St. Charles Avenue Magazine December 2019

ST. CHARLES AVENUE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2019

2019 ACTIVISTS OF THE YEAR

NEW YEAR’S EVE GUIDE

WHAT’S HOT IN HOLIDAY JEWELRY

MEET OUR SALES TE AM

Lisa Picone Love Sales Manager 830-7248, Lisa@myneworleans.com

Samantha Shiff Senior Account Executive 830-7226, Samantha@myneworleanscom

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales 830-7215, Colleen@myneworleans.com

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 1

CO N T E N T S

Features

On the Cover

Photographed by Jeffery Johnston Planning a memorable New Year’s Eve can be stressful. Find everything you need – from what to wear to where to go and much more – starting on pg. 56.

41 St. Charles Avenue’s Activists of the Year Susan Brennan, Daryl G. Byrd, Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III, Susan O. Hess, Robert “Bob” Merrick and Kim S. Sport

BY SARAH RAVITS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON

56

St. Charles Avenue’s Guide to New Year’s Eve From fashion to fireworks

BY KELCY WILBURN

St. Charles Avenue’s Activists of the Year 2019 (Front) Susan Brennan, Daryl G. Byrd, Susan O. Hess, Kim S. Sport (on stairs) Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III and Robert “Bob” Merrick.

Each year we gather to choose St. Charles Avenue’s Activists of the Year, each one of us bringing a list of overly qualified candidates.

And every single time (this is my 11th year) we end up with a list longer at the end than the combined list when we started – we just keep thinking of the amazing citizens of New Orleans!

All of this to say that one of the most amazing things about this city is that the list of those who dedicate their lives to giving back only grows.

In this, our 24th year, we’re proud to honor these six dedicated New Orleanians for their energy, gifts, ideas and time. Their profiles illuminate the boards, events, nonprofits, committees, businesses, foundations and groups with which they’re associated across the entirety of our city’s landscape.

We hope that as you acquaint yourself with their stories, they will inspire you, as they have us, to give back to the city that gives so much to us all.

Without them, our city wouldn’t be the same.

Special thanks to The National World War II Museum and its Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Research Library for providing such a lovely setting, and to Public Relations Manager Keith Darcy for his invaluable assistance.

CO N T E N T S

In Every Issue

18 8 & 10

24

PHILANTHROPIC FUN

EDITORS’ NOTES

12 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Legacy Donor Foundation: “Giving the Gift of Life”

14 KIDS PLAY

Christmas Bonfires: Cajun holiday traditions

16 WHAT’S HOT: Holiday Jewelry

18 ON THE MENU

Classical Tastes: Chef Michael Harper shares Couvant’s Salad Nicoise

20 THE DISH

Holiday Happenings: Feasts of the Seven Fishes & gifting with a New Orleans flair

66 VINTAGE WEDDING

Emilie Barton Wendel Weds Dr. John Virgil Garoutte: August 4, 1964

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72 68 WITH THIS RING

Waring – Mcintosh At Home in the Park The LCM opened its new doors for a sold-out “CHAIRish the Children.” 22 Leading by Example The YLC honored its 2019 class of local leaders at The Fillmore. 24 The Show Must Go On Petit Théâtre gathered support for its upcoming season. 26 Justice Served Pro Bono Project’s annual gala allows it to continue providing civil legal services to under-served communities. 28 Home Away From Home “Belles & Beaus Ball” for American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. 30

Cocktails for City Park “Martini Madness” benefited technological improvement projects in New Orleans City Park. 32

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Backing the Boys Son of a Saint hosted an intimate evening Uptown to support their mentorship programs for fatherless young men. 34

71

Going In Blind A five-course dinner, blindfolded, awaited guests at the annual WRBH benefit. 36

Blythe Wren: Window Treatment Specialist & Vice-President, Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

A Safer City NOPJF honored three officers for exemplary bravery and commitment to service. 38 Friends Like Family Garden District neighbors gathered to mingle and dine at the annual “Fall Affair.” 40

YOUNG BLOODS

Ken Richmond: Manager, American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge New Orleans STUDENT ACTIVIST

Amanda Francisca Rougée: Mount Carmel Academy

72 SHOP TALK

73 SHOP TALK

Valerie Gernhauser: Owner & Principle Planner, Sapphire Events

74 ONSTAGE CALENDAR 82 SNAPSHOTS 84 SCHOOLDAYS 88 NOSTALGIA Charles L. Franck: A lifetime photographing New Orleans 1877-1965

DECEMBER 2019 VOL. 24 ISSUE 7 Editorial

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Bev Church EDITOR Morgan Packard Griffith ART DIRECTOR Ali Sullivan FOOD & DINING COLUMNIST Jyl Benson WEB EDITOR Kelly Massicot EVENT PHOTO COORDINATOR Jeff Strout

Advertising

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Colleen Monaghan (504) 830-7241, Colleen@MyNewOrleans.com SALES MANAGER Lisa Picone Love

(504) 830-7248, Lisa@MyNewOrleans.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Samantha Shiff (504) 830-7226, Samantha@MyNewOrleans.com

Marketing

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS

Jeanel Farrell Luquette EVENT COORDINATOR Abbie Dugruise DIGITAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE Mallary Matherne

For event information call (504) 830-7264

Production

PRODUCTION MANAGER Emily Andras PRODUCTION DESIGNERS

Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Lane Brocato

Administration

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Todd Matherne PRESIDENT Alan Campell EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Errol Laborde VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Colleen Monaghan OFFICE MANAGER Mallary Matherne DISTRIBUTION MANAGER John Holzer AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Claire Sargent

For subscriptions call (504) 830-7231

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, © 2019 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for photos or artwork and assumes that all releases have been cleared upon submission to the magazine. St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, La. 70005, (504) 828-1380.

Subscription rate: one year $17.95, two year $31, three year $43 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. It is the policy of this magazine to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

B E V ' S N OT E

We are so excited about our cover, which features our 2019 Activists!

Thanks to Susan Brennan, Daryl G. Byrd, Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III, Susan O. Hess, Robert “Bob” Merrick and Kim S. Sport for gracing our cover and for all they do to make New Orleans the best! The nonprofits that they support cover the gamut and include the art scene, women’s health, the United Way, WYES and so much more.

IBERIABANK always has a beautiful party to celebrate our Activists and honor their contributions to our city; thanks so much!

And double congratulations go to Daryl!

“Upon the closing of the merger of equals between IBERIABANK and First Horizon next year, Daryl will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined organization,” says IBERIABANK Community Relations Director Megan Beer Eustis.

The holiday spirit runs right through to New Year’s Eve, so look to our annual feature for our guide to everything you need: How to Prep, What to Wear, How to Finish, Where to Eat and What to Do!

This month also features What’s Hot for Holiday Jewelry. Look no further for a piece that will surprise your friends, family and significant other with something that will last forever!

On December 7 will be the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s second annual “Improvisations Gala!” Come together for an elegant and extemporized mix of music, dancing, art and illuminations. The Patron Party begins at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Jazz Museum. There will be an elegant cocktail hour, catering by Ruth’s Chris and intimate performances by artists like Christian McBride and Detroit Brooks. The Gala will begin at 8 p.m. with music and food from fabulous local restaurants and a fantastic auction. Call 390-0639 or visit NolaJazzMuseum.org for ticket information.

Jen Hale announced that Sideline Pass’ fifth annual “Holiday Toy Drive” is Wednesday, December 4, at Canal Place, with VIP shopping beginning at 5 p.m., and the Christmas Carnival starting at 6 p.m. The Hynes School Choir will sing Christmas carols and the band Groovy 7 will be performing.

They also will have food, a cash bar, face painting, ornament decorating, family photos by the Christmas tree and more. There will be prizes for the most festive outfit, best holiday

shoes and outfit for a child. Admission is free with a donation of a gift for children living in group foster homes across Louisiana. These gifts go to over 1,000 children in 25 parishes living in foster group homes or shelters. A cash contribution will be welcomed as well. For more information, email info@sidelinepass.org.

I just got to meet with Kelly Lind, (who was a producer for Sean Penn; wow!) and I want you to keep an eye out for Garden District, a new series by renowned playwright Rosary O’Neill and starring local notables Bryan Batt and Janet Shea. Uptown native Kelly Lind is a producer and one of the lead actors. “The series pulls you into the secret regimented world of Garden District Society,” she says. The team is currently producing the pilot episode, which will then be pitched to TV networks. The goal of the show isn’t only to entertain audiences, but to create an entirely local TV series that will provide jobs for and showcases local talent. Learn more at Facebook.com/ GardenDistrictProductions.

Have a wonderful holiday season celebrating with friends and family and be safe!

Beverly Reese Church

Poydras Home will be hosting their first “Holiday Tree Lighting & Music Festival” on Thursday, December 5.

Co-Chaired by Bridget Bories, Lesley Hardin, Dee McCloskey and Deborah Mooney, the Patron Party will be held 6-8 p.m. inside Poydras Home’s historic 1857 Hall, and will feature music by the New Orleans Center For Creative Arts with jazz and vocal students led by Vocal Coach Anne Sumich. Food and libations will be available from Ralph’s On The Park, The Pelican Club Restaurant, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Creole Creamery and more.

At 7 p.m., Poydras Home’s Magazine Street gate will open wide as Patrons and the public are welcomed to assemble on the front lawn to hear holiday favorites and gospel music performed by the New Orleans

8 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

Council on Aging Community Choir under the direction of Mrs. Rhea Dokes. (This portion of the evening is free and open to the public.)

Refreshments of hot cocoa by CC’s Coffee House and cookies compliments of Poydras Home will be available in advance of the big moment when, at 7:30 p.m., their majestic 30 foot tall tree will be brightly lit!

Their tree will continue to light up the sky through January 1, to serve as a beacon of holiday cheer.

Visit PoydrasHome.com to find out more about the “Tree Lighting & Music Festival” or contact Poydras Home’s Philanthropy Department by calling 897-0535.

Credit: Watercolor invitation art by Marina G. Reed

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M O R G A N ' S N OT E

This is our last issue of the year, and as we look forward to the New Year I would like to thank all of you who have helped make Avenue possible. The staff at Renaissance Publishing, especially our Art Director Ali; our Sales team Lisa and Samantha; Jeanel and Abbie who work so hard on our events and sponsorships and rarely get the credit they deserve; the Production team; my mentor Errol and our CEO Todd; and everyone who helps with our subscriptions and all of the day-to-day running of a magazine. I also want to thank our copyeditor Megan Holt, our writers and our photographers who share their craft and passion with us. And I want to thank you, our readers, not only for your time and support, but also for your support of our city.

While this issue is chock-full of holiday glitz and philanthropy, and I encourage you to enjoy every page, I have so much to tell you that I have to get right to it!

After three years and millions of dollars, one of my favorite places in the French Quarter, M.S. Rau (630 Royal St.), has unveiled its new, expanded space. I have fond memories of absorbing the history and beauty in this place that’s as much a museum as it is a store. At 112 years old, Rau occupies 40,000 square feet of indoor space over three floors and four open courtyards that encompass the entire block, and their new floors, expanded gallery and two gardens have to be seen to be believed!

I am so excited to read local art collector and philanthropist Richard Colton Jr.’s memoir, No More. No Less. An Artful Cancer Journey. A Remarkable Community.

A Rediscovered Purpose. The book is the story of his almost 20-year struggle against cancer and his unique approach to his treatment, which included allowing an artist to sit in during his surgeries to create paintings. These surgeries included having a large part of his face removed and being saved by an experimental new drug. I always love to read inspirational stories during the holidays, and having one that’s so exceptional and close to home is even better!

Many of you read Jarvis Deberry’s columns in The Times-Picayune and learned much about him through them. What you may not know is that for over a decade he has been undergoing treatment for kidney disease. Mid-December, he will be given a kidney transplant by a living donor. The doctors’ visits, treatment, surgery, recovery, donor’s expenses and more have taken a toll on him, his family and their finances. Though they now live in Cleveland, their friends and loved ones here are hosting a fundraiser to help mitigate these expenses on December 14, 6-10 p.m. at the Ashé Cultural Center. For more information, contact Megan Holt: (205) 310-8537.

Many of you had the pleasure of working with Brittany Brady during her tenure with Avenue. Brittany has recently launched Maven-Street.com. As President and CEO, she says, “It’s our mission to empower the female population to be confident in themselves and share their ideas. Seeing fashion as a platform for creative expression, Maven Street offers a complete, hand-picked collection of apparel and accessories to equip millennial women with a distinct voice.” Each piece is $200 or less, and I already have a wish list! Even though I love her carefully curated choices, it’s the idea behind the name that really gets me excited. “Mavens make change happen through information and ideas,” she says. “They are the ones you turn to whenever you want to know something about anything – especially fashion. Taking this combined love for fashion and helping others, Maven Street launched as the go-to online retail destination for contemporary style.”

Enjoy your holidays!

Morgan Packard Griffith

DECEMBER 2 “The Garden District Christmas Concert,” benefiting The Friends of Our Lady of Good Counsel, 782-3323

4 “Sound Collage,” benefiting New Orleans Jazz Museum, NolaJazzMuseum.org

4 “Holiday Toy Drive,” benefiting Sideline Pass, info@sidelinepass.org

5 Inaugural “Holiday Tree Lighting & Music Festival,” benefiting Poydras Home, 897-0535

6 “Mandatory Merriment Part Deux,” benefiting the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter, 522-9340, extension 206

7 Second annual “Improvisations Gala,” benefiting New Orleans Jazz Museum, 390-0639, NolaJazzMuseum.org

11 50th annual “Fete de Noel Luncheon,” benefiting Ladies Leukemia League, 458-4288 12 Sixth annual “Latkes with a Twist,” benefiting Jewish Children’s Regional Service, 828-6334 12-15 “Luna Fête,” benefiting New Orleans Arts Council, LunaFete.org 13 “Holiday Home Tour Patron Party,” benefiting Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, 581-7032

13 “Weiss Awards,” benefiting New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, 522-3760

14 “Fête de Fezziwig,” benefiting Le Petit Théâtre, 558-9328, LePetitTheatre.com 14-15 “Holiday Home Tour,” benefiting Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, 581-7032 19 “Tunes for Toys,” benefiting the Trombone Shorty Foundation and the Maione Prima Foundation, TromboneShortyFoundation.org 20 “Home for the Holidays,” benefiting Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists & The NOCCA Institute, 310-4999 Note: Our upcoming January 2020 issue will contain the annual Registry of Charitable Events: JanuaryApril 2020. If you have a nonprofit event during that time, please make certain to fill out our online form as soon as possible to be included: MyNewOrleans. com/CharitableEvent. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me: Morgan@MyNewOrleans.com.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Legacy Donor Foundation “Giving the Gift of Life”

By Catherine Freeman

As a 3-year-old, long-time Isidore Newman School Science teacher and Cross Country Coach Randy Zell was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Insulin dependent, he spent 30 years managing his diabetes until his body started showing signs of distress. Eye surgeries followed by kidney failure forced him into time-consuming dialysis treatments. At this point, Randy and his doctors recognized improvement in his quality of life would only occur through kidney and pancreas transplants, so his name was added to the long list of men, women and children needing an organ transplant. Fortunately in that fall, a cousin was found to be a living donor kidney match and then shortly after that successful surgery he received a pancreas donation. For the last 15 years Randy has enjoyed an insulin-free life, until recently when he discovered he now needs another new pancreas. Randy is optimistic that scientific advances in organ and tissue regeneration will soon fulfill the needs of those awaiting transplants, but until that time he stresses the importance of work that dispels misconceptions and raises awareness of the crucial need for organ donation and registry. Like the more than 112,000 individuals in the U.S. on the organ transplant list, Randy makes it clear that organ donation “is our only chance.”

For the last 20 years, the Legacy Donor Foundation has dedicated themselves to growing the Louisiana Organ Donor Registry to help people just like Randy.

Founded by passionate New Orleanian David Voelker with the mission to save and heal lives by inspiring Louisiana residents to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, Legacy accomplishes their mission by providing education programs and public awareness activities to the citizens of Louisiana. In 1999 there were only 450,000

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names on the secure and confidential registry, and today through aggressive marketing and public relations campaigns, comprehensive education programs and strong partnerships, the nonprofit organization has helped increase the number of names to over 2.6 million.

As the only Louisiana organization of its kind, Legacy makes registering as an organ donor easy and accessible. Executive Director Nicole Labadot explains that once they get the conversation started regarding organ donation, they’re able to educate citizens allowing for more informed decisions. Partnering with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles through strategic marketing campaigns and training, OMV staff is mandated by law to ask ID and driver’s license customers if they would like to join Louisiana’s Organ Donation Registry and will assist them with the process. Individuals can also sign up online and Legacy offers peer-to-peer youth led programs at local high schools as well as

educational outreach in the workplace and churches to encourage participation.

Why register? Every 10 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list; sadly, 22 people die each day due to the shortage of organs available for transplant. In the U.S., 95 percent of adults support organ donation, but only 58 percent are actually signed up as donors. And, did you know that one organ, eye and tissue donor can heal and save more than 75 lives? “We know the work we are doing is saving lives” says Nicole. In this season of giving, we can all use the power of organ donation to give the best gift of all to those we know and those we don’t: the gift of life. n

A little more...

Register your decision to be an organ donor at the OMV or visit DonateLifeLA.org. For more information, call (800) 404-0708 or email questions to info@organawareness.org.

K I DS P L AY

Christmas Bonfires Cajun holiday traditions

By Brittany Kennedy

14 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

before and after is almost like a tailgate with bonfire builders lighting fireworks.

Families that don’t live nearby picnic, bringing chairs, food, beverages and a few pieces of cardboard for kids to sled down the levee. If travelling with children, be prepared to walk the levee (and maybe leave the stroller at home) since kids will want to examine the fires close-up. In years past, participants have experimented with non-traditional bonfire bases, including Rudolph and a train.

If travelling from New Orleans, leaving around 3:30 to 4 p.m. is a good idea as is travelling Airline Highway to arrive just outside the residential areas along the river and walking in. When you leave the area, it’s worth driving over the Veterans Memorial Bridge to get a bird’s eye view of the fires along the levee. You can also drive along River Road or even take a Gray Line Bus tour of the event. Know, however, that traffic is always heavy, and you’ll likely be limited to only seeing the fires from your car.

If making the trip isn’t on your agenda this holiday season, the community hosts a Festival of the Bonfires December 13-15.

Events include music acts, carnival rides

and children’s events, but you will only see one bonfire lit each night during the weekend to give folks and idea of what the process entails and give a general idea of the main event to come.

However, if you have time on what for many is a busy Christmas Eve evening, the Christmas bonfires on the levee are a great and low-key way to round out your day and gear up for the next morning. Meanwhile, what better way to celebrate the holiday than by giving Santa a Cajun welcome, enjoying some jambalaya and hot cocoa and getting one more reminder of why even Christmas is something we do just a little bit differently in South Louisiana. n

Just the Facts...

Christmas Bonfires on the Levee Fires are lit at 7 p.m. and populate the levee along Grammercy, Lutcher and Paulina.

Parking is available in lots along Highway 641 and, from there, you’ll have to walk 3-4 blocks to the levee.

Festival of the Bonfires December 13-15 For comprehensive information on the festival and the Christmas bonfires: FestivalOfTheBonfires.org

PHOTO B Y J P GISC LAIR COURTESY OF N EWORLEAN S.COM

While there is no shortage of Christmas events in New Orleans, one of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is a Cajun one that takes places on Christmas Eve a little over an hour up river. The Christmas Bonfires in Grammercy and Lutcher have been lighting the way for Santa Claus (or Papa Noel, as the Cajuns call him) for generations, and, in addition to the festival celebrating the event in mid-December, the experience is one that reminds us just how close we are – geographically and culturally – to Cajun culture and how those roots are still with us.

The road between Lutcher and Grammercy (and the swatch of river between them) is the center of the bonfires. Traditionally, the fires stand out 20 feet tall and are arranged with logs placed Jenga-style into the shape of pyramids. Builders then stuff them with moss and fireworks as kindling. The effect is a dazzling light show reflected on the waters of the Mississippi River as families with festively decorated homes along the way have parties and children buzz with excitement as Santa’s arrival feels imminent.

Historically, the fires were lit to illuminate the path to mass, but the tradition evolved to including the story of lighting Papa Noel’s way down the river. Most of the people building the bonfires are families that have done it for years, and the process is highly regulated with building restrictions and permits submitted well in advance. Local firefighters are on duty, and the local houses also set up tents along the river and sell jambalaya (which sells out quickly) and other snacks.

While the fires are lit at 7 p.m. and continue until they burn out, the event

W H AT ' S H OT

Holiday Jewelry

By Amy Gabriel

The holiday hustle bustle calls for a little bling. When you’re making your list and checking it twice, consider gifting a touch of glamour with these statement making sparklers.

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2. Gift the elegant and modern man in your life with a 6.5 mm

ring featuring a pebble hammer black titanium outside with 14 karat yellow gold inside. Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, 701 Veterans Blvd., 885-4653, Ramseys.com 3. A pair of cluster leaf studs containing 0.56 carats of round brilliant diamonds in 14 karat white gold will look

16 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

exquisite in a little box under the tree. Diamonds Direct New Orleans, 3230 Severn Ave., 3833900, DiamondsDirect.com 4. Add a touch of glitz to your wrist with a pair of 18 karat yellow and white gold diamond bangles with .83 carat of emerald and round brilliant cut

diamonds. Wellington & Co. Fine Jewelry, 505 Royal St., 525-4855, WCJewelry.com 5. A flower necklace with 62 carats of diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold is the epitome of holiday glamour.

Valobra Jewelry, 333 Royal St., 525-6364, Valobra.net

SE LEC T PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

1. A holiday engagement will be the talk of the town, especially with a Tacori RoyalT diamond ring in Platinum featuring a 3 carat round diamond. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, 701 Metairie Road, 8312602, BoudreauxsJewelers.com

W H AT ' S H OT

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6. Double the glee: Flip the sterling silver “Please return to New Orleans” necklace over to reveal a second engraving, “Let the good times roll.”

Cristy Cali, 3110 Magazine St., 722-8758, CristyCali.com 7. A necklace with pyrite specimen from Spain with .03 carat white diamonds and handcrafted in 14 karat yellow gold is a surefire conversation piece over a bubbly brunch.

Porter Lyons, 631 Toulouse St., 518-4945, PorterLyons.com

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8. Dance the night away on New Year’s Eve in a pair of dangling Vienna statement earrings.

Kendra Scott, 5757 Magazine St., 613-4227, KendraScott.com 9. A Lexy brooch made of resin crystals with rhodium plated brass hardware will add a romantic note to any celebratory ensemble. Mignonne Gavigan, MignonneGavigan.com 10. Nothing could pair better with a Brandy Milk Punch at a party than a pair of cufflinks with quartz detail. Symmetry Jewelers, 8138 Hampson St., 8619925, SymmetryJewelers.com

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11. A vintage 18 karat yellow gold double panther bangle bracelet with .06 carats of diamonds and .08 carats of rubies has true animal magnetism. Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry, 315 Royal St., 522-0555; 365 Canal St., 522-8080, JackSutton.com

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ON THE MENU

Classical Tastes Chef Michael Harper shares Couvant’s Salad Nicoise

VINAIGRETTE

SALAD

1 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Salt and sugar to taste

2-4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered lengthwise 2 medium heads gem lettuce, cleaned 1/4 pound fingerling potatoes 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 6 pieces sundried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 slices of toasted baguette, thin sliced crostini-style

In a mason jar, PLACE the oil, vinegar and mustard. Cover with a lid and shake until well blended. Add salt and sugar to taste.

TUNA 6-8 ounce tuna steak, or 6 ounce canned tuna 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

MARINATE tuna steaks in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes. Heat a large skillet on medium high heat or place on a hot grill. Sear tuna to desired temperature.

1/4 cup niçoise olives, pitted 4 anchovies 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

While potatoes are cooking, BLANCH green beans in boiling salted water. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 3-5 minutes (more or less, depending on the toughness of the beans). Drain and either rinse with cold water to stop cooking, or shock for half a minute in ice water.

BLEND olives, anchovies and Dijon mustard in food processor until smooth. If tapenade is too stiff, add oil from anchovies to thin.

In a large bowl TOSS lettuce, fingerling potatoes, green beans and sundried tomatoes together with vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste.

OLIVE TAPANADE

18 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

TO PLATE Arrange bed of salad on a serving platter. Cut tuna into 1/4-inch slices. Spread olive tapenade onto crostinis.

Arrange tuna, eggs and crostinis decoratively around the salad. Serve immediately.

SERVES 2-4

PHOTOS BY JE FFERY J OHNSTON

COUVANT, The Eliza Jane Hotel 315 Magazine St., 324-5400, Couvant.com

PLACE potatoes in a large pot and cover with 2 inches of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until fork tender. Drain.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 19

THE DISH

Holiday Happenings Feasts of the Seven Fishes & gifting with a New Orleans flair

By Jyl Benson

20 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration, although it isn’t called that in Italy and isn’t a “feast” in the sense of “holiday,” but rather a grand meal. The meal is historically served on Christmas Eve – a vigil or fasting day. The abundance of seafood reflects the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat until Christmas Day. Today, the meal typically consists of seven different seafood dishes. The tradition comes from Southern Italy, where it’s known simply as La Vigilia (the Vigil). This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus.

Chef Nick Lama of Avo is a thirdgeneration New Orleanian of Sicilian heritage. Like the children in most close-knit immigrant families he grew up watching his mother and grandmother recreate the foods of the family’s ancestral home and he often accompanied his father and grandfather to work their historic seafood market, St. Roch in the Ninth Ward.

At Lama’s Uptown restaurant Avo, which translates to “grandfather” or “ancestor,” he proudly recreates the foods of his ancestors while elevating them with respect and restraint.

Avo recently underwent an extensive renovation, which enclosed the outdoor patio, while keeping the space bright and airy with lots of windows that are meant to be opened when the weather permits.

Throughout the month of December, Avo will feature a celebratory four-course, pre-fixe meal using seven

Fried oyster, celery root and apple slaw with oyster aioli and a seared scallop with cauliflower and shellfish foam from Avo

different types of local seafood for his Italian holiday Feast of Seven Fishes menu. First Course: fried oyster, celery root and apple slaw with oyster aioli; seared scallop with cauliflower and shellfish foam; and “Caesar Crostini” with anchovy, Parmesan and romaine. Second Course: Shrimp Spiedini with mirliton and breadcrumb.

Third Course: Spaghetti ai Gamberi with crawfish, arrabbiata and trout roe. Fourth Course: Branzino Three Ways with flash-fried pan-roasted, housemade sausage and sopressatagrillio emulsion.

GW Fins’ Sous Chef Tim Lane will also offer his popular Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner, but for one night only: December 4 in the restaurant’s newly renovated Private Dining Room.

His menu highlights the bounty of seafood available in the Gulf, as well as around the world, prepared and served in a traditional Italian style. Each course will be paired with wine, combining individually plated courses with dishes that will be served family-style.

First Course: Peroni battered smelt with spicy pomodoro jam and charred lemon. Second Course: American Red Snapper ceviche with white balsamic citronette, sturgeon caviar and a Parmesan crisp.

Third Course: Champagne Oysters chargrilled with mignonette and a crispy prosciutto chip. Fourth Course: Wedding in the Sea featuring fishbone broth, a Yellowfin tuna meatball and acini di pepe.

Fifth Course: Calamari Steak Milanese with white truffle arugula, Grana Padano and a dark cherry balsamic reduction. Sixth Course: seared sea scallop with ricotta gnocchi, roasted garlic, sage butter sauce and pine nut relish.

Try This: I have many fond memories of attending Teddy Bear Tea (TBT) at the Roosevelt Hotel with my daughter, Cecilia.

Intended for families with young children, TBT packs in the excitement with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Think pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus sharing some of her favorite holiday stories.

The tea will be offered December 1-24.

Cecilia is now 22 and we will pass on Teddy Bear Tea in favor of sharing the holiday magic of the Roosevelt over Sazerac cocktails in the lounge as we take in the exquisite Paul Ninãs Deco-era paintings after a long, slow stroll through the miraculous, holiday-bedecked, blocklong lobby and another down Memory Lane. Unforgettable, the Roosevelt’s lobby draws an estimated 250,000 people each holiday season. A tradition since the 1930s, the display will be unveiled again on December 3 with 605,000 sparkling lights, 1,610 feet of garland, 300 puffy bows and 4,000 shimmering glass ornaments adorning 78 birch and 46 Christmas trees. It will remain up through the beginning of the year.

Let me point out, my fellow New Orleanians, this magical stroll is free – gratis – just as it has always been. Take it in, enjoy and build some memories with those you love.

AVO, 5908 Magazine St., 509-6550, RestaurantAvo.com GW FINS, 808 Bienville St., 581-3467, GWFins.com ROOSEVELT HOTEL, 130 Roosevelt Way, 648-1200, TheRooseveltNewOrleans.com

PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

At Home in the Park

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The LCM opened its new doors for a sold-out “CHAIRish the Children.”

By Shelby Simon

The Louisiana Children’s Museum opened new doors for CHAIRish the Children, showcasing its new home in City Park, which was meticulously designed to be a social, cultural and learning resource for children and families. Indoors and out, guests were introduced to the many hands-on ways to learn literacy, health and wellness, arts and culture, environmental education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

LCM’s new color palette of shades of blue and green decorated the event. The “firefly” lights in the museum’s Play and Lagoon buildings were dimmed so guests could enjoy the beauty of both the indoor and outdoor lighted spaces.

Guests were greeted on the LCM Welcome Porch with the lively sounds of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Electric Violinist Shaun Ward filled the glass-enclosed atrium with beautiful music as partygoers entered the LCM “Play Building.”

The Bucktown All-Stars rocked the outdoor event lawn as guests cooled down with Woodpecker Imperial snowballs, stopped to make s’mores and strolled through the gardens and outdoor playscapes that were lit with soft white globes of light, reminiscent of a full moon.

Guests enjoyed creating a lasting memory of the event with fun photographs. The backdrop was the beautiful “Tree of Life” mural by artist Alex Beard who created the piece specifically for the new “Play With Me” exhibit gallery (for children under the age of 4). Guests posed with playful props of animals and plants found around City Park and in the magnificent mural.

Dickie Brennan & Company, the LCM’s partner in the onsite café, Acorn, catered with a menu of passed hors d’oeuvres and stations throughout the museum.

Coveted silent auction items included artwork by Terrance Osborne and Alex Beard; game day packages for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Saints vs. Chicago Bears game in Chicago; beach stays; a trip to Vegas; Walt Disney World tickets; and chairs from Dr. Bob, Shannon Kelley and Marian DeMeyers Designs. Guests could also enter the raffle for chances to win a $4,500 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Shopping Spree.

Event Chairs were Linda and Gordon Kolb and Holt and Gordon Kolb Jr., who also served as Presenting Sponsors along with Hancock Whitney and Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. The Presenting Sponsors were presented with Waterford cut crystal bowls engraved with the LCM logo from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. n

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Event at a Glance

1. CEO Julia Bland with Co-Chairs Gordon and Linda Kolb 2. Lynne Burkart, Colleen Levy and Alden and Resa McDonald 3. Dickie Brennan, Kristin Fary, Fred Holley and Lauren and George Brower 4. Chip Knight, Lindsey Wands, Liz Hefler and Gary Lorio 5. Jeffrey and Lauren Doussan with Joey and Enola Richard and Steve Pettus 6. Scott and Camille Zander with Donna and Vincent Giardina

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “CHAIRish the Children Grand Opening Gala,” benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum WHEN: Saturday, September 21 WHERE: Louisiana Children’s Museum

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Leading by Example

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The YLC honored its 2019 class of local leaders at The Fillmore.

By Shelby Simon

The hallways of The Fillmore were lined with nearly life-size portraits of the Role Models for the Young Leadership Council’s 33rd annual “Role Model Awards Gala,” creating a fun and memorable photo opportunity for family and friends of this year’s honorees.

The awards ceremony took place in the Music Hall, where the space was illuminated by candlelight. This year’s Role Models were: Danny Blanks, Jody Braunig, Frank Brigtsen, Andrea Chen, Greg Feirn, Becker Hall, Rene Louapre, Lee Ledbetter, Debbie Badeaux Maniglia, Judy Reese Morse, Dr. John Nicklow, Mayra Pineda, Nakita Angelle Shavers, Susan Taylor, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Kevin Wilkins and Mike Woodward. Honorees each received a custom Faber Awards crescent statuette made from crystal glass.

After the awards ceremony, Flow Tribe performed with an hour and half-long set of their “backbone cracking” sound. Guests dined on prized selections prepared by Arnaud’s Restaurant, Pigeon Catering, Malonito, Drago’s, Queen Trini Lisa, Joel’s Catering, Torshi, Greek Girls, The Kolache Kitchen and 12 Seasons Catering.

The Patron Party was held in The Fillmore’s lobby and featured light jazz by the Byron Asher Trio. Special Guests enjoyed the signature cocktail of the evening, a Peychaud’s Spritzer, featuring champagne, Peychaud’s bitters and splash of club soda. Passed hors d’oeuvres from My House Social circulated the space. The Patron Party allowed an intimate atmosphere for the 2019 Role Model class to meet previous honorees,YLC Leadership both past and present and indispensable friends of YLC’s mission and young professional members.

The After Party, held in The Fillmore’s BG’s Lounge, featured music from DJ Westly and food by Magazine Pizza and Bud’s Broiler.

Margaux and Stew Krane served as Co-Chairs. Norman Robinson served as Master of Ceremonies. Presenting Sponsors were Goldring Family Foundation, Lynne Burkart, LCMC Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Laitram and Intralox. n

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Event at a Glance

1. Co-Chair Margaux Krane with Role Models Lee Ledbetter and Susan Taylor 2. David T. Baker, Shelby Russ and Co-Chair Stew Krane 3.

Executive Director Stephanie Powell with Role Model Danny Blanks and Presenting Sponsor Lynne Burkart 4. Role Models Rene Louapre and Becker Hall 5. Board Member Jennifer J. Guenard, Role Models Mayra E. Pineda and Nakita Angelle Shavers and Board Member Stephen Sewell 6. Role Model Mike Woodward with Board Member Danielle Martin

24 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIL RUBMAN

WHAT: 33rd annual “Role Model Awards Gala,” benefiting Young Leadership Council WHEN: Saturday, September 14 WHERE: Fillmore New Orleans

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The Show Must Go On

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Le Petit Théâtre gathered support for its upcoming season.

By Shelby Simon

More than 300 guests joined Le Petit Théâtre’s “Curtain Call Ball” to provide vital support for its mission to present the highest quality theatrical performances to education and entertain the diverse population of our region. In addition to presenting a full season of comedies, dramas, and musicals, Le Petit impacts thousands of youth in the region through its education programming with the Young Conservatory, Theatrical Workforce Development Program and Student Matinee Series.

Greeting guests was a dramatic arch of blue fabric and paper flowers created by Urban Earth Design Studio. Tableau generously provided food, which included barbecue shrimp and grits, ratatouille, a pork carving station, an oyster bar, cheese and charcuterie and a variety of desserts.

Broadway star Betsy Wolfe charmed the audience with her renditions of “Maybe This Time” and “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” Also on stage were a cast of Le Petit favorites, including Keith Claverie, Leslie Claverie, Maggie Windler, Adam Segrave, Shangobunmi Durotimi, Bryan Williams, Jarrell Hamilton and Knox Van Horn.

An auction featured jewelry donated by Friend & Company; an antique Creole bracelet donated by Keil’s Antiques; a private dinner by a Dickie Brennan & Company chef; a Saints package with suite tickets and field passes; Broadway tickets to Tootsie and Ain’t Too Proud; and artwork by George Dunbar created especially for the “Curtail Call Ball.” Auctioneer Mark Romig also sold walk-on roles for Le Petit’s upcoming production of A Christmas Carol and oversaw a paddle raise for support of Le Petit’s mission.

Stephanie Barksdale and Kaylea Hill served as Chairs.

IBERIABANK was the Presenting Sponsor. n

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Event at a Glance

1. Hunter Hill with Co-Chairs Kaylea Hill and Stephanie Barksdale with David Barksdale 2. Maureen Zimmerman, Kathleen Edmundson and Diane Labouisse 3. Julie George, Karen Carvin Shachat, Bonnie McCullar and Ellie George 4. Parker Favrot and Mary Margaret James 5. Steve Hansel, Elizabeth Boh, Katherine Eshleman and Richard Morales 6. Dathel Georges and Kathleen Van Horn

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIL RUBMAN

WHAT: “Curtain Call Ball,” benefiting Le Petit Théâtre WHEN: Friday, September 13 WHERE: Le Petit Théâtre

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Justice Served

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Pro Bono Project’s annual gala allows it to continue providing civil legal services to under-served communities.

By Shelby Simon

The Pro Bono Project heralded its 31st annual “Justice for All Ball “with a festive fête in truly New Orleans fashion, where more than 500 guests danced and dined throughout Mardi Gras World’s themed ballrooms.

At the Patron Party, the evening’s Emcee Mark Romig gathered the crowd in Mardi Gras World’s Riverview Room for a short presentation and discussed the mission of The Pro Bono Project to provide free, civil legal aid to under-served members of our community. Executive Director C.C. Kahr thanked guests for attending and introduced Committee Chair Nadège A. Assalé, who presented an engraved bowl courtesy of Adler’s to Honorary Chair Vincent J. Giardina, Trustee of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.

After remarks by Giardina, Romig introduced Committee Chairs Lacey Rochester and Jedd Malish.

Patron Party food was provided by Muriel’s Jackson Square, Acme Oyster House, Azul Sports Restaurant and The Tasting Room. Ruth Marie & Her Jazz Band performed and ushered guests into the Grand Oaks Mansion with the Merry Antoinettes who led a second line.

Guests were welcomed with this year’s specialty cocktail, The Lady Justice.

More than 20 local restaurants offered guests a sampling of dishes. Local favorites The Bucktown All-Stars kept guests dancing the night away with R&B, Soul, Rock, Funk and New Orleans jams.

Louisiana artist Christy Boutte created an original painting, “Lady Justice,” that was auctioned off at the event. Other silent auction items included “bucket-list” travel adventures provided by partner organization, AmFund.

Guests bid and won trips to Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, San Francisco, Aruba and Alaska; a behind-the-scenes tour of NBC’s “Saturday Morning Today Show;” memorabilia and tickets from the New Orleans Saints; a custommade suit by Luca Falcone; jewelry by Kendra Scott and Chimento Designs; artwork by Ashley Arnold; and wellness packages by Blue Wave Physical Therapy & Wellness. Additionally, raffle winners won gift certificates to local restaurants, gym memberships and tickets to the New Orleans Ballet and Opera. Guests also participated in a champagne drawing by purchasing handpainted wine and champagne glasses decorated specifically for the event.

The entire JFAB 2019 Ball Committee,Volunteers and The Pro Bono Project Staff worked tirelessly and thanks to Darleene Peters, Crystal Domreis, April Davenport, Lacey Rochester, Rachael Schilling and the more than 40 sponsors of this event. n

WHAT: “Justice for All Ball,” benefiting The Pro Bono Project WHEN: Friday, September 20 WHERE: Mardi Gras World 1. Roland Belsome, Committee Chair Nadège A. Assalé, Donna Giardina and Honorary Chair Vincent J. Giardina 2. Bevan Sabo, Committee Vice-Chair Lacey Rochester and Amy and Committee Vice-Chair Jedd Malish 3. Brock and Christy Boutte with Jamie and Darryl Foster 4. Bruce and Jackie Shreves 5.

Darleene Peters, Brent Wallis, Executive Director C.C. Kahr and The Honorable Dana Douglas 6. Charles Cerise and The Honorable Janis Van Meerveld

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Event at a Glance

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Home Away From Home

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“Belles & Beaus Ball” for American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge.

By Shelby Simon

Mardi Gras World transformed into a magical environment with a shimmering star wall and blue, amber and white-accented lighting and confetti globe balloons for the “Belles & Beaus Ball” in support of the American Cancer Society. Themed “Keys of Hope,” 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge on River Road, which provides a free, supportive, homelike environment that cancer patients and their caregivers can call home throughout the duration of treatment. To date, the ball has helped raise more than $2 million dollars for local cancer education, advocacy, research, and patient services in New Orleans.

The 2019 Belles were: Dianne Breaux, Dr. Elizabeth Foley, Courtney Dini, Elizabeth “Liz” Baldwin Hefler, Leslie Marsh (posthumously), Dr. Cori A. Morrison, Anne Falgoust Ott, Nancy Parker Boyd (posthumously), Dr. Laura Beth Ramirez and Stacey Shane Schott. The 2019 Beaus were: Blaine Kern Jr., Dr. Dennis Kay, Dr. Marc Matrana, Dr. David Oubre, Dr. Jason Parker, Dr. Mark Peters (posthumously), Dr. Roland Waguespack III, Dr. Mark Wegmann and Dr. Rodrek E. Williams.

The evening’s cuisine and late-night bites were provided by 12 Seasons Catering. Libations were provided by Republic Beverage and the Sazerac Company. The event also featured a VIP Lounge.

T. Ray the Violinist provided the Patron Party entertainment.

The Royal Essence Showband provided the ball entertainment.

Kim Holden of Fox 8 served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Two video presentations by Darren Manzari of Solomon Place Productions were “Faces of Hope” and “Visions of Hope.” The videos featured Hope Lodge guests, Honorary Chairwoman State Representative Julie Stokes and donors.

Ann Heslin served as Chair. Notable sponsors included: Ochsner Health System, Freeport McMoran, Receivable Recovery Services, Stacy Shane Schott, Tulane Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. n

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Event at a Glance

1. Heather Green Matrana, Chair Ann Heslin and Honoree Dr. Marc Matrana 2. Honoree Dr. Jason Parker with Jessica Waguespack and Honoree Dr. Roland Waguespack III 3. Tammy and Honoree Blaine Kern Jr. with Honoree Stacey Shane Schott and Amanda Schott

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “Belles & Beaus Ball,” benefiting American Cancer Society WHEN: Friday, September 13 WHERE: Mardi Gras World

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Cocktails for City Park

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“Martini Madness” benefited technological improvement projects in New Orleans City Park.

By Shelby Simon

Aptly named “Martini Madness,” Friends of City Park hosted a craft cocktail-forward celebration at the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain, joined by a sold-out crowd of 1,100 guests.

Friends of City Park collaborated with Republic National Distributing Company to serve over 30 martinis, including a French 75 Martini, Watermelon Spicetini, Ginger Hibiscus Martini, The Swedish Paloma, Ponchatoula-tini, Cucumber Lemonade Martini, Spiced Pear Pom Pom, Elderflower Gimlet and a “Make Your Own Martini Bar.” The Beer Garden of Martini Madness included four breweries serving tastings of their crafted beers: Urban South, NOLA Brewing, Gnarly Barley and Port Orleans Brewing Co. The menu featured savory delectables from more than 32 restaurants. Guests mingled and danced to the DJ’s performance as well as posed for photos at the Insta Station, complete with props, a lounge area from NOLA Woodworks outdoor furniture and sunglasses provided by Louisiana CAT. Five raffle packages featured prizes such as a two-night hotel stay at Catahoula Hotel, a Day of Relaxation at Earthsavers, Friday lunch for six at Jack Rose, a cruiser bike from YEP Bike Works, a wooden bar cart from West Elm donated by Crescent City Developers, a foursome of golf at Bayou Oaks at City Park, three hours of limousine charter from Limousine Livery and more.

Chairpersons were Meghann Holland and Alexis Claire Tripplehorn Hall. n

WHAT: “Martini Madness,” benefiting Friends of City Park WHEN: Friday, September 20 WHERE: Arbor Room at Popp Fountain, City Park 1. Chairs Meghann Holland and Alexis Claire Tripplehorn Hall 2. Emily Mueller, Larry Dale, Leigh Thorpe and Shannon Brice 3. Earl Lennie with Sally and Palmer Rinehart

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

Event at a Glance

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Backing the Boys

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Son of a Saint hosted an intimate evening Uptown to support their mentorship programs for fatherless young men.

By Shelby Simon

Son of a Saint raised $7,500 in support of the organization’s many programming events and resources for its young mentees at its “Dine Around.”

CeCe and Trevor Colhoun generously hosted the event at their Uptown home. A trio of musicians, performing on an upright bass, xylophone and drum set, entertained the group of 30 guests as they mingled inside the home and outdoors by the pool.

Sponsored by Link Stryjewski Foundation, chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski prepared a delightful menu of hors d’oeuvres and dinner, featuring bright seafood dishes served over ice in boats and a cheese and charcuterie table. A dessert table offered pecan and apple tarts and pocket pies.

Son of a Saint Founder Bivian “Sonny” Lee III was in attendance.

Son of a Saint exists to enhance the lives of fatherless boys through mentorship, emotional support, development of life skills, exposure to constructive experiences and formation of positive, lasting peer-to-peer relationships. n

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WHAT: “Dine Around,” benefiting Son of a Saint WHEN: Thursday, September 12 WHERE: Home of CeCe and Trevor Colhoun

1. Founder Bivian “Sonny” Lee III with Hosts CeCe and Trevor Colhoun 2. Ben and Allison Tiller with Melissa Coleman and chef Donald Link 3. Juan Linares and Martine Chaisson Linares with Rupa and T.J. Jolly

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PHOTOG RAPHED BY J ESSICA BACHMAN N

Event at a Glance

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PHIL ANTHROPIC FUN

Going In Blind

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A five-course dinner, blindfolded, awaited guests at the annual WRBH benefit.

By Shelby Simon

For the sixth year in a row, “A Blind Taste” served as WRBH Reading Radio’s sole annual fundraising event. Intended to be a culinary adventure, as well as an opportunity for guests to gain awareness into some of the challenges faced by WRBH listeners on a daily basis, diners experienced the aromas, sounds and flavors of a five-course dinner – blindfolded.

The evening opened with a champagne Patron Party with passed appetizers. Gregory Smith performed on upright bass and Mark Welicky on guitar, playing old standards such as “Days of Wine and Roses.”

The dinner opened with a speech by retired WWL-TV Meteorologist Carl Arredondo, a WRBH Board member who’s losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa. Carl alluded to his new job of training to be an NFL referee.

The dinner featured five wonderful courses curated by chef Justin Deviller and his La Petite Grocery staff with wine pairings provided by Purveyor of Fine Wines.

Throughout the dinner, a live auction was emceed by WRBH Board Members and A Blind Taste Co-Chairs Charles Smith and Angela Hill, former WWL-TV News Anchor and local celebrity. Enticements included a Saints Suite & Pelicans Courtside Tickets Package, an Insider’s Weekend for six to “NCIS: New Orleans Studios,” a Yacht Soiree for six, a Rooftop Cocktail Party for 12 and a Patron(ess) of the Arts package with a painting by Morgan Lasyone and memberships to NOMA, the Ogden and CAC. Humana served as Presenting Sponsor. n

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WHAT: “A Blind Taste,” benefiting WRBH Reading Radio WHEN: Monday, September 16 WHERE: La Petite Grocery 1. Board Member and Speaker Carl Arredondo with Board Members and Co-Chairs Angela Hill and Charles Smith 2. Executive Director Natalia Gonzalez and Geoff Worden 3. Board Member Sherman Boughton, Committee Member Kaye Smith, Marilyn Dittmann and Board President Paul Leaman

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEN N Y MARTINEZ

Event at a Glance

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A Safer City

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NOPJF honored three officers for exemplary bravery and commitment to service.

By Shelby Simon

More than 650 guests supported the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation at “Stake Out for Justice,” hosted at the Sheraton Hotel. Proceeds benefited the mission of NOPJF, which is to make New Orleans a safer place in which to live, work and visit.

The NOPD Honor Guard presented the colors. Jim Cook, NOPJF Chairman and General Manager of the Sheraton New Orleans and David Ellis, President & CEO of Entergy New Orleans provided remarks.

Superintendent of Police Shaun Ferguson presented the “Badge of Honor” awards to three officers of the Second District: Chad Clark, Everett Route III and Shanda Charles. These officers were recognized for their courage and professionalism during an armed robbery in the Uptown area.

NOPJF President and CEO Melanie Talia moderated a question-and-answer session with the audience and Supt.

Ferguson. Attendees were free to ask questions of the Chief and NOPD about the efforts of our men and women in blue, recruitment and retention of officers and other issues facing our community.

The Sheraton served filet, a nod to steak for the “Stake Out” theme. Guests enjoyed a blueberry cheesecake topped with the NOPD crest for dessert.

Entergy served as Presenting Sponsor. n

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Event at a Glance

1. Chairman Jim Cook, President and CEO Melanie Talia and Superintendent of Police Shaun Ferguson 2. Board Member Tom Winingder with Honorees Everett Route III, Shanda Charles and Chad Clark 3. Board Member Carol Markowitz, Board Vice Chairman Semmes Walmsley and Elizabeth Boh

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEN N Y MARTINEZ

WHAT: “Stake Out for Justice” luncheon, benefiting New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation WHEN: Wednesday, September 25 WHERE: Sheraton New Orleans

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Friends Like Family

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Garden District neighbors gathered to mingle and dine at the annual “Fall Affair.”

By Shelby Simon

Garden District Association flags could be seen flying throughout the neighborhood as New Orleanians of the historic neighborhood came together for the annual “Fall Affair.” Patrons attending the party were all given green and white flags with the Garden District logo to hang on the front of their home.

The Benefactor Party, hosted at the St. Charles Avenue home of Jim Ashbee and Jim Perrier, featured hors d’oeuvres

by Commander’s Palace and a specialty cocktail, The District Marker, in honor of the PIPP program. In lieu of music, the Saints game was on TVs as the crowd gathered around to watch the Saints victory.

Approximately 225 guests then gathered at Commander’s Palace to enjoy cocktails and dinner.

In keeping with the classic Southern theme, mint julep cups were filled with vibrant colored Ecuadorian roses, hydrangeas, wax flower and variegated greens.

Attendees included many new and long term residents of the Garden District. Seen making sure all the details were attended to were Executive Director of the GDA Shelley Landrieu and her husband, photographer David Spielman.

The Commander’s Brennan Clan was out in force – Ti Adelaide Martin, Dottie Brennan and Brad Brennan where all there playing hosts. A group from Reve Realtors, led by Ryan Wentworth, attended and were Sponsors.

Chairs Jim Ashbee and Jim Perrier, Holly and Guy Perrier and Julie and Shelton Shugar received special thanks for their efforts. n

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Event at a Glance

1. Ti Martin, Betty Perrier and Dottie Brennan 2. Co-Chairs Jim Ashbee, Jim Perrier and Julie Shugar 3. Co-Chairs Shelton Shugar, Holly Perrier and Guy Perrier

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “Fall Affair,” benefiting Garden District Association WHEN: Sunday, September 22 WHERE: Commander’s Palace

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St. Charles Avenue magazine is proud to present its Activists of the Year 2019 – our 24th year!

Read on to learn why we’re honoring Susan Brennan, Daryl G. Byrd, Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III, Susan O. Hess, Robert “Bob” Merrick and Kim S. Sport. What you’ll see is that though we’re only able to scratch the surface of their activism, their profiles will encourage and embolden you to take a more active role in our community and the nonprofits that make up its framework.

BY SARAH RAVITS PHOTOS BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON

ST. CHARLES AVENUE ’S

ACTIVISTS

OF

THE YEAR

ACTIVIST

KIM S. SPORT

44 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

Since retiring from an illustrious law career, Kim S. Sport decided to spend all of her time volunteering her legal and other services to a number of nonprofits.

In 1993, she founded Jefferson Dollars for Scholars and United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, now known as Women United.

As a three-time cancer survivor, Sport also founded Breastoration, which helps women afford reconstruction procedures following mastectomies.

In addition, she drafted legislation to assure that health insurance providers cover every stage breast reconstruction and assured that no procedure required to restore a mastectomized breast is considered “cosmetic.”

Sport is also an advocate on behalf of domestic violence victims. She served for two years as the chair of the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission and joined the United Against Domestic Violence, a collaboration between the United Way, the New Orleans Family Justice Center and the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Her dedication to public service and to creating a better community has garnered her numerous awards, including being named as a Top Female Achiever

by New Orleans Magazine, winning the Hannah G. Soloman Award from the National Council of Jewish Women and being named New Orleanian of the Year by Gambit.

ACTIVIST

ROBERT “BOB” MERRICK

CEO, LATTER & BLUM

Real estate mogul Robert “Bob” Merrick of Latter & Blum actively and tirelessly supports education and causes aimed toward alleviating poverty, noting that the two issues are closely linked.

“The main recipients of my donations are United Way, Red Cross, University of New Orleans, St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Isidore Newman School, Ochsner, Boy Scouts of Southeast Louisiana, Son of a Saint and about 50 others,” he says.

“Education at an early age is the main way to cure this problem (of poverty),” he says. He is also one of three directors of the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, which supports several dozen activities involved in childhood education.

Merrick says the greatest joy of giving is “knowing that you’re taking an active role in helping the less fortunate in our community and making the community a better place to live and raise your family.

I believe giving shouldn’t be called a donation, it should be called an investment in the future of our city.”

As a major force in the local real estate business, Merrick says that he sees firsthand that people want to live and raise their children in safe, sound and healthy communities.

As a father of four and a grandfather to 11, Merrick also enjoys fly-fishing and turkey hunting.

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ACTIVIST

EDGAR L. “DOOKY” CHASE III Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III is a lifelong New Orleanian and a household name.

Throughout his life he has supported Loyola, Dillard and Xavier universities, serving as a Dean of Business at Dillard and as its Vice President, who helped

rebuild the campus post-Katrina.

He has given his expertise and activism to dozens of local organizations, ranging from The Historic New Orleans Collection to banking and finance boards, to the AntiDefamation League and a number of arts organizations and more.

After serving as Loyola University’s first African American student body president, he says he became active in New Orleans Goals To Grow Committee in the early 1970s.

“I was inspired by Monk Simon and later by Ernest Morial and Donald Mintz to get actively involved in the metropolitan New Orleans Community,” he says.

His mother and father – the late, beloved Leah and Dooky – are also among his highest-ranked heroes who helped inspire him to make New Orleans a better place. He remains heavily involved in the family business at Dooky Chase Restaurant, Inc. Despite his career successes and his lifelong activism, Chase says that one of his greatest accomplishments was in “rearing good sons to be leaders and citizens” with his wife, Alva Darensbourg Chase.

“Being a role model of a parent and grandparent is the career that challenges for a lifetime,” he says.

He and his wife also started the Chase Family Foundation to demonstrate to all relatives and people in New Orleans metro area that “Prayer, Work and Doing for Others” is the only way to be successful.

ACTIVIST

SUSAN O. HESS

A native New Yorker, Susan O. Hess moved to New Orleans after attending Cornell University and fell in love with the city. Her activism (she describes herself as a “career volunteer”) reflects a deep love of her adopted hometown, and she has served as President or Chair for New Orleans City Park, National Council of Jewish Women of Greater New Orleans, University of New Orleans, the New Orleans Film Commission and the SPCA Board and its foundation to name just a few.

Her activism began with the National Council of Jewish Women.

“From the beginning, members mentored me and set me on the path of my life’s work. … They showed me the thrill of accomplishing truly meaningful things.”

Hurricane Katrina was a “defining moment,” she says. She was finishing her presidency at the LA/SPCA. The hurricane wreaked havoc on the animal shelter. The animals had been relocated to Houston, but dealing with 30,000 displaced animals was “a challenge” – to put it lightly. Eventually, the organization acquired more land and built a new, state-of-the-art shelter to replace the lost facility.

Hess was also instrumental in recovery efforts at City Park. Since then, the park has grown from employing 23 people to more than 200. “The long process of recovery was one of the most satisfying accomplishments of my life,” says Hess. “It was done in cooperation with an amazing board of volunteers and a dedicated and talented staff who believed in the future of the park, and have made it the jewel it is today.”

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 47

ACTIVIST

SUSAN BRENNAN

OWNER/DEVELOPER, SECOND LINE STAGES

48 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

Susan Brennan loves the abundance of creativity in the city and has chosen to support the arts, along with government organizations and Christian and youth-related programs.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Brennan became involved with Prospect New Orleans. ”Many people were doing great things with charter schools and I met Dan Cameron, who believed in the power of art to heal a city, by putting on an International art exhibits all over the city,” she says.

The goal was to help artists, art dealers and museums. … Prospect has helped the careers of many artists and really put New Orleans on the map for contemporary art,” she says, adding that next year Prospect.5 will take place.

Brennan also owns Second Line Stages, the first independent green film studio in the United States right here in New Orleans.

“It has been very rewarding to see the local film community, grow, mature and flourish over the past 10 years,” she says. She also works with Court 13, the production company that created the Oscar-nominated Beasts of the Southern Wild, and the Cool Collective, which seeks to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

“My proudest moments are seeing the success of some of the smaller arts organizations,” she says.

“If you haven’t been to ‘Luna Fête’ put on by the Arts Council you’re missing a beautiful, fun, creative event in December.”

Brennan says her own mother was an inspiration for becoming involved in community service and activism, and now, as a mother of three herself, she says she’s proud to see her own kids get involved in activism as well.

ACTIVIST

DARYL G. BYRD

PRESIDENT & CEO, IBERIABANK

Daryl G. Byrd says that throughout his banking career he’s been involved in “all aspects of the community,” ranging from health and human services, to homeownership and education to arts and culture.

“I truly believe all aspects of our communities need to be healthy,” he says.

The South Carolina native first moved to New Orleans in 1992, to run commercial banking and mortgage operations for First National Bank of Commerce, the lead bank for First Commerce Corporation – the largest bank in the state at the time.

He then took a position as President and CEO for IBERIABANK, which brought him to Lafayette and then, when the opportunity presented itself, back to New Orleans.

Children are an inspiration to Byrd.

“As someone who came from a poor upbringing, I have a passion for providing access to resources, mentors and opportunities to kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach beyond their families’ or communities’ limitations. Helping children succeed is personally rewarding and so very important for our future,” he says.

He also says he’s honored to have been involved with a wide variety of organizations over the years, including chambers of commerce, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, New Orleans Museum of Art, arts councils in multiple cities and local and college school boards.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 49

Excluding the weeks-long marathon that is Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve is arguably the biggest party of the year. From the fanciest of black-tie events to casual celebrations with friends, everyone has their own way of concluding one year and ringing in the next. As you plan your night out, our annual Guide to New Year’s Eve can help with How to Prep, What to Wear, How to Finish, Where to Eat and What to Do.

From FasHion 50 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

ST. CHARLES AVENUE’S

GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE

BY KELCY WILBURN

to Fireworks PARTYGOERS AT MARCHÉ OVERLOOKING THE RIVERFRONT FIREWORKS. SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 51

How to Prep

52 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

gen-boosting Facial by Babor Skincare, which plumps and tones the skin to give a radiant glow,” says Giselle McBee, CoOwner of Woodhouse New Orleans and Woodhouse Metairie. “We also provide our Illuminating Facial by Skin Ceuticals that will brighten the skin, and the Woodhouse Hydrafacial, which infuses antioxidants into the skin for that glow we’re all looking for,” she says.

For a full-body treat, McBee recommends the Lazy Day Renewal Ritual, which incorporates Ireland’s VOYA skincare line, a full-body seaweed scrub and bath and a 45-minute Swedish Massage using serum from the leaves.

With a focus on anti-aging, Dr. Kelly Burkenstock of Dr. Burkenstock’s Skin-Body-Health recommends preparing for New Year’s Eve a few weeks in advance with a Vampiress PRP Treatment, which she says can enhance the complexion immediately and leave it glowing and fresh.

“The bonus is as platelet rich plasma soaks deep into your epidermis and dermis, the collagen and elastin and capillary networks are renewed and repaired – so a short term win and a long-term gain,” says Dr. Burkenstock.

Note: St. Charles Avenue magazine doesn’t advocate plastic surgery except under certain conditions. Please consult your doctor before undertaking any medical procedure or large change to your diet.

Belladonna Day Spa, 2900 Magazine St., 891-4393, BelladonnaDaySpa.com Dr. Sean Weiss – Facial Plastic Surgery, 2201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 408, Metairie, 814-FACE (3223), SeanWeissMD. com/SaintCharlesAvenue Woodhouse Day Spa, 4030 Canal St., 482-6652, NewOrleans.WoodhouseSpas.com; 5004 W. Esplanade Ave., 584-4004, Metairie.

WoodhouseSpas.com Dr. Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin-Body-Health, 6600 Fleur De Lis, 888-2829, SkinBodyHealth.com

BELLADONNA'S SOOTHING SENSITIVE FACIAL » PHOTOS COURTESY OF BELLADONNA

Party prep is essential for a night that brings some of the biggest bashes of the year, and it’s the perfect occasion to splurge on spa time and skincare.

A full-service day spa on Magazine Street, Belladonna recently added medical aesthetics to its menu of offerings. A few weeks out from New Year’s Eve, MedSpa Director Donna Tesi recommends exploring anti-aging treatments such as injectables and fillers.

As the date nears, Tesi recommends the Soothing, Sensitive Facial, which is tailored for sensitive or dehydrated skin and revitalizes, increases strength and enhances radiance of the skin.

“Many of our clinical treatments can be done the day of or day before any event, including our anti-oxidant treatment, which smooths and brightens to nourish, fortify, revive and deeply hydrate your skin,” says Tesi.

At his Facial Plastic Surgery practice, Dr. Sean Weiss – a facial rejuvenation expert – recommends the DermaGlo facial two or three weeks in advance of the New Year. The DermaGlo facial combines Obagi Blue Radiance Peeling with dermaplaning for radiant skin that shines.

“In addition, our patients are loving the all new Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish & Mask, which removes dull, dead skin and reveals brighter, healthier looking skin,” says Dr. Weiss.

In the 24 hours leading up to the big celebration, Dr. Weiss recommends drinking plenty of water and using a gentle exfoliating scrub, such as Skin Medica’s AHA/BHA facial cleanser. Following exfoliation, he says to hydrate the skin with Skin Medica’s HA5 and treat the under-eye skin with Obagi’s elastiderm serum to decrease puffiness and smooth away fine lines.

For day-of, immediate results that second as relaxing holiday pampering, Woodhouse Day Spa offers a number of facials designed to enhance glow.

“We just launched our new Colla-

What to Wear A night like New Year’s Eve calls for standing out from the crowd.

Sal Trentacoste, Owner and Buyer at Elizabeth’s, recommends taking advantage of the plethora of fashionable, luxurious fabrics currently on the market. From metallic sheens to embellishments, adding shine will certainly give your outfit some pizzazz.

“There’s so much shine, even in denim now,” says Trentacoste. “So whether a turtleneck with shiny jeans and great boots or an embellished gown – with sequins or metallic embroidery – there are a lot of ways to shine,” he says.

At FeBe, Owners Bessie Papazis and Effie Boihem are excited about this year’s holiday styles, including monochromatic neutrals, animal prints, luxurious faux fur and sequins.

“When getting ready for a night out

on New Year’s Eve, an incredible statement dress or sharp pant is a must,” says Effie Boihem. “The perfect New Year’s Eve look might feature the Tanya Taylor Tabitha dress or the Trina Turk Chimayo pant,” she says. On a mild, cool New Year’s Eve night, Boihem recommends ditching a coat for a standout top from Ulla Johnson.

According to Michele LaCour Percy, COO and Senior Buyer at Lukka Boutique, animal prints are having a big moment – leopard, snake, tiger, zebra, you name it. Percy also notes that sequins are on trend this season.

“Everyone is looking to stand out, and sequins will definitely have heads turning,” says Percy. “We are obsessing over our new line, Retrofête, that does sequins like no other. All hand done and ready to party,” she says.

Certainly, we shouldn’t forget the gentlemen looking to stand out on New Year’s Eve, and whether the night calls for formalwear or a stylish sweater, Perlis has options for the men looking to impress.

“We have made-to-measure custom suits and plaid and wool sport coats by brands like Coppley and David Donahue,” says Bebe Rafferty, Marketing Coordinator for Perlis Clothing. “Also, American alligator belts and watermeter and crawfish cufflinks add a fun flair for standing out,” she says. Perlis also conveniently offers tuxedo rentals and tuxedos to purchase for more formal occasions.

Elizabeth’s, 204 Metairie Road, Metairie, 833-3717 FeBe, 474 Metairie Road, Suite 102, Metairie, 835-5250, FeBeClothing.com Lukka Boutique, 711 O’Keefe Ave., 218-7113, ShopLukka.com Perlis, 6070 Magazine St., 895-8661, Perlis.com

FAUX FUR COAT AND ULLA JOHNSON TOP FROM FEBE COPPLEY SUITS FROM PERLIS

FINISH

How To

Finish

Making a statement doesn’t end with the outfit – accessories also contribute to a stand-out appearance, and extravagance abounds in this season’s shoes, bags and more.

At Wildflower, Owner Danielle Conrad focuses on beaded bags, shoes with fun accents and statement earrings.

“We are known for our amazing jewelry selection, so of course we feel like earrings are key to standing out in a crowd,” says Conrad. “We’re loving long, simple crystal earrings with hair pulled back, or a big, chunky statement earring if you’re wearing your hair down,” she says.

If the outfit’s simple, Conrad suggests going all out with earrings. She cautions against pairing necklaces with statement earrings, saying that less can be more. If going the sequined route, she suggests a simple hoop or crystal ear crawler.

According to Kathryn Bullock Joyner, Co-owner of Pilot + Powell, “The key to standing out in a crowd is not about the ‘it’ thing, it’s about the hidden luxury – feeling good, being comfortable and suiting your mood,” she says. “The key is to make any outfit uniquely your own.”

Joyner recommends mixing Lizzie Fortunato’s Mood Hoop earrings or emphasizing the waist of a slip dress or paperbag pant with Isabel Marat’s crystal belt. She loves knee-high boots, which can be paired with a mididress or skirt or worn over straight-leg denim. Naked, “barely there” sandals, hair accessories and conversational clutches also top her list.

Well known for their exclusive, patterned dresses, local label Trashy Diva is also home to a huge selection of statement jewelry – beads, sequins, feathers and tassels.

Wildflower, 2700 Metairie Road, Suite C, Metairie, 218-8996, WildflowerNola.com Pilot + Powell, 3901 Magazine St., 827-1727, PilotAndPowell.com Trashy Diva, 2048 Magazine St., 299-8777, TrashyDiva.com RELISH, 600 Metairie Road, Metairie, 309-3336, RelishNewOrleans.com

BAUBLE BAR DIANA DROP EARRINGS AND STARRY NIGHT FAN CLUTCH FROM WILDFLOWER.

“We love a bold statement sequin and beaded earring paired with a metallic leather heel, says Candice Gwinn, Designer & Owner of Trashy Diva. “We’ll be launching a selection of custom-made, colored metallic leather heels from Re-Mix footwear just in time for New Year’s,” she says.

For an edgier look, Gwinn recommends pairing Trashy Diva’s 1950s leopard collection with a brightly colored maribou feather jacket and going all-out colorful with a contrasting colored heel and earring.

New Year’s Eve calls for pulling out all the stops, and beyond shoes and jewelry, scarves and gloves can be a fun way to add glamour or sophistication to your look. At Relish, Owner Beth Harris has recently brought in unique gloves and scarves sourced in Europe.

“Gloves are perfect for keeping your hands warm, and we like to go with ones that have more personality and stand out,” says Harris. From faux, shiny snake-skin to suede with fur pompoms, gloves offer more ways to have fun with your outfit, and variety of flashy or subtle scarves can do the same.

EAT

Where to Eat

Briquette, 701 S. Peters St., 302-7496, Briquette-Nola.com Tableau, 616 St. Peter St., 934-3463, TableauFrenchQuarter.com Gabrielle, 2441 Orleans Ave., 603-2344, GabrielleResaurant.com Country Club, 634 Louisa St., 945-0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com

Janssen recommends starting the night with one of the many bottle of bubbles curated by sommelier Tyler Cox and the Grand Royale appetizer with crabmeat ravigote, shrimp remoulade, truffled crab claws and fried oysters with roasted garlic butter.

For a quiet yet celebratory escape with a special prix fixe menu, Gabrielle is a small, neighborhood, fine-dining restaurant that offers big South Louisiana flavor. Family owned and operated, Gabrielle offers an intimate atmosphere just five minutes from downtown.

On New Year’s Eve, Gabrielle will feature a four-course prix fixe menu highlighting some of the best of chef Greg Sonnier’s creations, including the popular slow roasted duck with crimini mushrooms, roasted peppers and Louisiana orange-sherry sauce over shoestring potatoes. A selection of sparkling wines and champagnes, in addition to hats, crowns, fireworks and sparklers, will add to the night’s fun.

If you want to add some party flavor to your New Year’s Eve dining experience, The Country Club is offering

an all-inclusive dinner celebration. A three-course meal will be preceded by a cocktail, champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception.

General Manager Bert McComas recommends the crab beignets, prime filet mignon, and the Madera cake as excellent course selections. In addition to the reception and meal (as well as tax and tip), the experience also includes bottomless champagne, live music, party favors and access to the pool and entire facility for the party. The Bywater restaurant provides easy access to Crescent Park and the “Rusty Rainbow” for viewing fireworks.

CRAB BEIGNETS FROM THE COUNTRY CLUB, PHOTO BY SAM HANNA • SNAPPER PONTCHATRAIN FROM BRIQUETTE

From quiet and quaint to boisterous and celebratory, different restaurant atmospheres can contribute to the fun and allure of New Year’s.

While some seek a lively gathering with friends, others choose to begin the night with a romantic dinner for two before ratcheting up the excitement at a party or big event.

With its active open kitchen on full display, the environment at Briquette caters to those who seek the festive and fun. Close to the river and fireworks, the restaurant offers a contemporary vibe complemented by the historic charm of an old molasses factory. Coastal cuisine is the focus at Briquette, which is named for its featured method of seafood preparation, grilling whole fish over red-hot briquettes.

In addition to whole fish, Briquette offers filets of redfish, snapper, halibut, and salmon. The restaurant menu also includes USDA prime beef, pork porterhouse and pasta, as well as extensive wine and cocktails lists.

Proprietor Anna Tusa recommends concluding your meal with the bread pudding beignets served with Irish cream for dipping.

Another festive restaurant close to the action is Tableau, a contemporary French Creole restaurant on the edge of Jackson Square.

“Tableau is its own respite in the middle of the action of the French Quarter,” says Wesley Janssen, Marketing Specialist at Dickie Brennan & Co. “Weather permitting, you can have a bird’s eye view of the New Year’s Eve action from the wrap-around balcony overlooking the Square and St. Louis Cathedral,” she says.

What

NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS IN THE FRENCH QUARTER (THIS PAGE), PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER • LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (TOP), PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER • FULL LOUNGE AT THE COLUMNS HOTEL (BOTTOM RIGHT)

56 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

Meanwhile, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with Ryan Seacrest will return to the French Quarter this year in conjunction with the Allstate® Fan Fest, preceding the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®. The fourth annual event will feature a celebrity host who rings in the New Year with performances from some of the top talent in the nation. New Orleans locals and visitors can watch live at the Allstate® Fan Fest at 500 Decatur St., or turn on the excitement at your home or party – the special will broadcast live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. CST. For family-friendly New Year’s Eve fun, the annual Noon Year’s Eve countdown will take place at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, now located in New Orleans City Park at 15 Henry Thomas Drive. The all-ages event caters to the little ones and runs from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, still allowing parents time to get home and don their party clothes before heading out on the town.

to Do New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating, and fortunately there’s no lack of ways to celebrate in a city like New Orleans. There is something to suit everyone, from the low-key to the extravagant.

A favorite St. Charles Avenue locale, The Columns Hotel offers a comfortable and grand destination for those not looking to wander downtown into the thick of the city’s celebrations. A lively, energetic atmosphere takes over the Victorian Lounge with complimentary party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and live music from Kathleen Wilson from 9 p.m. to midnight.

“One doesn't have to get dressed in tails to the nines to dance with a first or lifelong love,” says Adam Miller, Director of Catering and Events. Rather, the upscale casual nature of The Columns makes for the perfect combination of comfort and style.

For those who do want to dress to the nines, opulent event space Marché is hosting a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve experience overlooking the riverfront fireworks and with a bird’s eye view of the ball drop.

The elegant bash starts at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m., with live music from The Benchwarmers, a premium open bar, gourmet stations featuring New Orleans cuisine, party favors for each guest and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets/reservations should be purchased in advance.

The Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, TheColumns.com Marché, 914 N. Peters St., 586-1155, MarcheNewOrleans.com “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with Ryan Seacrest 2020 & Allstate® Fan Fest , 500 Decatur St., DickClark.com/shows Louisiana Children’s Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Drive, 523-1357, LCM.org SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 57

V I N TA G E W E D D I N G

Emilie Barton Wendel Weds Dr. John Virgil Garoutte August 4, 1964

By Bev Church

Emilie Wendel was a senior at Newcomb College and John Garoutte was a pre-med student at Tulane University when they met for the first time at Alphonse Picou’s jazz funeral at Basin and Canal streets.

Their love of music led them to this fortuitous meeting. After they met, Emilie dated many young men and had several dates with John every once in a while, so this wasn’t love at first sight! After dating for four years, they were invited to a family friend’s home for Thanksgiving. After dinner their friends showed an old home movie of adorable Emilie running around in her birthday suit! John thought, “Oh, my God, perhaps, I’m supposed to marry this girl!” The next week, Emilie, who’s a gourmet cook, fixed John her homemade shrimp Creole. As they were eating, John realized this was the girl for him and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said “Yes!” The planning began with Emilie’s mom and her sister, Nancy Jane, doing most of the work. Emilie was working for IBM at the time, so she picked out her dress and the church, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian, and they worked on the rest! Her dress was white silk organza over taffeta with a bateau neckline and appliques of embroidered lace with seed pearls as accents. Her cathedral length chapel train and veil of French illusion tulle was held in place with a pill box hat à la Jackie Kennedy. She carried a nosegay of white rosebuds. The flowers at the church and reception were done by Rohm’s Florist and featured peonies,

58 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

V I N TA G E W E D D I N G

Emilie’s favorite flower. The cake was created by Gambino’s Bakery.

Friends of the Wendels, Dr. and Mrs. Jack Wickstom, had the rehearsal dinner at their home, and the reception for about 100 friends and family was held at a reception home on St. Charles Avenue. Emilie and John had planned a lavish vacation in Bermuda, but after spending a lot of money on their first home they didn’t have a lot of money left! Instead they went to Destin, Florida, with a detour to the Congress Inn in Gentilly (the same place that the Beatles stayed when they came to New Orleans).

They spent the first night there because they were a little overserved at their reception! When they got to their romantic honeymoon, they were surprised by many of their friends from New Orleans. Oh well; Bermuda could come later!

John and Emilie have been married for 55 years and have one daughter, Langley. Emilie is an accomplished cook and an expert in Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. John is a retired orthopedic surgeon and they live in New Orleans and Ashville, North Carolina. n

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 59

WITH THIS RING

Waring – Mcintosh

By Megan Holt

Nina Pape Waring was enjoying the single life in college and had no intention to find a serious relationship. That all changed one day at a Carolina football tailgate party, when she met Duncan Scott Mcintosh Jr. Everything Dun said made Nina laugh, and the next thing they knew they were on their first date. A few months later, Dun visited Nina in New Orleans and they officially became a couple over drinks at Fat Harry’s.

Seven years later, they were visiting Dun’s parents’ house at the beach in Georgetown, South Carolina, for Nina’s birthday weekend.

Suddenly, Nina had a feeling that this would be the place where Dun proposed. Two friends were arriving the next morning and she knew Dun would never propose publicly, so she spent her birthday anticipating that perfect moment. She thought it was going to happen when he nonchalantly handed her a birthday gift, but it turned out to be a speaker she had been eyeing. Then he put their favorite song on it, but he wasn’t setting the mood to pop the question. It didn’t happen at dinner or after dinner, and Nina went to bed disappointed.

But Dun knew Nina had always wanted a surprise proposal, and he also knew that she would expect it on her birthday. The next morning at 6:30 a.m. they were going to get on the boat so they could pick up her two friends in Charleston. Dun said he needed to get the crab traps. Nina, still upset, followed him and watched as he went to the end of the dock and fooled around with the traps.

She started to walk back to the boat, and as she was walking away he was calling “Nina. … Nina! … NINA!” Nina reluctantly turned around and snapped “WHAT!” There was Dun, down on one knee. He pulled off the surprise proposal she always wanted with the sun rising over the water.

When planning their wedding, they wanted to make sure that their South Carolina guests got a taste of a New Orleans classic. They chose Antoine’s for their rehearsal dinner, and they spent the evening surrounded by family and dear friends.

Some of these close friends were in Dun and Nina’s wedding party. The bridesmaids watched

60 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

as Nina put on earrings custom made by Dominique Raniera, who cut out the earrings using the shape of the lace from Nina’s wedding dress. The bride cried as Morgan of M.A.D. Nails painted gorgeous flowers with a touch of gold on each of her nails. It was the perfect finishing touch as she prepared to walk down the aisle of St. Mary’s Church on October 12, 2019. She made her entrance on the arm of her father as a gospel choir sang “Oh Happy Day.” After a touching ceremony officiated

by Deacon Allen Stephens, the celebration continued at the Old Ursuline Convent.

Pigeon Catering’s decadent menu was complemented perfectly by the by the

wedding and Groom’s cakes from Pure Cake.

Guests enjoyed the food almost as much as they enjoyed watching Dun and Nina during their first dance to “The Happy Song” by Otis Redding. They put on quite a show screaming the words to each other and breaking it down!

Following a fun-filled night of dancing, Nina and Dun took a honeymoon to Cocobay Resort in Antigua, where they spent seven days relaxing, laughing, eating and reading in their own little house on a cliff with a view of the Caribbean Sea. They then returned to New Orleans, where Dun is an equity research analyst at Johnson & Rice and Nina works as a graphic designer. n

WITH THIS RING

Coordinator: Sapphire Events Ceremony Music: The Spirit Of New Orleans Gospel Choir Wedding Gown: Suzanne Peron Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo Engagement Ring: Croghan’s Jewel Box, Charleston, South Carolina Bride’s & Groom’s Wedding Bands: Tiffany Adler, Adler’s Florist: Pick-a-Petal Invitation: Scriptura Caterer: Pigeon Catering Photographer: Eugenia Uhl Videographer: Miles Mumford Hair: Linzy Pennington Makeup: Jessica Palma Music: The Spirit Of New Orleans Gospel Choir, Big Night Dynamite and Storyville Stompers (second-line)

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 61

YO U N G B LO O DS

Ken Richmond Manager, American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge New Orleans

By Lindsay Mack

62 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

Taylor Hope Lodge has provided 10,636 patients and caregivers over 196,000 nights of free lodging, saving $40 million in travel and lodging costs alone.

In addition to the financial aspects, the staff at Hope Lodge work to create a warm, welcoming environment. “I wish more people knew that Hope Lodge New Orleans is definitely a ‘home away from home,’” says Richmond, “and everyone treats the guests like their family or best friends when they come in.” Richmond, who began as an intern at Hope Lodge, was drawn to the organization’s mission of saving and celebrating lives impacted by cancer.

Anyone who has to travel 40 miles (or over one hour of travel time total) is welcome to stay at Hope Lodge for free while undergoing their cancer treatment.

The comfortable, home-like environment invites guests to relax in a private room and bathroom, share a meal and play games

with other guests in the evenings. Located close to many treatment facilities, the Hope Lodge also offers a free shuttle service to and from appointments for the guests.

Community members are welcome to help out Hope Lodge any way they can.

Simply sharing information about Hope Lodge on social media is a wonderful way to help raise awareness about the organization.

Volunteers are needed to serve meals, interact with patients during game night and drive a shuttle between Hope Lodge and treatment facilities. Donations of household goods are always helpful, and monetary donations are particularly important. n

Get Involved American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, 2609 River Road 219-2200, (800) 227-2345 Cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-andservices/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/new-orleans

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

Located on River Road, the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge is a friendly sanctuary for people who travel to New Orleans in need of cancer treatment.

A conversation with the current manager of Hope Lodge New Orleans, Ken Richmond, reveals why this organization is such a beloved fixture in the city.

Designed for people who travel to New Orleans for cancer treatment, patients from all over the United States (and as far away as Germany) have relied on Hope Lodge to make their experience more affordable and comfortable. By offering free lodging and transportation, Hope Lodge helps make treatments more attainable for many patients. Someone undergoing radiation, for instance, may require 15 minutes of treatment every day for six to eight weeks, and staying at Hope Lodge during this time could help them avoid debt. In fact, since opening in 2006, the Patrick F.

STUDENT ACTIVIST

Amanda Francisca Rougeé Mount Carmel Academy

By Mallory Lindsly

“I believe it’s so important to be involved in the community because anyone can make a difference in someone’s life. For me, it’s important to speak out about the importance of organ donation and hopefully save a life,” says Amanda Francisca Rougeé, a sophomore at Mount Carmel Academy.

Anita Garza Rougeé, Rougeé’s mother, inspired her to become an activist after her passing. Rougeé made the hard decision to donate her mother’s organs in 2015 to help save other patients’ lives.

Rougeé knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world by educating others to do the same with their deceased loved ones’ organs.

“I have gained strength and maturity through my activism,” she says. “I’ve also gained the amazing feeling of getting to change people’s lives by encouraging them to help others through organ donation.”

In May 2017, Rougeé formed a foundation, Take Heros to Save Lives, to bring awareness of organ donation to children and adults. She has also been highly involved with organ donation awareness through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA).

With the formation Take Heros to Save Lives, Rougeé was given the chance to give speeches with Donate Life Louisiana and LOPA. She has also been honored with

the 2018 Louisiana Young Heroes Award from Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the 2018 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater New Orleans.

“Receiving these awards and having opportunities to make speeches on organ donation have provided me the chance to share my story and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others,” says Rougeé.

After winning the Louisiana Young Heroes Award, Rougeé was able to share her story and promote organ donation on a national level.

Since Rougeé is a sophomore, she isn’t quite sure where she wants to go to college, but she knows that she wants to continue to run her foundation. n SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 63

S H O P TA L K

Blythe Wren Window Treatment Specialist & Vice-President, Wren’s Tontine Shade & Design

By Lani Griffiths

What product or service do you recommend most for homes in New Orleans? Everyone is different, so I find out the need of the customer and then go from there. The most popular window treatment right now is Solar Shades. They block out the heat and UV from the sun, and they help with glare without the loss of your view outside.

What does it mean to you to be a third-generation, family-run business? I’m extremely honored to help maintain the quality of service, and to work with all of our loyal customers. It’s a great feeling when I find out that the customer’s mother, grandmother and even great-grandmother purchased shades from Wren’s Tontine.

What is your favorite aspect of your business? Happy customers! I go on all my installations to see the finished product installed and to make sure it’s perfect. It’s amazing how window treatments can improve your home and also increase your sense of wellbeing. I also like to handle any issues or problems immediately and on site.

64 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

What services do you offer in addition to window coverings?

Window treatments are our specialty, but Wren’s also offers color consultation, bedding and upholstery. Being in the business for so long gives us the experience and knowledge of everything available in the window covering industry. I can give you the pros and cons of each treatment and help find what fits best in your window or home. I will guide you smoothly through this process and make sure you’re satisfied.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business? I not only have great relationships with my clients, but I also have wonderful relationships with all my vendors. They know my expectations and make sure everything is of the highest quality.

I continue to get product education and training from the marketing teams of our vendors. This helps me to provide expert service and help my clients choose and install the best window coverings possible.

WREN’S TONTINE SHADE & DESIGN, 1533 Prytania St., 525-7409, WrensTontine.com

PHOTO BY J EFFERY J OH NSTON

Do you have a process to help guide your clients through their options? Yes, my first question is to figure out if they want light control, privacy, heat reduction or to improve the ambience of the room.

If they want to control the light, I’ll show them all of the options.

This can be very tricky sometimes,

because there is always light leakage somewhere. It usually takes a few layers – like a shade with drapery – to accomplish complete blackout.

S H O P TA L K

Valerie Gernhauser Owner & Principle Planner, Sapphire Events

By Lani Griffiths

How would you describe your role at Sapphire Events? I founded the company in 2011 and have grown the business into the premier event design and planning firm in the city.

What kind of events does Sapphire specialize in? Debutante parties, private events, weddings, and celebrations large and small.

We love a good party!

PHOTO BY J EFFERY J OHNSTON

Do you have any tactics to get to the concrete details of your clients’ wishes? I want to know where they shop, how they vacation and what they’ve done with the interior of their home. These details say so much about a person and how their lives can translate into entertainment with specific, personal-touch points; these details can make a big difference.

dancefloor in the oldest building in the Mississippi River valley; moving an entire tented wedding ceremony and reception on the Gulf coast up a day to avoid a hurricane; and seating a 150-person table for dinner in the back hall at NOMA are a few career highlights.

What is Sapphire Events’ mission? I believe we have a great responsibility as architects of monumental experiences, as well as engineering life’s greatest milestones, with a seamless process-driven design that allows our clients to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your business? Our team has grown this year! Our event From where do you draw your producer, Jessie Bregman, is inspiration for your events’ intricate joined by new team members designs? I study art and design Valerie E. Lamb and Caroline trends in fashion and interiors, but Acomb. We are currently busy most of all I get inspired whenever I planning for our 2020 events – it’s travel. The experience of physically going to be a fantastic year! transporting to another place is both refreshing and inspiring to me.

Do you have any particularly memorable event experiences?

Suspending 25,000 tulips above a

SAPPHIRE EVENTS, 900 CAMP STREET, Suite 358, 383-4376, SapphireEvents.com SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 65

PERFORMING ARTS

December

By Fritz Esker

Through December 15

SCROOGE IN ROUGE This cross-dressing musical take on A Christmas Carol was created by and stars Varla Jean Merman, Ricky Graham, Yvette Hargis and Jefferson Turner. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., 461-9475, RivertownTheaters.com

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MANDATORY MERRIMENT An irreverent send-up of traditional holiday plays features six strangers stranded together at a French Quarter tavern just before Christmas.

Southern Rep Theatre, 2541 Bayou Road, 523-9857, SouthernRep.com

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL Youth artists from Le Petit’s Young Conservatory Program perform Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic. Le Petit Théâtre, 616 St. Peter St., 522-2081, LePetitTheatre.com

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ANNIE Little orphan Annie searches for her parents in 1930s New York City but finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, 731-4700, JPAS.org

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MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 LIVE The popular TV show’s cast riffs on the 1986 Jean Claude Van Damme film No Retreat, No Surrender live with original host Joel Hodgson. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 525-1052, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

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KIDZ BOP WORLD TOUR 2019 Hear some of today’s biggest hits from the children of Kidz Bop. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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DISNEY JR. HOLIDAY PARTY In this dazzling musical wonderland, parents and kids can dance along to their favorite Disney Jr. songs plus holiday classics. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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HANSON – WINTRY MIX The 1990s pop act famous for “Mmmbop” hits the Fillmore for one night only. The Fillmore, 6 Canal St., 881-1555, FillmoreNOLA.com

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CRISS ANGEL: RAW Magician Criss Angel treats audiences to a unique theatrical experience with sleight of hand, illusions and mentalism. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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LAUREN DAIGLE: THE BEHOLD CHRISTMAS TOUR Two-time Grammy winner Lauren Daigle closes out the year with three special performances of jazz-flavored seasonal favorites in her native Louisiana. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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CHER – HERE WE GO AGAIN TOUR In her first American tour in over five years, Cher will perform her greatest hits and ABBA covers from her latest album, Dancing Queen. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., 587-3663, SmoothieKingCenter.com

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A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL The beloved 1983 film about a boy’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun is a now a musical with big laughs for audiences of all ages.

The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: BAROQUE CHRISTMAS The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will play classical holiday sections like excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Handel’s Messiah. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

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MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER The classic tale of the Sugar Plum Fairy returns to the stage with world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, towering puppets and amazing sets in a production that will take your breath away. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

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SPONSORED

LUXURY GIFTS 4

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1. Art & Eyes 504-891-4494, ArtAndEyesNewOrleansLa.com I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU bag! One, in a series bag by artist Starr Hagenbring. Vintage materials. At Art & Eyes, $495.

2. Ballin’s 504-821-4000, BallinsLTD.com Get this beautiful reversible sheared mink and longhair trim 36” in black, available in all sizes at Ballin’s, $3,995. Also available in reversible sable stroller, $4,800.

3. Billy Reid 504-208-1200, BillyReid.com Get this gorgeous Alpaca Raglan Coat made with luxurious hand-brushed alpaca wool. Made in Italy. Available at Billy Reid.

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4. Boudreaux’s Jewelers 504-831-2602, BoudreauxsJewelers.com Ladies double diamond riviera necklace featuring 23.76 carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold. This piece can also be worn as a single strand 34 inch opera length necklace, $49,900.

5. Cristy Cali 504-722-8758, CristyCaliNola.com This Nativity cuff bracelet captures one of the most incredible moments defined in the bible. May this be a reminder to be a better person, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Inside is blank to include engraving if you wish!

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6. Dark Garden 504-417-9751, DarkGarden.com Visit Dark Garden for the finest in luxury corsets, loungewear, apparel and accessories. Ready-to-wear styles start at $395, bespoke pieces from $1,750. Custom tailored “Adelaide” cupped overbust corset in sheer mesh and French lace from $3,380.

7. Diamonds Direct 504-383-3900, DiamondsDirect.com These timeless and elegant oval wrap hoops can be worn from the office to the season’s swankiest holiday party. Shine bright on any occasion with 60 round brilliant diamonds totaling 3.01 carats, set in 14K white gold.

8. Elizabeth’s 504-833-3717, Facebook.com/ShopElizabeths Stay warm in style with this quilted black and gold zip bomber jacket with removable fox-trimmed hood and gold lurex dots, available at Elizabeth’s on Metairie Road.

9. Swap Boutique 504-304-6025, SwapBoutique.com Get these gorgeous Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Pump Patent Leather Heels at Swap Boutique. Spend less on luxury items this holiday season!

10. Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry 504-525-4855, WCJewelry.com Wellington & Company Fine Jewelry offers an extensive collection of estate Rolexes.

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11. Bon Temps Boutique 504-571-5259, BonTempsBoutique.com Located in Old Metairie, Bon Temps Boutique is your Holiday headquarters for the cutest kids clothing in town. Joyeux Noel spelled out in candy canes is available on dresses, rompers, tees, sweatshirts, pajamas and even a doll’s dress. These soft little outfits are locally designed and screened in the Bywater. Don’t forget to add a pair of cozy matching leggings.

12. Little PNuts 504-267-5083, LittlePnuts.com Pencil Nose Game by Fat Brain Toys, featured on the “TODAY Show” as one of the best games for the holidays! In this hilarious party game, players have to use their sniffers to try and sketch the prompt and then hope their teammates can correctly guess what they’re drawing.

70 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

13. Louisiana Children’s Museum 504-523-1357, LCM.org A Louisiana Children’s Museum Membership makes a wonderful gift! Give an entire year of learning, exploration and so much more!

14. Hilltop Shoppe 504-533-9670, @HilltopShoppe Vietri’s Lastra Holiday 4-piece place-setting. All items are hand-made and hand-painted in Italy and available at Hilltop Shoppe.

15. Nola Pens 504-258-3916, NolaPens.com Each pen is expertly handcrafted to showcase the richness of the Audubon Park Live Oak. 16. Belladonna 504-891-4393, BelladonnaDaySpa.com Looking for the perfect office or holiday hostess gift? Bring your shopping list to Belladonna for unique local gifts, art, books, festive ornaments, holiday décor and more.

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17. Delta Festival Ballet 504-888-9031, DeltaFestivalBallet.com Give the gift of magic with New Orleans’ favorite Christmas tradition! Delta Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, December 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 22 at 2 p.m. at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Tickets at DeltaFestivalBallet.com.

18. Dr. Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin-Body-Health 504-888-2829 / 985-727-7676, SkinBodyHealth.com Give her the gift she really wants! Receive a complimentary $50 gift card with any $300 gift card purchase! Specials this month include Laser, Botox & KyBella series neck firm package or Hair Restoration PRP & Laser combo.

Visit Dr. Burkenstock’s new location on Fleur de Lis in Lakeview!

19. Le Petit Theatre 504-522-2081 x1, LePetitTheatre.com Give the gift of theatre this holiday season with a gift certificate from Le Petit! Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be mailed or printed at home. Visit LePetitTheatre.com for more information!

20. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 504-523-6530, LPOMusic.com If you know someone who loves orchestral music, then give them the gift of the LPO this holiday. Visit LPOmusic.com or call 504-523-6530 to purchase gift certificates for a single ticket or subscription to any of concerts in the 2019/20 season!

21. Woodhouse Day Spa 504-584-4004, WoodhouseSpas.com/location/metairie-la NOW OPEN IN METAIRIE The annual BABOR Ampoule calendar takes your skin through a specific journey from day 1 to day 24. This year’s ampoule assortment will provide smooth glowing and protected skin for the holiday season. Yours for only $99; valued at $170.

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22. Eden House 504-407-0943, EdenHouseNola.org/EpeciallyEden Shop local and give back with an Especially Eden gift basket! All baskets are assembled by and directly support survivors of human trafficking.

23. FeBe 504-835-5250, @FeBeClothing Be the best dressed in this Cleona metallic velvet polka dot gown, available at FeBe. 24. Home Malone 504-324-8352, HomeMaloneNola.com Oyster Nativity Scene made with hand-painted oyster shells on stained wood blocks to capture the scene of Christ’s birth in an abstract, Southern way. Size varies slightly. Approximately 5” tall x 2” wide x 3” wide.

25. Judy at the Rink 504-891-7018, @JudyAtTheRink Juliska Twelve Days of Christmas Trinket Tray, Mug and Platter available at Judy at the Rink. Let Judy be your one-stop gift shop this holiday season!

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26. Monomin 504-827-1269, Monomin.com Monomin’s fragrance diffusers are handmade in Los Angeles with a carefully developed original formula, continuously filling your surroundings evenly. Their high-performance diffuser sticks absorb fragrance well to release beautiful scents into the air lasting up to 3 months! Monomin provides five scents: White Tea, SandalWood, Vintage Rose, Bohemian Forest and Champagne Brunch.

27. PERLIS Uptown 504-895-8661, Mandeville 985-674-1711, Baton Rouge 225-926-5909, Perlis.com The Annandale Water Resistant Quilted Jacket by Barbour features a corduroy spread collar, front snap closure and interior zip pockets. Expertly tailored for a relaxed feminine fit.

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28. Oak & Arrow 504-919-8268, OakArrowStudio.com Gift set includes a 250ml Home Ambiance Diffuser, a 9oz Hexagonal Candle and the new Acrylic 250ml diffuser tray in a decorative two-piece gift box, perfectly packaged and ready for gift giving.

29. Optical Shoppe 504-301-1726, OpticalShoppeBR.com Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at The Optical Shoppe on Metairie Road. For him, sunglasses from the Oakley® NFL Collection, featuring the New Orleans Saints logo on the bottom of the lens. For her, Prada cat eye sunglasses.

30. Relish 504-309-3336, RelishNewOrleans.com Limited edition New Orleans ornaments produced exclusively for Relish! Each ornament is hand-stitched using a combination of fabrics, beadwork and metal threadwork. New this year: New Orleans skyline and streetcar (not pictured).

31. Sean Weiss – Facial Plastic Surgery 504-814-3223, SeanWeissMD.com/SaintCharlesAvenue Sean Weiss – Facial Plastic Surgery is offering savings this holiday season on gift baskets, gift cards and Aesthetic treatments for that special someone. Gift baskets are available through Christmas.

32. The Shop at The Collection (museum shop of The Historic New Orleans Collection) 504-598-7147, HNOC.org/Shop Local jewelry designer Heather Elizabeth incorporated the iconic photography of the late Michael P. Smith for this playful bracelet. Each piece includes images of legendary Jazz Fest performers. Only available at The Shop at The Collection, $79.

33. Wildflower 504-218-8996, @WearWildflower Holiday gifting is made easy with this Bauble Bar Headband! This beaded pearl headband is the perfect gift for any glam girl on your list. Find it at Wildflower for $48 this holiday season!

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S N A P S H OT S

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1. Danielle Duren, Paul Bello and Katelyn Powell are pictured at the New Orleans Jazz Market in April for Upturn Arts’ sixth annual “Studio 504: Disco for Dance” fundraiser. Guests were treated to a performance from the DISCOvery Camp Young Artists, both a silent and live auction with an Upturn Arts’ student auctioneer and special guest Thomas Mann. 2.

Marylyn, Jonathan, Rex and Juliette Rigby attend Upturn Arts’ “Studio 504: Disco for Dance.” This year featured its first-ever Dance-A-Thon to help benefit the nonprofit’s mission to teach children across all New Orleans communities to explore and build confidence as artists through after school and summer/holiday programming. 3. Susan Hennington, Margo Whiteside and Monique Sobrino attended the eighth annual “Soraparu Soirée” at the former Bond Bakery in April to support the Raphael Village, a unique Irish Channel community designed to support differently-abled people in becoming fully engaged in life and community. 4. “Soraparu Soirée” Honoree David Fennelly posed with Raphael Village Board Member Valerie Davis, Board Chair John Melton and Honoree Carlos Sanchez at the annual fundraising event in April. The soirée featured a signature cocktail, food from local vendors and a live auction and raffle. 5. Tian Buzbee, Asya Howlette, Porscha Wiliams, Julia Davis and Abby Haile are pictured at the New Orleans Jazz Market for Teach for America’s “A Conversation on Education” in April, where guests sat in on an exclusive conversation with TFA’s executive director, Joy Okoro, and CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard, moderated by Walter Isaacson. 6. Margot Miranda, Alex Gray and Jasmine Motton attended Teach For America’s “Conversation on Education” at the New Orleans Jazz Market in April. The discussion explored both the progresses and challenges of New Orleans’ education ecosystem, as well as TFA’s contributions and roles moving forward.

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7. New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute student chefs celebrated NOCHI’s grand opening in April. More than 500 people attended the event, which featured cooking demonstrations from NOCHI culinary arts and baking students, a cocktail demo, food cooked by student chefs and more. 8. Mayor Latoya Cantrell and Governor John Bel Edwards gave toasts at NOCHI’s grand opening celebration in April. 9. University of Holy Cross ambassador students Joshua Mitchell, Sarah Fouquet, Hayley Kennair and Brenton Guerin attended UHC’s annual “Spes Unica” awards ceremony at Metairie Country Club in April. 10. UHC President Dr. David M. “Buck” Landry with Sr. Ann Lacour, MSC and Spes Unica awardees Sarah Ehrensing and Dr. Monroe Laborde at the annual award ceremony, hosted in April by the Metairie Country Club. 11. Allison and Benjamin Tiller posed with their children, Ande, Hayes and Macy Tiller at the Audubon Institutes’ annual “Zoo-To-Do for Kids” presented in April by Children’s Hospital. 12. A group of children enjoyed a day at the zoo in April for the annual “Zoo-To-Do for Kids” presented by Children’s Hospital, a family-friendly version of the Audubon Institute’s yearly “Zoo-To-Do Gala.”

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1. Quinn and Karen Eagan posed with Anne and Jack Dardis at Dominican High School’s “Diamonds are Forever” “Legacy Gala” in February. Guests enjoyed a culinary spread by 12 Seasons Catering and a bar donated by Jorge Lauriano, state district manager of William Grant & Sons, Inc., as well an auction, raffle and live music by The Benchwarmers. 2.

Dominican President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, Patricia Blanchard and Principal Carolyn Favre attended Dominican High School’s “Legacy Gala” in February. The evening’s prizes included raffles for tuition and an 18 karat yellow gold diamond ring. 3. Anne Raymond and Caroline Lafourcade are pictured Domincan High School’s “Diamonds are Forever” “Legacy Gala” at the school in February. Mark Romig auctioneered an exciting live auction, with items including a Schecter S-I 2016 Saints customized guitar, autographed by Drew Brees, as well as reserved seats for special school events, including Ring Day, Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation. 4. Al Sanchez, Melissa Barnett and Jack Truxillo celebrated Cabrini High School’s inaugural “Night Under the Stars Soirée” in March. Attendees were treated to a fun and festive evening of gourmet cuisine and spirits, silent and live auctions, raffles and jazz music by Michael Scorsone and Marianne Eyles. 5. Cabrini Parents’ Association Board Members Alicia Knobloch, Michelle Conaway, Cyndi Duke, Kimberly Mones and Lisa Moree attended the first “Night Under the Stars Soirée” in the school’s historic Esplanade building courtyard. 6. Charles and Michelle Douglas are pictured at Cabrini’s “Night Under the Stars Soireé” in March, held to benefit the students of Cabrini High School by fulfilling the school’s mission of educating the minds and hearts of young women in the Catholic Cabrinian tradition.

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7. Current and former International High School of New Orleans board members celebrate International High School of New Orleans’ “Night Around the World Gala” in April, held in UNO’s Geoghegan Ballroom (Front row) Gail Lazard, Sean Wilson and Mariska Roney, and (back row) Karen Dwayer, Carol Allen, Kevin Katner, Jennifer Gordon-Lampton, Stacie Retzlaff, Stacey Cunningham and Shontel Thomas. 8. IHSNO art students showcased their art and offered it up in the silent auction at the school’s “Around the World Gala:” (back row) Valery Valenzuela, Thaily Rios, Christina Hernandez, Tenay Smith, LeShe Flood and Alexandra Douglas, and (front row) Terrance Summers, Piki Mendizabal and Derick Mejia-Torres. 9. Chef Adolfo Garcia and Chef Edgar Caro attended IHSNO’s “Night Around the World Gala,” where they were the featured chefs, treating guests to their delicious and unique cuisine. 10. Jamie and Kim Munoz posed with Diane and Jimmy Gatti at Brother Martin High School’s 2019 “Celebration of the Crest: “Lights, Camera, Auction!” 11. Carlos Bogran III (’99) with his spouse Leigh Ann; Ryan Gallagher (’00) and his spouse Kristen; and Bonnie and Greg Rando (’77), attend Brother Martin High School’s largest annual fundraiser, “Celebration of the Crest.” 12. Bobby and Kristen Ramsey celebrated at Brother Martin’s “Light, Camera, Auction!” fundraising event in October. This year’s event featured a Patron Party, a live auction emceed by alumni Mark Romig and music by Louisiana Spice.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

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PREMIER

PROPERTIES

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N OS TA LG I A

Charles L. Franck A lifetime photographing New Orleans 1877-1965

By Seale Paterson

80 ST. CHARLES AVENUE DECEMBER 2019

The Charles L. Franck, Commercial Photographer studio window, decorated for Christmas.

The rights to all the Franck company’s prints and negatives are held by HNOC. The Charles L. Franck Studio Collection, accessible online, is an impressive documentation of the social changes and the industrial and urban growth that changed the face of New Orleans during the first half of the 20th century.

IMAGE PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE CHARLES L. FRANCK STUDIO COLLECTION AT THE HIS TO RIC N EW ORLE AN S COLLECTION, ACC NO. 1979.325.7

Charles L Franck was born in New Orleans in 1877 and developed a passion for photography in his youth. He took a job with American Express as a messenger in the Mississippi Valley, using his travels as an excuse to practice his photography.

During time at home in New Orleans he would photograph life around him, timing his vacation time to coincide with Mardi Gras, which he documented for decades.

In 1905, he opened his own commercial photography studio at 409 Baronne St. From panoramic cityscapes to artistic closeups of insect life, Franck’s work was dictated by the diverse needs of his clients.

Real estate offices and developers needed photos for property sales and also to track construction progress and protect business enterprises in case of future court litigation.

Many businesses needed photographs of their goods for advertisements and catalogs, and college professors needed slides for use in the classroom.

Franck’s company documented port activity and agricultural work across the state, and also were on call for jobs that required them to be “dressed for trouble,” as Franck called it: photographing accident victims, prisoners and criminal evidence that would later be used for court cases.

During World War I he was a contributor to a project for the War Department, which would form a pictorial history of war activities in New Orleans: shipbuilding, Red Cross, patriotic meetings, etc.

Into the 1930s and 1940s, Frank began doing a lot of work for newspapers, including society coverage and wedding portraiture. Beyond photography, Franck was a generous donor to local causes and was recognized for his gardening skills.

When Franck retired in 1946, His daughter Cecil took over the business. He died in 1965 after a short illness. n