St. Charles Avenue February 2018

st. charles avenue magazine

February 2018

“An Edible Evening” benefiting Edible Schoolyard New Orleans

Valentine’s Day Restaurant Specials

Couture Wedding Guide

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co n t e n t s

Features

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Though Valentine’s Day shares a date with the beginning of the Lenten season, don’t let it keep you from a romantic meal! Find your reservation, starting on pg. 40.

Ash Wednesday Amour Restaurant offerings for a Lenten Valentine’s Day

by Kelcy Wilburn Photographed by Cheryl Gerber

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St. Charles Avenue’s Annual Couture Wedding Guide

by Mirella Cameran

On the Cover Co-Chairs Ann Heslin and Catherine Hales; FirstLine Schools Board President Brian Egana; Patron Co-Chair, Board Member and sponsor Capital One representative Carol Starr; and Langston Hughes Academy Leader Kamisha Gray are pictured representing “An Edible Evening,” benefiting Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. This ninth annual gala will be held Thursday, March 22 at the Langston Hughes Academy Dreamkeeper Garden.

The Patron Party will begin at 6 p.m., hosted by Mopho + Maypop, followed by the gala at 7, which will feature wines by Presqu’ile Winery, a specialty cocktail by Cure Co. with

Tito’s Vodka, beer from Dixie Beer, a beer garden featuring local microbreweries, live music, a raffle and food by more than 30 local restaurants.

ESYNOLA offers one of the nation’s most creative and comprehensive iterations of seed-to-table food and nutrition education programming, integrating over 4,000 gardening and cooking classes each year into the school curriculum, cafeterias and culture of four FirstLine K-8 schools. The school gardens total more than two acres of herbs and flowers, vegetable production rows, blossoming citrus groves, butterfly meadows and wetlands areas.

Langston Hughes Academy is home

to chickens, goats and a pot-bellied pig. Teaching kitchens at Samuel J. Green and Arthur Ashe Charter Schools complement an outdoor environmental education program where children learn to appreciate nature and to be responsible stewards of the environment. The gardens help teach students how to grow food, prepare it in healthy ways and enjoy it in community, in the joyful non-conventional learning spaces of organic gardens and teaching kitchens.

Gala tickets are $60, and Patron tickets start at $250 a couple; call 421-1060 and visit ESYNola.org to learn more and purchase tickets.

Special thanks to Alisha Johnson Perry, Director of Development for FirstLine Schools for her invaluable assistance.

Photographed by Jeffery Johnston

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co n t e n t s

In Every Issue

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62

8 & 10

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Editors’ Notes

Vintage Wedding

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Making a difference

S.O.S.: Saftey through solidarity

Philanthropic Fun

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16 On the Menu

Seafood for Spring: Antoine’s chef Michael Regua shares Soft Shell Crab topped with Crawfish Cardinal of a bed of Onion Rice 18 The Dish

Grab & Go: Entertaining for the Carnival crowd

A Legacy of Art and Culture NOMA’s “Odyssey Ball” celebrates 51 years as a signature tradition of New Orleans’ culture. 20 Central to the City Combining free arts education with entrepreneurship training, YAYA bolsters young artists. 22

With This RIng

Carnivals and Carousels CADA raised more than $50,000 for the prevention and treatment of addiction. 30 Jazz in the Garden “Fête du Jardin” recognized Patricia H. Gay for her lifetime of service to historic preservation. 32

58 Young Bloods

Geoff Coats: General Manager, Blue Bikes 60 Student Activist

Sophia Frances Bruton: Louise S. McGehee School 62 Shop Talk

Two Centuries of Poydras Home Poydras Home celebrated its 200th year with a juried art show and sale benefit. 24 World Record-Breaking Wines The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s “Carnivale du Vin” raised a record-breaking $3.5 million for children’s charities. 26 Operatic Odyssey The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association celebrated its 75th anniversary. 28

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Revuelta – Eastman

What’s Hot

Valentine’s Day

Helen Patricia Lowery to David Cartan Loker Gibbons: November 16, 1968

Backing the Blue More than 650 gathered to show support for New Orleans law enforcement. 34 Traveling With Touro Honoring Dr. Tom Oelsner, the “Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala” supported Wellness Center upgrades. 36 A Candlelit Cemetery Soirée An illuminated St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 hosted friends of Save Our Cemeteries for its annual benefit. 38

Melissa Benitez: Director, Belladonna Day Spa 63 Shop Talk

Michele Percy: Buyer & Partner, Lukka Boutique 64 Snapshots

68 OnStage calendar

72 Nostalgia

When Children Reigned: The story of the Krewe of Nor

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February 2018 Vol. 22 Issue 9 Editorial Executive Editor Bev Church Editor Morgan Packard Griffith Art Director Ali Sullivan contributing editor Mirella Cameran Society Columnist Catherine Freeman 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 Account Executive Samantha Shiff (504) 830-7226, Samantha@MyNewOrleans.com

Marketing DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS

Cheryl Lemoine event coordinator Whitney Weathers digital media associate Mallary Matherne For event information call (504) 830-7264

Production Production Manager Jessica DeBold production designers Demi Schaffer, Molly Tullier, Emily Andras traffic COORDINATOR Topher Balfer

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 Subscription manager Brittanie Bryant 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, © 2018 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.

m e e t o u r sale s t e am

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

Samantha Shiff Account Executive 830-7226 Samantha@myneworleanscom

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

b e v ' s n ot e

I love the Edible Schoolyard! I volunteered there for two years at Samuel J. Green School, so I’m very excited to present the biggest fundraiser for them on our cover this month! This is the ninth annual “An Edible Evening,” which is their premiere fundraising event showcasing their signature seed-to-table garden and culinary education program. Students learn to grow food and prepare it in healthy ways, but also learn core curriculum subjects such as math, science and more as they garden. There are school gardens and teaching kitchens in FirstLine’s four K-8 schools!

“An Edible Evening” will be held this year on March 22 at the Langston Hughes Academy Dreamkeeper Garden, with the Patron Party starting at 6 p.m. hosted by Mopho + Maypop, and the Gala following at 7. Thanks to our cover models: Co-Chairs Ann Heslin and Catherine Hales; FirstLine Schools Board Chair Brian Egana; Patron Co-Chair, board member and Capital One representative Carol Starr; and Langston Hughes Academy Leader Kamisha Gray. They are promising a night that you won’t forget featuring wines by Presqu’ile Winery, a special cocktail by Cure Co., Tito’s Vodka, Dixie Beer, a beer garden featuring local microbreweries, food from more than 30 local restaurants, live music and a raffle.

Patron tickets start at $250 a couple; call 421-1060 and visit ESYNola.org to learn more and purchase tickets. It is such a fun party and you’ll learn so much about their program that is changing lives every day!

It is hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is almost here; check out What’s Hot to find the perfect gift for someone you love (or yourself), and our feature on Valentine’s restaurant specials for where to go!

Another wonderful place to go is the National World War II Museum. Their popular Stage Door Canteen is offering a great medley of music starting February 17 with “A Sweetheart of a Valentine Show,” which will feature the Victory Swing Orchestra’s salute to the golden era of Big Bands. February 23 through March 25 will feature “Always ... Patsy Cline” with some of her best hits: “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and more. Also, from March 7 through June 27 “The Best of Sinatra” will be a salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes with his hits “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “New York, New York” and more. You can have dinner and the show or just go to the performances. They are always great! Call 528-1943 or visit StageDoorCanteen.org for tickets and more information!

One of our best features is here again! Our annual Couture Wedding Guide offers the best in local tips, tricks and trends from the best in the biz.

The Jung Hotel on Canal Street is back in a totally new way and more amazing than ever! It is a truly one-of-a-kind development project that covers a full city block with residences and a luxury hotel. The residences are really high-end and offer all kinds of special services delivered through close association with the hotel. Be sure to check out the luxurious lodging and effortless living on historic Canal Street close to the French Quarter, and right by the Saenger and the Orpheum theaters!

Have a safe Mardi Gras and have fun in our over the top city!

Beverly Reese Church

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The Lupo Family – Robert E. Smith Lupo, Francesca Lupo, Mary P. Lupo M.D., Abby G. Lupo and R. Tom Lupo – are the Chairpersons for “Lark in the Park 2018!”

The proceeds from the event this year will benefit the restoration of the Casino Building.

Built in 1912, the Casino Building in City Park has been a lively and active part of the park’s history for over 105 years.

Themed “Party in the Park,” it will be held on the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn and Peristyle and will feature: entertain-

ment by Sweet Crude and Anna Glaviano; savory delectables from more than 40 local restaurants; premium libations and three specialty cocktails by Goldring Family Foundation and Republic National Distributing Company; a drawing for a 2018 Bryan Subaru Forester; and an incredible one-of-a-kind bracelet donated by Valobra Master Jewelers and valued at $9,500!

Buy your ticket today by calling 483-9376 or by visiting FriendsOfCityPark.com/ event/lark-in-the-park.

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m o rga n ' s n ot e

With the first half of the month focused on Mardi Gras and the second half on recovering from it, there isn’t much time for our everyday schedules. But, as my six-month-old reminds me at his nap time, maintaining the parts of your day that keep you sane – for me it’s making the bed every morning so that it feels more restful when it’s time to go to sleep – are even more important during times when our days are turned upside down.

With that in mind, look to our Valentine’s Day What’s Hot and our feature on local Valentine’s Day restaurant specials to check that off your list now, so you’re not scrambling for your present or reservation at the last minute – the day after Mardi Gras Day. And while we’re thinking about love, look to our annual Couture Wedding Guide to learn more about some of our top local artisans who will create the wedding of your dreams (or renewal of vows, or birthday party, or any other event that makes your heart soar).

I have heard from some of you who are actually reading my note, and I want to say thank you. St. Charles Avenue magazine is quite close to my heart, and the more I learn about the people behind the nonprofits in this city, the more I see how impressive we are; for we as a city care about every person and facet of life here, as well as about keeping the parts of our lives that make this city what it is – tangible and intangible – safe and cared for.

So let’s keep caring for our city and its citizens – through Mardi Gras and beyond!

February Events 21 “Fête de Voyage,” benefiting

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, 523-6530, extension 30 21 “New Orleans Take Steps,” benefiting

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 408-2119, CCTakeSteps.org/ NewOrleans2018 23 “Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir,” benefiting

Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association, 522-0996, extension 208 24 Seventh annual “Jewish Roots Gala – An Evening of Cabaret,” benefiting

Jewish Children’s Regional Service, 828-6334 24 “Get Yah Praise On,” benefiting

Audubon Nature Institute, 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org 25 Ninth annual “Recycled Fashion Show,” benefiting Bridge House /

Grace House, 821-7134

Morgan Packard Griffith

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m aki n g a d i ff e r e n c e

S.O.S. Safety through solidarity

by Catherine Freeman

We pick up mail for neighbors and water plants when they’re out of town.

They keep our extra house key and give us treats during the holidays. It isn’t unusual, it’s just what neighbors do in New Orleans, because we genuinely care for each other.

Recognizing and tapping into this strength, two local neighborhood associations decided to tackle the city’s rising crime rate by uniting individuals and their neighborhoods in a grass roots effort to ensure safer communities.

S.O.S. (Safe on Our Streets) was founded by the St. Charles Avenue Association and St. Claude Main Street in 2015. Working to improve public safety in New Orleans’ neighborhoods, S.O.S. has evolved into a network of more than 50 culturally, ethnically and geographically diverse neighborhood and civic organizations with the mission “to unify the voices of New Orleans residents, advocate for best practices in policing and ensure the fair allocation of technology, programs and public resources in order to reduce crime.”

I was initially skeptical reviewing the ambitious but admirable goals of S.O.S. in light of crime trends in New Orleans. The statistics can be depressing: 125 percent increase in carjackings since 2013; 48 percent increase in armed robberies since 2013; and 157 murders in 2017. However, the more I learned about S.O.S. and their strategic, fresh approach to a citywide crime prevention effort, the more excited I became about their potential.

In response to information from surveys and open forum meetings, S.O.S. discovered residents were most concerned with lack of police presence in neighborhoods, community policing strategies and crime technology. Additionally, they found residents yearn for support of fundamental services that help communities improve safety, such as opportunities for youth, economic development and drug and mental health treatment. These findings and 12 st. charles Avenue February 2018

work with experts, community leaders and using Best Practices of Metropolitan Police Departments led to platform development focusing on making crime prevention a No. 1 priority of City Hall and the NOPD, upholding the Consent Decree, employing the best crime fighting technology, reinstating and supporting community policing, community improvement and developing multi-parish strategies.

While continuing to inform and pressure City Hall for long-term policy change, S.O.S. also developed an immediate solution at the recommendation of a Department of Justice representative by producing and distributing a Tool Kit for Crime Prevention specific to New Orleans.

“In meetings and discussions, S.O.S. found that many individuals and organizations in the city want to make their neighborhoods safer, they just don’t know how to do so. The Tool Kit gives them the step-by-step process to working with City Hall, other organizations and the media. Residents want to help

play a role in community improvement and the Tool Kit is designed to help them in that goal”, says S.O.S. President Jonathan Rhodes.

Each of the book’s 10 chapters was written by a local neighborhood association that successfully implemented the strategy outlined, including streetlights, security districts, blighted property, crime cameras and more. The Tool Kit, printed through donations of the Garden District Association, Mid-City Neighborhood and others, is available at libraries and health and community centers as well as some crime prevention organizations or through downloading off their website.

S.O.S. strives to make the safe streets we hope for a reality by utilizing our greatest strength: New Orleans’ residents who love their city. n

A little more …

To learn more about S.O.S. or to make a donation, visit SOSNola.com.

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wh at ' s h ot

Valentine’s Day

By Amy Gabriel

There is no place to attract Cupid’s bow and arrow like the Crescent City. From splashy champagne saber celebrations at Brennan’s and strolls amongst the oaks at City Park, to picking out a sparkly little something on Royal Street, love is always in the air.

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� � 1. Pack your most kissable lipstick in a leather crossbody clutch in blush. FeBe Clothing, 474 Metairie Road, 83505250, FeBeClothing.com 2. Imagine opening a little black box with a sparkling rose gold spike ring tucked inside.

Porter Lyons, 631 Toulouse St., 518-4945, PorterLyons.com 3. A oui gift for your wee one, the super soft stretch organic cotton jersey of the le petit monsieur onesie is oh so loveable.

Sized newborn to 12 months.

Monomin, 2104 Magazine St., 827-1269, Monomin.com

4. Take your passion to Paris by way of a touch of the luxurious French Girl Lumiere Moonlight body oil. Belladonna, 2900 Magazine St., 891-4393, BelladonnaDaySpa.com 5. A bag as handsome as your fella is, this 100 percent calfskin messenger with brass zippers and copper rivets will have him traveling in style.

Billy Reid, 3927 Magazine St., 208-1200, BillyReid.com

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Select photos by Chery l Gerber

�� 6. Put your X’s and O’s out for all to see. Available in silver or gold. Hilltop Shoppe, 3714 Magazine St., 5339670, HilltopShoppe.com 7. The sweetest message is made even sweeter when embroidered in gold on a chic sweatshirt. Lukka Boutique, 1000 Girod St., 218-7113, ShopLukka.com

8. Gift happy with a couture heart charm and a positive message to remember. Silver bracelet sold separately. Cristy’s Collection, Adler’s, 722 Canal St., 523-5292; 3301 Veterans Blvd., 5235292; Detour Nola, 3363 Severn Ave., 862-6652; CristyCali.com 9. See the world through rose colored Gucci glasses.

The Optical Shoppe, 800 Metairie Road, Suite Q, 3011726, OpticalShoppeBR.com

10. Since home is where the heart is, outfit yours with a limited edition neon pink pucker and petal art from local Olesya. Olesya, ArtByDreamOlesya.com 11. Heat things up with a mini “spark” calligraphy bottle of matchsticks.

Skeem, SkeemShop.com

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on the menu

Seafood for Spring Antoine’s Chef Michael Regua shares Soft Shell Crab topped With Crawfish Cardinal on a Bed of Onion Rice

Crawfish Cardinal ¼ cup parsley, chopped ½ cup green onion, chopped ½ cup white onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 ounce melted butter Pinch Thyme Pinch Basil 2 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 pound crawfish tails, steamed 16 ounces half-and-half 2-3 ounces roux blonde (equal parts butter and flour) 3-4 ounces white wine Salt and pepper to taste Sautée first four ingredients in melted butter until limp, but not brown. Add thyme, basil and paste. Then add crawfish. Cook until very hot. Add white wine and reduce until alcohol is gone. Add roux and cream.

Simmer until slightly thick, but not too thick. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Yields 4 servings

Fried Soft Shell Crabs 1 ½ cups half and half 3 whole eggs 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground white pepper 1 dozen soft-shell crabs Flour 6 lemons, halved Make a batter by combining half-and-half, eggs and salt and pepper. Dredge the crabs in flour, dip them into the batter and dredge in flour again. Fry in deep fat until golden brown and completely cooked. Drain on absorbent paper and serve, garnished with 2 lemon halves.

Yields 6 servings

Onion Rice 2 cups of rice 1 teaspoon salt ½ white onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped Pinch parsley 2 ounces melted butter Sauté onion in melted butter until tender but not browned with all ingredients except rice.

Add cooked rice to mixture.

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photos by JE FFERY J OHNSTON

Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St. 581-4422, Antoines.com

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the dish

Grab & Go Entertaining for the Carnival crowd

By Jyl Benson

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photo b y Mike Li rett e

The blessings and the curses of life on a parade route.

Life changed for my family when the Uptown parade route was extended to the corner of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue, two blocks from where I live. Now various Pussy Footers, Bearded Clams, Rolling Elvi, 610 Stompers and the like line up 60 feet from my front door.

This means a lavish spread put out by the family members of the Ladies Godiva, who have long gathered to see our mutual loved ones take to horseback in fleshcolored scuba suits airbrushed to be anatomically correct, as they march with the Krewe of Muses through the streets. On Thoth Sunday, I put out an elaborate brunch that lasts all day. But being insatiably hospitable I feel it’s my civic duty to have at least something on hand to feed the many revelers who come calling for other parades as well as suggestions for those who ask, “What may I bring?”

Unless you’re firmly locked “in the box” of the route, escape from the western and northern edges makes it possible to gather provisions, even at the last moment (provided you have a driveway to escape back into). Consider placing an order to go from Dunbar’s Creole Cooking on Earhart Boulevard. Since their long-awaited reopening last year, the Dunbar family has continued to uphold matriarch Celestine “Tina” Dunbar’s

lofty standards for excellent, greaseless fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and deep, rich gumbo teeming with meat and seafood. The prices are reasonable, the portions gigantic and parking a cinch thanks to a sprawling parking lot.

In the University area, Cafe Fresco is a reliable bet for inventive pizza, salads and sandwiches. The Grilled Chicken Portobello Roll is a favorite with mushrooms, tomato, mozzarella, spinach and feta in a creamy roasted red pepper sauce all wrapped up in lavash.

Escape to the lake side of St. Charles Avenue puts Martin Wine Cellar within easy reach.

The parking lot is guarded, ensuring spaces for customers making a quick dash in for fortifications of all manner of libations as well as salads, sandwiches, hot plates and grab-and-gofavorites like Hot Spinach and Artichoke dip and Crabmeat and Brie Fondue. A full catering menu makes it possible to simply dial in a full party and have it delivered if time permits.

Dunbar’s Famous Creole Cuisine 7834 Earhart Blvd., 509-6287 Fresco Cafe & Pizzeria 7625 Maple St., 862-6363 FrescoCafe.us Martin Wine Cellar 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411 MartinWine.com The MuNch Factory, 01 Sophie Wright Place, 324-5372 TheMunchFactory.net Salon by Sucré 622 Conti St. (above the Sucré boutique), 267-7098 RestaurantSalon.com Shawarma on the Go 3720 Magazine St., 269-6427 ShawarmaOnTheGo.com

Try This: Through February 12, Salon by Sucré is offering a Carnival Tea Menu with fried chicken sandwiches, cinnamon cream cheese croissants, Mardi Gras macaroons and other delicacies to celebrate the season. The tea menu is offered Thursdays-Mondays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., and guests may choose from a variety of teas or a house- made Italian Soda for $45 per person, or a choice of tea with a tea- based cocktail or glass of sparkling Prosecco for $55 per person.

Conversely, if you’re locked within the box with escape on foot the only one available to you, Shawrama on the Go is the way to go.

Everything is made to order at Mediterranean eatery in a gas station. The Philly Cheese Steak will satisfy northern guests seeking something familiar. For the rest of us, plates of chicken shawarma, freshly shaved gyro, Iraqi Lula Kabobs or Falafel flushed out with salad, hummus, rice and condiments are large enough to share.

If you’re out on the route and find yourself craving a seated meal and a bit of peace, try The Much Factory, which, having recently relocated from Gentilly to Sophie Wright Place, is just off the noisy beaten path. The chairs here are deep and clubby making it just the place for a bit of relaxation over shared orders of Buffalo Shrimp with a slightly fiery kick; fried Oysters Gentilly served atop creamed spinach and topped with caramelized onions in a Worcestershire reduction; or Tuna Tacos made with sushi grade raw tuna in a fried wonton “taco” shell, drizzled with Sriracha aioli and a scattering of fresh cilantro. n

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ph i l a n t h ro pi c fu n

A Legacy of Art and Culture

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NOMA’s “Odyssey Ball” celebrates 51 years as a signature tradition of New Orleans’ culture.

By Shelby Simon

Commemorating New Orleans’ Tricentennial, the 51st “Odyssey Ball” highlighted the New Orleans Museum of Art and the “Odyssey Ball’s” integral place as a New Orleans tradition in the city’s cultural life and history. This year’s theme, “L’Odyssée: A Celebration 300 Years in the Making,” reflected this legacy with unmatched elegance.

“Odyssey 2017” featured NOMA’s fall exhibition, “East of the Mississippi: 19th-Century American Landscape Photography.” In association with NOMA, this landmark exhibition, co-organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, is the first to exclusively explore a vivid chapter of America’s photographic history – 19th-century American landscape photography made east of the Mississippi River.

These photographs of the eastern half of the United States helped shape evolving mythologies of the American wilderness, revealed the impact of the Civil War on the physical landscape, and played an important role in industrialization and environmental preservation.

The evening began with a Patron Party, and continued with the gala late into the night. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and DJ/Violinist Timothee Lovelock provided musical entertainment, while the LSU vs Alabama tailgate à la NOMA occurred in the Café NOMA courtyard. The Jep Epstein Trio performed in the NOMA Museum Shop courtyard. 1718 Events, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, catered the gala, with event design by Z Event Company.

The silent auction featured an online component, allowing art enthusiasts from all over to bid on the one-of-a-kind selection.

Highlights included vacation and spa packages, airfare, a behindthe-scenes VIP experience with “NCIS: New Orleans” and art by George Dunbar, whose works and career were recently celebrated at NOMA titled “George Dunbar: Elements of Chance.” n

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Event at a Glance What: 51st annual “Odyssey Ball,” benefiting the New Orleans Museum of Art Where: New Orleans Museum of Art

1. Tommy Westervelt, NOMA Director Susan Taylor and Melanee and Steve Usdin 2. Ben and Kathleen Waring with Lexie and Will Waring 3. Co-Chairs Stephen and Kitty Sherrill with Cleland Powell 4. Co-Chairs Kelly and Carmen Duncan with Co-Chairs Shaun and Foster Duncan 5. Ludovico and Stephanie Feoli, Lynda Warshauer and Michael Smith 6. Patrick and Calais Waring with Co-Chairs Sweet and Ben Dupuy

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Photographed by JEFF STR OUT

When: Saturday, November 4

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ph i l a n t h ro pi c fu n

Central to the City

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Combining free arts education with entrepreneurship training, YAYA bolsters young artists.

By Shelby Simon

Six days a week, the YAYA Arts Center in Central City runs free after school arts and entrepreneurship training programs for New Orleans youth. The “Just Say YAYA: Central to the City” event, hosted on November 3, 2017, raised nearly $70,000 to support these free youth arts programs.

The casual cocktail party at the Arts Center featured a showcase of artwork made by YAYA’s young artists. “Just Say YAYA” offers teens the opportunity to work on their entrepreneurial skills: they price and install all of their work in advance of the event, and then hone their marketing and sales skills at the party. The artists keep at least 50 percent of the selling price of all their work, making the event a fantastic fundraiser for both the organization and its artists.

Additionally, the event offered a silent auction, glassblowing demonstrations by Giles Bettison and a raffle from a selection local businesses.

The Patron Party featured music by the Robin Barnes Trio and hors d’oeuvres by Taste Buds Catering and Events.

Brother Tyrone and the Mindbenders performed at the gala. Food and beverage vendors included NOLA Brewing and Distilling, Halal Guys, Cavan, Tracey’s, Basin Seafood and Spirits, Langenstein’s, Martin Wine Cellar, Reginelli’s, HoneyBaked Ham, Mayhew Bakery, an.gle events and Givery Floral Design.

Silent auction items were provided by Brandan Odums, Kevin Gillentine, Tim Trapolin, Mitchell Gaudet, Giles Bettison, Lex Williams, Katherine George, the Family of Daniel Price, George Rodrigue Foundation, Adele Sypesteyn, Marion Eagan, Susu Kearney, Julie Silvers, Niki Rubenstein, Katie Rafferty and Marianne Angeli Rodriguez. n

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Event at a Glance What: “Just Say YAYA: Central to the City,” benefiting YAYA When: Friday, November 3, 2017

1. Co-Chair Ellie Sanders, Artist Committee Member Hannah Lee and Anne Teague Landis 2. Co-Chair Evie Poitevent Sanders, Azana Olusola and Lesli Harris 3. Quishawn Reine, YAYA Founder Jana Napoli, Artist Luis Colmenares and Board of Directors VP Danielle Coco 4. Vivian Cahn, Artist Committee Member Ian Jackson and Board of Directors President Kay Kerrigan 5. Glenn Gruber, Gail Hester Louapre, Linda Bjork and Lisa Schlesinger 6. Shawn Evans, Meg Miles, Jim Martin and Denise Monteleone

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Photographed by Gil Rubmam

Where: YAYA Arts Center

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ph i l a n t h ro pi c fu n 1

Two Centuries of Poydras Home Poydras Home celebrated its 200th year with a juried art show and sale benefit.

By Shelby Simon

Poydras Home’s “Bicentennial Gala Juried Art Show and Sale” fundraiser showcased the best of the best artworks of more than 33 award-winning artists of the past decade. The event featured a hanging juried art exhibition in the historic main building and more than 12 fine craft artists.

The gala was Chaired by Marion Van Horn Eagen. The 2017 Artist Chairs were Dolores Hall, Delia Hardie, Margie Scheuermann and Terry Salassi. Ruthie Winston, principal owner and senior appraiser of Winston & Associates appraisals and consultants of fine arts and antiques, served as Juried Art Judge. Approximately 350 attendees enjoyed the Poydras Home Patron Party preceding the event.

First place winner was artist Kris Wenschuh for oil on panel painting, “A Lightness of Being.” Honorable Mention No. 1 was artist Glinda Schafer’s “Cocodrie Roost,” and Honorable Mention No. 2 was artist Mark J. Sindler’s “Home Altar, Vietnamese Community of Versailles, New Orleans East.”

The vibrant invitation art featured a collaborative piece created by the Poydras Home residents; a tribute to the commitment of a 200th birthday gift to residents, it depicted a scenic park, Koi fish pond, patio, gardens and gazebo. Following the fish theme of the invitation, centerpieces were created from large leaf cuttings immersed in fish bowls and were filled with live goldfish and playful accents.

Food and libations were donated by Commander’s Palace, Creole Creamery, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Langenstein’s, Olivia Guider’s Cookies, The Pelican Club Restaurant, Ralph’s on the Park, Two Girls One Shuck, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine and Poydras Home’s Executive Chef. Musical entertainment was provided by Deacon John and the Ivories. n

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Event at a Glance What: “Poydras Home Bicentennial Gala Juried Art Show and Sale” Where: Poydras Home

1. Elly Lane, Katherine Saer, Chair Marion Van Horn Eagen, Robbie Saer 2.

Artist Chairs Dolores Hall and Delia Hardie 3. Bob and Suzanne Thomas with Erin Kolb Bienvenu and Jean Pierre Bienvenu 4. Wendy Beron and Dena Olivier 5. Lilla Kearney, Price and Nell Lanier and Donna Flower 6.

First Place winner “A Lightness of Being,” oil on panel, by Kris Wenschuh

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Pho tog raphed by Da vid Punch

When: Thursday, October 26

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World RecordBreaking Wines The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s “Carnivale du Vin” raised a record-breaking $3.5 million for children’s charities.

By Shelby Simon

The 13th annual “Carnivale du Vin” featured its nationally recognized wine auction and gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans following the previous evening’s seventh annual outdoor food and music festival, the sold-out “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer.”

“Carnivale du Vin” featured culinary greats Scott Conant, Larbi Dahrouch, Rick Moonen and Jacques Torres, and brought together the best in wine and food for a night of charitable giving. More than 600 guests experienced a five-course meal created by Emeril Lagasse and culinary students from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

The live auction broke a world record for the most expensive single bottle of wine sold at an auction with a rare bottle of 2015 The Setting Wines Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that sold at $350,000. Another highlight included a bottle of renowned winemaker Bob Cabral’s inaugural 2015 Troubador Pinot Noir, which sold for $50,000. The auction raised over $1.5 million in total.

In addition to charitable giving towards children’s charities, the evening also recognized the devastating California wildfires and Gulf Coast hurricanes with a Fund-a-Need to support recovery efforts in Sonoma and Napa Valley, Houston and South Florida. n

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Event at a Glance What: “Carnivale du Vin,” benefiting Emeril Lagasse Foundation When: Saturday, November 4 Where: Hyatt Regency New Orleans

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Photographed by Jeff Strout

1. Eric Linquist, Mark Romig, Emeril Lagasse and David Briggs 2.

Alden Lagasse and Suzanne Pride Bryan 3. Jim Pierce and Michael Thompson 4. Sarah Bolotte, Manolo Frias and Bridget Harrell 5.

Sunny Anderson and Dan Kosta 6. Chefs Victor Boch and David Slater

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Operatic Odyssey The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association celebrated its 75th anniversary.

By Shelby Simon

The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association hosted “Revelry on the River” on a cool breezy evening at the Westin Hotel, the perfect venue for viewing the Mighty Mississippi and the French Quarter.

Adorned in their finest Roaring Twenties attire, partygoers enjoyed flowing champagne, spirits and hors d’oeuvres. Phil Melancon and the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra provided the perfect backdrop for dancing on the open balcony. Amy Cioll served as Event Chair.

Guests were also entertained by the recent winners of the Wood Competition, Abigail Roques and Rafael Robelo, whose voices certainly displayed why they were both first place winners. The Donald W. Wood Sr. Vocal Competition is open to all Louisiana sophomores, juniors and seniors for the 2017 academic year, but only 25 were accepted to compete. The competition promotes artistic excellence, provides financial support to young vocalists and encourages local singers. It is presented by the NOOA in a collaborative effort with Loyola University New Orleans College of Music and Fine Arts, Newcomb Department of Music at Tulane University and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

The event featured a stunning ice sculpture depicting the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association’s 75th anniversary. n

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Event at a Glance What: “Revelry on the River,” benefiting Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association Where: Westin Hotel

1. Event Chair Amy Cioll, Woman’s Guild President Penny Baumer and Al Baumer with Baty Landis 2. Bruce Miller, Maryflynn Thomas and Joe McKesson 3. Susanne Long, Karen Villavaso, Barbara Ballard and Dr. Jane Miller

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Photograph ed by Gil Rubman

When: Saturday, October 21

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Carnivals and Carousels CADA raised more than $50,000 for the prevention and treatment of addiction.

By Shelby Simon

A ringmaster, tango dancers and an a capella trio Jay-Ray and Gee welcomed partygoers to the carnival-themed “CADA Carnivale” at the St. Charles Avenue home of Tara Tedesco and John McQueen benefiting the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Greater New Orleans. Colorful carnival flags adorned the festive home, which also featured an old-fashioned candy bar and a whimsical paper carousel centerpiece.

The event hosted an open bar with cuisine from chef Robert Faust, including crab cakes, shrimp ceviche and pork belly on cornbread pancakes. Nina Fitch served as Event Chair, and Cory Bergeron as Board President.

Auction prizes included paintings donated by the French Art Network and a Drew Brees signed football from the New Orleans Saints.

The soirée was followed by a family night at City Park’s Carousel Gardens & Amusement Park with cotton candy, face-painting, and unlimited rides for over 1,000 students and their families. n

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Event at a Glance What: “CADA Carnivale,” benefiting the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Greater New Orleans When: Friday, November 3

1. Tara Tedesco, Joyce Bracey and Event Chair Nina Fitch 2. Board President Cory and Phyllis Bergeron and Liz and Henry Hefler 3. Yakelis Anzola, Dr. Juan Gershanik and Marla Donovan

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Photographed by Jeff Strout

Where: Home of Tara Tedesco and John McQueen

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Jazz in the Garden “Fête du Jardin” recognized Patricia H. Gay for her lifetime of service to historic preservation.

By Shelby Simon

Despite the threat of thunderstorms, “Fête du Jardin,” held at the circa 1799 Pitot House on Bayou St. John, welcomed patrons to a stunning bayou sunset as they gathered to celebrate preservation advocacy in action. The Pitot House was saved from demolition and moved to its current location

by Louisiana Landmarks Society in 1965, with a 10-year restoration by a Landmarks Society founding member, Sam Wilson, and his business partner Richard Koch of the architectural firm, Koch and Wilson.

Patricia H. Gay was this year’s honoree, celebrated for her decades-long commitment to historic preservation and New Orleans culture. In July, Gay retired after 26 years as Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center.

Ten outstanding New Orleans restaurants provided food, accompanied by specialty cocktails and French wines.

Guests were entertained by the Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, who performed traditional jazz in sync with the Landmarks Society’s “Jazz in the Garden” theme, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first jazz recording.

The event is the society’s major fundraiser of the year, and supports ongoing preservation advocacy activities and maintenance of the Pitot House, the organization’s home on Bayou St. John. n

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What: “Fête du Jardin,” benefiting Louisiana Landmarks Society Where: Pitot House

1. George Schmidt, Honoree Patty Gay, Sandra Stokes and Michael Duplantier 2. Ella Camburneck, Claire Leftwich and Mamie Gasperecz 3. Sarah Busch, Alice Allen and Kelley Gill

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Photographed by Jeff Strout

When: Sunday, October 22

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Backing the Blue

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More than 650 gathered to show support for New Orleans law enforcement.

By Shelby Simon

The 22nd annual “Stake Out for Justice” event benefits the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, whose mission is to make New Orleans a safer place in which to live, work and visit. Karen Deblieux, Market President of the Southeast for Capital One Bank, served as Event Chair. The gala raised more than $350,000.

The evening recognized several honorees with awards.

Recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Award was Gary Huntley, Vice President of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs for Entergy New Orleans. Recipients of the Ebbert Award were Dickie Brennan and Steve Pettus, Managing Partners of Dickie Brennan & Co. The Badge of Honor was presented to NOPD Officer Chris Abbott and NOPD Sgt. Ray Jones. NOPD Officer Marcus McNeil was posthumously honored with the Badge of Honor.

The keynote address was delivered by Nola Joyce, retired Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.

She stated that the NOPD is developing into a national model for delivering effective crime fighting without sacrificing rigorous constitutional protections. Additionally, she commended the critical pivot that NOPD is making toward an unparalleled integration of data and technology to guide their law enforcement efforts.

More than 50 organizations, restaurants and venues participated by donating items displayed as table centerpieces, which evoked the best of the theme, “Love BLUE; Live NOLA.” These centerpieces highlighted the numerous events, iconic places and activities that make NOLA special, and the significant role the city’s men and women in blue play in each of these areas. One lucky winner from each table went home with a one-of-a-kind piece of New Orleans. n

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Event at a Glance When: Wednesday, November 1 Where: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 1. Chief Michael Harrison, Gary Lorio, Honoree Officer Chris Abbott and Event Chair Karen DeBlieux 2. Board Member John Eastman and Honorees Steve Pettus and Dickie Brennan 3.

NOPJF President and CEO Melanie Talia, NOPJF Chair Gregory Rusovich, Honoree Ray Jones and Keynote Speaker Nola Joyce

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Photographed by Kenny Martinez

What: “Stake Out for Justice” benefiting New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation

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Traveling with Touro

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Honoring Dr. Tom Oelsner, the “Touro Infirmary Foundation” gala supported Wellness Center upgrades.

By Shelby Simon

Set in the spirit of being outdoors and immersed in nature, the 2017 “Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala’s” “Let’s Take A Road Trip” theme honored the Judah Touro Society Award recipient, Dr. Tom Oelsner.

Travel themed signage decorated the River City Ballroom, and each table featured a centerpiece including a whimsical bouquet and license plate from each state of the U.S. – a nod to Dr. Oelsner’s achievement of visiting each state in the continental U.S. in his RV. A video presentation featuring Dr. Oelsner’s family, friends, previous patients, fellow physicians and past JTS winners played during the program.

The gala was Co-Chaired by Dr. Meredith Maxwell, Allison Kupperman and Benjamin Swig. Overlooking the Mississippi River in the Riverview Room at Mardi Gras World, the Patron Party and cocktail hour featured small bites from 1718 Catering, with musical entertainment by James Martin Band. A silent auction surrounded the stairwell, including local artists, many of whom have been featured on the Artists Corner at Touro Infirmary throughout the year. There was also a wine pull and four large travel-themed raffles. 1718 Catering additionally provided the gala dinner. DJ Tony Skatchere entertained at the After Party.

The gala benefits the Touro Wellness Center, providing a safe, comfortable space for individuals with spinal cord injuries to access life-enhancing technologies. n

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Event at a Glance What: “Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala & After Party” Where: Mardi Gras World

1. Touro Infirmary President & CEO Susan E. Andrews, Touro Infirmary Chairman Louis Good III and Touro Foundation Chairman Nancy B. Timm 2. Marilynn Oelsner and 2017 Judah Touro Society Award Recipient Tom Oelsner M.D. 3. Stephen Morel, Co-Chair Meredith Maxwell M.D., Co-Chair Allison Kupperman and Shane Kupperman

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Photograph ed by Gil Rubman

When: Saturday, November 4

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A Candlelit Cemetery Soirée An illuminated St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 hosted friends of Save Our Cemeteries for its annual benefit.

By Shelby Simon

A candlelit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 on Esplanade Avenue served as the grounds for the “All Saints Soirée.”

Notable tombs and pathways were illuminated for the walking tours conducted by Save Our Cemeteries throughout the night.

The Patron Party tour was conducted by Poppy Tooker, and the tour highlighted some of the tombs of culinary families buried in St. Louis No. 3: Tujague, Galatoire, Emma and Bertha Camors (the sisters of The Court of Two Sisters) and more.

Cuisine and beverages were provided by Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Crescent City Brewhouse, Tujague’s, Bayona, NOLA Brewing Co. and Seven Three Distillery.

Music for the Patron Party was provided by the Truffle Honeys, and The Courtyard Kings provided the gala’s entertainment.

Auction highlights included a private breakfast for four with Poppy Tooker at Brennan’s Restaurant, a two-night stay at a luxury condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Proceeds from the event, approximately $19,000, support Save Our Cemeteries restoration, outreach and education programs. n

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Event at a Glance What: “All Saints Soirée” benefiting Save Our Cemeteries When: Thursday, October 26

1. Executive Director Amanda Walker, Board Member Alex L.M. Ducros and Event Chair Courtney Payton 2. Barbara Bedestani and Stephanie Bruno 3. Board Members Sally Asher and Kelley Mackenroth with Board President Adam Stevenson and Honorary Chair Poppy Tooker

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Photographe d by Gil Rubman

Where: St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

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Ash Wednesday

Amour

Restaurant Offerings for a Lenten Valentine’s Day

By Kelcy Wilburn Photographed by Cheryl Gerber

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his year, Valentine’s Day arrives as Mardi Gras comes to a close and the Lenten season begins.

The holiday shares its date with Ash Wednesday, which, for some, means giving up an indulgence or two. But it certainly won’t stop the romantics from flirting over a candle-lit meal in one of America’s top food cities. Restaurants in New Orleans know well how to cater to Lenten observers, and the region’s

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bountiful seafood will provide a number of intriguing menu options for those whose focus turns to fish.

And for those who don’t observe Lent, Valentine’s Day might just extend the merriment of Mardi Gras decadence just one more day. Restaurants across the city will be offering a number of specials for those looking to celebrate love, and we’ve got the skinny on many of the offerings that will follow Fat Tuesday.

Dick & Jenny’s Chargrilled Oysters with roasted red peppers, garlic butter and Parmesan

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Arnaud’s 813 Bienville St. 523-5433 ArnaudsRestaurant.com In the French Quarter, Arnaud’s believes in the aphrodisiacal qualities of the oyster, and on Valentine’s Day, they’ll surely be serving up countless orders of one of their most popular menu items: Oysters Arnaud. The appetizer features five oysters, each prepared with different baked toppings and representing both classics and Arnaud’s exclusives: Oysters Bienville, Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Kathryn, Oysters Ohan and Oysters Suzette.

The restaurant will be festively decorated with red, heart-shaped balloons and will feature its à la carte dinner menu, which is packed with seafood dishes including Casbarian family favorites such as the Potato Encrusted Gulf Fish and the Pompano Duarte with Gulf Shrimp.

This year, Arnaud’s proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, and they’ve launched a new menu item just in time for the centennial celebration. The new Gulf Fish Grenobloise features a pan-seared fillet topped with Sauce Grenobloise and served with vegetable ragout.

The new dish will accompany the restaurant’s time-tested, popular offerings such as the Souffle Potatoes, Shrimp Arnaud, Bananas Foster, Strawberries Arnaud, and libations like the French 75 and Café Brûlot.

Arnaud’s Potato Encrusted Gulf Fish Fish & a French 75

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Dick & Jenny’s 4501 Tchoupitoulas St. 894-9880 DickAndJennys.com Located Uptown near where Napoleon Avenue meets the river is an intimate Creole cottage that houses Dick & Jenny’s. With two distinct dining rooms, Dick & Jenny’s is both a charming and lively place to dine. Chef Rita Bernhardt shares the restaurant’s long-standing predilection for Creole cuisine with a Southern twist and offers a menu that features a little of the expected and the unexpected such as gumbo and BBQ Shrimp or Blackened Beets and Brisket with Buttered Grits.

A special menu will accompany the regular dinner menu on Valentine’s Day along with chef Rita’s Valentine’s special for two: a dozen of Cristiano’s Chargrilled Oysters (with roasted red peppers, garlic butter and Parmesan) paired with a bottle of Paul Cheneau Reserva Cava. Oysters and bubbly are sure to get the sparks flying while you feast over the Black Drum or tender Sous Vide Chicken. Of course, the restaurant offers a full wine list, local craft beers and classic cocktails if the cava special isn’t for you.

Gabrielle Restaurant’s Crawfish Enchilada con queso Crepe

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Bourbon House 144 Bourbon St. 522-0111 BourbonHouse.com Another French Quarter locale for setting the mood is the iconic oyster bar at Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House.

Probably one of Bourbon Street’s less raucous days, Ash Wednesday offers an opportunity to watch post-Mardi Gras passers-by as the sun goes down and you and your date enjoy fresh oysters.

Whether a precursor to a romantic dinner at Bourbon House or another nearby Dickie Brennan locale, such Tableau or Palace Café, stopping in at the Bourbon House raw bar makes an impression. The restaurant offers traditional Louisiana oysters on the half-shell, but Valentine’s Day is perhaps the perfect opportunity to try their raw oysters topped with champagne mignonette and local caviar. Go all out with the Fruits de Mer menu item, which includes petit, grand and royal servings of the caviar-topped oysters, boiled Gulf shrimp, marinated crab claws and seafood boucherie.

Gabrielle Restaurant 2441 Orleans Ave. 603-2344 Facebook.com/GabrielleRestaurant Just up Orleans Avenue in Mid-City is the newly opened Gabrielle, which New Orleans is excited to welcome back following its 12-year, Katrina-induced hiatus. Owned by Mary and Greg Sonnier, Gabrielle is a fine-dining Cajun restaurant named for the couple’s daughter, who now operates the new location. According to Greg Sonnier, the restaurant’s most popular dish “by far” is the Slow Roasted Duck with orange-sherry sauce and shoestring potatoes. For Lent, the restaurant will begin

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offering a number of fish specials on Fridays. This month, Gabrielle will feature Mary’s Bourbon Milk Punch.

“It’s a family favorite to drink at Mardi Gras time. It’s pretty heavy on the good vanilla and bourbon, which is what makes it special,” says Greg.

On Valentine’s Day, Gabrielle will offer a prix fixe four-course menu for $60 that will feature seafood dishes for those observing Lent and a couple of meatier options for those who are not.

“A lot of people give up sweets for Lent. On Ash Wednesday, a special dessert dish we;re offering is an Ash-Ripened Cheese Plate. The ash-ripened cheese will also be featured as a sauce on one of the entrees,” says Greg.

café b 2700 Metairie Road Metairie 934-4700 CafeB.com In Old Metairie, café b welcomes lovebirds on Valentine’s Day to its retro bistro-inspired, sophisticated dining room. A member of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, café b highlights the elevated, comfort-food creations of Executive Chef Michael Uddo. Exemplary dishes include the signature café b burger (ground sirloin on a house-made bun with fried onion rings, romaine, tomato house pimento cheese and garlic frites) and the Gulf Fish Meuniere with pecan meuniere, Brabant potatoes, haricots verts and toasted pecans.

For Valentine’s Day, café b will offer a three-course menu and glass of Moet for $65. Previous Valentine’s Day menus have included a variety of favorites: appetizers such as the Crawfish Spring Rolls and Flash Fried Oysters & Brie, entrées such as Corriander Crusted Scallops and Beef Wellington and desserts such as 3 Layer Mousse Cookie and Dreamsicle Cheesecake.

NOPSI Hotel: Public Service & Above the Grid 2311 Baronne St. 962-6675 PublicServiceNola.com Downtown, the new NOPSI Hotel has brought a couple of new Valentine’s Day options to the city with Public Service, the hotel’s “casual-yet-sophisticated” restaurant featuring Gulf Coast-sourced ingredients in the contemporary cuisine of chef Dustin Brien, and Above the Grid, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

“Public Service’s spin on hushpuppies is the talk of the CBD. Our non-traditional Tasso Hushpuppies include sweet corn, pimento, “cheddah” and honey cane syrup – a great start to any meal,” says Ellen LeMaire, General Manager, who also notes the popularity of dishes from Public Service’s in-house rotisserie.

Public Service will be serving a traditional four-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day with a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberry. Each course on the Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu will offer an item for patrons observing Lent. According to LeMaire, the vibrant ambience of Public Service offers both an upbeat yet relaxing Valentine’s setting.

Meanwhile, Above the Grid will be hosting a “Single’s Awareness Day Celebration.” A night of non-romantic festivities, the party will exclude your stereotypical Valentine’s day candles, chocolates and heart-shaped goodies in favor of flowing wine and fun tunes for those looking to avoid the traditional Valentine’s Day experience.

Bayona’s Sautéed Yellow Tail Snapper over Spicy Shellfish Soup with spinach, fingerling potatoes, marinated mussels and herb oil

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Bayona 430 Rue Dauphine 525-4455 Bayona.com Creole cottages make for a romantic restaurant atmosphere, and Bayona will take advantage of its intimate nature on Valentine’s Day from its beautiful confines in the French Quarter.

The restaurant also offers a secluded courtyard with a tropical allure and burbling fountains. According to Proprietor Regina Keever, Chef de Cuisine Eason Barksdale incorporates diverse flavor profiles in captivating dishes that channel the style of cuisine created by Executive Chef and Owner Susan Spicer.

“After 27 years in the French Quarter, Bayona remains a premier choice for a romantic Valentine’s dinner,” says Keever. “Patrons can expect a decadent fixed price dinner with pairings from our esteemed wine collection. Being Ash Wednesday, the Valentine’s Day menu will showcase, among classic meat options, local Gulf Seafood, as Bayona’s daily menu does as well.”

Also notable this month (though not on Valentine’s Day), is the return of Bayona’s Ooh La La lunch, which offers a three-course meal served with complimentary champagne. Great for both Carnival season (and perhaps a postponed Valentine’s Day date if Fat Tuesday proves too indulgent), the menu features a number of Bayona’s signature dishes.

Bourbon House’s Raw oysters topped with champagne mignonette and local caviar

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St. Charles Avenue’s Annual

Couture Wedding Guide

By Mirella Cameran

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Paper Dreams

She could have chosen anywhere in the world to get married – money was no object – and she chose

New Orleans. When tennis superstar Serena Williams married Alexis Ohanian last November, she chose to stage her nuptials at the Contemporary Arts Center in the Central Business District “because of its incredible architecture and history,” according to sources.

Her event planners filled the hall with thousands of dollars worth of crystals and flowers, and transformed the venue into a Beauty and the Beast inspired wonderland.

So why did Williams choose New Orleans? Maybe because this isn’t just a place, it’s a living, breathing culture filled with creative artisans who make dreams come true – not just for celebrities but all styles of brides. Maybe it’s because the city offers truly unique backdrops that carry with them hundreds of years of history, creating perfect stages for the most important day of your life.

The truth must be because New Orleans embodies a joie de vivre where dreams come to life and memories last forever.

In this year’s guide, we profile some of the top local people and places for a truly couture wedding.

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Start where the party does, with the invitation – that beautiful piece of stationery that heralds the tone of festivities to come.

Gem Printing has been creating invitations for brides for over 100 years, and has been family owned and operated for four generations.

Melissa Cousans Mortillaro, the great-granddaughter of Gem’s founder, says, “One member of our family is always here in the store, as my father, uncle and brother and myself all work here. We love what we do and we’re dedicated to offering the same attentive, personal customer service that generations of customers have enjoyed.”

“Paper is something you see, touch and feel in person,” she continues, “and we enjoy representing the wedding in tangible form. We do it all, from helping to pick out papers, to creating something very bespoke.

“Some brides like luxurious invitations created on ultra thick card stocks using multiple printing processes, embossing and traditional engraved typography.

Incorporating a family crest or cipher is always a lovely touch and brides also add custom ribbon or fabric to line envelopes. Other brides are seeking something more modern, and enjoy using multi ink colors and typestyles to create something beautiful and memorable.”

“Etiquette is where brides often need the most help,” Mortillaro concludes. “Every wedding is different and no two family dynamics are the same. All we need to know is who, and we’ll tell you how.”

One- of-a-kind Venues With so many venues at a bride’s disposal, sometimes deciding on one is the hardest part. Some of the perennially popular ones are located New Orleans City Park. Amanda Frentz, Assistant Director of Public Relations, explains why, “We have the largest collection of mature oak trees in the country, some 800 years old, and the 100-year-old Peristyle overlooking a lagoon, which was specifically built for dancing underneath.”

“We have arranged weddings in Storyland,” she says, “and during our “Celebration in the Oaks” event, a month-long holiday lights extravaganza.”

New Orleans Museum of Art, the newly opened Popp Fountain, the Botanical Garden and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden are all equally stunning venues also located within the park, and with so many

high caliber events held in the grounds, staff are helpful and knowledgeable and catering is top-notch.

The Pontchartrain Hotel, an architectural gem located in the Garden District, was recently voted one of the Best New Hotels

by Travel + Leisure. Originally opened in 1927, it reopened in 2016 after a $10 million renovation. Eleanor Mayer, a representative for the hotel, says, “The Pontchartrain has a variety of spaces for wedding parties. First of all, who wouldn’t want a photo in front of Ashley Longshore’s amazing custom Lil Wayne painting?

But seriously, we have hosted many bridal showers in Hot Tin, our roof top bar and pool area, which offers 270-degree views of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans. There’s also the Bayou Bar and Caribbean Room restaurant where Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Truman Capote dined. We have wonderful

spots for shoulder events around a wedding, excellent culinary options as well as a dedicated event space, The Parlor, which you can transform as you wish.”

The new Jung Hotel on Canal Street originally opened more than 100 years ago, and was once at the epicenter of life in the Crescent City. During the 1970s it fell on hard times, but it has just reopened after a multi-million dollar overhaul by the New Orleans Hotel Collection. Its beautiful architecture has been restored and interiors are luxurious with velvets, marbles and gold details. According to representative Marc Becker, “The Jung is a wonderful place for weddings. Our dramatic lobby, spacious event spaces, rooftop lounge and pool offer an array of places for a wedding. The 12,000-squarefoot Grand Hall is a wonderful place for large weddings with room for unique decorations, staging and even roll in type décor!”

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Experts On Hand Having a steady hand to guide you through all these decisions can make a big difference. Susan Zackin of Z Event Company advises, “You might be able to throw a great party on a regular basis but your own wedding is different and you should let someone else handle the details so you can enjoy the day.

“Couples come to us to create a wedding that will reflect their personal style and keep it unique for them,” she continues. “We never duplicate the weddings we offer or offer packages. I also find that a shorter engagement period is better than a longer one; and with the right planner it is possible to enjoy the process and not get stressed out. Importantly, a planner will help you be realistic about your budget and make the best use of the dollars you have to spend. We also know what other events are taking place in the city and plan our events around them and the weather!”

Zackin has a 30 years experience in event planning and a

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background in interior design, which, she says, creates a point of difference. “Our experience and expertise means we can execute any event no matter the size or scope. We can bring concepts to life from conception to completion and deliver unique elements of surprise. Some of our recent work includes lots of greenery, living walls and bars, bright and bold florals, marble dance floor wraps and custom printed fabrics.

Zackin recently launched The Event Glossary; a web-based marketplace for all events needs with one point of payment to offer brides and hostesses an easy way to pull a stunning event together.

Handcrafted Creations You find craftsmanship and expertise at every turn in New Orleans, and grooms wanting to look their best should consider a custom-made suit.

Luca Falcone offers handmade custom garments using the finest fabrics, but at surprisingly competitive prices. The store on Magazine Street is a luxurious lounge where custom clothiers work directly with the master tailors as they guide grooms through the process. Staff can also come to your home or office. Garments can also be built online, and all of Falcone’s suits and shirts are fully customizable from the lapel and top stitching to the buttons, vents, lining and monogramming to make it genuinely unique.

Kim Starr Wise is a floral designer known for her one of-a-kind work. “We strive to incorporate distinctive design, color, texture and style using elements of the old, the odd and the extraordinary to create a truly memorable New Orleans event,” she says.

For larger affairs, Wise creates expansive arrangements and installations building layers and textures through the venues, which include eye-catching details.

For tighter budgets, Wise offers “A Wise Bride,” which simplifies the process by offering pre-designed custom wedding flower packages. An online gallery allows the bride to choose from an array of handcrafted bouquets using high quality flowers in stunning designs.

Brides getting married in New Orleans have artisans at the top of their game that are both more accessible and affordable than in other large cities, from chefs, tailors and seamstresses, to jewelry designers, stationers, floral designers and more. Marry that with historic venues with state-of-the-art facilities and it’s no surprise that New Orleans is becoming one of the most popular destinations in the United States to tie the knot.

Gem Printing 1904 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 831-1762, GemPrinting.com

New Orleans City Park 1 Palm Drive 482- 4888 NewOrleansCityPark.com

The Jung Hotel 1500 Canal St. 226-5864, JungHotel.com

Kim Starr Wise 437 Philip St., Unit 101 315-5607, KimStarrWise.com

The Pontchartrain Hotel 2031 St. Charles Ave. (800) 708-6652 ThePontchartrainHotel.com Z Event Company 510-5838, ZEventCo.com

Luca Falcone 2049 Magazine St. 309-5929, LFSuits.com

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JEWELRY Adler’s 722 Canal St., New Orleans (and other locations) 504-523-5292 AdlersJewelry.com

2017

Cristy Cali Jewelry (carried by Adler’s) 722 Canal St., New Orleans (and other locations) 866-200-9435 CristyCali.com Symmetry Jewelers 8138 Hampson St., New Orleans 504-861-9925 SymmetryJewelers.com LIFE INSURANCE

CATERING & FOOD SERVICES Antoine’s 713 St. Louis St., New Orleans 504-581-4422 Antoines.com Arnaud’s 813 Bienville Ave., New Orleans 504-523-5433 ArnaudsRestaurant.com Ralph Brennan Catering & Events 112 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-539-5511 RalphBrennanCatering.com CLOTHING (BRIDE, BRIDESMAid, MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, COCKTAIL, LINGERIE) Ballin’s LTD 721 Dante St., New Orleans (and other locations) 504-866-4367 Ballinsltd.com FeBe 474 Metairie Road, Metairie 504-835-5250 FeBeClothing.com Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave., Metairie 504-885-9213 PearlsPlace.com Lukka Boutique 1000 Girod St., Suite 3B, New Orleans 504-218-7113 Facebook: @LukkaNewOrleans Instagram @LukkaNewOrleans FLOWERS Fabulous Flowers

By Appointment 504-909-0253 FabulousFlowers.us

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Kim Starr Wise Floral Events 437 Philip St., New Orleans 504-315-5607 KimStarrWise.com

New York Life Insurance, Donna Lacour 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1900, New Orleans 504-569-0509 DonnaLacour.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MENSWARE

BLEU, A Blowdry Bar 701 Metairie Road, Suite 112-2A, Metairie 504-309-5999 5228 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-325-5625 BLEUaBlowdryBar.com

John’s Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie 504-455-5553 JohnsTuxedos.com

Dr. Sean Weiss - Facial Plastic Surgery 2201 Veterans Blvd., Suite 408, Metairie 504-814-FACE (3223) SeanWeissMD.com Elizabeth Riggs Dentistry 3442 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-891-1115 SmilesByRiggs.com Être Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center 1224 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 504-227-3873 EtreCosmeticDerm.com Khoobehi & Associates 3901 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504-517-7800 4500 Magazine St., #1, New Orleans 504-517-7500 Khoobehi.com INVITATIONS Betty Hunley Designs 6057 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-895-2870 BettyHunley.com GEM Printing 1904 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-834-9580 GemPrinting.com

Perlis 6070 Magazine St., New Orleans (and other locations) 504-895-8661 Perlis.com PHOTOGRAPHY Stacy Marks Photography 1025 N. Hullen St., Metairie 504-237-2173 stacymarkkswed@gmail.com REGISTRIES

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center 1201 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans 504-566-9990 NewOrleansHamptonInns.com Latrobe’s on Royal 403 Royal St., New Orleans 504-299-0601 LatrobesOnRoyal.com Louisiana State Museum (multiple locations) 504-568-6968 LouisianaStateMuseum.org National World War II Museum 945 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-528-1944, extension 236 NationalWW2Museum.org New Orleans City Park 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans 504-483-9402 NewOrleansCityPark.com NOPSI Hotel 317 Baronne St., New Orleans 504-962-6500 NOPSIHotel.com Ogden Museum of Southern Art 925 Camp St., New Orleans 504-539-9607 OgdenMuseum.org The Elms Mansion 3029 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 504-895-9200 ElmsMansion.com WEDDING FAVORS Aunt Sally’s Original Creole Pralines 750 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 800-642-7257 504-944-6090 AuntSallys.com

Hilltop Shoppe 3714 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-533-9670 HilltopShoppe.com

WEDDING RESOURCES

Simplee Gourmet 1000 Giord St., B-5, New Orleans 504-962-9162 SimpleeGourmet.com

WEDDING SERVICES

The Linen Registry 204 Metairie Road, Metairie 504-831-8228 TheLinenRegistry.com VENUES Degas House Museum, Courtyard & Inn 2306 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans 504-821-5009 DegasHouse.com/Weddings

The Event Glossary EventGlossary.com

Blue Gardenia Events 631 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 504-206-8599 BlueGardeniaEvents.com Terry Cambise TerryCambise.com Z Event Company 508 Metairie Road, Metairie 504-510-5838 ZEventCo.com

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V i n tag e We d d i n g

Helen Patricia Lowery to David Cartan Loker Gibbons November 16, 1968

By Bev Church

David “Cartan” Loker Gibbons grew up in New Orleans, attended LSU and served six years in the National Guard before getting a job in New Orleans. Patsy Lowery from Jackson, Mississippi, attended Dominican College and Ole Miss before working in New Orleans. They met on a blind date and dated for about 10 months before Cartan asked Patsy to marry him.

Once the date was set, Patsy’s mom started planning. There were events nonstop in both Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans honoring the couple, including brunches, dinners, showers and even a pajama party.

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Patsy and Cartan were married at St. Richard’s Catholic Church at 7 p.m. with a reception following at the Jackson Country Club. The rehearsal dinner, which took place the night before, was held at the Capital City Club in Jackson. At the wedding Patsy wore a white satin gown with re-embroidered Alençon lace and a mantilla of Rose Point Brussels lace. She carried a bouquet of gardenias and lilies of the valley with English ivy and streamers of white satin. The bridesmaids wore antique satin floor-length dresses accented with cut velvet tapestry. They carried antique Grecian gold candlesticks accented with ivy,

lilies of the valley and green satin streamers.

After the reception, Patsy changed into her going away ensemble and they were off to a Southern honeymoon that started in Vicksburg, Mississippi and ended on the Gulf Coast.

Cartan sadly passed away in 2010, and everyone knows Miss Patsy at St. Georges School where she’s loved by so many. Patsy and Cartan have two children, Dottie Church and David Gibbons, whose daughter was just Queen of Squires. David’s wife, Lynne Gibbons, wrote the “Kids Play” for St. Charles Avenue magazine for three years. Their five grandchildren live in Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans. n

V i n tag e We d d i n g

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wi t h t h i s r i n g

Revuelta – Eastman

By Mirella Cameran

They say that if you have to invite your best friend to your wedding, then you’re marrying the wrong person. Jessica Carmen Revuelta didn’t have that problem.

Jessica had been on many dates with Michael Charbonnet Eastman, whom she met through a mutual friend, but only as friends. Jessica and Michael had become close, but it was not until New Years 2011 when they realized there was more to their relationship.

Six years later, Michael created a photo of their dog and her horse with word bubbles saying, “Mom, please say yes!” to help him propose to Jessica. It worked!

On October 13, 2017 the Jessica and Michael greeted guests at a welcome celebration at the New Orleans Country Club, one of Michael’s favorite places in New Orleans. The party enjoyed wonderful catering by the NOCC, featuring many classic local dishes.

The following day Jessica and Michael were married at the Sea Lion Exhibit at Audubon Zoo, one of Jessica’s favorite spots growing up. Harry Hardin played “La Grace”

by Telemann and celebrant Fr. Michael Kuhn joined the couple in matrimony. Jessica wore a fitted strapless dress with lace overlay from Town & Country and Michael was dashing in a JoS. A. Bank blue suit and a custom-made NOLA Couture tie featuring their horse and dog in the design on the front and the couple’s monogram and wedding date on the back. The tie was worn by all the men in the wedding party and was also given to close family friends.

The wedding party was then led by Roots

by Music in a second line to the Audubon Tea Room, which was decorated in the wedding colors of navy, white and gold. Guests enjoyed many culinary delights including the couple’s favorite crawfish pasta. A”Bubble Bar’”served a selection of champagnes.

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The couple enjoyed their first dance to “Latch” by Sam Smith and the party continued to music by the Bucktown All Stars.

Jessica and Michael spent 10 days in London for their honeymoon, and the couple now lives in Old Metairie where Michael is a Regional Manager for his family’s business, Auto-Chlor Services, and Jessica works at Children’s Hospital. n

Coordinator: Elyse Jennings Weddings & Vivien Eppling, Audubon Tea Room Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Town & Country Bridal Groomsmen’s Attire: JoS. A. Bank Bride’s Wedding & Engagement Ring: Aucoin Hart Jewelers Groom’s Wedding Band: Aucoin Hart Jewelers Invitation: Lady Adelaide Floral Décor: Bella Blooms Favor: Do-rag with program information about the second line & wedding cookies Wedding Cake & Groom’s Cake: Bittersweet Confections Photographer & Videographer: Marissa Lambert Hair: Hair by Ginger Makeup: Kelly Lawson

wi t h t h i s r i n g

Middle Left: David and Gabby Delgado, Michael and Jessica Eastman and Rudy and Liz Revuelta Middle Right: Ninette Eastman, the Bride and Groom and Perry Eastman Wedding Party: Katarina Diaz, Kingsland LeBourgeois, Morgan LeBourgeois, Gabby Delgado, Lauren Pomtopeidan, Kelly Nolan, Caroline Robertson, Marly Cannaday, Katie Riles, the Bride and Groom, Perry Eastman iV, Perry Eastman V, Spencer Albrecht, Bruce Frommeyer, Robert Diaz, Michael LeBourgeois, James LeBourgeois, Paul Cannaday, David Delgado, Nicholas Diaz, Andres Pierce and Charlie Weed

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YO U NG B LO O DS

Geoff Coats General Manager, Blue Bikes

By Lindsay Mack

A new bike sharing program makes it

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“The bikes are well-designed, and they ride amazingly well on the New Orleans landscape,” says General Manager Geoff Coats.

Their comfortable, upright design makes navigating the city easy and stable.

On the flip side, people who already own a bike may use Blue Bikes from time to time the same way car owners may take a taxi or Lyft on occasion; it’s another transportation option.

Accessible, affordable bicycles throughout the city will benefit New Orleanians in many ways. Unlike existing bike tour companies, which often cater to tourists, Blue Bikes was created with residents in mind. For starters, the bikes fill in gaps in the transit system that may adversely affect people in their daily lives.

For instance, someone whose closest bus stop is still several blocks from work may use the bike to reach their place of employment more quickly. In addition, the bikes offer this build-out of the trans-

portation system in an eco-friendly way, reducing the carbon footprint.

Lastly, the bikes provide an exercise venue for New Orleanians. A monthly membership is only $15 and allows you to ride for up to 60 minutes per day. And with the Blue Bikes for All program, income-qualified citizens can enjoy the bikes at a reduced fare of $20 per year. In fact, the potential health benefits are so important that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana is a sponsor of the bike program.

Overall, the Blue Bikes of New Orleans program holds the promise of a more connected, healthier city. In time, it should open even more neighborhoods and areas to cyclists with this transformative bikesharing program. n

Get Involved To learn more and to set up your account, visit BlueBikesNola.com.

photo by cheryl gerber

easier for New Orleanians to travel the city on two wheels. In response to demand for such a program, Blue Bikes New Orleans recently launched to make cycling the city more accessible to everyone.

The initial area for Blue Bikes covers a large swath of the city, from Jackson Avenue to Poland Avenue and continuing up to City Park. The system is designed for point-to-point riding, and several hubs are available within the city for people to pick up and drop off bikes.

To get started, riders can download the Social Bicycles mobile app or visit the Blue Bikes New Orleans website to set up an account. They are then given a PIN to unlock one of the bikes, and then it’s time to ride.

Hourly and monthly plans are available, and people may qualify for a reduced fare.

Even people who haven’t been on a bike in a while take well to the Blue Bikes, which were created with New Orleans streets in mind.

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s t u d e n t ac t i v i s t

Sophia Frances Bruton Louise S. McGehee School

By Mallory Lindsly

“My activism has taught me

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order to make my New Orleans community sustainable and longlasting, it’s up to members of my generation to take responsibility and provide that support for others who need it.”

Two mentors who’ve assisted Bruton with the founding and success of 504-Ever are her mother, Wendy Bruton, and advocate Elenore Flashaw. Both of these women taught Bruton to understand the importance of philanthropy and supporting organizations throughout her community.

Bruton is graduating in May and is hoping to attend Duke University or Claremont McKenna College. When she isn’t involved in schoolwork or volunteering, she spends time with friends. She isn’t sure what she wants to do after college, but hopes to combine her passion for activism, social service and love of political science. n

photo by chery l gerber

critical lessons that help me understand the importance of compassion and giving back, but it also has taught me how to work hard and fight for what I believe in,” says Sophia Frances Bruton a senior at Louise S. McGehee School.

Bruton volunteers with 504-Ever, a group of McGehee students that pull personal donations of $15 to give a nonprofit in New Orleans a donation of $1,000. 504-Ever has the mission to focus on helping children in New Orleans.

“Seeing firsthand the kids 504-Ever was going to support reminded me exactly why I wanted to found this organization in the first place,” says Bruton. The organization decided to donate their funds to Roots of Music, a nonprofit that empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support and mentorship while promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of New Orleans.

Bruton even organized a guestspeaker for McGehee to represent Roots of Music after 504-Ever made its first official donation to the nonprofit. The student body was able to hear first-hand the impact of their activism.

“The whole purpose of a community is to provide support,” says Bruton. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to understand that in

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s h o p ta lk

Melissa Benitez Director, Belladonna Day Spa

By Mirella Cameran

Who is running the newly renovated Belladonna Day Spa? We have a new owner, Jim Huger, and I’m the new Director. I’m originally from Uptown New Orleans but have been living in Europe for the last 20 years where I owned and ran spas, so I’m excited to reopen Belladonna!

Are there any unique services or product lines at the spa? Yes! We offer vaginal rejuvenation with Dr. Elizabeth Lapeyre, Microdermabrasion,

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Is there anything exciting coming up? We really want people to come and try the place for themselves. There’s so much to enjoy: a steam room, an outside garden, as well as a delicious spa lunch and beverage options. It’s a special place where people can relax. We’re also excited to debut our new suites later this year where we’ll be able to accommodate overnight guests and groups. Overall, the spa is now a perfect place to host events and parties and take advantage of all of our facilities. n

BellaDonna Day Spa 2900 Magazine St. 891-4393 BelladonnaDaySpa.com

photo by J effery J ohnston

What’s changed? Many things have improved! We’re benefiting from a multi-milliondollar renovation. We have some amazing amenities: a relaxation room, men’s and women’s robe lounges, upgraded locker rooms and a new medi-spa. What has remained the same is the spa’s New Orleans charm and level of hospitality, as well as some favorite service providers from 15 years ago such as Alba, Carol and Shannon!

Dermaplaning and lash extensions, plus a myriad of niche, cult product lines like French Girl Organics, Aïny and Olive + M.

s h o p ta lk

Michele Percy Buyer & Partner, Lukka Boutique

By Mirella Cameran

photo by black and geauxld Photog raphy

When did you open Lukka Boutique? Lukka in Baton Rouge has been open since 2013, and we recently expanded into the New Orleans market in October 2017.

What makes Lukka different?

Our mix is unique and our service is above and beyond.

We believe that all customers should be treated as if they were guests visiting our home. We want them to feel comfortable when they walk through the doors, trusting that the sales associates will reach all levels to assist them with a wardrobe that fits their needs.

What style of clothing do you offer? We offer contemporary designer clothing for women aged 18 to 65. We dress mothers and daughters who have a casual sophisticated style with an edge. We believe in dressing women to reflect whom they are. We also carry an assortment of jewelry, shoes, handbags, gifts and accessories.

Do you have any exclusive lines? Yes, we do, and we work very hard to find new, up and coming designers.  What are your favorite items in store right now? Spring may be my favorite season and I’m a huge fan of the nautical look. We have an amazing collection by Prose & Poetry and fun pieces for Mardi Gras.

Is there anything exciting coming up? We have lots of special events planned this year including hosting a King Cake party by ALG style on February 1st. We will also have a pop up shop at Barre3 and a secret celebrity appearance in February. n

Lukka Boutique 1000 Girod St. 218-7113 ShopLukka.com

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s n a p s h ot s

By Marie Gabriel 1

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1. Tara Caro, Austin Caro, Liz Lotz and Reid Caro show off their costumes at “SEALebration” at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in October. The annual thank-you party for Audubon members was fall-themed and featured close-up animal encounters, music, games and more. 2. Cleven Turner II and Dominique Turner pause with the pumpkins their children Taylor, Camry, Cleven Turner III and Zoey painted at “SEALebration,” the Audubon Institute’s annual member party. 3. Charles Divins, Margarita Bergen and Dennis Pearse attend “Stormin’ the Sazerac” at the Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel in September. The event is held annually to honor a group of women who stormed the Sazerac Bar in 1949 to demand equality at a time when women were only served at bars on Mardi Gras Day. 4. Lauren Cason, Georgia Boswell, Jean Drew and Andrea Lamb at “Stormin’ the Sazerac” at the Roosevelt Hotel. Boswell was named 2017’s “Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac,” a title given to a woman who challenges the status quo and works to influence positive change in her community. 5. Vincent and Donna Giardina pose with Lisa and DJ Romaro at “Martini Madness,” an annual fundraiser party hosted by Friends of City Park and held at the Arbor Room and Popp Fountain in September. 6. Makenzie and Cody Hill, Sally and Palmer Rinehart and Kim and Ben Allen attend the 2017 “Martini Madness” to raise funds for the restoration of the 100-year-old Popp Bandstand. This year’s event featured 25 specialty martinis, food from 20 local restaurants, a raffle, photo booth and music.

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s n a p s h ot s

By Marie Gabriel

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7. New Orleans City Councilman Jared Brossett, Joan Prados, French Counsul General Vincent Sciama, Micey Moyer, David Villarrubia and Mark Romig stand in front of the Degas House with a bronzed statue of Edgar Degas’ “Little Dancer of 14 Years,” which was recently unveiled to honor the 100th anniversary of Degas’ death.

Prados and Moyer are two of the three great-grandnieces of Degas who were present for the ceremony. 8. City Councilman Jared Brossett, General Vincent Sciama, David Villarrubia and Mark Romig unveil the famous sculpture on the 100th anniversary of Degas’ death. 9. Joy Osofsky, Emeril Lagasse and Dr. Howard Osofsky the LSUHSC Department of Psychiatry annual dinner, “Sunday at Emeril’s.” The event was held in September and featured a four-course dinner, Patti Adams Chamber Music and an auction. 10. Peggy Laborde, Katherine Boh and Ann Fuselier attend “Sunday at Emeril’s.” This year’s dinner honored both Laborde and Fuselier. 11.

Warren and Norvel Benoit pose with Goodwill Industries’ president William Jessee at the fifth annual “Goodwill Ball” in October. The masquerade-themed ball was held at the Ritz-Carlton and benefited Goodwill’s mission programs. 12. WGNO’s “News With A Twist” host Tamica Lee emcees the annual Goodwill Ball, this year in celebration of the company’s 70th anniversary. The event featured live music by the BRW Band, food from Catering By Don and the skyline view from the rooftop terrace of the Ritz’s Juneau Penthouse. stcharlesAvenue.com 65

ADVERTISING SECTION

Health & Beauty Optical Shoppe 504-301-1726 OpticalShoppeBR.com For the latest styles in frames for your prescription, visit the Optical Shoppe.

SALT. combines the best of custom materials and Japanese Craftsmanship to create the finest in premium eyewear.

Children’s Hospital

Dr. Elizabeth Riggs

CHNola.org/pediatrics Children’s Pediatrics provides primary care in and around the Greater New Orleans area. With practices in 13 locations, including the After Hours Clinic, they treat more than 150,000 children each year. Their goal is to not only care for sick kids, but to work to prevent illness by teaching families how to stay healthy.

Dr. Sean Weiss – Facial Plastic Surgery 504-814-FACE (3223) SeanWeissMD.com Specialized in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck, Dr. Weiss is an expert in Facial Rejuvenation, Rhinoplasty, Eyelid Surgery, Facial Sculpting, Facelift and Neck Lift.

Complimentary consultations when you mention St. Charles Avenue magazine.

504-891-1115 SmilesByRiggs.com From her beautiful Garden District office on Magazine Street, Dr. Elizabeth Riggs practices both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She also enjoys providing facial enhancement procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers. From the moment you walk into the front door, her team makes you feel welcome and cared for. They are all passionate about creating both healthy and beautiful smiles.

Khoobehi & Associates 504-517-7800 Khoobehi.com

Art and Eyes 504-891-4494 ArtAndEyesNola.com Health is being able to see well – one of your most important senses.

Beauty is how good you can look in the right pair of frames!

Frames are jewelry. They can enhance your eye color, make your lashes and brows more prominent, and soften or enhance bone structure. Better than makeup!

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Dr. Kamran Khoobehi is a board-certified New Orleans, Louisiana plastic surgeon.

He is dedicated to mastering the art of cosmetic surgery and is admired by patients and peers for performing treatments with a sophisticated, personal touch. Dr. Khoobehi performs both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the face, breast and body. He is known throughout the New Orleans and Metairie communities for creating gorgeous outcomes that are both natural in appearance and long-lasting.

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pe rf o r m i n g a r t s

January

by Fritz Esker

January 30-February 4

17

22 & 24

24

An American in Paris

C.S. Lewis – The Most Reluctant Convert

From the Big Easy to the Big Apple Glass Orchestral Project – Carnegie Hall

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in Romeo and Juliette

This musical about a mysterious French girl and an American soldier falling in love in post-World War II Paris features unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin.

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

Max McLean brings to life the spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis, who went from being a debunker of religious faith to one of the world’s most respected Christian intellectuals. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

2

Get a preview of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s exciting Carnegie Hall debut program without the airfare.

Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

23-March 18

John Prine

19

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

This world-renowned songwriter, who has written for Johnny Cash, John Denver, Bonnie Raitt and others, is performing for one night only at the Orpheum. Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 523-6530, OrpheumNOLA.com

St. Vincent – Fear the Future Tour

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and featuring songs from the Disney film, this is the story of the lonely hunchback Quasimodo in 15th century Paris. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, 731-4700, JPAS.org

The multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter known as St. Vincent blends soft rock, electropop and jazz influences together in her show. Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe Ave., 272-0865, CivicNOLA.com

3-4

23

Shen Yun

20-25

Always … Patsy Cline

Shen Yun features classical Chinese dance, as well as ethnic, folk and story-based dance with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 525-1052, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

The Color Purple

This musical is full of down-home country humor, authentic emotion and classic Patsy Cline songs.

The Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St., 528-1943, NationalWW2Museum.org

The adaptation of Steven Spielberg’s classic film about the life of a young AfricanAmerican woman in the South won a 2016 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. The Saenger Theater, 1111 Canal St., 525-1052, SaengerNOLA.com

24 21 Debauchery!

New Orleans’ live, ongoing soap opera continues as sisters Chanel and Cartier continue their outrageous adventures.

Church of Yoga NOLA, 1480 N. Rocheblave St., 522-6545, SouthernRep.com

Platinum Comedy Tour Featuring Mike Epps

The Platinum Comedy Tour takes over UNO Lakefront Arena for a night of laughs with Mike Epps, Tony Rock, Deray Davis and special guest host Sommore. UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., 280-7171, Arena.UNO.edu

Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers gets an exotic French twist in this gorgeously original interpretation from renowned choreographer and director Jean-Christophe Maillot.

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 525-1052, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

24 Dead & Company

Original members of the Grateful Dead are touring with John Mayer providing vocals on several Grateful Dead classics. Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, 587-3663, SmoothieKingCenter.com

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.

P r e mi e r

Properties

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n o s ta lg i a

When Children Reigned The story of the Krewe of Nor

By Seale Paterson

Orleanians decided to start a new Mardi Gras krewe, but with a small twist: all the parading members would be schoolchildren.

Sponsored by the Association of Commerce with additional funding from schools and private donors, the Krewe of Nor (New Orleans Romance) debuted in 1934 on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, kicking off the outdoor Carnival festivities with a colorful and lively showing.

The floats were pulled not by the traditional mules, but by teams of costumed schoolboys, and depicted the theme “The History of New Orleans.” With 56 floats and 18 bands, Nor set a record for the largest amount of floats ever to parade by a single Carnival organization.

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The King, Queen and court members were randomly selected from names submitted by their schools. The King’s float stopped at City Hall for the traditional toast with Mayor Walmsley (substituting grape juice for champagne), where the young monarch was given the keys to the city. The next stop was the Queen’s viewing stand for a salute to the royal court.

The parade was a big success from the start, with crowds of spectators at each yearly showing through 1941. Subsequent years’ themes included: “The Streets of New Orleans,” “The Vieux Carré” and “The Peoples of New Orleans.”

The 1942-1945 Carnival parades were cancelled due to World War II, but the Krewe of Nor didn’t parade again for some years

because of a lack of funds.

Sponsored by the Exchange Club and the City of New Orleans, the 1948 “Songs on Parade” theme featured 35 floats and seven bands, with jeeps rather than children pulling the floats. The 1949 parade shared a similar theme, “Music Hath Charm,” but turned out to be the last appearance of the Krewe of Nor. The City withdrew its funding, and the schoolchildren of New Orleans went back to being spectators instead of parading. n The first Krewe of Nor parade told “The History of New Orleans” from the discovery of the Mississippi River and up to the 1934 completion of the Shushan (now Lakefront) Airport. This float depicts the “Naming of Louisiana” in 1682, and features French explorer Cavelier De LaSalle, Italian explorer Henri de Tonto of the Iron Hand, a priest and an Indian, perched among palmetto bushes.

Image provided courtesy of The Charles L Franck Collection at the Histo ric N ew Orleans Co llec ti on. Accession number 1979.325.3838.

In 1933, a group of civic-minded New