February-March Issue of Inside New Orleans

495

$

LEADING DOCTORS •

WEDDING TRENDS • LISTEN TO YOUR HEART • KING CAKE BUBBLE UP BAKE

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 VOL. 9, NO. 1

February-March 2022

Publisher

Vol. 9, No. 1

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Associate Editor Art Director

Leah Draffen Musa Alves Brad Growden

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Account Executives Sarah Daigle Summer Tallant

Genevieve Daigle-Buring Amalie Murphy Trish Trahan

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Executive Assistant

Summer Tallant

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

Advertise phone email

(504) 251-4818 InsideNewOrleansMag@gmail.com

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

Contribute Please send items for Inside Scoop to ScoopINOLA@gmail.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to PeekINOLA@gmail.com. Submit items for editorial consideration to InsideNewOrleansMag@gmail.com.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Subscriptions phone email

1 Year $18

2 Years $30

(504) 400-0384 SummerINOLA@gmail.com

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

On the cover

Artist Andrea Mistretta.

Find more on page 12.

Visit InsideNewOrleansMagazine.com to view our online issue with direct links to our advertisers’ sites.

INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by JBL Publishing, LLC, PO Box 7603, Metairie, LA 70010-7603 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copy­right ©2022 by JBL Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside New Orleans Magazine is created using the page 20 Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

6

I n side N ew Orl ea n s

contents table of

Unveiled: Wedding Trends of 2022 Page 52

Departments

10 Publisher’s Note

60 IN Love & Marriage

11 Contributors

62 Wedding Resources

16 INside Scoop

64 INside Peek

40 Better Business 68 IN the Kitchen

Annette Dowdle King Cake Bubble Up Bake of HUB International 70 Drinks with Anna 41 Medical Resources

Shaken Up NOLA Craft Cocktail Classes 46 Flourishes page 50

48 INside Look 50 Wedding Essentials

Features 20 Leading the Way

Local Doctors Talk Medicine 34 2022 Readers Favorites Leading Doctors

52 Unveiled: Wedding Trends of 2022

8

I n side N ew Orl ea n s

74 Last Bite

Cartozzo’s Bakery page 34 page 70

12 Brilliant Illusions

Cover Artist Andrea Mistretta

44 Listen to Your Heart

Shelby Givens Lombardo’s Survivor Story

72 Haute Plates

page 60

Publisher’s Note

by Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

New Orleanians everywhere are excited about Mardi Gras parades finally rolling this year! And I am already on my fifth different king cake since All Kings Day! Our cover artist, Andrea Mistretta, is in her 37th year of creating fabulous and colorful Mardi Gras posters.

As soon as I saw her talented artwork, I knew it was a perfect fit for Inside New Orleans’ Mardi Gras cover.

Finding good healthcare has always been a priority of mine. In this issue, you will also find Inside New Orleans’ first annual Leading Doctors list. There’s also a very informative article on local doctors written by Leslie Cardé. From oncologists and plastic surgeons to pediatricians, our readers were given an opportunity to vote for their favorites, and the results were printed.

Do you know someone who got engaged over the holidays? If so, send them a link to this issue or mail them your copy. There are some great wedding and bridal tips in this issue you surely do not want them to miss! Everything from jewelry to florists to wedding dresses and venues, there is a little something for brides and grooms alike.

Lastly, I would like to welcome my new Associate Editor, Musa Alves, to the team. Leah Draffen will be sorely missed, and I have enjoyed working closely alongside her for the last two years.

Laissez les bons temps rouler. Happy Mardi Gras, ya’ll!

10

I n side N ew Orl ean s

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

Leslie Cardé

Veteran journalist Leslie Cardé began her career reporting for NPR in Los Angeles. From there, she landed in New Orleans as an anchor/health and science editor before moving on to anchor three hours of daily financial news and host an entertainment show for CNBC. She’s reported from the Middle East for CNN, worked as a producer and narrator for E! Entertainment and wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary America Betrayed. Leslie currently writes for The New Orleans Advocate and Los Angeles Magazine.

She is also a producer/reporter for CBS Newspath. In this issue, Leslie chats with local doctors on page 21.

Anna Tusa

Anna Tusa is the Director of Operations for Briquette, the Briquette Wine Room and New Orleans Creole Cookery. On page 70, Anna shares about her new craft cocktail classes.

Other Voices: Leah Draffen, Mary Fein, Paige Henderson, Melanie Langteau, Lorin Gaudin, Renee Lorio Photography and Thomas B. Growden.

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

11

Brilliant Illusions

by Leah Draffen

12

ARTIST ANDREA MISTRETTA’S LOVE of visual art first bloomed as a young girl while listening to music with her grandfather.

She reflects, “My grandfather was a music afficionado who loved it all—classic operas; European folk music; American Jazz, especially Louis Armstrong. He would frequently challenge me to draw pictures of the composers’ busts he had in his music room.

I would draw them on the stiffener boards from silk stocking packaging my grandmother would save for me.”

It was without hesitation that Andrea knew she wanted to be an artist, even at 3-years-old. Her father’s screen print shop, which was right behind the family’s house, was an endless source of paper trim. Andrea would use it to draw on and experiment with. As a teen she began helping her father with hand-cutting films, printing and sometimes designing, all while the likes of Louis Prima and big bands blared in the background.

After high school, Andrea became interested in theatrical costume design. She attended the Traphagen School of Design in

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photos courtesy: ANDREA MISTRETTA

Cover Artist Andrea Mistretta

New York City. As she studied historic period dress, she soon discovered her passion for fashion illustration, advertising, and graphic design. Fast forward 40 years, Andrea has made a career of commercial illustration and art licensing and is responsible for the longest running commemorative Mardi Gras poster series.

Thirty-seven years ago, well-loved New Orleans socialite and French Quarter denizen, Margarita Bergen discovered Andrea’s Mercredi Des Cendre and wanted to publish it as a 1986 Mardi Gras poster. That she did, and because of it, Andrea’s 2019 The Enchantress painting is inspired by Margarita.

Andrea says: “My first poster’s original painting, Mercredi Des Cendre, was on exhibit at my solo show at New York’s Society of Illustrators. In February of 1986, Margarita flew to New York to give a Mardi Gras reception that the Society had never seen before. The day after the reception, Margarita >>

Andrea with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Margarita Bergen.

F e bruary - M a rch 2 0 22

13

photos courtesy: ANDREA MISTRETTA

flew me for my first time to New Orleans. I stayed at Margarita’s lower Pontalba third floor apartment across from Café du Monde where I signed 500 posters that sold out from her three galleries. I stepped onto her corner balcony and took in the panorama from the Mississippi River to Jackson Square over layered sounds of the calliope, horse-drawn carriages, and smells of coffee and spices in the air. My own feelings of enchantment from back then still inspire me 36 years later.”

That enchanting inspiration has kept Andrea’s poster series alive and beautiful. Her gals in makeup and masks display vibrant colors and the brilliance of Mardi Gras. She hopes that her viewers and collectors find joy in her paintings and posters. She says, “I have a theory about the dynamics of color. I used to experience Season Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) in the winter months of the Northeast, but when I started working with brilliant intense colors, especially those that I use in the Mardi Gras posters, I don’t feel that lull in spirit.

“I believe the working lights I use and colors I paint with mimic the full spectrum the sun brings us. Blend that element with 14

I n side N ew Orl ean s

the exuberance of Mardi Gras and it’s a sure formula to radiate positive vibes and feelings.”

Andrea prefers acrylics on canvas.

She sometimes adds mica and metal leaf, as well as airbrushed layers. With deep experience in commercial illustration, she can’t help but find a goal or story to tell in her works. “I ponder images and ideas to solve potential ways to convey my messages and intentions through my art.

Then, I start working them out with pencil on tracing paper. Layer upon layer, I refine the drawing with each tracing.”

Andrea’s inspiration can come from a myriad of things: fashion magazines; nature; movies; random occurrences; a children’s book; traveling; and everything in between.

Her latest three Mardi Gras works touch on current times with the titles 2020 Visions, Masked and Front Porch Parade. Front Porch Parade, which is this issue’s cover art, includes one of Andrea’s exquisite Mardi Gras ladies with beads and a mask in hand. A traditional shotgun home sits in the background.

Another well-known work of Andrea’s is her 2018 Tricentennial painting that can be viewed at the Cabildo’s We Love You, New Orleans exhibit until 2024. The painting disguises a womanly figure behind a shield of the escutcheon crests found on French Quarter street name tiles. The colors are just as vibrant as in her first poster in 1986.

Andrea hopes to one day bring all the originals of the commemorative poster series “home” to New Orleans for an exhibit. But until then, she will continue painting and working on contemporary works all the while paying it forward. “My good fortune to create art and imagery for a livelihood all my life gives me the sense of thankfulness and the desire to give my time to the community like I have for St. Michael Special School, Louisiana Museum Foundation, The Oral School for the Deaf, and Art Against AIDS (NO/AIDS Task Force),” Andrea says.

After her successful career in illustration, she’s eager to focus on her contemporary pieces through private and corporate commissions. “I love to tell customized contemporary stories in an illustrative way!

I’ve been in ‘training’ so to speak. I’m ready to fly with my contemporary artworks that I feel will top my continuing Mardi Gras imagery.

More color, textural dimension and subject matter is in order for my new life’s works.”

See more of Andrea’s works online at andreamistretta.com.

F e bruary - M a rch 2 0 22

15

INSIDE

Family Gras Feb 18-20 Family Gras. A free event bringing the whole family together to enjoy the spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, authentic cuisine, local art, a kids’ court, and outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana favorites!

Mardi Gras Plaza, 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Blvd. visitjeffersonparish.com.

February

4 National Wear Red Day and New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon. neworleansgored.heart.org.

5 Krewe of Chewbacchus. Marigny. 7pm.

11 Krewe Boheme. French Quarter. 7pm.

11, 13 Gala Concert featuring the New Orleans Opera Chorus. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St. 529-3000. neworleansopera.org.

10-20 Disney’s Frozen. Saenger Theatre, 16

I n side N ew Orl ean s

1111 Canal St. broadwayinneworleans.com.

11-14 Krewe of You. The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Virgin Hotels New Orleans will host Krewe of You, a fun Valentine’s Day photo installation honoring YOU. Stop by the Shag Room located on the first floor of the hotel and grab a photo with a heart candy installation. 550 Baronne St. virginhotels.com.

12 Krewe du Vieux. French Quarter. 6:30pm.

12 Krewedelusion. French Quarter. 7:15pm.

12, 14 Valentine’s Three-Course Dinner.

Couples dine for $99. Briquette, 701 S Peters. 302-7496. briquette-nola.com.

13 Krewe of Little Rascals. Metairie. 12pm.

13 Valentine’s Day Market. Local vendors include Sorellas NOLA; FAIT | NOLA; Flour Tin Macaroons; and Lucy Boone Ice Cream and others. Commons Club and Funny Library Coffee Shop at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, 550 Baronne St. 12-4pm.

virginhotels.com.

14 Valentine’s Day Dinner. Executive Chef Alex Harrell will offer Valentine’s Day specials such as smoked beets - pickled strawberries, pecan gremolata; baked Gulf oysters - roasted garlic-herb butter, cornbread crumbs; and more. Commons Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans, 550 Baronne St. 4-10pm. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. virginhotels.com. >> F e bruary - M a rch 2 0 22

17

Inside Scoop 18 Krewe of Cleopatra. Uptown. 6pm.

18 Krewe of Oshun. Uptown. 6pm.

18 Krewe of Excalibur, Symphony. Metairie. 6:30pm.

18 Krewe of ALLA. Uptown. 7:30pm.

18-19 Eagle Expo. Boat tours to view eagles, field trips, photography workshop, and more. Morgan City. cajuncoast.com/event/eagle-expo.

18-20 Family Gras. A free event bringing the whole family together to enjoy the spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, authentic cuisine, local art, a kids’ court, and outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana favorites! Mardi Gras Plaza, 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Blvd. visitjeffersonparish.com.

19 Mystic Knights of Adonis. West Bank.11:45 am.

19 Krewe of Pontchartrain. Uptown. 1pm.

19 Krewe of Choctaw. Uptown. 2pm.

19 Krewe of Freret. Uptown. 3pm.

19 Krewe of Mad Hatters. Metairie. 5pm.

19 Knights of Sparta. Uptown. 5:30pm.

19 Krewe of Pygmalion. Uptown. 6:15pm.

19 Krewe of Centurions. Metairie. 6:30pm.

20 Krewe of Femme Fatal. Uptown. 11am.

20 Krewe of Carrollton. Uptown. 12pm.

20 Krewe of King Arthur. Uptown. 1pm.

20 Mystic Krewe of Barkus. French Quarter. 2pm.

20 Krewe of Atlas. Metairie. 4pm.

23 Mystic Krewe of Druids. Uptown. 6:15pm.

23 Mystic Krewe of Nyx. Uptown. 6:45pm.

24 Krewe of Babylon. Uptown. 5:15pm.

24 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28

Knights of Chaos. Uptown. 6pm.

Krewe of Muses. Uptown. 6:45pm.

Knights of Hermes. Uptown. 5:30pm.

Le Krewe D’Etat. Uptown. 6:30pm.

Krewe of Morpheus. Uptown. 7pm.

Krewe of NOMTOC. West Bank. 10:45am.

Krewe of Iris. Uptown. 11am.

Krewe of Tucks. Uptown. 12pm.

Krewe of Endymion. Mid-City. 4:15pm.

Krewe of Isis. Kenner. 6pm.

Krewe of Okeanos. Uptown. 11am.

Krewe of Mid-City. Uptown. 11:45am.

Krewe of Thoth. Uptown. 12pm.

Krewe of Athena. Metairie. 5:30pm.

Krewe of Bacchus. Uptown. 5:15pm.

Krewe of Red Beans. Marigny. 2pm.

Krewe of Dead Beans. Mid-City. 2pm.

Krewe of Proteus. Uptown. 5:15pm.

Krewe of Orpheus. Uptown. 6pm.

March

1 Zulu. Uptown. 8am.

1 Rex. Uptown. 10am.

1 Krewe of Argus. Metairie. 10am.

1-31 Embrace your Winter at The Pontchartrain Hotel. For stays December 13 to March 31, enjoy complimentary valet parking. Two-

night minimum length of stay required on Saturday nights; some blackout dates apply. The Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave. 800708-6652. thepontchartrainhotel.com.

11-12 Shrek the Musical. Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious musical based on the smash hit film. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie. 885-2000. jpas.org.

12 Ballet Hispánico. Presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association.

Audience favorite Ballet Hispánico launches their national tour with a return to New Orleans and marks their 50th anniversary debut performance of Doña Perón. nobadance.com.

12 O’Danny Boy Battle Charity Golf Scramble. In memory of Dan O’Sullivan. All proceeds benefit STARC of Louisiana. Pinewood Golf Club, 405 Country Club Blvd, Slidell. Team entry, $275. pinewoodgolfclub.com.

20 Chef Soirée. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 5-9pm. ysbworks.com.

Looking Ahead

April 1-2 Hogs for the Cause. Twenty renowned acts from across the country, along with more than ninety BBQ teams, will come together over the two-day event to raise funds for families battling pediatric cancer. Hogs for the Cause event and fundraising successes have made it possible to broaden the mission to include building Hogs Houses, a place for the most critical patients and their families to stay.

UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds. hogsfest.org.

April 1, 3 Puccini’s La bohème. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St. 529-3000. NewOrleansOpera.org.

April 7-9 Design Symposium Presented by Longue Vue. For more than 30 years the Design Symposium welcomed renowned designers focusing on interior and exterior spaces and the intersection between the two. This year’s featured speakers are Edwina von Gal and Cathy Kincaid. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. longuevue.com.

April 8-24 Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside an updated, humorous, and romantic libretto by Douglas Carter Beane. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie. 885-2000. jpas.org.

May 14-15 American Ballet Theatre: Don Quixote. Bringing the masterpiece Don Quixote, American Ballet Theatre is accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at Mahalia Jackson Theater to close out NOBA’s blockbuster season. nobadance.com.

School Scoop

May 31-Aug 5 Summer Camp at Atonement Lutheran School.

For students in PreK to 8th grade, all are welcome! Registration begins in February. 6500 Riverside Dr, Metairie. 887-0225. Rose Schutt, churchoffice@alcs.org. alcs.org.

NOTE: All dates and events are subject to change or cancellation.

Send your event information to scoopINOLA@gmail.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans.

F e bruary - M a rch 2 0 22

19

by Leslie Cardé

Neurosurgeon Frank Culicchia in the O.R. 20

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YOUR PARTNER, your parents, or your pastor, there is perhaps no closer bond than that of a doctor and a patient. Doctors are with us at the best of times, when a new life comes into the world, and at the worst of times, when we battle foes, like cancer. We entrust psychiatrists with our deepest inner thoughts, and plastic surgeons with their abilities to wield knives on that most precious of commodities, our faces. And, speaking of precious commodities, where would any pet-lover be without the wise counsel of their favorite veterinarians, who now engage in everything from brain surgery to behavioral therapy.

As such, the readers of Inside New Orleans magazine were not

photo: BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

Local Doctors Talk Medicine

hesitant to weigh in on the leading doctors in their lives. The survey considered 27 different medical sub-specialties. When the results were tallied, 150 doctors in the New Orleans metro area made the list.

Some of those doctors who were chosen weighed in about the state of medicine in their specific fields, as well as what’s looming on the horizon.

Perhaps nothing was more in the line of fire during the past two years of a pandemic than our skin. Mask mandates have wreaked havoc with our faces, causing breakouts and irritation. And, dermatologists have seen their fair share of patient do-it-yourself treatments.

“In 2021 patients were throwing so many different products at their skin in what I call lockdown experimentation,” says Dr. Zeena Al-Dujaili of New Orleans Aesthetics. “This often accounted for overly sensitized and irritated faces. You see, people often buy the latest skin care products and treatments without really considering what their skin actually needs.

I’m hoping that in 2022, more people will embrace the inside-outside approach to skin care, strengthening the skin from within.”

Al-Dujaili says this can be accomplished with radiofrequency microneedling treatments which penetrate deeper than the skin’s surface, improving texture, stimulating collagen and elastic tissue while reducing scarring and wrinkles. Combining this with superficial treatments for pigmentation, veins, and brightening, and you have the ultimate rejuvenation option for those who want to age gracefully.

I asked dermatologist Elizabeth Grieshaber of Terezakis and Grieshaber Dermatology about trends in her specialty, and she tells me every trend isn’t necessarily a good thing.

“When you’re talking about aesthetics, you want to enhance the features you already have,” explains Grieshaber, “rather than changing your face. I see lots of overdone cheeks, overdone lips, and overdone chins. Big cheeks, for example, on a face where it doesn’t belong, just looks unnatural.”

Grieshaber, conversely, is a proponent of the natural look, and says people who are going for that puffed-up look, without a line or crease in their face, are probably going elsewhere for treatment, as it’s just not her thing. But, she is seeing patients >> F e bruary - M a rch 2 022

21

Clockwise: Dr. Zeena Al-Dujaili; Facial Plastic Surgeon Parker Velargo; and Facial Plastic Surgeon Claire Melancon.

22

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photo: NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR AESTHETICS AND PLASTIC SURGERY

paths your body uses to produce acid, whereas the earlier histamine blockers only addressed one. And, for the more serious GI ailments, we are now using biologics and even agents which suppress the immune system.”

And, it is the gastroenterologist you should be seeing if you’ve not had a colonoscopy, and fall within the recent protocols for frequency.

“Yes, the guidelines have changed recently,” notes Carriere. “We now recommend screening at 45.

If everything looks normal, you’re good for 10 years, but if you’re positive for polyps, screening could be more frequent. We want you to come before you have symptoms, because colon cancer has much better outcomes when it’s caught early.”

And, on the horizon, Carriere says there will be a blood or stool test which will get the whole population>>

photo: AUDUBON FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

photo: MELANIE LANGTEAU

earlier for neuromodulators like Botox, even as young as their twenties.

“This may sound young, but if you start treating these lines earlier, you don’t etch them into your face,” Grieshaber notes. “There’s one coming on the market soon that will be longer lasting, which means spending less time in your doctor’s office.”

For facial plastic surgeon Claire Melancon of Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, she has seen the influence that social media has had on aesthetic interventions, and it’s a mixed bag.

“In many ways, it’s educated the average patient, making them more knowledgeable about what’s out there,” comments Melancon. “On the other hand, social media has also contributed to unrealistic expectations at times, with impossible filters and highly editable photographs. It’s essential that patients see doctors with the skillset and training to provide good counsel, an aesthetic eye and safe practices.”

For those interested in creating facial harmony without the “done” look, there are plenty of new techniques which lend themselves to subtlety but give the face a younger look. For instance, injectables to enhance your lips may not always be the best option.

“As you get older, you lose volume in your lips, particularly your upper lip,” explains facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Parker Velargo of New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. “We can now do what’s called a lip lift, where we make a small incision underneath the nose and actually raise the lip, exposing more of the red underside. It’s a great way to permanently get an augmented upper lip, without repeated fillers. And that shorter interval between your upper lip and the tip of your nose gives a more youthful appearance.”

If you live in New Orleans, with its great, but certainly rich food, gastric distress isn’t an uncommon issue. But, when Maalox and Pepcid aren’t doing the trick, gastroenterologists are there to rescue us. They treat everything from reflux esophagitis to the more serious conditions under the irritable bowel syndrome umbrella—like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

“There have been so many new drugs to treat the GI issues which people suffer with,” remarks Vernon Carriere, gastroenterologist with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. “Proton pump inhibitors like Protonix, Nexxium, or Prilosec now block all three

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

23

24

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photo: LESLIE CAPO

photo: METROPOLITAN GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES photo: MICHAEL PALUMBO

Top: Gastroenterologist Vernon Carriere.

Above: Hand Surgeon Eric George.

Right: Infectious Disease Specialist Julio Figueroa.

screened without colonoscopies. The hope is that these tests will find markers that will be even more accurate than what we have today.

If you’re an NFL player and you’ve injured your hand, there’s a good chance you’ve seen hand surgeon Eric George. Whether it’s Alvin Kamara or Cam Jordan, these players have counted on him to stabilize them and get them back on the field. But, he treats mere mortals, as well (even me, when I broke my wrist in three places a few years back), and sees everything from carpal tunnel problems to total reconstructions. And now, our lifestyles with ever-present computers have given rise to repetitive use syndromes.

“People are keyboarding all day at work, then keyboarding in their social lives, which can lead to a real increase in repetitive motion disorders, like basilar thumb surgery, for example,” recalls George. “Our thumbs were originally weight-bearing joints, back when we were quadrupeds running around on all fours. And now, as upright creatures, we have opposing thumbs, and people are much more prone to arthritis.”

The strides in hand surgery techniques for professional athletes and weekend warriors have been monumental. When Drew Brees tore his ligament, tape

was used to stabilize the joint.

“And, we now use anchors to stabilize joints that we used to have to drill,” explains George. “These anchors are what mountain climbers use. That’s how Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) was fixed, and that’s how I’ll do Taysom (Hill). With a locking plate, you can start early motion within 3-4 weeks.”

Innovation is the key to recovery, and with nerve transfers in which the surgeon takes a good nerve and does a jump graft to a bad nerve, thereby enervating it, injuries which used to cause paralysis are a thing of the past.

How could we discuss doctors in an era of Covid, without including those on the front lines—the infectious disease specialists? LSU Health’s Chief of infectious Disease, Julio Figueroa, who helps other hospitals develop protocols for Covid, notes that fully 1/3 of his current patient consults are related to the virus.

But, infectious disease doctors have taken care of serious infections long before the pandemic hit, and will be dealing with them long after. Treating patients with sepsis, open wounds and the more complicated bone and joint infections, LSU has now opened the MusculoSkeletal Infectious Disease Center at University Medical Center. Tools to diagnose and treat raging infections have expanded by leaps and bounds with more rapid tests and diagnostic measures that enable ID specialists to more quickly treat problems like pneumonia and septic shock.

“Culturing organisms has always been a lengthy process which could take 72 hours for results,” explains Figueroa. “Now, blood can be analyzed in a couple of hours, detecting nucleic acids which tell physicians precisely what organisms they’re dealing with, and

what resistance they might have to certain antibiotics.

Within half a day, we’re targeting treatments.”

Ironically, as much as all of us have bemoaned the effects of a pandemic, it has expedited research and development in the arena of infectious disease, which will have positive effects for all of us down the road.

It was 1983 when I covered the first in vitro >>

photo: THE FERTILITY INSTITUTE

Reproductive Endocrinologist Sissy Sartor.

fertilization (IVF) in the state, performed by Dr. Richard Dickey of The Fertility Institute of New Orleans. Decades later, his legacy lives on, as IVF has become commonplace in dealing with the problems of infertility. Meanwhile, a whole array of other modalities has been added to the line-up of newer diagnostic and treatment methods, all stemming from an initial consultation and evaluation.

“If you’re under 35 and you’ve been attempting to get pregnant for a year or more, or over 35 and it’s been more than 6 months, we initiate a work-up to find the reason,” explains Sissy Sartor, reproductive endocrinologist, and infertility specialist at The Fertility Institute of New Orleans. “Statistically, getting pregnant favors the young. By the time you reach 40, your chances of getting pregnant are cut in half from the peak time in your midtwenties.”

The problem in many cases can be older eggs, which may not have the appropriate number of chromosomes, and that can lead to embryos which are not viable. It can also lead to birth defects, although screening tests have come a long way.

“We used to only have amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling in our arsenal, but there’s now a blood test which can be done at 10 weeks, where fetal DNA floating in the mother’s bloodstream can be tested for abnormalities,” recounts Sartor.

Problems with infertility are never just a female problem. Low sperm counts can account for problems getting pregnant, but new research shows that even miscarriages might be tied to male issues.

“Problems with infertility have traditionally been directed at women,” explains Sartor. “Now we know that sperm can play a part in recurrent miscarriages. After all, men are half of the genetic information. We’re now looking at their DNA, determining whether it might be fragmented.”

And, with women delaying pregnancies until their careers have taken off, the freezing of eggs has seen a radical uptick. Ten years ago, new rapid freezing techniques that involve concentrated cryoprotectants have made the freezing of eggs much more successful. Sartor says that over the last three years, fertility preservation has increased by 50% each year.

Perhaps nothing strikes fear in a patient more than a cancer diagnosis. And, depending upon what type of cancer it might be in what particular organ, the prognosis can sometimes be grim. But, according to medical oncologist Ashish Udhrain of the Thibodaux Regional Health System, the new science in this arena is advancing faster than one can imagine.

26

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photo: THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Medical Oncologist Ashish Udhrain.

photo: OCHSNER HEALTH

“Every three weeks there is a new cancer treatment drug coming into the marketplace,” Udhrain says. “And while medical oncology can be challenging, this is what makes it exciting, at the same time.”

Personalized medicine is the new plan of attack, according to Udhrain. It means focusing cancer care toward a specific mutation in the patient’s tumor, with the focus of cancer care over the last few years utilizing the patient’s own immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. Hopefully, says Udhrain, the future will hold vaccines for cancer.

Speaking of tumors, an estimated 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor, 30% of which are malignant. It’s a topic neurosurgeon Frank Culicchia of Culicchia Neurological is all too familiar with, as brain tumor removal is the primary surgical procedure he’s engaged in—not just malignancies, but benign (noncancerous) tumors, as well. >>

Obstetrician/ Gynecologist Elizabeth Lapeyre.

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

27

photo: NEW ORLEANS EYE SPECIALISTS

“If you don’t remove a benign tumor, the cells can mutate and become resistant to treatment, and eventually malignant,” explains Culicchia. “As to what causes brain tumors, there’s lots of speculation.

Some believe it’s a stem cell issue, or a mutation, while others believe it may be tied to a deficient immune system. Immunotherapy revs up the immune system and has had some success eradicating tumors, and ongoing clinical trials have produced drugs like Timidor, an oral medication with far less side effects than infusion-based chemotherapies.”

Brain tumors can be vexing, however, especially when dealing with something as lethal as a glioblastoma, which can grow back a month after being excised... its epicenter and tentacles quite elusive. But, Culicchia says that living with that particular tumor for five years was previously thought to be impossible, but five years and beyond is now a reality.

Ophthalmologist Barry Leader.

Most neurological surgeons do primarily spinal surgeries and only a small percentage of brains, whereas Culicchia only does brain surgery. His colleagues often wonder why.

“I think it must be a personality thing,” muses Culicchia. “I like a challenge. Many of my colleagues wonder why I’d want to do something so depressing, where everyone dies. But everyone doesn’t die, and I’m up for the challenge of trying to figure it out, fighting every day to keep people alive.”

When it comes to the field of obstetrics and gynecology, Elizabeth Lapeyre, medical director of the Women’s Wellness and Survivorship Center at Ochsner Baptist, as well as the medical director of Integrative Oncology for the Gayle Benson Cancer Center, believes in an integrative approach. By utilizing specialists as diverse as oncologists, urologists, and those in maternal fetal medicine, she brings a team together that provides women with the expertise and confidence to get through any situation, no matter how complicated.

“Apart from the basic preventive measures like mammogram screenings which we now recommend at 40, we want women to see their doctors every year, not just for obstetrical and gynecological issues, but for assessments which will determine their risk factors for heart disease and other cancers,” recounts Lapeyre.

“We are focused on overall wellness, including weight loss, nutrition, and stress, and we deal with cancer survivors and their side effects from treatment.”

photo: IMAGES BY ROBERT T.

Problems like pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and possible signs of damage to other organ systems like the kidneys and liver, are being dealt with in a pro-active manner.

“Although baby aspirin is recommended, it’s still a problem we see a lot of,” notes Lapeyre. “Thanks to our monitoring program called Connective MOM (Maternity Online Monitoring), we can monitor people at home, and keep an eye on anything that might be brewing.”

With innovative programs in labor and delivery, which include fetal monitoring from a central location, in addition to monitoring on the floor, there’s an additional safety net. If anything looks untoward, there’s someone on it, immediately.

Perhaps in no other specialty than ophthalmology have so many advances come about so quickly, and in areas that affect so many different individuals.

Literally, just released, is the drug that is touting itself as the way to toss your reading glasses. Called Vuity, I got the lowdown on the new drug from Barry Leader, an ophthalmologist with New Orleans Eye Specialists.

“These are pilocarpine eye drops that I’ve used for years to treat glaucoma, but in a different strength,” explains Leader. “The drops make the pupil smaller, letting in less light and creating a pinhole effect which increases your depth of field and allows you to see things clearly, close up. It’s a once-a-day drop but comes

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon David Jansen.

with some caveats. It’s not good if you’re working in dim light and has some age restrictions, working best if you’re between the ages of 45 and 55. After the age of 60, it doesn’t really help, but it could forestall the use of reading glasses for a decade or more.”

If dry eyes are a problem, a new nasal spray called Tyrvaya could be just the relief you’re looking for. According to Leader, the spray stimulates tear production, unlike other drugs which dampen inflammation or lubricate the eye. So far, samples he’s >>

given out have elicited no side effects, other than a slight peppery sensation as it’s being sprayed up the nostril twice a day.

And, from a cosmetic standpoint, there’s a new treatment for droopy lids (ptosis), which occurs naturally as we age. To date, surgery has been the only intervention that raises the lid.

“Now, there’s a drug called Upneeq, which stimulates one of the upper eye muscles and lifts the lid,” recounts Leader.

It’s a once-a-day drop and works similarly to raising a window shade.”

With advances in glaucoma and cataract surgeries and new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, patients are experiencing a clearer world.

When it comes to plastic and reconstructive surgery, the advances in body shaping are unparalleled. Just ask David Jansen of Jansen Plastic Surgery who has been on the cutting edge of new techniques in breast augmentation, arm lifts, liposuction and beyond, for decades.

“We are now combining body sculpting with liposuction with “shrink wrapping” in a combination technique which moves fat and shrinks skin,” says Jansen. “There are connections between the skin, the muscles and fat. If you shrink the connection between the skin and the fat with a heating element (high heat for a short period of time), you literally shrink the skin to the new dimensions created by removing fat.”

For Ravi Tandon, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Tandon Plastic Surgery, most of his practice is devoted to reconstructive techniques for those who have mastectomies due to cancer, or have opted for prophylactic mastectomies after determining their >> 30

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

photo: TANDON PLASTIC SURGERY

Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon Ravi Tandon.

photo: CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF NEW ORLEANS

Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgeon Timothy Pettitt.

high risk for that disease.

“In regard to reconstructive breast surgery, there are trends toward a more natural appearance using hybrid techniques which can include using surplus abdominal fat to fill the breast cavity with one’s own tissue,” recounts Tandon. “We are now using the most advanced techniques with nerve grafts to recreate sensation in the breasts, so you not only look, but potentially feel more like yourself again.”

You may not know that congenital heart disease is the most common defect at birth, but it’s a fact that pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Timothy Pettitt deals

with routinely at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.

He not only does the initial surgeries on the infants who present with difficulties, but may later see these patients, now in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

“These are patients who had surgery shortly after they were born, but as adults may run into problems that an adult cardiothoracic surgeon who routinely does bypasses, doesn’t want to deal with, because congenital issues are very specific,” recounts Pettitt. “When these kids grow up, they may have diabetes, emphysema, or some other problem, but we’re the only center in Louisiana to be accredited by the LA Heart Association.

We have two surgeons who are board certified in congenital heart disease, so yes, we see adults.”

Many of these kids are born with one ventricle instead of two. It requires a series of operations to rearrange their plumbing to allow them to live with only one ventricle.

“In a normal situation, the right ventricle goes to the lungs, the left to the body,” explains Pettitt. “Now, with the surgery, instead of two parallel circulations, you have one ventricle that goes to both the lungs and the heart. So, they are now working in series rather than circulating in parallel.”

In the future, according to Pettitt, we may be able to clone hearts from a patient’s own tissue. “It may not be in my lifetime,” says Pettitt. “But, I think it’s coming.”

If you’re a pet owner, you know that your veterinarian provides a critical lifeline when it comes

photo: METAIRIE SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL

to taking care of your fur babies, who cannot speak for themselves and tell you what’s bothering them. Our vets must divine from outward symptoms alone what’s ailing our furry friends.

“New Orleans, with its heat and humidity can cause problems for our animals,” explains veterinarian Meredith Addison with Metairie Small Animal Hospital.

“Because of the heat, we see many patients in the summer presenting with heat stroke from either running or playing in the heat for too long, or being outside beyond what they can tolerate. On top of that, if you have a brachycephalic breed with a shortened snout, like a pug or bulldog, not able anatomically to tolerate heat, it can lead to dangerous if not fatal consequences.”

The climate, according to Addison, is a year-long breeding ground for both fleas and heartworms, as parasites flourish in humidity. And, allergies abound in this soggy climate. She sees three to five appointments a day for dermatologic conditions caused by allergies.

Dogs and cats who were acquired during the pandemic when their owners were at home, are now suffering the effects of being left alone, as their owners return to work.

“I’ve seen a number of appointments for behavioral problems,” recounts Addison. “The animals are experiencing separation anxiety because of being left home alone. And they aren’t being socialized as much with other animals either, due to the effects of the pandemic. We now have animal behavioralists who deal

Veterinarian Meredith Addison.

with these issues.”

Medications and medical diagnostics in the veterinary world now rival the human experience.

Animals are now having root canals, heart surgery and even pituitary surgery, beneath the brain. For pet owners who often refer to their pets as their ‘children’, any innovations that keep their best friends around a little longer is certainly welcomed.

To see the full list of our readers’ favorite doctors, read the complete survey, which follows.

Leslie can be reached at leslieinolamag@gmail.com.

Michael Bernard, MD, PhD 1514 Jefferson Hwy., 504-842-4145 Thomas W. Young, MD 1315 Jefferson Hwy., 504-842-5200

Inside New Orleans readers voted for their favorite doctors and here are the results!

Allergy and Immunology

Reena Mehta, MD Uptown Allergy & Asthma, 2622 Jena St., 504-605-5351 Jennifer Oliver, MD Slidell Memorial Hospital, 1051 Gause Blvd., Slidell, 985-280-5350 Irum Alisha Qureshi, MD Asthma Allergy and Immunology, 160 Greenbriar Blvd., Covington, 985-893-5780

David L. Schneider, MD Allergies Answered, 3225 Danny Park, Ste. 100, Metairie, 504-889-0550

Cardiovascular Disease

Carl J. Lavie, MD John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., 504842-4135 Bruce Ennis, MD 675 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-200-3530

James Perrien, MD Cardiovascular Specialists, 4224 Houma Blvd, Ste. 500, Metairie, 504455-0842 Kenneth Wong, MD Cardiovascular Institute of the South, 102 Twin Oaks Dr., Slidell, 985-8374000

Dentists/ Endodontists

Kevin Astugue, DDS Astugue Family Dentistry, 100 Robert E Lee Blvd, 504-286-3880 Warren J. Palmisano III, DDS 2020 Dickory Ave., Ste 104, 504-733-0871

Tre DeFelice, DDS 1900 N Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-833-4300 Quinton Miner, Jr., DDS Lakeview Endodontics, 600 Harrison Ave., 504-226-7600 Kristopher Rappold, DDS, MAGS Audubon Dental Group, 6120 Magazine St., 504-891-7471 Susan LeBon, DDS 2633 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-5400 Vincent Dileo, Jr., DDS Dileo Dental Group, 3320 N. Hullen Street,504-455-5410 Rachel Neumeyer, DDS Revival Dental, 4432 Conlin St., Ste. 1B, Metairie, 504-889-1209 Elizabeth E. Riggs, DDS Elizabeth Riggs Dentistry, 3442 Magazine St., 504-891-1115

Kate Holcomb, MD Pure Dermatology, 3100 Galleria Blvd., 504-226-7873

Dermatology

Michelle S. Gerdes, MD, and Tamela L. Charbonnet, MD Family Dermatology, 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 202, 504-832-6612

Dierdre O. Hooper, MD Audubon Dermatology, 3525 Prytania St., 504-895-3376

Keith LeBlanc Jr., MD, and Elizabeth Bucher, MD The Skin Surgery Centre, 1615 Metairie Rd., Ste. 101, Metairie, 504-644-4226

William P. Coleman IV, MD Coleman Center for Dermatologic Surgery, 4425 Conlin St., 504-455-3180

Rachael Delahoussaye-Shields, MD and Elizabeth B. Grieshaber, MD Terezakis and Grieshaber Dermatology, 3800 Houma Blvd., 504-454-2997 Zeena Al-Dujaili, MD New Orleans Aesthetics, 3434 Prytania St., 504-475-1000 Barbara Bopp, MD Bopp Dermatology, 3421 N Causeway Blvd. #102, Metairie, 504-273-7522

Facial Plastic Surgeon Thomas Moulthrop, MD, and Christian D. Jacob, MD, FACS Hedgewood Plastic Surgery, 2427 St. Charles Avenue, 504-895-7642

Parker Velargo, MD New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste 920, 504-533-8848

photo: MICHAEL PALUMBO

J. James A. Moreau Jr., DDS MoreSMILES Dental Spa, 7007 U.S. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-888-0668

Hand Surgeon Eric George with his patient

Graham Boyce, MD ENT and Plastic Surgery Specialists of Louisiana, 350 Lakeview Court, Ste. A, Covington, 985-845-2677

Family Medicine

Claire Melancon, MD Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, 6001 Magazine St., Ste. D, 504-264-7833

F. Brobson Lutz, Jr., MD 2622 Jena St., 504-895-0361

Ariel Aguillard, MD Ochsner Medical Center Kenner, 200 W Esplanade Ave., 504-464-8588

>>

Vernilyn N. Juan, MD Crescent City Physicians- 3525 Prytania St., 504-897-8118

Russell G. Hendrick, MD Ochsner Health Center Baptist, 2820 Napoleon Ave., 504-842-4263

Gastroenterology

Donald C. Faust, MD Children’s Hospital, 2633 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-1000

Vernon J Carriere Jr, MD; George E. Catinis, MD; David R. Silvers, MD; and Herbert K. Mayer, MD Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, 4228 Houma Blvd., 504-456-8020 Virendra Joshi, MD University Medical Center, 2000 Canal Street, 504-702-3882

Hand Surgeon

Claude S. Williams IV, MD Southern Orthopedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., 504-897-6351 Eric George, MD Hand Surgical Associates, 4228 Houma Blvd., 504-454-2191

Richard L. Meyer Jr., MD Orthopaedic Specialists of New Orleans, 3434 Prytania St., 504-897-7877

Infectious Disease Eric R. Ehrensing, MD Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., 504-842-4005

Julio Figueroa, MD and Paula S Seale, MD LSU Hospitals, 1542 Tulane Ave., 504-568-5031

Infertility

Warren Huber III., MD, Belinda M. Sartor, MD and Peter Y. Lu, MD The Fertility Institute, 4770S I-10 Service Road W., 504-233-6789 Lindsay Wells, MD Audubon Fertility, 4321 Magnolia St., 504-891-1390

Internal Medicine

Jennifer M. Bertsch, MD Crescent City Physicians, 3700 St. Charles Ave., 504-897-7007 Joseph Bobrowski, MD St. Tammany Health System, 80 Gardenia Dr, Covington, 985-898-4000 Stephanie Sarrat, MD 2633 Napoleon Ave, #400, 504-8973305

Susan F. Ovella, MD Lakeview Circle Primary Care, 130 Lakeview Circle, Covington, 985-892-6858 Benjamin Springgate, MD LSU Health, 3700 St. Charles Ave., 504-412-1366 Margaret Pelitere, MD Ochsner Health Center Baptist, 2820 Napoleon Ave., # 750, 504-301-2515 Jeremy Dumas, MD InclusivCare, 7001 Lapalco, Marrero, 504-341-4006

Medical Oncology

Alfred Colfry, MD Touro LCMC Health, 3434 Prytania St., 504-325-2900 David Oubre, MD Pontchartrain Cancer Center, 120 Lakeview Circle, Covington, 985-875-1202

Jack E. Saux, MD Northshore Oncology Associates, 1203 S Tyler St., Covington, 985-892-9090 Aaron Mammoser, MD Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., 504-340-6976 Ashish Udhrain, MD Thibodaux Regional Health System, 608 N. Acadia Rd., 985-493-4346 Marc R. Matrana, MD Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., 504-842-3910

Neurological Surgery Frank Culicchia, MD, FAANS, John Steck, MD, FAANS, Alan M Weems, MD, FAANS, FACS Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. 750, 504-340-6976

Justin L. Owen, MD DISC of Louisiana, 76 Starbrush Circle, Covington, 985-400-5778

Lucien Miranne Jr., MD, Najeeb Thomas, MD and Rand Voorhies, MD Southern Brain and Spine Clinic, 3798 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-454-0141

Rana Abusoufeh, MD, and Thomas Francavilla, MD Tulane Doctors Neurosciences, 101 Judge Tanner Blvd., Ste. 402, Covington, 985-951-3222

Sebastion Koga, MD Koga Neurosurgery, 189 Greenbriar, Covington, 985-269-7676

Bridget A. Bagert, MD Ochsner Health, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 866-624-7637

Elizabeth Lapeyre, MD Women’s Wellness and Survivorship Center at Ochsner Baptist, 2820 Napoleon Ave., 504-842-9616

Neurology

Ilias Caralopoulos, MD and Seth Hayes, MD Ochsner Health, 1341 Ochsner Blvd, Covington, 866-624-7637

Janet M. Ross, MD and Donna S. Waters, MD Touro Infirmary, 3525 Prytania St., Ste. 206, 504-897-8281

Maria B. Weimer, MD and Ann Tilton, MD Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., 504-896-9458

Dorothy Kora, MD East Jefferson General Hospital, 4300 Houma Blvd., Ste. 105, Metairie, 504-503-7256

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Michael E. Graham, MD East Jefferson General Hospital, 4300 Houma Blvd., Ste. 105, Metairie, 504-503-7256 >>

Steven Atkins, MD, R. Charles Fiore, Jr., MD, K. David Khoobehi, MD, Michael Puente, MD, Shivani Gupta, MD., Robert Dawson, MD Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., 504-340-6976 Rex Houser, MD and Michael Becker, MD Paradigm Neurology, 64301 LA 434, 985-882-4500

Eugenio C. Labadie, MD 1111 Medical Center Blvd., Ste. 250, Marrero, 504-349-6945 (affiliate with Ochsner)

Alexandra Band, DO, and Ashley Van Wormer, MD Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion, 2700 Napoleon Ave., 504-885-8563

Ophthalmology

John Boyle, MD and Catherine Fitzmorris, MD Gulf South Eye Associates, 4224 Houma Blvd #100, Metairie, 504-454-1000 Barry Leader, MD New Orleans Eye Specialists, 3434 Prytania St., Ste. 250, 504-891-1988 Scott Lanoux, MD and Leni T Sumich, II., MD Eyecare Associates, 4324 Veterans Blvd. # 102, Metairie, 504- 455-9825 Lauren Agnew, MD Eye Wares, 800 Metairie Rd., Ste. Q, Metairie, 504-301-1726 Brandon Wool, MD Ochsner Medical Center Baptist, 312 Metairie Rd. #302, Metairie, 504-835-2197

Gerald Cohen, MD and Gwen Cousins, MD Retina Associates, 4315 Houma Blvd., Ste 201, Metairie, 504-456-9061

Leland McCluskey, MD, Mary K. Mulcahey, MD Tulane Orthopaedics, 1415 Tulane Ave., Fl 4, 504-988-0100

Ralph Katz, MD Westside Orthopaedic Clinic, 1301 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, 504-347-0243

Orthopaedics

Scott A. Buhler, MD, William Junius, MD, Nelson Mead, MD Crescent City Orthopaedics, 3600 Houma Blvd, Metairie, 504-233-0931

Neil Maki, MD Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, 602 N Acadia Rd., Ste 101, Thibodaux, 225-216-0388

Robert D. Botstick, MD Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3001 Division Street, Suite 204, Metairie, 504-285-2147

Otolaryngology

Chad Millet, MD, Timothy Finney, MD, Gregor Hoffman, MD, Michael McNulty, MD, R Field Ogden, MD Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., 504-897-6351 Misty Suri, MD Ochsner Health Center, 1532 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 504-846-9646 Walter Stephen Choalte, MD Ochsner Hospital for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 1221 S Clearview Pkwy., 504-736-4800 Lance Estrada, MD, Felipe Ramirez, MD, Kevin Watson, MD, Douglas Lurie, MD, Monroe Laborde, MD Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans, 3434 Prytania St. #430, 504-206-2193

Robert D. Zura, MD LSU Orthopaedics, 2000 Canal St., 504-702-3000 Deryk G. Jones, MD Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute, 1221 S Clearview Pkwy., 504-7364800 Matthew R. Grimm, MD Jefferson Orthopedic Clinic, 920 Avenue B, Marrero, 504-349-6804

John C. Beatrous, MD, Kevin E. McLaughlin, MD, Kathy L. Chauvin, MD ENT and Plastic Surgery Specialists of Louisiana, 350 Lakeview Court, Ste. A, Covington, 985-845-2677 R. Patrick Cecola, MD NOLA ENT, 120 North Jefferson Davis Pkwy., 504-821-0244 Anne Maxwell, MD Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., 504-340-6976

Jason Guillot, MD SLENT, 1420 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, 985-239-9009

Eric D. Lonseth, MD Lonseth Interventional Pain Center, 4213 Teuton St., 504-327-5857

Reita Lawrence, MD Pelican Pediatric Physicians, 3100 Kingman St., 504-887-6355

Pain Medicine

Cathy Zhang, MD Louisiana Pain Institute, 1411 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, 985-807-1937

Stephen L Mikell, MD Children’s Hospital, Northlake Pediatrics, 5025 Keystone Blvd., 985-551-8291

Paul J. Hubbell, MD MD Southern Pain and Neurological, 3348 W Esplanade Ave., 504-889-1868 Joseph T. Crapanzano, Jr., MD 4320 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 504-503-4109 Andrea Toomer, MD and Stephen Rynick, MD Culicchia Neurological Clinic, 1111 Medical Center Blvd., 504-340-6976 Jonathan Finney, MD Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, 2731 Napoleon Ave., 504-897-6351 Chad Domangue, MD Avala Pain, 19065 Dr. John Lambert Dr., Ste. 2000, Hammond, 985-338-2423

Pediatrics

Mark V. Morici, MD Children’s Hospital, 2201 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-833-7374 Keith Capone, MD Lake Vista Pediatrics, 6517 Spanish Fort Blvd., 504-283-7306 Annette Figueroa, MD Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay, 504-896-9474 Nancy Mula, MD; Kathryn Quarls, MD; Sharon Lilly, MD; Richard Kelt, MD;Brian Britton, MD Fairway Pediatrics, 7020 N Causeway Blvd., Covington, 985-871-7337

Plastic Surgeon

Russell Hendrick, MD and Parker Velargo, MD, FACS New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste 920, 504-533-8848 Trey Sands, MD Sands Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 3100 Galleria Blvd., 504-888-4297

Eileen Summer Black, MD Dr. Black Plastic Surgery, 3798 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 100, Metairie, 504-883-8900

Ravi Tandon, MD Tandon Plastic Surgery, 3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd #200, Metairie, 504-455-1000

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD, MSPH, FACS Aesthetic Surgical Associates, 3223 8th St #200, Metairie, 504-309-7061

Jules Walter, MD The Modern Plastic Surgery & Medspa, 3100 Galleria Suite 205, Metairie, 504-517-6200

Michael Moses, MD 1603 2nd St., 504-895-7200

John T. Lindsay, MD, FACS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 4228 Houma Blvd., Metairie, >> 504-885-4508

Abigail E. Chaffin, MD Tulane Breast and Surgery Clinic, 4720 S I-10 Service Rd., 504-988-8100

Surgery

David A. Jansen, MD Jansen Plastic Surgery, 3900 Veterans Memorial Blvd #200, Metairie, 504-455-1000

Alfred Colfry, MD Touro LCMC Health, 3434 Prytania St., 504-325-2900

Frank DellaCroce, MD Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, 1717 St. Charles Ave., 504-899-2800

Kraig S. de Lanzac, MD, FASA Tulane Hospital, 1415 Tulane Ave., 504-988-6958

Shawn A. McKinney, MD University Medical Center, 2000 Canal St., 504- 702-5700 William B. Bisland Jr., MD and Mark F. Hebert, MD Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, 604 N. Acadia Rd., 985-446-1763

Podiatry

Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeon

Joseph P. Dileo, DPM North Oaks Health System, 42388 Pelican Professional Park, Hammond, 985-542-6251

Timothy W. Pettit, MD Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., 504-896-3928

Edward Lang, DPM New Orleans Podiatry Associates, 2626 Jena St., 504-897-3627

Charles, J DiCorte, MD and Jose Mena, MD Ochsner Health, 1000 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, 985-875-2828

Rory Panepinto, DPM Ochsner Medical Center Kenner-1801 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70001 504-264-3668

Veterinary

Kristina Robertson, DPM and Taylor Robertson, DPM NOLA Sole Podiatry, 3525 Prytania St., 504-302-1586

Dr. Scott Gernon, DVM Magazine Street Animal Clinic 3458 Magazine St., 504-891-4115

Marc S. Glovinsky, DPM, FACFAS 3939 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 504454-2900

Psychiatry

Kendall Genre, MD 8438 Oak St., 504-322-3936 Michael Walsh, MD LSU Healthcare, 1340 Poydras St., #350, 504-412-1100 Nicholas G. Pejic, MD Atlas Psychiatry, 1301 Antonine St., 504-899-1682 Degan J. Dansereau, MD 3705 Coliseum St., 504-897-0201

40

I n side N ew Orl ean s

Dr. David Batt, DVM Batt Veterinarian, 3439 Metairie Rd., Metairie, 504-228-4692

Dr. Joe Vaccaro, DVM and Dr.Daryl Haydel, DVM Metairie Small Animal Hospital, 101 Metairie Rd, Metairie, 504-835-4266 Dr. Jessica Miller Uptown Veterinary Hospital, 731 Nashville Ave., 504-897-4973 Dr. Karen Miller-Becnel The Cat Hospital of Metairie, 1500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-837-6137 Dr. Ashley Geoghegan VetNaturally, 123 Girod St., Mandeville, 985-718-9991

Annette Dowdle of HUB International Gulf South FOR OVER 20 YEARS, HUB International Gulf South Senior Vice President Annette Dowdle has passionately guided employers through an array of benefit programs. With a focus on corporate and employee wellness, she collaborates with clients to implement traditional medical programs as well as workplace health including mental and physical. Annette’s passion for health overflows into her everyday life as an advocate of the American Heart Association.

A recipient of the Willie Paretti Heart Hero Award, she brings awareness to heart disease’s impact on women and why awareness is so important. Cardiovascular disease is the No.1 killer of women – more than all cancers combined.

In fact, 1 in 3 women die of heart disease each year. As a survivor, Annette has been instrumental in being a champion for the mission in our community through her volunteer leadership and her work in our local events on the Northshore and Southshore.

Involving HUB International, Annette and her team spearhead an internal competition each year to raise money and awareness for AHA. In the past six years, they have raised over $52,000. Personally, Annette has supported AHA for the last eight years and has donated nearly $12,000 toward the mission. She served as co-chair of the 2021 Northshore Heart Walk and will serve again as 2022 co-chair. This year, she will be the first person to join the prestigious giving society, Northshore Heart Walk Executives with Heart.

photos: PAIGE HENDERSON www.bellus.photography

Hugo St. Hilaire, MD, FACS Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery, 3700 St Charles Ave., 504-412-1240

IN Business

Medical

Resources

Aesthetics

Aesthetic Surgical Associates Stephen E. Metzinger, MD, MSPH, FACS 3223 8th Street, Ste 220, Metairie 504-309-7061 aestheticsurgical.com Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery Dr. Claire Melancon 60001 Magazine Street Ste D 504-264-7833 audubonfacialplastics.com New Orleans Aesthetics Dr. Zeena Al-Dujaili 3434 Prytania Street, Suite 420, New Orleans 504-475-1000 neworleansaesthetics.com

Allergy and Immunology

Allergy Immunology Clinic, Slidell Memorial Hospital Jennifer Oliver, MD 1051 Gause Blvd., Slidell 985-280-5350 slidellmemorial.org

Dentistry and Endodontics Astugue Family Dentistry Kevin C. Astugue, DDS 100 Robert E. Lee Blvd 504-286-388 astuguefamilydentistry.com

DeFelice Dental Tre DeFelice, DDS 1900 N Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-833-4300 defelicedental.net Lakeview Endodontics Dr. Quinton Miner, Jr., DDS 600 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans 504-226-7600 endolakeview.com Revival Dental Dr. Rachel Neumeyer 4432 Conlin St, Ste. 1B, Metairie 504-889-1209 revivaldental.com

>>

F e bruary - M a rch 2 022

41

Dermatology

Family Dermatology Michelle S. Gerdes, MD Tamela L. Charbonnet, MD 3421 N Causeway Blvd, Suite 202, Metairie 504-832-6612 familydermatologyspecialists.com Terezakis & Grieshaber Dermatology Elizabeth B. Grieshaber, MD Rachael Delahoussaye-Shields, MD 3800 Houma Blvd #310, Metairie 504-372-1838 terezakisgrieshaberdermatology.com The Skin Surgery Centre 1615 Metairie Rd., Ste. 101, Metairie, 504-644-4226 theskinsurgerycentre.com

Hospitals

Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Ave. 504-380-0407 chnola.org

Slidell Memorial Hospital 1001 Gause Blvd, Slidell 985-280-2200 slidellmemorial.org Thibodaux Regional Medical Center 602 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux 985-447-5500 thibodaux.com

Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging Services Metairie, Marrero, Covington, Slidell 504-833-5999 capitolimagingservices.com

Insurance

HUB International 3510 Causeway Blvd., Ste 102, Metairie 504-491-5576 Hubinternational.com

Ophthalmology

Eye Wares Lauren Agnew, MD 800 Metairie Rd., Ste. Q, Metairie 504-301-1726 eyewaresnola.com

Gulf South Eye Associates, APMC Riley Sibley, MD; John Boyle, IV, MD; and David Kennedy, MD. 4224 Houma Blvd., Ste. 100, Metairie 504-454-1000 gulfsoutheye.com Retina Associates Gwen M. Cousins, MD; Kathy H. Ta, MD; Ronald L. Willson, MD; and Stanislav A. Zhuk, MD. 4315 Houma Blvd., Ste. 201, Metairie; 1311 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, 504-456-9061 RetinaAssociates.org

Pain Management Louisiana Pain Institute Dr. Cathy Zhang 1411 Ochsner Blvd, Covington 985-807-1937 louisianapaininstitute.com

Pharmacy

Chateau Drugs & Gifts 3634 West Esplanade, Metairie 504-889-2300 chateaudrugsrx.com

Podiatry

Westside Orthopaedic Clinic Ralph Katz, MD 1301 Barataria Blvd., Marrero 504-347-0243 westsideortho.com

New Orleans Podiatry Associates Dr. Edward Lang 2626 Jena St, New Orleans 504-897-3627 nolapodiatry.com

Senior Care

Neurology

Urgent Care

Southern Brain and Spine Clinic 3798 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 200, Metairie 504-454-0141 ext #1 sbsdocs.net

Veterinary

Marc S. Glovinsky, DPM & Associates 3939 Houma Blvd #224, Metairie 504-454-2900 footankledoc.com

Culicchia Neurological New Orleans, Jefferson and Northshore 504-340-6976 culicchianeuro.com

Orthopaedics

Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine R. Douglas Bostick, III, MD 3001 Division St., Ste. 204, Metairie 504-541-5800 metairiesportsmed.com

Dependable In Home Care 702 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans 504-486-5044 dependablecare.net LCMC Health Urgent Care Algiers, Gretna, Clearview, Lakeview, Covington, Marrero and Uptown LCMChealthurgentcare.com VetNaturally by Dr. G 123 Girod St., Mandeville 985-718-9991 vetnaturally.com

Weight Loss

Aspen Clinic 3501 Severn Ave, Ste. 23, Metairie 504-888-8682 theaspenclinic.com

F e bruary - M a rch 2 022

43

determined there was no improvement — and in fact, her condition was worsening. The surgery to repair the valve and several holes in Shelby’s heart went well, and she made a quick and full recovery, despite suffering a stroke at 6 years old after her heart surgery and going through physical therapy.

Today, Shelby is happily married, and recently moved to the Mandeville area. She enjoys spending time with her husband, walking their dogs, tv show binges and cooking.

“It is so important for everyone, but especially women, to take their health seriously. If you think something is wrong but are told “it’s nothing” or “I don’t know why you feel that way” – please get multiple opinions. You should have no doubts about what is going on with your health. If my parents hadn’t listened to their guts and changed pediatricians, I wouldn’t be here today,” says Shelby.

Sharing stories like Shelby’s helps the local American Heart Association show how heart disease and stroke affects everyone — regardless of gender, race, or age. It also helps highlight the strides that have been made in research and advocacy. When Shelby was born, there was no mandatory pulse oximetry testing for newborns. Now, all newborn children must have this simple, painless test. And as a result, doctors are catching heart defects much sooner.

JOIN THE FIGHT. RECLAIM YOUR RHYTHM. After more than 18 months into this pandemic, Americans feel overwhelmed and stressed, which

Listen to Your Heart

by Mary Fein

44

“WORKING WITH THE American Heart Association is personal for me as I am a heart survivor,” says Shelby Givens Lombardo. Shelby first showed signs of serious illness at 18 months old. Because of spiking white blood cell counts, doctors thought she might have leukemia.

Tests came back negative, but the periodic symptoms remained a mystery for another year and a half.

At the age of 3, a cardiologist set up some tests to see if perhaps Shelby had a heart murmur. The results showed that Shelby had a cleft in her mitral valve, which was causing the beginning stage of congestive heart failure. She would need to go on blood pressure medication and would likely need open heart surgery.

In 2004, the day before her fifth birthday, she went with her mother for a checkup at Vanderbilt, and they

I n side N ew Orl ean s

negatively impacts cardiovascular health. Heart disease deaths rose significantly in the past year. Cardiovascular diseases remain the greatest health threat to Americans, but the pressures of COVID-19 remain top of mind. People are suffering from lower physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as uncontrolled high blood pressure. Stress from the fallout of the pandemic is amplifying these conditions.

This February, we are uniting for American Heart Month to help Reclaim Your Rhythm to live longer, healthier, fuller lives. Because losing even one mom, brother, friend, or neighbor to cardiovascular disease is too many. Poor mental well-being is acritical problem that, if neglected, can lead to serious health complications like heart disease. Today, 1 in 3 Americans report being

photos courtesy: SHELBY GIVENS LOMBARDO

Shelby Givens Lombardo’s Survivor Story

worried and more than half of U.S. adults say that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental well-being due to worry and stress.

Whether you are in the office or working from home, many of us spend a large portion of our day at work. Reclaim Your Rhythm during the workday with these tips: • • • • • • • • • •

Host a dance workout class at the office.

Hold a dance challenge.

Listen to your favorite soothing tunes.

Take dance breaks during meetings.

Play upbeat music in meetings (virtual or in-person).

Singing is good for your heart. Belt out your favorite songs during your commute.

On Friday, February 4, wear red for National Wear Red Day™.

Arrange to have your building turn red to support women and heart health.

Encourage your employees to show off their red outfits and post them to your social media channels.

Encourage your team to show off their “coworkers”(babies, kids, pets) wearing red by posting photos.

Go Red for Women – nationally sponsored by CVS Health – is the American Heart Association’s movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Go Red for Women is working locally, and in communities around the world, to help women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat and empower them to take action to lower their risk.

The New Orleans American Heart Association will host the annual Go Red for Women Digital Experience on Friday, February 4, 2022. The event is locally sponsored by Entergy, United Healthcare, LCMC Health, Cox, LAMMICO, Capital One, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, Ochsner Health, Lakelawn Funeral Home.

Heart disease has already touched you or someone you love, so help us save a woman’s life. Register and learn more today at NewOrleansGoRed.heart.org.

Mary Fein is the Communications Director of the American Heart Association of Greater New Orleans.

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

45

Flourishes

1

2 3

4

1. Make Nielle Olson Mosaic Tables the focal point of your outdoor space.

Special order any size and design. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008, outdoorlivingcenter.com. 2. Luca Ice bucket, $70. Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670, hilltopshoppe.com. 3. Paradise Park from Urban South, 267-4852, urbansouthbrewery.com. 4. Valentines Collection from Pampa Bay. Fur.nish, Metairie, 702-8514, furnishnola.com.

46

I n side N ew Orl ean s

5

6

7

5. Biltmore Gala gas lantern on its own custom yoke, available in three sizes. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275, gulfcoastlanterns. com. 6. Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned retailer, Mariah Walton Bencik’s five retail keys will provide you with actionable steps to excel in your retail career. Retail She Wrote, $16.95. Found on Amazon, in-store at West London Boutique, or online westlondonboutique.com. 7. Estelle Colored Wine Stemware, set of six in Rose, $175. Judy at the Rink, 8917018, judyattherink.com. 8. Second Line, 12” x 24”, $250. The Shard Shop, 571-5342, shardshop.com.

8

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

47

INside Look

1

2

3

1. Magnificent cuts of malachite are set in 18K yellow gold with white diamonds, $8,506. Ron Jewelers, Kenner, 405-5121, ronjewelers.com.

2. The signature age-defying Diamond Extreme cream targets extreme dryness and softens the signs of aging. The Diamond Collection formula is designed to give your skin the vitality it needs to look younger, $395.

Royal Retreat Day Spa, Mandeville, RoyalRetreat.LA@gmail.com. 3. New Orleans High School hand-beaded handbag straps, $82. Made exclusively for Design A Latte, 302-2228, shopdalmonograms.com. 4. New Orleans Aesthetics is now offering SkinPen microneedling treatments. New Orleans Aesthetics, 475-1000, neworleansaesthetics.com.

4

48

I n side N ew Orl ean s

5

5. Warm up to your loved ones in Anne Selke Robes. Chateau Gifts & Drugs, Metairie, 889-2300, chateaudrugsrx.com. 6. 18k white gold diamond chandelier earrings, $4,000. Symmetry Jewelers, 504-861-9925, symmetryjewelers.

6

com. 7. Lipo Plus crushes food cravings while reducing fat storage, helps suppress appetite, providing the ability to maintain

a consistent nutritional intake, even while burning more calories. Aspen Clinic, Metairie, 8888682, aspenclinic.com. 8.

Wetlands Sake hoodie, $45. Wetlands Sake, 4420432, wetlandssake.com.

7 8

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

49

Wedding Essentials

1

1. 14KW 3.25ct exquisite marquise diamond earrings, $12,000. Ron Jewelers, Kenner, 405-5121, ronjewelers.com.

2. Prep for the big day with Wetlands Sake, 4420432, wetlandssake.com.

3. Starburst bridal earrings, $68. Jennifer Ponson 2

Jewelry Design, 850-6983183, JenniferPonson.com.

4. Sparkle like your favorite beer with a custom Paradise Park glitter blend from Elektra Bolt Balm, $20. Available for purchase on Urban South, 2674852, urbansouthbrewery.com.

3

5. Hand-stamped wedding forks, $40 for set. NOLA Boards, 256-0030, nolaboards.com.

4

5

50

I n side N ew Orl ean s

d e l i e v Un Wedding Trends of 2022

Opposite: Sparkling rings of varying styles from Ron Jewelers.

52

OPEN AIR TENTS Danielle Papania of the Southern Hotel says, “Big weddings are back! People are ready to get out and celebrate.” Danielle has seen a shift after the Southern

I n side N ew Orl ean s

Hotel covered their courtyard space to make the outdoor area more functional. “With that, we are seeing brides truly embrace romantic tent weddings. There have been a variety of designs incorporating the tent with specialty florals, lighting and draping. It’s truly been a magical change I’ve enjoyed.”

REFINED GUEST LISTS She has also seen a sentimental outcome of the last couple of years: “People understand what couples have been going through with reschedules and having to limit guests lists. If you were invited to a postpandemic wedding, you understood the severity of the

photo courtesy: SOUTHERN OAKS

THIS YEAR USHERS IN a record number of weddings.

According to wedding-planning website the Knot, there’s an estimated 2.6 million taking place in the United States! With the wedding boom of 2022, there Above: A are new trends from prep to the big party. To unveil thrilling firework the latest happenings, we chatted with local businesses show at who have their hands in making Louisiana weddings Southern Oaks. beautifully Southern.

photo courtesy: RON JEWELERS

decision to get you on that list. Guests are showing up with a different perspective. They are not only ready to party, but they are showing up truly thankful to be there and play an integral part in celebrating couples who have been through so much. The overall vibe and feeling of weddings have changed into a much more genuine celebration of union, love and friendship. I hope this continues into 2022!”

Susan Zackin, owner of Z Event Company, agrees that >> F e bruary - M a rch 2022

53

Fresh blooms cascade down a cake by Frosted Fantasies by Nikki. See more of this wedding on page 60.

54

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photo: RENEE LORIO PHOTOGRAPHY

smaller guest lists may continue as prices go up.

She adds, “The cost of entertaining is going up with inflation and the biggest part of a budget is food and beverage. I suspect once the brides see the overall cost of their wedding, they may choose to be more selective on who is included on their guest list.” Yet, she’s excited for more normalcy.

“I am super excited for all of our newly engaged couples and helping them to celebrate in the way they have always envisioned their weddings. Don’t get me wrong, I have the most respect and admiration for all of our covid couples as that was probably the most stressful time in my career. To see their resilience and patience through all of it was truly amazing. I feel we will all be connected through those memories forever.”

A TOUCH OF DRAMA From Mardi Gras-style parades to firework shows, Bobby Asaro of Southern Oaks says he’s seen an uptick in exciting exits. “People are really excited about having fun again,” he says. Dramatic lighting effects both inside and outside of the venue have also been a common desire.

DIAMONDS EAST TO WEST “Recently pear has been the top-requested diamond shape for engagement rings. We don’t see that slowing down and also predict oval solitaires as a top choice in 2022,” Tauqeer Imran, owner of

photo courtesy: TORI PASENTINE

Ron Jewelers says. “People are gravitating a lot toward elongated shapes and there has been many requests for elongated stones with East-West orientation.” Artisanstyles, alternative diamonds and vintage varieties are other trends Ron Jewelers is expecting.

TIMELESS BEAUTY Doll House Hair & Beauty Salon’s Liz Duboue shares that bridal beauty has taken a turn toward more classic styles. She says, “I think we are going to see a lot of polished simple looks for wedding season. Many of >>

A jacuzzi rendering of the new Royal Retreat Day Spa, a perfect place for pre-wedding pampering.

56

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

photo courtesy: ARI CAFFERY

Single-serve antipasto skewers prepared by Caffery Catering.

the brides we have seen coming in lately seem to be getting away from the messy undone looks and going for more polished and structured hair.”

For bridal makeup, Meggan Ory of Makeup by Meggan Studio says, “What I love most about current beauty trends is that we are idolizing skin. Healthy skin is in and that holds true for bridal beauty too! My cosmetic line is centered around makeup looking like skin, so our brides are in the right place.

“When it comes to eyes, we are seeing a lot of softer shadow looks with the focus on lashes and liner. This look is beautifully paired with rosy cheeks and glossy lips. I love a very fresh and classic take on bridal beauty; and remember, a classic bride is a timeless bride!”

PRE-WEDDING PAMPER “I love when a new bride comes to the studio for a consult, because it is just the beginning of our journey together,” Meggan continues. “We come up with a plan for her to get her skin in top notch shape so that her makeup looks flawless on the big day. We usually start with a series of alternating Geneo Oxygen Treatments and Hydrafacials. On the week of her wedding, I always pair a HydraFacial with Dermaplaning so that her skin is ultra-smooth and glowy!”

Amidst the planning and preparation, it’s important to slow down and enjoy the season. Tori Pasentine Owner and Spa Director of Mandeville’s soon-to-open Royal Retreat Day Spa says, “Our brides may bring their groom on a prewedding date to enjoy a ritual from Royal Retreat’s exclusives. I would recommend the Royal Escape, that uses tropical body polish, coconut compresses, and an aromatic coconut oil massage for ultimate relaxation and hydration. In addition, I offer a bridal package bundle with a gift.

As an add-on for the couple’s retreat, the bride and groom may get a champagne bottle and chocolate.” Royal Retreat’s services are from their trade partner Natura Bissé, a four-time award winning spa brand for the world’s best spa.

LESS IS MORE The Sadie Jane Director of Operations Terri Haithcock has seen that couples are wanting to simplify their planning. “Couples booking for 2022 to 2024 are looking for the convenience of allinclusive wedding and reception packages. We are seeing couples that have less time to dedicate for extensive planning and love >> F e bruary - M a rch 2022

57

58

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photo: BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY

The outdoor tent at Southern Hotel dressed with florals by Bella Blooms, and draping, chandeliers and candles by Luminous Events.

the inclusive options to simplify and relieve wedding day stress,” she says. “I am most excited for the number of engaged couples that are hitting the ground running to search and secure their wedding venue. We are touring and booking couples within days following their engagement.”

For pre-wedding festivities Longue Vue House & Gardens happily hosts bridal luncheons and showers and serves as a perfect place for bridal photography. Laren Holzer says, “Many brides are moving toward simplicity and a less-is-more kind of vibe. Longue Vue House and Gardens is a stunning backdrop for this. With eight acres of beautiful gardens, 22 fountains, statues, and gorgeous live oaks, it’s a perfect space to capture on your special day.”

TO HAVE AND TO NOSH Antoine’s Restaurant is the perfect place to host a memorable rehearsal dinner. Lisa Blount has recently noticed accommodation requests to various dietary restrictions and preferences. “Most people who come to Antoine’s are looking for a traditional New Orleans experience and that’s what we provide, but we have seen a trend in offering vegetarian options and vegan items.”

Single serve options are also on the rise. Ari Caffery of Caffery Catering says, “I think there will be a shift from traditional platters and displays to more single serve options.

This not only brings a whole new artistic aspect but also allows for less contact amongst guests. I am so excited to work with couples to create one-of-a-kind menus that showcase the traditions of Louisiana and bring more personality into each dish.”

Ryan Haydel says Haydel’s Bakery has seen brides also moving to individual slices, or mini cakes or cupcakes for their guests. But for the brides that do want a full cake, he says, “We are seeing the trend of skim-coated wedding cakes with baked cake layers being visible from the outside. Most of these designs are being finished with fresh flowers from the bride’s florist’s selection. We are also seeing the intricate, traditional piping trims on the sides of the wedding cake from the 90s making a rebirth.”

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

59

photos: RENEE LORIO PHOTOGRAPHY

I N

L O V E

A N D

M A R R I A G E

Hock-Gauthreaux

After eight years together, Mia Hock and

Gary Gauthreaux exchanged heartfelt vows at The Sadie Jane in Slidell. As a string trio played, Mia graced the aisle in an elegant fit and flare gown

by Martina Liana from Town and Country Bridal.

Her maids donned neutral chiffon dresses from David’s Bridal Metairie and the groomsmen wore blue suits from Tuxedos to Geaux in Metairie. The couple’s goldendoodle, Josie, wore a flower collar and followed Gary down the aisle. A light drizzle of rain fell before and during the ceremony signaling good luck for the two. Dear family and friends happily watched the intimate ceremony beneath umbrellas.

Excellence by Design created bouquets and arrangements of white blooms and greenery that dotted the pergola as well as the reception area.

The four-tier wedding cake from Frosted Fantasies

by Nikki featured complementing quicksand roses, white flowers and greenery flowing down the tiers.

Mia and Gary danced to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. The two also shared a dance with Gary’s daughter. Bayou Events, LLC, provided the tunes. The celebratory night ended with the newlyweds dancing alone to Can’t Help Falling In Love before leaving through a tunnel of sparklers.

The happy couple resides in Belle Chasse.

F e bruary - M a rch 2 022

61

Wedding Apparel

s e c r u o s e R

I Do Bridal Couture Covington and Baton Rouge 985-327-5598 Idobridalcouture.com

Beauty

Doll House Hair & Beauty Salon 4650 West Esplanade Ave, Ste 103, Metairie 504-835-7474 metairiesalon.com Royal Retreat Day Spa 3571 US Hwy 190, Mandeville royalretreat.LA@gmail.com

Dining and Sweets Briquette 701 S Peters St., New Orleans 504-302-7496 briquette-nola.com

62

I n side N ew Orl ean s

3.27ct oval diamond eternity

Broussard’s Restaurant 819 Conti Street, New Orleans 504-581-3866 broussards.com Caffery Catering 985-545-FOOD (3663) cafferycatering.com Cartozzo’s Bakery 504-469-9615 cartozzosbakery.com Everyday Keto To Go 110 Athania Parkway, Ste B, Metairie everydayketotogo.orders@gmail.com 504-957-9033 Fluff Gourmet Fairy Floss 985-778-7870 fluff.northshore@gmail.com

band set in platinum, $13,495.

Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602, boudreauxsjewelers.com.

Graze Dat 504-554-0859 grazedat.gethoneycart.com Haydel’s Bakery 4037 Jefferson Hwy., New Orleans 504-837-0190 haydelsbakery.com New Orleans Creole Cookery 510 Toulouse St., New Orleans 504-524-9632 neworleanscreolecookery.com

Drinks

Wetlands Sake 634 Orange St, New Orleans 504-442-0432 wetlandssake.com

Floral

Beth’s Flowers 2014 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie 504-455-2353 bethsfloweronline.com

Honeymoon

Newman Dailey Resort Properties destinvacation.com

Jewelry and Gifts Boudreaux’s Jewelers 701 Metairie Rd., Metairie 504-831-2602 boudreauxsjewelers.com

Ron Jewelers 4103 Williams Blvd., Kenner 504-405-5121 ronjewelers.com Symmetry Jewelers 8138 Hampson St., New Orleans 504-861-9925 symmetryjewelers.com

Marché 914 N Peters St., New Orleans 504-586-1155 marcheneworleans.com Southern Oaks 7816 Hayne Boulevard, New Orleans 504-245-8221 southernoaksweddings.com The Sadie Jane 405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell 985-643-6892 thesadiejane.com

Photography

Virgin Hotels New Orleans 550 Baronne Street 833-791-7700 virginhotels.com/new-orleans

Venues

Windsor Court Hotel 300 Gravier St., New Orleans 800-262-2662 windsorcourthotel.com

Milestone Photography 504-463-0662 milestonephotography.com Compass Point Events 200 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans 504-366-1768 compasspointevents.com

photo: RENEE LORIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Judy at the Rink The Rink Shopping Center 2727 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 504-891-7018 judyattherink.com

F e bruary - M a rch 2 022

63

INside Peek

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 1.-7. Inside New Orleans celebrated the launch of the December 2021-January 2022 issue with cover artist Christy Boutte at her Magazine Street gallery, Art by Christy. 8. Royd Anderson and Belle Anderson at Royd’s book signing at Barnes & Noble in Metairie. 9. Wetlands Sake’s taproom is now open!

64

I n side N ew Orl ean s

The Golden Gala, sponsored

by Banner Ford Banner Chevrolet, was a fabulous day in the New Orleans Botanical Garden with over 300 in attendance who celebrated the success and longevity of Boys Hope Girls Hope a local non-profit founded in 1980 helping dedicated youth rise from disadvantaged backgrounds and strive for more within a safe, supportive, and academic focused household.

Chaired by Brittany Whitsell, the Golden Gala raised funds through sponsorship, ticket sales, raffle packages, Saints football squares, and a Fund-the-Need providing direct program support. Please visit bhghnola.org to learn more about the program and other events throughout the year.

photos: MATEO & COMPANY

The Golden Gala

photos courtesy: NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM

New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala The New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala was a literal festival of music, art, exhibitions, and food and drink throughout the historic building and grounds, encompassing the 400 block of Esplanade Avenue. Attended by nearly 1,000 music afficionados and museum supporters, entertainment included a stellar collection of New Orleans performers on five stages, including Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, Charmaine Neville, Gabrielle Cavassa, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Gregg Stafford with Herlin Riley, Mahmoud Chouki, Detroit Brooks, and others. All proceeds from Improvisations will further enhance exhibits, music programming, events, and the Jazz Museum Education Center, allowing the Jazz Museum to globally promote jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms through highly interactive exhibits, as well as support ongoing musical and educational programming for a new generation of musicians.

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

65

INside Peek THE Gala

photos courtesy: HUB INTERNATIONAL

THE Gala presented by HUB International was held at Tchefuncta Country Club. Themed “Step into your Dancing Shoes” featured excellent live and silent auctions, live music by Four Unplugged, entertainers, experiences, and so much more. The groovy night supported the patients and families at St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center.

66

I n side N ew Orl ean s

photos courtesy: WYES

The Worlds of Hemingway Inspired by the recent Ken Burns documentary on Ernest Hemingway that aired nationally on PBS, WYES invites guests to attend its annual gala, named after the American novelist and sportsman — The Worlds of Hemingway presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust at the WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media. Guests enjoyed food

by Catered Events by Windsor Court and entertainment by The Boogie Men thanks to LCI Workers’ Comp. Libations were provided by Sazerac Company and Crescent Crown Distributing. Wines provided by Bizou Wines. The gala event co-chairs were Amanda and Ryan Berger, Jennifer and Fred Heebe, and Lori and Bobby Savoie.

IN the Kitchen

BASIC KING CAKE BUBBLE UP

2 (12.4-oz) cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Do not get the big ones, any brand of the regular size will do.

1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup milk Decorations - purple, yellow, and green sanding sugar; sprinkles (try the gorgeous, locally made River Road Sprinkles); or crushed nuts, cookies, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

1. Separate cinnamon rolls, reserve the icing to use after the bubble up is baked.

Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces. Place in the bottom of the prepared pan.

2. Using an electric hand mixer, beat together cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Add milk and mix until combined. Pour over chopped cinnamon rolls.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven, cool slightly (5 - 10 minutes). Spread cinnamon roll icing over top and sprinkle with colored sugar.

King Cake Bubble Up Bake

by Lorin Gaudin

68

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

WHILE DOING SOME KING CAKE research (yes, that’s really a thing), I stumbled upon a recipe for King Cake Bubble Up. I’d never heard of it. The recipe is pretty basic, incorporating canned cinnamon rolls—something I’m not overly inclined to eat—so I was dubious, but curious. I stand corrected. Canned cinnamon rolls (like canned biscuits used in my motherin-law’s chicken and “dumplings”) in this recipe are great.

And this casserole is perfect for those times when getting a favorite (or any) real deal king cake isn’t possible, or as a great do-it-with-the-kids recipe.

It looks like the Pillsbury company came up with the “Bubble Up” to ease weeknight cooking for busy families. The name originated from the way the biscuit dough is cut up and then bubbles up when cooked. The first dishes were savory think pot pie, pizza, and tacos. Cooks started experimenting with some sweet applications (fruit and sugar) and then some crafty locally made “king cake,” of course.

The best thing about this recipe is its flavor flexibility and that it can be halved to make a smaller cake. There are some fun and delicious twists to try too! Mascarpone, whole milk ricotta, or Creole cream cheese (drained well) can be used in place of regular cream cheese, with one additional note: smooth the ricotta by blitzing it in a food processor with a bit of lemon juice.

The best part are the flavor options. Try different extracts, or a splash of booze and milk alternatives. For inspiration, some variations are offered below: 1. “Irish coffee” Bubble Up: Tip a splash of Irish Whiskey and 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into warmed milk.

Let cool and then add it to the cream cheese-sugar mixture before pouring over cinnamon roll pieces before baking. Or, instead of all milk try ½ cup Bailey’s Irish Cream and ½ cup milk.

2. “Cannoli” Bubble Up: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into either whipped mascarpone or ricotta. After baking, sprinkle with tiny multi-colored sugar beads and/or crushed pistachios

photos: LORIN GAUDIN

3. Bananas Foster Bubble Up: Whip cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar. Add ¼ teaspoon banana extract, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon rum. Right before baking, top with a good handful of dark brown sugar and bake. After baking, top with sliced bananas, a bit browner sugar and then lightly broil the top to a brulée.

4. Mediterranean on the Mississippi Bubble Up: Use labneh in place of cream cheese, and rose water (start with ½ teaspoon) in lieu of vanilla. Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the sugar or milk. After it’s done baking, brush the top with a honey simple syrup, crushed pistachios or walnuts and some rose petals (because they’re pretty).

F e bruary - M a rch 2022

69

Drinks with Anna

by Anna Tusa

THE IDEA FOR SHAKEN UP NOLA CRAFT Cocktail Classes was born out of the pandemic and came to life in 2022. During the pandemic I was trying to produce fun creative ways to engage guests in a small group setting in the restaurant. I was brainstorming ideas over cocktails and thought, “Why not do craft cocktail classes over lunch or dinner?” A light bulb went off in my head… We have a ton of great food tours, cocktail tours, and ghost tours in NOLA; so why not a craft cocktail tour or class paired with a 3-course lunch or brunch?

When traveling, I certainly enjoy getting to taste the culinary delights of the city I am visiting as well as all the favorite local cocktails. I also love to learn about the culture and history of the city through the food and drinks, and the bartenders and servers you meet along the way.

So, I have produced a craft cocktail class that can include cocktails only or paired with a 3-course lunch or brunch at briquette. The class is the best of both worlds—a food tour and a cocktail tour meshed with live demonstration and 70

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

education in one relaxed environment.

The hectic schedule of the traditional food and cocktail tour was not appealing to me.

I do not feel like I learn anything in those environments. And yes, sometimes the others in the tour group make it hard to learn anything or enjoy the experience.

I certainly want to shake up the tour scene and offer a great laid-back, fun, educational, and engaging experience. This experience is great for birthdays, corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, couples date night, and small corporate functions. My twist here is that the experience includes: one-on-one education and demonstration on making four craft cocktails, a three-course lunch or brunch of local cuisine prepared by the briquette culinary team and paired with the craft cocktails demonstrated for the class. Two necessities for me were guests being able to sit at the bar and engage with the bartender and having the menu items served with restaurant service.

Everyone in attendance will go home with a copy of all the recipes for the

cocktails. Our lunch menu has two craft cocktail options. The first being Prohibition craft cocktails of NOLA, and the second option being Bougee new-school craft cocktails. These are my re-imagining of popular classic cocktails. The brunch menu is paired with bubbles and bourbon cocktails.

The class is two hours long when paired with lunch which makes for a fun, leisurely afternoon. If you are having a great time, and it takes a little longer for the program, that is okay too. I want to tailor the experience to my guests’ individual tastes and needs so if you would prefer to feature different cocktails, that is certainly doable.

I was able to do a soft opening, if you will, this past fall with an excellent group of cocktail enthusiasts for a social function during a convention, and let me tell you, it was a blast. They enjoyed every minute of it! I look forward to sharing this experience with you this year. Do not forget this is a wonderful way to celebrate any special occasion. Let’s shake it up! Book a class online at briquette-nola.com. The experience is $125 per person.

photos courtesy: ANNA TUSA

Shaken Up NOLA Craft Cocktail Classes

Haute Plates

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found in New Orleans and beyond.

Briquette

3413 VETERANS BLVD.

Boulevard American Bistro

701 SOUTH PETERS ST.

ATAVO.LA

NEW ORLEANS 504-410-5171

504-302-7496

A Tavola

METAIRIE 504-577-2235

Modern Italian cuisine in a lively, family-friendly setting. Featuring a

5171 CITRUS BLVD.

NEW ORLEANS

BOULEVARDBISTRO.COM

BRIQUETTE-NOLA.COM

Classic American cuisine with

Award-winning contemporary

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard 819 RUE CONTI

NEW ORLEANS 504.581.3866 BROUSSARDS.COM

Celebrate Broussard’s 101 years of

bright, spacious dining room, patio and

locations in Elmwood and Metairie.

coastal cuisine featuring Gulf seafood

service with Chef Jimi Setchim’s $52 3-course

bar offering Salute! Wednesdays, Vino

Enjoy delicious dishes, exceptional

and fish, beef, lamb, chicken, Maine

prix fixe menu. Enjoy the ambiance of outdoor

Thursdays, and daily happy hour from

service, and outdoor dining. The bar

Lobster and unique chef specials

dining in the largest courtyard in the French

2 – 6 pm. Join us for Italian favorites,

hosts Wine & Dine Wednesdays, $5

daily. Valentine’s 3-Course Dinner on

Quarter. Join us for our monthly Century

wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, paninis,

Martini Thursdays, and a happy hour that

February 12 and 14; couples dine for

Supper Series featuring craft cocktails from

salads, and more!

runs weekdays from 3-6 pm.

$99. Open Mardi Gras Day.

each decade we have been in service.

72

I n side N ew Orl ean s

Everyday Keto To Go

Graze Dat

METAIRIE, LA 70001

GRAZEDAT.

110 ATHANIA PKWY, SUITE B (RIGHT OFF METAIRIE ROAD) 504-957-9033

EVERYDAYKETOTOGO.COM Healthy can be delicious!

504-554-0859

GETHONEYCART.COM Ranging from $25 to $150 our Valentine’s boards are completely customizable and include your choice of

Gluten free, Sugar Free, Low Carb

meats, cheeses, vegetarian, and vegan

and Keto Bakery delivering weekly

options. Orders go live on February 1st.

to New Orleans and surrounding areas including the Northshore!

Everydayketotogo.com or call/text 504-957-9033 to place your order.

The Grill Room at Windsor Court

New Orleans Creole Cookery

NEW ORLEANS 504-522-1994

NEW ORLEANS 504-524-9632

300 GRAVIER ST

WINDSORCOURTHOTEL.COM The Grill Room at Windsor Court

is recognized as a local leader in Modern American cuisine with a distinct New Orleans flair. Whether it’s a dinner with a menu that defies categorization or the gourmet Plate Lunch menu, The Grill Room transforms fine dining to make it accessible and fun.

508 TOULOUSE ST.

NEWORLEANSCREOLECOOKERY.COM Experience the traditional Creole tastes of New Orleans in the historic French Quarter. Specialties include jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole and raw and chargrilled oysters on the half shell. Craft cocktails and signature drinks with Happy Hour, weekdays 3-6pm.

CREAM CHEESE, PRALINE PECAN, Praline Cream Cheese, and Strawberry Cream Cheese... Is your mouth watering yet? Those are just a handful of the fillings found in fourth generation Cartozzo’s Bakery king cakes.

Enjoyed locally or shipped afar, their traditional king cake continues to be a favorite year after year.

It starts with a buttery, cinnamon brioche dough baked to perfection and topped with icing and sugar. For local pick-up at The Royal Hut (only open during king cake season), you can find Apple, Bavarian Cream, Lemon, and Strawberry fillings as well.

Cartozzo’s festive Mini King cakes are available year-round.

74

I nside N ew Orl ea n s

Individually wrapped and packaged, Mini Kings are just the right size for parties, parade routes and other celebrations that this time of year brings. In addition to their well-loved king cakes, Cartozzo’s bakes a lot of the French and muffuletta breads you enjoy at your favorite New Orleans restaurants and hotels.

Speaking of muffulettas, Cartozzo’s Mini Muffulettas are a tasty addition to your Carnival gatherings. Layered with Mortadella, ham, Genoa, provolone, and olive salad on a freshly backed muffuletta roll, the Mini Muffulettas are a savory complement to the many sweets of king cake season!

Cartozzo’s breads can also be shopped at a selection of local groceries and throughout the southeast from Tennessee to Georgia. The Royal Hut is located at 111 23rd St., Kenner. 504-4699615. cartozzosbakery.com.

photo courtesy: CARTOZZO’S BAKERY

Last Bite Cartozzo’s Bakery