through Tammany Taste of Summer, both locals and regional travelers are encouraged to discover and support places to eat, stay and play on Louisiana’s Northshore. This is accomplished with significant advertising in an extensive multi-media campaign provided by the St. Tammany Tourist Commission to promote participating businesses and their deals.

In 2020, complimentary advertising via radio, television, Smart TV, Spotify, Pandora, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Google Banner Ads, Google Keyword Search, and local and regional print publications drove traffic to TammanyTaste.com, where

photos courtesy: LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Culinary celebration returns for fourth year.

potential visitors as well as locals could access delicious deals and discounts from participating tourism-related businesses.

A similar plan is in the works for 2021.

Seventy-five tourism-related businesses participated in 2020, including many beloved establishments. “We loved trying new restaurants as well as new menu items from our favorite places. It was a nice bright spot in 2020!” remarked Covington resident Melissa Foster. Notable Northshore restaurants are already eager to welcome Tammany Taste of Summer patrons with inventive prix fixe menus in 2021, including Café Lynn, The Dakota, Restaurant Coté, The Lakehouse, Tchefuncte’s, Seiler Bar, Pyre Provisions, Impastato Cellars, Forks and Corks, Annadele’s Restaurant, Peck’s Seafood and Del Porto Ristorante. Fleur De Lis Winery, Little River Bluffs B&B, and Bella Cucina Design are also joining in the fun.

Also new for 2020 was the Tammany Taste of Summer Savings Pass. Enthusiastic patrons are now able to register for the program on TammanyTaste.com to access prix fixe menus and deals from participating businesses. Once a user signs up, a link to the Tammany Taste of Summer Savings Pass is emailed and texted to the user, who can then save it to the home screen on their mobile phone.

Similar to using an app, pass users can

easily scroll through prix fixe menus, special room rates and attraction offerings to plan their Northshore experiences. Best of all, they are able to check-in at the business when they redeem an offer.

Anna Strider, manager of marketing and PR for the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission, implemented the Tammany Taste of Summer Savings Pass through the digital platform Bandwango, and is excited about its capabilities to track the success of the program for participating businesses.

“Choosing to incorporate the Bandwango Savings Pass as the digital backbone to our annual Tammany Taste of Summer campaign has proven to be tremendously beneficial. It allows for valuable, real-time economic impact to be easily accessed and communicated to our community stakeholders.”

And, it’s brought a fun gaming aspect to Tammany Taste of Summer.

In 2021, the first 150 people to redeem offers and check in five or more more times will receive a free gift, two original art coasters from Mandeville artist Christina Pappion, encouraging patrons to visit multiple businesses and take advantage of the offers.

By far, the discounted prix fixe meals motivated most of the 3,716 people who signed up for the Tammany Taste of >>

photo: MIA YAKEL

Summer Savings Pass and the more than 40,000 users who visited TammanyTaste. com in 2020. Using the pass, patrons are able to easily scroll through menus, including 3-course dinners for $45 or less; 2- or 3-course lunches for $25 or less; and 3-course brunches for $45 or less. Said one St. Tammany resident, “Had a great time rediscovering restaurants I hadn’t been to in years.” Consistently, the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission has received feedback that visitors and residents would like to see “more restaurants!”

After Tammany Taste of Summer in 2020, more than 97 percent of the St. Tammany Parish visitors and residents surveyed who signed up for the Summer Savings Pass said they would eat, stay and play with the program again in 2021. Said one patron, Tammany Taste of Summer “Is an awesome idea that allows people to try new places at reasonable cost.

After last year’s promotion, I went back to several restaurants with a group of friends for them to experience the food and atmosphere also. We have frequented many of them throughout the year since.”

That’s exactly the idea.

If you have a restaurant, accommodation or attraction and would like to participate in Tammany Taste of Summer, please email Anna@LouisianaNorthshore. com. Sign up for the Tammany Taste of Summer Savings Pass, at TammanyTaste. com. Christina Cooper is the Vice President, Communications, Marketing and PR for St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission.

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Inside Northside

Restaurant Coté At Home on Carey Street On quaint Carey Street in Olde Towne Slidell, Restaurant Coté has been welcoming guests into a comfortable, relaxing environment since 2013. Unique Southern Creole cuisine, with an ever-changing menu and daily lunch and dinner specials to spotlight what’s available and fresh locally and seasonally, keeps guests coming back for more.

“We’re a true scratch restaurant,” says Jeremy Reilly, chef/ owner of Restaurant Cote and The Maple Room. “We don’t have any freezers or microwaves; we grow a lot of vegetables in our garden, and everything comes from within 60 miles of our front door.” He’s just as passionate about growing vegetables and herbs for his restaurant as he is about using every bit of Mother Nature to create unforgettable comfort food—and that makes his patrons feel right at home.

The Coté Burger is legendary, made with a brioche bun from Don Phuong bakery, piled high with two thin patties and caramelized onions, Coté sauce, lettuce, tomato and hand-cut fries. Just as coveted is the Shrimp and Oyster Rustica, with Gulf shrimp, sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and garlic reduced in a creole cream sauce, served over scratch ragcut pasta topped with fried oysters.

The Maple Room, an adjacent cocktail lounge, is as comfortable as your living room for an after-work drink, and many of the ingredients for the craft cocktails are grown by Chef Jeremy in the garden out back, including fresh herbs, cucumbers and jalapeños. Six different liquors are infused in house and nine different simple syrups are made from scratch, in addition to the 20 beers on tap and 40 different wines The Maple Room carries.

Chef Reilly is looking forward to the annual Tammany Taste of Summer event in August. “Tammany Taste of Summer has been instrumental in my restaurant’s success through my slow season (the summer). I continue to participate as well as look forward to it because of the impact it has on my business. My patrons absolutely love it. I typically only get to show my creative side during wine pairings, special events, etc., so this allows my patrons (and myself) to have a month full of “not so typical” items.”

Restaurant Coté will be participating in Tammany Taste of Summer 2021.

July-August 2021 33

photos: NIBA PHOTOGRAPHY

Chef Robert Vasquez of Forks and Corks King of Louisiana Seafood “You have to have passion in everything you do,” says Chef Robert Vasquez of Forks and Corks, the reigning King of Louisiana Seafood, a distinction that has earned him not only accolades, but new fans across the country. “It’s been a whirlwind, really overwhelming,” says Chef Vasquez, who remains humble and a bit in awe of his newfound fame as he cherishes every opportunity the title provides.

Crowned King of Louisiana Seafood by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for the year 2020, Chef Vasquez won the title with his Red Snapper, Crawfish Sofrito, beating nine of the state’s best seafood chefs nominated in the virtual competition. Chef Vasquez will be representing the State of Louisiana during the 17th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on August 7, 2021, in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase at the Morial Convention Center. (The Great American Seafood Cook-Off did not happen in 2020 because of Covid-19.) In addition to representing Louisiana, Chef Vasquez is eager to represent the Northshore community that loves him, Forks and Corks and the entire Tammany Taste culinary scene.

Chef Vasquez has been in the hospitality industry for decades and works side by side with Osman Rodas, owner and restaurateur for the Pardo’s Restaurant Group, which includes Forks and Corks, Pardo’s and Pepe’s Sonoran Cuisine. The 20-year resident of St. Tammany says of his home, “Being able to do what I love here is a blessing! The Northshore provides a small-town, community feeling while still offering the 34

Inside Northside

cultural elements of a larger city. Plus, it’s beautiful.”

In June, Vasquez returned to his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona, for a media event led by the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. After the event, many members of the Vasquez family came to his cousin’s restaurant, Isabel’s Amor, to celebrate Chef Vasquez and his accomplishments, where he delighted all with a special four-course menu, featuring the Red Snapper, Crawfish Sofrito. “Wow! It was such a gift to be able to share what I do here in Louisiana with family and friends in my hometown,” muses Chef.

When he’s not traveling with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, helping to promote Louisiana’s worldclass seafood industry, you can find Chef Vasquez at Forks and Corks in Terra Bella in Covington, where he has recently revitalized the menu to celebrate local ingredients and especially Louisiana’s fresh seafood.

And, of course, you’ll find the award-winning dish.

Chef Vasquez and Forks and Corks will be participating in Tammany Taste of Summer 2021, with a prix fixe menu including the winning Red Snapper, Crawfish Sofrito.

2020 Tammany Taste of Summer Patron Survey Stats:

• 84% said it was their first Tammany Taste of Summer experience • 73% tried a new business • 2.5+ businesses visited during the duration of the program

photos courtesy: LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Pyre Provisions Looking to the Future Pyre Provisions has the distinction of being the first restaurant Louisiana culinary cultural ambassador Poppy Tooker dined inside, post-vaccine. After she arrived for lunch service with her traditional gusto and enthusiastically greeted Chef Jeff Mattia, she was pleasantly surprised to run into her friend, celebrity chef John Besh, who happened to be dining there, also. And, it was a stormy Tuesday in Covington, which should tell you something about the caliber of the food at Pyre Provisions.

Pyre Provisions first opened its doors in November 2019 along LA-21 in Covington,

serving Southern-inspired dishes by chef-owner Jeff Mattia. Chef Mattia’s passion for primitive forms of cooking, especially using wood and fire, delivered approachable food made with serious technique. Months later, Mattia and his industry peers were struck by COVID and the resulting shutdowns.

Mattia, a veteran and longtime chef, turned to creative ways to keep Pyre Provisions’ doors open. Among other tactics, Mattia invested in a food truck, allowing Mattia and his team to take Pyre Provisions on the road, serving the same flavors food truck-style. Safely serving different areas of the community nearly every day, Mattia introduced a host of new guests (who are now faithful followers and dine-in guests) to Pyre Provisions. Today, Mattia is happy to start utilizing the bright blue truck as he always intended, as an option for Pyre Provisions’ catering.

The future looks bright for Mattia and his team, too.

Later this year, after participating in Tammany Taste of Summer 2021, Chef Mattia will further spread his passion for food and family by opening another restaurant in Mandeville, a family-friendly BBQ place right across from the Tammany Trace Trailhead in Mandeville.

Pyre Provisions will be participating in Tammany Taste of Summer 2021.

July-August 2021 35

The Future of Cancer Care is Here—Close to Home.

OCHSNER HEALTH and St. Tammany Health System environment of innovation and collaboration, with have partnered to build a $50 million comprehensive the patient the center of every decision. As part of cancer facility in Covington, providing more that team, an on-site clinical pharmacist is available integrated cancer services locally than have ever to meet with patients on the first day of treatment to been available in western St. Tammany. All types of go over specific treatment plans. cancer will be treated at the center, which will include Treatment will range from surgery, chemotherapy, a hematology oncology clinic, radiation therapy and The multidisciplinary approach radiation oncology, infusion immunotherapy to procedures allows everyone to be on the center and onsite lab. such as hyperthermia, same page with the same goals, The facility will offer photodynamic therapy, blood making the patient the center of innovative cancer care in one transfusion and donation and every decision that is made. location from a team of expert laser treatment. New treatment doctors, clinicians and support options and enhanced services specialists who care for the entire person throughout will allow more holistic approaches to care for their cancer journey. This multidisciplinary team the patient’s needs, including on-campus physical approach gives each patient an entire network to lean therapy, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition on and compassionate support to meet the challenge guidance, and peer and support group meetings. of living with cancer. Each member of the team knows In addition to conventional medicine, the new what the others are thinking and doing, fostering an center will offer integrative oncology services, with 36

Inside Northside

an emphasis on symptom management, diet, exercise and lifestyle optimization to increase overall wellbeing while patients undergo treatment. Less traditional resources like boutiques that carry wigs, financial counselors, dietitians and social workers will be made available for patients and their caregivers.

Patients will have access to the largest clinical trials network in Louisiana, including a broad portfolio of Phase 1 and 2 trials, letting patients stay closer to home while experimenting with groundbreaking therapies.

The third floor of the center will be used for infusions, with one nurse to two patients on 47 private and semi-private bays. All spaces have window views that provide relaxing scenery and the most comfortable atmosphere possible. The space also shares a balcony where patients can take breaks, enjoy some fresh air or even have their treatment outside. The third floor will also provide snacks, games, reading materials and other items to help ease the often difficult process of cancer treatment.

The combined capabilities of Ochsner Health and St. Tammany Health System offer a comprehensive program from community education and screening and prevention to treatment, surgery

and clinical trials. As partners, they are committed to providing specialized care and expertise through Ochsner Health’s advanced care options and St. Tammany Health System’s local integrative health solutions. It is a partnership unlike any other.

The new cancer center is located at 900 Ochsner Blvd. in Covington. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit northshorecancercare. org or call 985-282-2602.

July-August 2021 37

Going for theLocalGold Teen Merits Highest Scouting Honor

COVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES of 2021 assembled as a class for one of the last times for senior awards night. District Attorney Warren Montgomery took the podium to announce the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Leadership award.

This graduate, he said, had maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA throughout her four years of high school. A dedicated athlete who’d been recognized as the school’s student of the month, she spent years in Girl Scouts, even achieving its highest honor. Meghan Michel’s friends whispered, “It’s you! It’s you!” But it wasn’t until he said the graduate worked as assistant manager of Pat’s Seafood in Covington that Meghan knew her classmates were right. She rose to accept the title and the scholarship money that came with it.

Before the night was over, she’d return to the stage again and again, accepting an academic award of excellence, Louisiana High School Athletic Association all-academic scholar athlete award, outstanding performance in World History and Social 38

Inside Northside

Studies, Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Commendation for Girl Scout Gold Award and a financial scholarship from Shelter Insurance Foundation. Those who know the confident teen weren’t surprised. Meghan is a polite, well-spoken, well-rounded, self-assured young woman. And she gives much of the credit to the 11 years she spent in Girl Scouts.

“The Girl Scouts gave me confidence through accomplishment,” she said. “I also found most of my friends through Girl Scouts.” From the beginning, Meghan was determined to get all she could out of her years in green. She was the scout who sold 500 boxes of cookies a year (for a total of 6,000 to date). If there was a badge to be earned, she jumped in with both feet. As soon as she was old enough, she was eager to mentor not just her two younger sisters who followed her into the troop, but also younger campers at Camp Loblolly, where she served as an assistant troop leader.

Debbie Melancon has put in so much time as a scout leader she’s now leading the daughters of her

photo: JOEY MICHEL

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

former scouts. She’s had the privilege of leading Meghan during her high school years. She says, “In Girl Scouts, we seek to install compassion, courage, confidence, character, leadership, entrepreneurship and active citizenship in girls. Meghan has learned all that and more. She’s motivated in her career goals. She knew what she wanted to do from an early age and understood what it would take to get there. It’s been amazing to see such a young girl with a plan in place and the confidence and determination to make it happen.

The adult leaders at Camp Loblolly always loved it when I assigned Meghan to their unit because they knew they wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.

Her drive and her work ethic are what we hope to see in every Girl Scout.”

Those qualities came in handy as Meghan worked toward her Girl Scout Gold Award in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. “She had to revisit her plan and make adjustments because of COVID restrictions,” says Melancon.

“A big part of the project needs to be about education and advocating for your community. She had to figure out ways to do that while safely social distancing. It’s amazing she was able to pull it off in just two years. But if anybody could, it’s Meghan.”

The equivalent of the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Scout Award, the Gold Award requires 80 individual service hours after completing all pre-requisites and an approved service project to be completed in one to two years. Nationwide, through their Gold Award projects, girls are tackling topical issues such as literacy, awareness of sexual abuse, distracted driving, diabetes management and access to local fresh food. The project Meghan chose was something she called “Naturally Confident.” Her idea was to involve young children in learning >> July-August 2021 39

and practicing outdoor skills at the Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville with the goal of building their selfconfidence and feelings of self-worth.

Activities included constructing birdfeeders, learning to read a compass and identifying wildlife, as well as aspects of wilderness safety and first aid, and culminated in a Naturally Confident badge which Meghan designed herself and handed out to children who completed her program. “Because I struggled with self-confidence as a young girl, my goal was to give kids a stepping stone to build their self-esteem on their own,” says Meghan. “I got to see the lightbulbs go off when they figured out how to do something new and their confidence build as they learned new skills—confidence through accomplishment.” Meghan’s program is now available through the Northlake Nature Center’s Children’s Activities page on their website.

Throughout the two-year process, Meghan had to communicate her concept to adults to receive initial approval for the project, advocate for support throughout the community, enlist the Nature Center to allow her to utilize the facility, fundraise for operating capital and then be able to communicate and interact on a level younger children could understand and absorb. Add to that the complications brought on by COVID restrictions and she was doing a lot of thinking on her feet. “I feel like I learned to communicate with adults in ways I couldn’t before,” she says. “I had to build professional relationships and reach out to experts and higherups in companies in my community to get my goals accomplished. Then I had to assemble and lead my team and solicit feedback and advice as I needed it. It was hard and a little frustrating

when I couldn’t meet face-to-face with my team and had to reply on emails and texts. The most successful aspect of my project, I think, was seeing kids excited about a project I’d created with my own brain and the help of others. I absolutely loved seeing their reactions and watching them build their own confidence with the things I’d spent so much time and effort creating.”

In June of this year, Meghan joined an elite 5 percent of Girl Scouts as she accepted her Gold Award at a ceremony at the governor’s mansion.

Since that time, she’s received letters of congratulation from state senators and representatives and the mayor of her hometown of Covington. This fall, she’ll be putting all that scholarship money to good use at Louisiana Tech, where she plans to study kinesiology with a minor in education. She’s waiting to hear whether she’ll be awarded a Girl Scout Cookies to College scholarship. And her years in scouting are far from over.

“If I’m home during cookie season, I’m sure I’ll be shuttling cookies, and I hope to lead my own troop one day,” she says. “I’ve been around it so long, I can’t imagine my life without Girl Scouts.”

Not Your Mama’s Girl Scouts When it was established in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouts of America concentrated on teaching young girls home arts such as cooking and sewing.

But the organization has evolved over its 108-year history and is now teaching 3.7 million girls about sports, business, car maintenance, woodworking, politics, money management, first aid, robotics, camping, fitness, fine and performing arts, entrepreneurism and more.

Who’s That Girl Scout?

One of the stated goals of the Girl Scouts of America is to “support girls as they develop into leaders of today and tomorrow.” Many movers and shakers in our world today once sported the iconic green vest. Former scouts you might know include singers such as Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Sheryl Crow and Queen Latifah. Actors Mary Tyler Moore, Lucille Ball, Bette Davis, Dakota Fanning and Carrie Fisher were all once scouts. In fact, Fisher’s mom, Debbie Reynolds, said she hoped to one day be “the world’s oldest living Girl Scout,” having been one for more than 70 years. Gwyneth Paltrow and Blythe Danner are another mother/daughter Girl Scout team.

Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee were earning Girl Scout badges before Olympic metals.

Former scouts who have made their mark in our political and judicial system include Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright; Attorney General Janet Reno; Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; and in supporting (but no doubt vital) roles, Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush. Astronaut Sally Ride is a proud Girl Scout alumna, as are Martha Stewart, Katie Couric and Barbara Walters.

July-August 2021 41

Misty Hellmers came to Northshore Technical Community College in 2015 as a Hi-SET student. Soon after she completed the program in 2016 where she was encouraged to consider a career in welding.

After some slight hesitation, Misty enrolled in the Welding Program at NTCC, taking most of her classes at Fontainebleau and Pearl River High Schools as the Lacombe STEM Campus had not yet opened. She completed her Technical Diploma in 2018 and worked briefly for the City of Slidell, then returned to NTCC to work with Owen Brown as an assistant in the Welding Program. Since then, Misty has worked her way up to a position as Adjunct Faculty. She’s back at Fontainebleau High School, this time as the Instructor for the Reboot Louisiana “Women in Welding” program.

Alyssa James and her mother, Jeanine Paul, both graduated from the Hi-Set program, Alyssa graduated in April 2021 and Jeanine in September 2020. Both received scholarships from the Slidell Women’s Civic Club. Alyssa immediately registered for our Women in Welding program to see what it was all about, while Jeanine continued her career as a St. Tammany Parish bus driver and creating her own cake business. Alyssa is not sure if she wants to pursue a career in welding, yet she believes in “taking a risk and try everything new”. She graduated from the program in June of 2021 and plans to continue her education at NTCC in the Fall in the Information Technology Program.

Alyssa said she tends to be quiet, but with the encouragement from her instructor Misty Hellmers she started to express herself more and has continued to build her own clothing line.

Oh, Oh, Ophidiophobia

Right: The Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Nigra). Below: The common Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

I LOVE A GOOD PROJECT. For Summer 2021 my mission—should I choose to accept it—was to overcome my irrational fear of snakes. The jury’s still out on how well I’ve done. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t petrified of snakes. I don’t mean I was afraid to be bitten by a snake or afraid of venomous snakes. That would be rational. I was afraid of a PICTURE of a snake. I was afraid of the IDEA of a snake. I can recall in detail every snake I’ve spotted on our property, in the past 30 years.

And although I enjoy visiting the woods and river behind our house in winter, I rarely leave the yard during warmer months for fear of a close encounter of the snake kind.

Last year, I learned about foraging and the joy of finding edible plants I can harvest and eat, dehydrate, can, or pickle. It started with chanterelle mushrooms which quickly led to honey, oyster, wood ear, and amber jelly mushrooms. I gathered beautyberries and made jelly. I harvested thistle and make thistle pickles. (Say that five times fast.) I sprinkled golden rod in my salads. I made cough medicine from pine needles and tea from wild clover. Throughout the cold months, I couldn’t wait to leap out of bed each morning and venture into our woods to see what I

photo: MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Overcoming My Snake Phobia— One Summer at a Time

could find. It was a magical time.

Then came spring. I didn’t want the foraging to end but what to do about my paralyzing snake fear? I consulted a friend of a friend who offered to take me “herping” (snake hunting). It was early March as we ventured into the woods and, every time he mentioned it might be too early to spot any snakes, relief washed over me. In truth, we didn’t find a single one but just being with someone who appreciates their purpose in the world began turning my opinion (ever so slightly). He said things like, “Every snake you see is just looking >>

July-August 2021 43

The venomous Northern Cottonmouth

for something to eat or a place to shelter.” In my mind, they were there to terrorize me.

He introduced me to a couple Facebook pages dedicated to snake identification. I joined both and though I had to brace myself, every time I logged onto Facebook, my education began. Every day, I saw photos of snakes and nine times out of ten they were identified as “harmless” and “beneficial”. The other members were accepting of me, even after I confessed my ophidiophobia. They encouraged me and directed me to resources such as a Louisiana snake ID chart for my office wall.

Then, came the infamous evening my son and I were in the vegetable garden, I moved a watering can, and found a plump little fellow curled against my raised beds and very aware of us. My son said, “Wow, Mom, you didn’t freak out.” I did not. Instead, I snapped 44

Inside Northside

photo: MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

(Agkistrodon Piscivorus).

a picture and posted it on the snake ID page. As fate would have it, it was a venomous Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon Piscivorus). Members on the page offered to relocate it for me.

But it was getting dark, and I didn’t relish the idea of leaving him in my garden overnight.

My son caught him in a scoop net, stashed him in an ice chest, and together we wheeled him a quarter mile from home and released him into the woods. I’ve gotten some flack about that from friends who think it should have been “Off with his head!” But my new snake buddies assured me all snakes serve a purpose. In fact, the venom of some of the world’s deadliest snakes is being used to treat cancer, high blood pressure, hypertension, chronic pain, and diabetes. And just because he was unlucky enough to seek shade in my garden shouldn’t mean an automatic death sentence. Should it?

Since then, I’ve encountered an Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis Nigra)—perfectly harmless—in my compost bin and decided to live in harmony with him, as long as he cares to stay. Does my heart still race, when I lift the lid of my composter and anticipate a reunion with this gorgeous guy? You bet it does. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Have I ventured out into the deepest part of our woods in search of the chanterelles everyone’s boasting about on my Facebook mushroom pages? Not yet. But through knowledge and experience I’m less afraid of snakes this summer than I was last and hope to be savvier and less afraid next year.

One day I hope to be as delighted to encounter a snake in the yard as I am to spot an egret or bunny. If nothing else, I at least want to learn to live and give snakes the liberty to live too.

July-August 2021 45

Retirement Living2021

by Steven Mills

TIME IS COMPLETELY TONE DEAF. The 24 hours we are allowed is exactly the same amount given to all. The secret to creating your own work of art, living your best life, is in how you choose to spend those hours. One of the greatest blessings can be the freedom offered to those who are past the age of raising children, who no longer have to rush to be in place at the parent-teacher conference, or make it to the office in time. When we are young our energy is constantly in demand. What is for dinner? Will you be ready for the meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m.? If the traffic is bad, will we make it to the start of the ballgame? Years spent in a constant rush leave very little time for introspection.

The stress that constantly watching time brings is a concern for our health and every other aspect of a good quality of life. Unfortunately, while we are in the midst of it, we can feel powerless to adjust those demands. Changes in the pace of life rarely come in a single moment; hours most often sneak back into our day one at a time. Sometimes it is as simple as a new driver in the family, or neighbors that help get some of the carpool hours back. Whatever the changes are, 46

Inside Northside

Brenda Felder 73 YEARS OLD

At the age of 73, Brenda Felder refuses to be limited by getting older. “When you’re younger, you don’t realize it’s going to happen to you, but age is God’s gift to us.

I don’t feel any different than the day I got married at 19.” Brenda believes the key to life is focusing on your actions and how you treat other people. “Everyone has struggles, and I will have them too, but you don’t have to wait for the hard times to be over to be happy. You can find ways to be happy while going through hard times, too.” Although Brenda was excited to retire from Chevron after working there for 53 years, she didn’t realize how much she’d actually miss going to work once it was gone.

“I look back at the memories fondly, but I still don’t want to go back to work. I love being able to wake up as early or as late as I want to.”

how we use that flexibility and freedom is up to us.

A long life presents challenges and blessings, both in great measure. Each of the following people, captured by photographer Paige Henderson of Bellus in Mandeville, is a great example of living well. The portraits highlight both the interest and beauty of their faces. There is an obvious story to tell, don’t you agree?

photos: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

Ageis a Woofrk Art

Gina Glaser 86 YEARS OLD

“I come from the days when we didn’t have television or air conditioning, so it’s been a great trip, this life of mine,” says 86-year-old Gina Glaser. As she reflects on life, she admits that the biggest struggle with getting older has been the toll that age has taken on her body. “I can’t believe how incapacitated I’ve gotten,” Gina laughs. “I can’t see well, I can’t hear well, I can’t walk. I’m surprised I’ve lived this long, but I’m thankful for all the blessings I’ve had in life.” The best advice she’s received in life, besides getting her mother’s skincare routine, was from her father, who passed away when Gina was 14 years old. “My father always told us to stand up for what is right. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t have an opinion. Stand up and be proud. Even if your opinions are wrong, at least you have an opinion.”

July-August 2021 47

Retirement Living2021

Leon Smith “Since I worked in New Orleans for 50 years, it was a big shock not to drive the Causeway every day,” says 77-year-old Leon Smith when asked about the surprises of retirement. “I started to realize there were so many other things we needed to do that we’d been putting off. The pressure was off from the work side, but now the new pressure was to stay busy.” When he’s not working in the yard or driving his grandkids around town, Leon likes to stay active with exercising. “Exercise is the key to health, longevity and a positive outlook on life. I wake up every morning at 7 a.m. and go exercise with my group because they push me to keep coming.” Leon also attributes enjoying life to having a positive attitude. “It makes things work out much better. No matter if you’re up or down, try to be consistent and try to be uplifting. It’ll make everyone else around you feel uplifted also.”

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Inside Northside

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

77 YEARS OLD

Retirement Living2021

by Mimi Goodyear Dossett

The lakes at Money Hill provide a beautiful backdrop for the golf course.

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UNEXPECTED EVENTS often change or accelerate trends in business and lifestyle. For us in Southeast Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 followed by the world financial crisis and its corresponding real estate crash in 2008 were dramatic game changers.

Add to that the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic year, and you have a lasting influence on the value of home—and the way we live, work and retire.

In 2008 and the several years that followed, a large group of middle and upper management lost their jobs, and millions of Americans lost their homes. The result was a generation of the later baby boomers who had to recreate careers and lives, start new businesses, and “downsize” expensive lifestyles. Interestingly, in the years prior to the crisis, those people would be aging into retirement now. Now, many of us in our 50s, 60s and 70s don’t plan to retire in the traditional sense.

Instead, we have decided not to put off dreams and goals for that post-work life. People started thinking, “Well, if I can’t retire anytime soon, I might as well live in a place I love!”

Today, flexibility and the ability to work from home rank right up there with health benefits and salary. We’ve all realized the importance of family and connectedness. Living in a place where you have a great environment, amenities and the ability to enjoy your free time and your family is paramount.

Now, post COVID, not only is where you

Inside Northside

live an important factor, but people are finding that their homes need to be useful for a variety of purposes and functions that were not necessary before. Home gyms, home offices, guest quarters, outdoor kitchens and improved family entertaining spaces are some of the amenities that are becoming essential. Many are purchasing second homes that allow them to get away but still be in the comfort of a private residence. First and second homes are becoming gathering places for multigenerational families, and low interest rates are encouraging people, even those in their 30s and 40s, to take the plunge on a vacation property!

There are large migrations from states with high income and property taxes to states with more friendly policies for business owners and older Americans. Another migration trend that has been good for us in the South is people relocating from

photo courtesy: MONEY HILL

Choosing Your Next Chapter

harsher climates to milder ones. With all this moving around, opportunities to build community and meet new people often revolve around activities, particularly sporting activities, for this new generation of “not ready to quit working or playing” individuals.

Golf, biking, tennis, pickle ball, hiking, and gym workouts are just a few of the ways seniors are spending their time. In addition to fishing and canoeing, it is now common to see kayaks and paddleboards out on the waterways. All these activities are more than just fun hobbies and a way to make friends; they are ways that older Americans are staying healthy and living life! Enjoying free space and the outdoors is more appreciated than ever, and people have come to realize the value of their health as well!

As the pandemic winds down, it is exciting to see fun events and activities starting to resume. We are social creatures, and hopefully the parties and festivals and concerts and sporting events will come back quickly and better than before. We will all be ready to get back to “public” life, but COVID has accelerated trends that were already advancing. It’s great being a senior with the mobility to travel and see family, the flexibility to balance work and play, and the ability and opportunity to love where you live! COVID gave us a chance to evaluate the things that are important and to make the most of our time and opportunities. If you don’t feel you’re living your fullest life, consider moving, traveling or taking up a new active lifestyle hobby!

July-August 2021 51

Generous Hearts

by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

Michael Morgan

Retirement Brings Clarity MILLENNIALS GET A BAD RAP for the ways they think and live differently from the generations before them, but maybe the rest of us are figuring out that they just might be on to something. Generally, they have determined that they want their lives to be full of human experiences, driven by purpose and meaningful in some bigger-than-a-paycheck ways.

Ironically, many recent retirees are coming around to the exact same way of thinking. Retirement looks different than it did just a generation before, and now it is filled with new and exciting options of experiences and opportunities that provide a richness to life well beyond dollars and cents.

These three Northshore retirees have created lives that are focused on giving back, making an impact and contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Michael Morgan Mike Morgan spent his career as a lawyer and investment banker, boldly putting together deals and managing capital. In this new phase of his life, he is using that same energy to impact the lives of children in dramatic ways. He has a special place in his heart for children who are economically disadvantaged or 52

Inside Northside

Elaine Wirth

who have physical or mental challenges, because, as he puts it, “I am lucky to have two healthy children and the financial wherewithal to provide them the tools they need to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential. Many families are not so lucky.”

That passion led Mike to the Grant’s Gift Foundation, and he has been a leader in their work ever since, helping families of special needs children with equipment and enrichment opportunities that they could otherwise not afford. Specialized wheelchairs, service dogs and inclusive summer camps are only some of the ways the Grant’s Gift Foundation changes lives. Their lofty goals now include the construction of an inclusive playground adjacent to the Miracle League Baseball field at Coquille. Mike is investing all of his energy in making that playground a reality, because he is grateful that retirement has allowed him more time to focus on the causes that matter to him.

Elaine Wirth Elaine starts every day in a conversation with God where she asks, “How can I be of service today?” After running a software consulting and training company in New York for 20 years, she has a lot more time to carry out “the direction He points her in.” She always wanted to be involved in traditional philanthropy, but working a 60-80 hour week and cross country travel 10 days every month made it that much harder, so she engaged where she could, but remained focused on her career. She never lost sight, however, of what

it felt like to need a helping hand. She and her husband, Wayne, have lived a life of philanthropy by housing those who needed a place to stay during hard times, doing loads of pro-bono work for worthy nonprofits needing her services, such as Covenant House and Doctors Without Borders, and even by sponsoring a young refugee whose parents were murdered in Guatemala.

Touching the lives of people is a big part of what she does now that she lives here in Covington—in a cooking ministry at St. Benedict’s, serving at the Northshore Food bank and volunteering with foster children at James Samaritan. But when she met the team (including Bones, the cat on a leash) from Big Sky Ranch/CATNIP at a Northshore Community Foundation event, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. From adopting Moon, her newest cat, to volunteering to develop tracking software for them and now serving on the board. Elaine’s commitment to animals is as meaningful as her love of her fellow humans.

“Retirement has given me the opportunity to spend time with wonderful organizations that continue to show me, even with the craziness of today’s world—people are still good. And I am thankful. I am so fortunate to have the life I do, and hopefully, I can be part of making the world a little better.”

Alexis Hocevar Alexis led an impressive but stressful career in the automobile rental industry, running a huge corporation’s South Louisiana operation with 3,000 employees, 80 locations and 15,000 cars.

Giving back to the communities they serve was part of both their mission and business strategy, so he was involved in countless philanthropic efforts as part of his professional role. As he described, “I was fortunate to work for a company >>

Alexis Hocevar

whose owner created a culture of giving that permeated everything we did with customers, partners and employees.”

Enterprise and the United Way had a long-standing relationship nationally, and he was introduced to it at the local level because of the company. Over many years that relationship grew and he was ultimately recognized as an Alexis De Tocqueville honoree in 2016, their highest level of philanthropy.

When Alexis retired, he quickly realized that his time was the treasure he now wanted to invest. Company connections often drove his giving in his career life; now he could decide where he wanted to direct his time and efforts. Always having a love and passion for the water, and living only a few blocks away, Alexis took an interest in the Maritime Museum and has been instrumental in much of its recent success, especially in securing $1.6 million to save the shoreline surrounding the Lighthouse.

In addition to the Maritime Museum, Alexis’ heart drives his involvement in the ALS Foundation (his dad had ALS) and the Al Copeland Foundation (his brother had cancer). Alexis now packs his calendar with the projects that matter to him, and that investment serves our communities as much as it fulfills him.

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Flourishes 2

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1. Turkish towel, $28; handmade tote, $80;

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sunglasses, $46. The Villa, Mandeville, 6269797. 2. Lampe Berger Paris oil lamps in the latest colors and shapes. Refill oil available in a variety of scents. Redoux Home Market, Mandeville, 674-8811. 3. Decorative lidded urns, starting at $50. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 4. Selected pieces from Dana Manly in varying prices. This 4x4 features the cardinal, representing devotion

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and loving relationships. V Home & Interiors, Mandeville, 231-7411. 5. Large 26” Grin Face with Wind Blown Rays by Elizabeth Keith Designs, $159. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 6. Bevolo portable Governor Pool House Lanterns, ideal for outdoor use, designed to be used with large candles. Available in 3 sizes, starting at $450.

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 2496040. 7. Porcelain! Pampa Bay Collection of serveware pieces, starting at $15. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

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July-August 2021 57

Flourishes

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1. Earrings in 14 karat white gold feature

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two prong-set 3.06 carat total weight oval rubies surrounded by a round diamond halo with screw post backs. Round diamonds total approximately 0.91 carats, $2,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-8320000. 2. Classis Pebble Hill Lantern shown with classic yoke and estate wall mount, available in 3 sizes, starting at $800. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275.

3. Trellis floor lamp with putty base, silver

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leaf orb element and hand-painted shade.

Southland Plumbing Supply, Covington, 893-8883; Metairie, (504) 835-8411.

4. Aqua gradient contemporary vase, starting at $93.

Greige Home Interiors, Covington, 875-7576, office@greigehome.com. 5. Burl wood tray with gold handles, $149.

Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

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July-August 2021 59

INside Look 2

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1. Square toe, quilted-heel mule in white faux leather. J. Ashley Design Studio, Mandeville, 778-0965. 2. Sweet Baton Rouge hat, $30, and tank, $32. Articles of Society distressed short,

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$54. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 3. Denim button-down, mock-neck dress featuring ruffle detail on sleeves, $58.

Columbia St. Mercantile, Covington, 8091789 and 809-1690. 4. Ring in 14k white gold features a 3.02ct cushion-cut blue sapphire center surrounded by round diamonds with a 4

polished shank. Diamonds total approximately 1.83tw, $16,000. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 5. Boy’s Bowen Arrow button down. Kiki & Lolli, Covington, 900-2410.

6. Rhinestone platform sneaker, $99. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465.

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July-August 2021 61

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

Road Trip I LOVE THE IDEA OF A ROAD TRIP, especially in the summer. There’s just something exciting about hitting the road without a schedule or a care in the world, looking for adventure and discovering new favorite places. Some of my best college experiences include those spontaneous trips with a carful of friends laughing and singing at the top of our lungs to the music blaring from the cassette deck; the memories of them always make me smile. However, having just returned from one, I can tell you firsthand—road trips are a lot different when you’re old.

It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. My mother, sister and I had been combing through our calendars looking for a few free days we might have in common to visit my brother in Asheville, and, just like that, our window of opportunity presented itself with less than a week’s notice. Too late to book reasonable airfare, we decided to road trip it like Thelma and Louise (and Louise), but without the cliff and also the convertible because I find them hot and windy and I don’t have one. Like the old ladies we’ve become, we planned everything, which is a far cry from the road trips of my youth when we planned, literally, nothing.

We mapped out the driving route, scheduled the bathroom breaks to coordinate with gas fill-ups and driver rotations; we purchased snacks and bottled water and equipped the backseat with a pillow and blanket for the resting driver, all in an effort to minimize our stops on the long drive to North Carolina. I don’t know who we thought we were kidding—we made it an hour and a half and we were starving. After that, we only stopped five more times and then got lost, so the 10-hour drive took only 12 hours.

I find it’s always fun to eat in the car, especially while driving, so, after carefully weighing all of our dining options (as we made yet another unauthorized bathroom stop), we settled on Taco Bell. Don’t ask me 62

Inside Northside

why. I know what you’re thinking, and I’d agree with you, except we were starving again and getting hangry and we unanimously refused to go to McDonald’s (except for the Egg McMuffins we had for breakfast).

I find there’s nothing more ‘road trippy’ than scarfing down tacos with the tunes cranked up while driving 80 mph on the interstate. When we finally reached our destination, we did our best to pick off the shredded lettuce and hide the hot sauce stains, but I’m certain the bellmen thought we were there to panhandle because, in addition to being covered in fast-food residue, we were also VERY comfortably dressed. And once they got a look at our luggage, they surely must’ve thought we were moving in for good.

For some reason, I feel compelled to bring anything and everything I own when I travel by car, and, as it turns out, my mother and sister feel the same way; for example, between the three of us, we probably had 24 pairs of shoes for three days of activities. We each held our breath when the bellman opened the back of my car and saw the massive amount of luggage we felt we couldn’t live without for five days, but he didn’t even flinch. As it turns out, it’s a universal truth that the vast majority of women grossly overpack when they go on road trips. The bellman said so, so we gave him a big tip.

We had a great time in Asheville with my brother. It was a rare occasion for the four of us to be together, and we made the most of it. But for me, the best thing about our road trip was being trapped together in a car for 20 hours with nothing to do but spend time together. We reminisced and retold stories we’ve all heard a hundred times; we psychologically evaluated friends and family with our amateur psychology degrees; we gave each other sage advice on how to live our lives; and when we finally pulled into the driveway, we were through talking and happy to be home. And then there was the little matter of unpacking …

! e m i t r e m m Su y a l P r o o d t u Time for o

photo: KEVIN GARRETT

by Christy Myers

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN a more needed time for our children to enjoy a summer of play! Children have not had full free play at school or at home, as many after-school activities were restricted during the pandemic. With months of learning using technology, it is important that we find alternatives for play that do not include a screen. Now that most activities are available for our families, we need to encourage our children to engage in free play where they are exploring, creating, pretending, imagining and learning from trial and error.

Whether is it riding bikes with friends or enjoying an afternoon at one of our local state parks, research shows that

children learn by playing, and they learn in several different ways. The northshore is filled with amazing opportunities to explore. Examples include walking along the beautiful lakefront, renting canoes or kayaks, and having fun at the splash pads as well as exploring multiple indoor options in our area.

Play assists children with intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. “Now more than ever, our children need to experience all sorts of play. Summer is the best time to get outside and play or have your children participate in camps and activities that will bring them enjoyment and are just fun. Research indicates that brain growth happens more when

FOR CHILDREN

Find a complete list here: bit.ly/ChildrensSummerReading

Summer Reading With no homework or school to worry about, summer can be the perfect time for kids and teens

Rump: the True Story of

The Quiltmaker’s Gift

The Wishing Spell

alike to crack open a good book.

Rumpelstiltskin

by Chris Colfer

Studies have shown that summer

by Liesl Shurtliff

by Jeff Brumbeau A quiltmaker makes beautiful quilts

The first book in the series The Land of

reading helps kids retain

Rump finds an old spinning wheel and

but gives them only to those who

Stories about twins Alex and Conner

knowledge and skills learned

discovers he can spin straw into gold. With

have nothing. A king wants one, but

Bailey combines our modern day

in the previous school year. St.

each thread he spins, however, he weaves

she makes him give away all he owns.

world with the realm of classic fairy

Tammany Parish Library System

himself deeper into a curse. To break the

The more he gives away, the happier

tales when the twins come face-to-

has shared with us some of its

spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest,

he is. He receives his quilt, but knows

face with characters they grew up

summer picks for all ages!

fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples,

that his reward is the smiles of those

reading about. Getting back home is

and a wickedly foolish queen.

he helped.

going to be harder than they thought.

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children have free play opportunities. Play also helps children build social skills and a healthy self-esteem. So, let’s get out there and play with our kids this summer,” says Leslie Martin, principal of Marigny Elementary and president of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany.

photo: MARCI HIDALGO

Christy Myers is the CCO of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. For more information, she recommends visiting: www.gse.harvard.edu/ news/uk/18/06/summertime-playtime.

Top Ten

Things to do with Your Kids 1. Honey Island Swamp Tour Climb aboard a flat bottom boat and traverse through swamps and around cypress knees as you go deep into the Honey Island Swamp ecosystem. On your twohour tour, your knowledgeable captain will tell you all about the flora and fauna of Louisiana, throw in a little culture and history, and introduce you to resident alligators of the Honey Island Swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Honey Island Swamp monster!

2. Global Wildlife Center Get eye to eye with giraffes, feel the wooly fur of bison, or get licked by a llama on your safari tour of the 900-acre free roaming Global Wildlife Center in Folsom. Visitors love to feed the animals from covered >> FOR TEENS

Find the complete list here: bit.ly/TeenSummerReadingList

The St. Tammany Parish Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, “Tails & Tales,” is happening now

through Saturday, August 7, with a simple goal: to encourage everyone to spend 20 minutes reading every day this summer. Tails & Tales is designed to give patrons of ALL ages the pick of the litter when it comes Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Conceal, Don’t Feel:

Campfire by Shawn Sarles

to “pawesome” summer reads and

In the first book in the Lunar Chronicles

A Twisted Tale

While camping, Maddie Davenport,

“fintastic” events and prizes. Throughout

series, Cinder, a gifted teenage

by Jen Calonita

her friends and her family tell scary

this time, readers of all ages can visit

mechanic, is a cyborg, a second-class

Following the death of her parents, Elsa,

stories. Caleb, the young guide, shares

the Library Summer Reading page

citizen with a mysterious past, reviled

Queen of Arendelle, is lonelier than ever.

the legend of the Mountain Men who

sttammanylibrary.org/tails-and-tales/

by her stepmother. Her life becomes

Mysterious powers reveal themselves,

hunt campers and carve antlers into

and click on the Tails & Tales icon to

intertwined with Prince Kai’s and

and she remembers fragments of her

their foreheads. The next day, the story

create an account in the challenge

caught between duty and freedom,

childhood that include a familiar-looking

comes true. Now Maddie and her

tracking program Beanstack. Earn

loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover

girl. Elsa takes a harrowing journey across

family are lost with no way out, stalked

720 points to complete the Summer

her past to protect her world’s future.

her icy kingdom.

by their worst nightmares.

Reading Challenge and win prizes.

July-August 2021 65

wagons or on private Pinzgauer tours.

Ages 2 to 92 will delight in pouring food into a big bison’s mouth or stroking a giraffe’s beautiful neck, and tour guides offer interesting facts about the animals and their habits and habitats in the wild.

3. Cool off with a sweet treat Louisiana is known for its snowballs, shaved ice in a cup swimming in simple syrup flavors like wedding cake, strawberry, bubble gum (or any of a hundred more). Be on the lookout for one of many roadside stands as you travel St. Tammany. If you’re in Slidell, visit a local favorite, the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop for sweet nostalgia served along with your scoop of ice cream.

4. Kayak or Canoe Older kids and teenagers will love paddling down lazy Cane Bayou, between

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Inside Northside

Fontainebleau State Park and the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

Watch for resident alligators and the otters that frequently fish near the island.

You’ll spot Great Blue Herons, osprey (look for the nest!), and maybe even a bald eagle. A three-hour paddle will get you to the mouth of the bayou, which empties into Lake Pontchartrain, and back. Check out Bayou Adventure for gear rentals. The Bogue Falaya River is a peaceful paddle, and kids can get out and play on the sandy beaches or watch schools of fish swimming below. Canoe

and Trail Adventures rents canoes and kayaks launching from The Chimes Restaurant, a popular al fresco dining spot for families.

5. Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington has alligators everywhere, big blue pools of adults in crystal clear water, even a touch pool with juvenile gators kids can pick up to pose with. Learn about the alligator industry “from hatchling to handbag”

and how Insta-gator’s partnership with Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries has helped bring this species back from the brink. By reservation, visitors can assist in the hatching of a baby alligator from an egg in August and September.​

6. Check out the Mandeville Lakefront Kids love the Mandeville lakefront,

located on Lakeshore Drive. Cycle or walk the seawall paths under mosshung oak trees and check out the two playgrounds located on the east and west ends. Enjoy the swing-sets near the intersection of Lakeshore and Carroll Street, and walk a block down to The Candy Bank, an oldfashioned candy store and ice cream parlor located in the 111-year-old St. Tammany Bank Building. >>

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photo: MALACHI JACOBS

7. Abita Mystery House and UCM Museum Wacky and eccentric are the best words to describe the Abita Mystery House and UCM Museum, a quirky roadside attraction with thousands of found objects housed in a vintage gas station in Abita Springs. Parents will wax nostalgic about family road trips down Route 66, and kids can’t get enough of the crazy creatures like Buford the Bassigator and Darrell the Dogigator.

8. Splash play Interactive water fountains are located at the trailheads in Abita Springs and Mandeville, the Pearl River Water Park at James Lavigne Park, in Slidell’s Heritage Park, at the East Lakefront Children’s Park and Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, and in Covington at Coquille Sports Complex.

Kids love getting soaked as they run in, around, and through the water spray.​

The 31-mile Tammany Trace offers a scenic bike ride throughout St. Tammany Parish, with stops at individual trailheads in the towns of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell.

Consult a trail map to find the best route for little legs, but highlights include the playgrounds at the Abita 68

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photo: KEVIN GARRETT

9. Cycle the Tammany Trace

Springs and Koop Drive trailheads, a drawbridge over Bayou Lacombe, and splash pads at the Mandeville and Abita Springs trailheads. Bike rentals are available from Brooks’ Bike Shop in Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, and via a self-service rental station in Abita Springs. In Lacombe, you can rent bikes and more from Bayou Adventure.

Area Mus eums

With Young Minds In Mind!

Learning is fun, and these museums are

Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center

designed to make the most of that. Exhibits are

Children can pretend to operate the Middendorf’s

designed to expand access to experiences in

Restaurant at this Hammond campus.

innovative and safe ways. From indoor climbing

lcdcofhammond.org

walls designed to encourage risk-taking, to a pint-

10. Go camping at Fontainebleau State Park or Fairview-Riverside State Park

sized look at some of our region’s most interesting

Louisiana Children’s Museum

professions, there are hours of fun to be had. We

Now located at City Park in New Orleans, exhibits

have highlighted some of the exhibits, but log on

include a wide-ranging look at the Mighty

to get access tickets and a full understanding of

Mississippi! lcm.org

St. Tammany Parish has two waterfront state parks, Fontainebleau in Mandeville (fronting Lake Pontchartrain) and FairviewRiverside (on the Tchefuncte River) in Madisonville. Glamping has come to Fontainebleau State Park thanks to a partnership with Tentrr, and it’s a great way for families to get out into nature the easy way. The safari-style tents come with fire pits, bed, extra tent, even a loo.

If you’re camping at Fairview-Riverside, be sure and schedule a pontoon tour of the Tchefuncte River with Louisiana Tours and Adventures.

what you will find at each location.

For more events, things to-do and all things St. Tammany, head over to LouisianaNorthshore.com.

Children’s Museum of St Tammany The outdoor STEM lab features an archeology pit

Mississippi Children’s Museum Visit the Fantastical Backyard exhibit at the brand new Meridian campus. mschildrensmuseum.org

and hands-on garden at this Koop Drive campus in Mandeville. cmstkids.org

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Play in the tops of 100-year-old trees in the Tree House Village of this Gulfport campus. lmdc.org

Road Trip to the Coast!

Mississippi Aquarium, Gulfport, Mississippi

feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits connected by

Mississippi Aquarium tells the incredible story

landscaped walkways with plants that represent all

of all of Mississippi’s aquatic resources from

the physiographic regions of Mississippi.

the Delta to the coastline and the remarkable connection that ties all of the state’s natural

Take a Biloxi shrimping trip

resources uniquely together. msaquarium.org

A unique living marine adventure casts a net

It is an awe-inspiring experience that

and reels in a wide area of sea life native to our

supports education, research and conservation.

waters. The captain will present and identify the

The Aquarium is committed to animal welfare and

bounty of the catch, including everything from

the majesty of the Gulf and beyond. The Aquarium

shrimp to flounder, stingray, oysters and squid.

sits on 5.8 acres and contains over 80,000 square

biloxishrimpingtrip.com July-August 2021 69

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

Under the greenery-adorned gazebo at Maison Lafitte, Elizabeth England Bragg of Mandeville and Rory Hugh O’Shields of Birmingham, Alabama, exchanged wedding vows. Before the ceremony, Rachel and Josh Riley sang and played guitar as the guests were served champagne.

The bride wore a Watters gown with a scoop neckline and spaghetti straps tiered with layers of lace; her bespoke pearl-trimmed veil was by Toni Fereici. Both were from Unbridaled in New Orleans. Her shoes were custom hand-painted heels with butterflies.

For the reception under the pavilion, linens by the bride’s mother and Petals and Parties cascaded on the tables. Petals and Parties did the florals, with stunning pops of blue and burnt orange. Distressed rentals provided all couches and seating, matching perfectly with the bride’s sunset tone color palette. The decor also included custom wooden backdrops made by the bride’s father.

From Maple Street Bakery, the bride’s traditional almond cake with a praline filling featured arrangements

by Lisa with Petals and Parties.

The band Soul’d Out got the party started and set the tone for an amazing evening of celebration. It is said that the couple’s two-year-old daughter Ruby stole the show with her precious dance moves. Truffle fries were served before the bride and groom’s sparkler exit into a vintage Rolls Royce.

The couple resides in Covington and plan to honeymoon in the California wine country later this year.

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photos: EMILY SONGER

Bragg-O’Shields

INside Peek Inside Northside’s Women In Business Luncheon Lunch, inspiration, and great conversation with some incredible women were the hallmarks of our recent Women in Business luncheon at Desi Vega’s Steakhouse Northshore. Presenting sponsor Fidelity Bank’s Tammy O’Shea and Liz Broekman spoke about the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and Fidelity’s P.O.W.E.R. program for women business owners. Cover artist Casey Langteau also joined the group, displaying her paintings throughout the restaurant. Each attendee left with a signed poster of the cover and swag bags filled to the brim with items from all around the community.

“Women-owned businesses represent 42% of all U.S. businesses and $1.9 trillion in revenue.”

– Tammy O’Shea

July-August 2021 71

INside Peek Fine Wine & Canines Pat Gallagher’s Rest Awhile hosted Fine Wines for Canines, a charity dinner and wine tasting to benefit the homeless animals of Northshore Humane Society. The new restaurant on Mandeville’s lakefront served a five-course dinner, each course with a wine pairing. Patrons also took advantage of a cash bar before dinner and bid on several silent auction pieces, all to benefit the no-kill rescue and community veterinary clinic.

This evening and future Fine Wines events will not only help the homeless animals of Northshore Humane Society, but they will also assist local restaurants at this critical time following a pandemic.

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DeLuca’s 40th Anniversary DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts celebrated its fortieth anniversary with friends, family and longtime customers. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, fine jewelry and Ronaldo trunk shows filled the store with excitement. One lucky winner received a pair of diamond stud earrings. The evening also marked the passing of the baton from owner and founder Janet DeLuca to her son Charlie DeLuca, the new owner of the business. A wonderful evening was had by all.

July-August 2021 73

INside Peek

New Cancer Center Ochsner Health and St. Tammany Health System celebrated the grand opening of the new cancer center following the completion of the $50 million facility. At 75,000 square feet, it is double in size of the previous cancer center, increasing capacity to offer more high-quality cancer services and advanced clinical research than have ever been available on the Northshore.

The new cancer center will bring innovations to the fight against cancer close to home. Located on the campus of Ochsner Health Center - Covington and near St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the new center provides patients with convenient access to world-class cancer care. The partnership will continue to ensure that patients have specialized care and expertise through the advanced care options Ochsner offers, coupled with the trusted, local integrative health solutions that STHS

provides. Thousands of patients will be cared for annually by a multidisciplinary team of specialists and sub-specialists to meet the challenges presented by more than 20 different types of cancer.

A highlight of tours of the center is the massive, high-end art installation.

The 75,000-square-foot, state-of-theart building includes numerous works of art, with St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s Healing Arts Initiative committee outfitting the public spaces with original pieces and Ochsner Health’s art committee outfitting the clinical spaces. Working collaboratively, both organizations put a focus on using talented local artists’ works that added to the healing environment of the building resulting in a one-of-a-kind installation that will enhance the overall experience for patients, visitors and colleagues of the cancer center.

Chef Soirée The 37th annual Chef Soirée featured delicious food from dozens of local favorite northshore restaurants under the direction of event organizer Bobbie Calandro. Despite the rain, the tents were filled with revelers gathered to celebrate work done by the Youth Service Bureau in our community.

Major support came from Chevron, the presenting sponsor, and Banner Ford, which offered a 2021 Ford Mustang for the winning raffle ticket. Sparkling lights, flowing drinks and great music set the tone for an incredible evening.

Poster artist Ryan Perea with Gretchen Armbruster and Cleland Wester, CEO of the Youth Service Bureau. Ryan was feted at a Meet the Artist gathering at Armbruster Artworks, where he is an instructor.

July-August 2021 75

INside Peek Go Red Golf Tournament The Go Red Golf Tournament to benefit the American Heart Association was held in late May at Money Hill Golf Club. Pro Gavin Vegas had the foursomes compete for closest to the hole and longest drive, in addition to first, second and third place finishes. Before the shotgun start, St. Tammany Hospital was on hand to provide valuable heart health screenings and education. The day was a huge success thanks to the support of the Circle of Red members and other team sponsors, including State Farm, Fidelity Bank, Mercedes Benz of Covington, Murphy Appraisal, Resource Bank, First Bank, Humana, St. Tammany Corp. and many others. Rick Murphy sponsored the Perfect Pour, which kept the golfers cool on the turn. Great prizes were donated by Susie and Pierre Villere, Covey Rise Lodge, Inside Northside, Felix’s Restaurant, Skin Solutions and Skin Medica.

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by Hilary Creamer If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then my home is a happy place. The shelves are filled with bold-colored and whimsically patterned vintage dinnerware, casserole dishes and mixing bowls. Lately, I’ve been hunting for vintage (foodsafe) souvenir dishes paired with road map placemats and vintage postcards for place settings for a travel-themed dinner party. What food will be served? Let’s face facts—we have the best cuisine in the world right here at home! That is why I search local antique shops for cookbooks from communitybased organizations and churches. And no kitchen is complete without a cheerful, vintage apron!

Shop small. Shop local. Shop often.

Happy hunting and cooking!

♥︎ Hilary Go on the hunt with me 78

Inside Northside

@northshoretreasurehunts.

Clayton House Marketplace 1600 Collins Blvd., Covington. 985-892-6368 claytonhousemarketplace.com Clayton House Marketplace is the home of 80+ small businesses in one convenient retail location. Their store is over 30,000 square feet and contains everything from locally crafted furniture, artwork, and gifts, to one-of-a-kind collectables and furniture.

C.J.’s Antiques & Collectibles, 160 SE Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula.

985-386-0026 cjsantiques.com From Farmhouse to Victorian and everything in between, CJ’s has a large selection of antiques and collectibles. “New” old treasures arrive every week to our 15,000 sq. feet of inventory. Like to DIY? See our nice selection of wood planks and slabs. Like us on Facebook! Open every day, 9am-6pm.

Trail’s End Antiques 157 East Pine Street, Ponchatoula. 985-386-5776 trailsendantiquesla.com Trail’s End Antiques has been in business since July of 1997. “Something for everyone.”

Here you will find a wide array of glassware, furniture, cast iron skillets, pots, and much more! Looking for something fun? Check out their collection of man toys, old gas pumps, porcelain signs, and more.

Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Antiques, 177 West Pine St., Ponchatoula.

985-386-9097 Roussels.com Roussel’s is a family-owned and -operated business that gives you a retail shopping experience like no other. Here at Roussel’s, we offer custom fine jewelry, jewelry repair, Cajun gifts, scents and candles, exquisite antique furniture, and a large selection of antique collectibles. We’re a one-stop shop for everyone. So come on in and find your treasure of a lifetime.

Denham Springs Antique Village DSantiquevillage.com We invite you to take a leisurely stroll and shop with us at the Denham Springs Antique Village. Over 25 locally owned shops in a two-block area. Antiques to boutiques, book stores to gift stores, jewelry to art, we have it all!!

Schedule a painting, pottery or stained glass class for you and your friends. Sit and sip a specialty coffee and/or enjoy a wonderful meal at one of our restaurants.

Northshore Antique Shops ABITA SPRINGS Attic To Awesome 22107 Hwy. 36, Ste. B 985-888-1870 COVINGTON Clayton House Marketplace 1600 Collins Blvd., 985-892-6368 Copper Rooster 222 Lee Ln., 985-892-5171

Cottage Antiques 205 Lee Ln., 985-892-7995 Eclectic Inn 214 Lee Ln., 985-327-9788 On a Whim 826 Rutland St., 985-960-2117 Patina Interiors 4001 Hwy. 190, 985-892-3733 Retreat Home & Lifestyle 1501 N. Hwy. 190, 985-892-8202

DENHAM SPRINGS Denham Springs Antique Village N. Range Ave., 225-665-4666 DSantiquevillage.com

S&S Consignment 813 Florida St. , 985-626-8881

MADISONVILLE Acadian Home Fashions 300 Covington St. , 985-792-7007

White Elephant Trading Co. 1953 Hwy. 59, 985-624-5200

MANDEVILLE Mae's Antiques 420 Girod St., 985-373-1857

Tallulah’s Vintage Market 149 Girod St. , 985-951-2300

PONCHATOULA B2 Antiques 145 W. Pine St., Ste. D, 985-634-4747

CJ’s Antiques & Collectibles 160 SE Railroad Ave. 985-386-0026 Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Antiques 177 West Pine St., 985-386-9097 Trail's End Antiques 157 East Pine St., 985-386-5776 SLIDELL Slidell Historical Antique Association 985-265-4551, slidellstreetfair.com July-August 2021 79

Haute Plates

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around the northshore and beyond.

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Half Shell Oyster House

La Carreta

COVINGTON • 276-4994

MANDEVILLE • 778-2176

COVINGTON • 276-4500

HAMMOND

1950 HWY 190

DESIVEGASNORTHSHORE.COM Our USDA Prime steaks are

2891 HIGHWAY 190 FELIXS.COM

Felix’s has been dedicated to

70367 LA 21

HALFSHELLOYSTERHOUSE.COM Local Gulf oysters and a variety

MANDEVILLE, COVINGTON,

AND PONCHATOULA

CARRETARESTAURANT.COM

carefully selected, hand cut and aged for

absolute freshness for our entire 70+

of Gulf Coast seafood with a New

tenderness, then seared to perfection

years. With our always-changing

Orleans flair and influence that

food in a fun and festive atmosphere, La

and served on a sizzling plate. Start

daily specials and the widest variety

extends throughout our ambience

Carreta offers authentic Mexican cuisine

your meal off with appetizers such as

of preparations anywhere, you’ll

and menu. Steaks, chicken, pasta and

at several locations across Southeast

fried green tomatoes, turtle soup or

always discover something new.

so much more. Lunch, dinner, daily

Louisiana. Daily lunch specials, fiesta

bacon-wrapped gulf shrimp stuffed with

And you will always be enjoying the

happy hour, Sunday brunch.

time daily and family friendly.

crabmeat.

freshest oysters.

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Celebrating over 20 years of fresh

Nothing Bundt Cakes

1248 N. COLLINS BLVD.

COVINGTON • 888-6555

STE 400, COVINGTON

1111 GREENGATE DR. #D NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM Our goal is to bake a cake that

Pat’s Seafood AND 70456 LA #21,

892-7287 • 892-7287 Our Poboys Runneth Over!

Peace, Love, & Little Donuts

70493 LA-21, STE. 100

COVINGTON • 400-9780 PEACELOVEANDLITTLEDONUTS.COM Great place for friends or

Tchefuncte’s

407 ST. TAMMANY ST.

MADISONVILLE • 323-4800 TCHEFUNCTES.COM

Overlooking the river, Tchefuncte’s celebrates the highlights of the season,

not only reminds you of home but also

Fresh local seafood and a large

family to gather in the morning or

rooted in classic Southern cuisine.

opens you to a new world. And while

offering of deli to-go items, such as

afternoon. Enjoy over 60 flavors of

Executive Chef Michael Gottlieb sought

that’s no easy request, the handcrafted

boiled crawfish, gumbo, crawfish pie,

donuts, coffee, juice and a variety of

the world’s best ingredients and found

recipes are more than up to the task.

corn and crab bisque, crabmeat au

other drink choices. The atmosphere

most in the Northshore area. Tchefuncte’s

Each recipe uses the finest ingredients

gratin and po-boys. On-site catering

will leave you feeling like a hippie in

partners with community purveyors for

to bring you Bundt Cake perfection.

available.

the ‘70s.

the best seafood, meats and produce.

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Zuniga Jemison

Goat Cheese and Veggie Pressed Sandwich.

photos: YVETTE ZUNIGA JEMISON YDelicacies.com

Summer Sandwiches to Enjoy Outdoors IT’S THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER, and our herb gardens are in full bloom. Making a green onion and basil vinaigrette is ideal for salads and drizzled on grilled fish, but it’s also perfect for layering into pressed sandwiches.

Pressed sandwiches are hearty and weighted to compress the layers, making them poolside- and picnic-friendly.

Set a heavy skillet or a sheet pan with cans on top of these sandwiches to allow the vinaigrette to soak in and the flavors to meld. The sandwiches are easily customizable by using focaccia for the ciabatta, layering in spinach for the arugula or swapping prosciutto for the salami. These hearty sandwiches pack nicely when you’re headed to the beach and are also a lovely treat for brunch, bridal showers and parties.

Green Onion and Basil Vinaigrette Makes: 1 ¾ cup 1 cup green onion tops, tightly packed 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems, tightly packed 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup olive oil

1. Purée the green onions, basil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes in a blender.

2. Pour the olive oil into the blender on low

>>

July-August 2021 83

Green Onion and Basil Vinaigrette.

speed. Increase speed to high until well blended and smooth. Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Goat Cheese and Veggie Pressed Sandwich Servings: 6 1 ciabatta loaf (about 1 pound) 1/3 cup basil vinaigrette, divided 2 cups arugula 1 cup roasted peppers, well drained and chopped 1 cup marinated artichokes, well drained halved or quartered 8 ounce goat cheese log

1. Cut the bread in half horizontally and open the loaf with the cut sides up.

2. Drizzle and spread 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette on each cut side of the bread.

3. In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with 2 tablespoons of basil vinaigrette. Spread half of the coated arugula on the bottom half of the bread.

4. Top with a layer of roasted peppers. Top with a layer of artichokes.

5. Slice the goat cheese and arrange in a single layer on the artichokes. Top with the remaining half of the coated arugula and place the top piece of ciabatta on the sandwich.

6. Tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator weighted down with a heavy skillet or a baking sheet topped with cans.

Press for 6 hours, but preferably overnight.

Cut in long narrow slices and serve chilled.

Pressed Salami Sandwich Servings: 6 1 ciabatta loaf (about 1 pound) ¼ cup basil vinaigrette ½ pound salami, thinly sliced 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini, drained and sliced

1. Cut the bread in half horizontally and open the loaf with the cut sides up.

2. Drizzle and spread 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette on each

cut side of the bread.

3. Layer the salami in an overlapping layer on the bottom half of the bread.

4. Top with an overlapping layer of mozzarella slices. Top with a layer of sun dried tomatoes followed a layer of pepperoncini.

5. Place the ciabatta top on the sandwich.

6. Tightly wrap in plastic wrap.

Store in the refrigerator weighted down with a heavy skillet or a baking sheet topped with cans. Press for 6 hours, but preferably overnight. Cut in long narrow slices and serve chilled.

Simply Beautiful Cooking Class Thursday,

August 19 12:30 pm

The Sanctuary

Join Yvette Jemison as she shares her secrets in the upcoming Simply Beautiful Cooking Class. As we move into a faster pace of life, Yvette offers her make-ahead recipes, tips and hacks to make your cooking easier and beautiful. She will demonstrate a multitude of recipes that are magazine- and cookbook-worthy! Tickets available at eventbrite.com.

Reserve your seat as seating is limited.

For more information, log onto ydelicacies.com or look her up on Instagram at @y-delicacies.

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Last Bite

Half Shell Oyster House

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE BRINGS original New Orleansinspired dishes to the table with a flair of Southern hospitality.

The restaurant takes pride in serving only the finest quality, hand-selected Gulf oysters, which are continually shucked throughout the day to provide a variety of oyster preparations.

In addition, signature dishes include Redfish Orleans, Big Easy Surf & Turf and Seafood Stuffed Portabellas, along with traditional staples like Seafood Gumbo, Crab Cakes and Fried Shrimp. The menu also offers hand-cut steaks, pasta, and more. Enjoy original martinis like The Pink Pearl Martini, a palate pleaser for all, plus other drinks, wines by the glass, draft and bottled beer during daily happy hour.

For July, seasonal selections are Chorizo Oysters, Snow Crab Claws and Chorizo Encrusted Redfish, with a Tuna Poke Bowl for lunch, and a specialty Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita.

Chef Curren Mirando began in the industry as an oyster shucker. He says, “I started to enjoy the fast pace and all the interaction with the people I was meeting while shucking oysters.” He quickly learned new jobs and was offered the chance to work in the kitchen. “The beautiful thing about this industry is that not one day is the same. I love getting to know our regulars and new guests alike. You get to become such a part of the community, and I really enjoy building relationships and giving back however I can.”

The Half Shell Oyster House received the TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award. It is located at 70367 Louisiana 21 in Covington, (877) 585-1085.

July-August 2021 85

Last Look

by John Snell

Cane Bayou Giants by FOX 8’s John Snell.

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