St. Charles Avenue October 2012

OCTOBER 2012

MAGAZINE

Chef Donald Link (seated), Ogden Museum of Southern Art Director William Andrews and Opus Awardwinner and international artist Lin Emery for the 2012 “O What a Night Gala” benefiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

on the cover

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s “O What a Night Gala” is in its eighth year, and this year promises to be “the event of the season with art, music and culinary talents that reflect the importance and influence of Southern culture across the globe.”

Featuring the creative culinary concoctions of James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link (of the Link Restaurant Group, including Herbsaint, Cochon and Butcher) and Chris Hastings (of Hot & Hot Fish Club of Birmingham, Ala.) and honoring internationally known kinetic sculptor Lin Emery with the 2012 Opus Award, the gala will also offer live music, as well as both a live and a silent auction of art and “artful objects” from noted Southern artists – and a special surprise. The gala takes place Saturday, October 13, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the museum, which is located at 925 Camp St. In addition, the patron party – by invitation for sponsors, benefactors and patrons – will be held at the Garden District home of Sara and Paul Costello on the preceding night, Friday, October 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature food by chef Rebecca Whitcomb of Herbsaint.

The funds raised at “O What a Night” allow director William P. Andrews and the museum to continue their mission of “showcasing the diversity and importance of Southern art” through exhibitions and education initiatives.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Colleen Connor at 539-9613 or email her at cconnor@ogdenmuseum.org. F Photographed by Jeffery Johnston.

Special thanks to Ogden Museum of Art public relations director Sue Strachan and to Sara and Paul Costello for the use of their home.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 1

table of contents

37

24

22 features 20 Take a Seat

The Louisiana Children’s Museum celebrates 14 years of “CHAIRish the Children.”

22 A Night of Hope

The American Cancer Society offers hope through celebration.

24 Modeling Excellence

The Youth Leadership Council honors 25 Role Models.

26 Mix It Up

Tales of the Cocktail celebrates a decade of toasts.

2 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

28 Frolicking at the Forum

The Historic New Orleans Collection hosts its “2012 Antique Forum Dinner.”

37 Special Section

Girl Scouts Council of Louisiana East honors 100 years of serving 23 Louisiana parishes.

32 Inspirational Achievers

New Orleans Magazine celebrates its Top Female Achievers of 2012.

34 Party Procedures

’Tis the season to play by the rules

by M.I. Scoggin

by Kelcy Wil b ur n

41 Special Section

30 A Gathering of the Green

Holiday Entertaining

Add an Antique: With numerous ways to shop, antique shopping is far from antiquated.

by Kelcy Wil b ur n

table of contents

70

18

14 standards 8 A Note From Bev 10 Cruisin’ the Crescent

b y s h e l b y w e s t f eldt

12 Skin Deep

The Hair Affair: 11 key looks for fall

By Cat Wall Aschaffenburg

14 What’s Hot: Art

b y H al e y A d ams

16 On the Menu

Fall Flavors With a Kick: Chef Joseph Maynard shares his Cane Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato and Chorio Hash, Swiss Chard and Chipotle Tamarind Peach Sauce.

4 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

18 The Dish

Eat Dessert First.

by Gwendoly n Knapp

73 To Your Health

Two Moves for Your Month: Learn a squat and walk to prevent breast cancer

68 Entertaining With Bev

Weddings Southern Style

by bev ch urch

74 Snapshots

70 With This Ring

Yancey – Adams

by Mallory Lindsly

72 Student Activist

Shelby Heath Meckstroth – The Taft School

by Mallory Lindsly

by Bi llY Katz and H uds o n E l l is

by Gabrielle B e th anc o ur t

80 Nostalgia

A Penny for Your Memory: There was more to the Pennyland Arcade than games of chance and luck.

by Seale P a te r s o n

Volume 16 Issue 4

Editorial Executive Editor Bev Church Editor Morgan Packard Art Director Tiffani Reding Beauty Columnist Cat Wall Aschaffenburg Society Columnist Shelby Westfeldt Associate Editors Haley Adams and Sarah Ravits Interns Gabrielle Bethancourt, Taylor Burley and Annie Weldon Advertising Sales Manager Jill Varney Account Executive Carey Faust Sales Assistant Erin Maher Production/Web Manager Staci McCarty Production Designer Sarah George Administration Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President/Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Executive Assistant Kristi Ferrante Distribution Manager Christian Coombs To subscribe or for office information: (504) 830-7231

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC Printed in USA 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 2012 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. 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.

6 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

on the web

{

saintcharlesavenue.com & myneworleans.com

}

Have Your Mags and Surf Them, Too We are proud to offer you the very best content, both printed and online. Renaissance Publishing offers you access to articles and images not just from St. Charles Avenue magazine, but from all of our print titles, as well as exclusive blogs and online columns. MyNewOrleans. com is your portal to all you need to know about lifestyle, dining, music, nightlife, homes, bridal information and more.

Visit us online, and be sure to check out the rebirth of Gulf Coast Wine + Dine in its new digital format, as well as our award-winning blogs:

R Mondays: Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde, three-time winner of the Alex Waller Award for print journalism, provides weekly commentary in “The Editor’s Room,” named “Best Local Blog” by the Press Club of New Orleans.

R Two-for-One Thursdays: MyNewOrleans.com’s dynamic duo of food-and-wine bloggers, Tim McNally and Robert Peyton, sounds off every Thursday on the latest news in high times and fine dining.

R Fridays: Returning this month, Eve Kidd Crawford – award-winning Managing Editor for Louisiana Life, New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles and Acadiana Profile – writes about what it means to be a family in New Orleans.

R Every other Tuesday, St. Charles Avenue editor Morgan Packard authors a biweekly column on Uptown Life, including parties, charity fundraisers and more.

R Sign Up for our Electronic Newsletter Get the latest blogs, magazine content and calendar information delivered straight to your inbox!

!

R Post a Comment to an Article Like what you’ve read? Share your insight in our online forum at SaintCharlesAvenue.com.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 7

a note from bev

Bobby Wozniak photo

Jim Lestelle, Jean Fahr and Joan Doyle standing in front of the 10,000th tree planted by Parkway Partners since Hurricane Katrina.

Parkway Partners’ “30th Anniversary Gala,” will be held October 25 at the Hyatt Regency from 6 to 9 p.m. A patron party will precede the gala on October 21 at 1001 Moss St. from 6 to 8 p.m. Dan Gill will receive the Green Spirit Award at the patron party, while 30 individuals – representing the 30 years of the organization – will be honored at the gala. Call 620-2224 or visit ParkwayPartnersNola.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is home to the largest collection of Southern art in the world, and we’re so proud to feature their biggest fundraiser, “O What a Night,” on our cover. Thanks so much to new director of the museum, William Andrews, famed chef Donald Link and Opus Award-winner and international artist Lin Emery. Co-chairs Allison Kendrick and Anna Beth Goodman promise the event of the season on Saturday, October 13, with art, music and culinary delights that reflect the importance of Southern culture across the globe.

There will be a live and a silent auction featuring art and artful objects from noted Southern artists, fabulous food from Donald Link and Chris Hastings and music by Larry Braggs, lead

8 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

singer of Tower of Power. You don’t want to miss this, so call 593-9613 for tickets!

Find more exceptional art in What’s Hot! This month we’re featuring art from local artists who are making their names nationally to national artists making their names locally, from Amanda Talley to Andy Warhol.

Now that we’re in the swing of fall fundraisers and deb parties, we’ve asked socialite, chanteuse extraordinaire and etiquette coach of several Mardi Gras Queens, M.I. Scoggin, to give us her expert advice on etiquette and what to wear to different events. What do you wear when the invitation says “Casual Chic?” Read her article to find out!

There is a new kids’ store on Metairie Road, and you’ll love it! B Kids (115 Metairie Road, Suite B) offers stylish threads for infants, toddlers and tweens with brands such as Splendid, Ella Moss, Juicy Couture, Tea Collection and more. Owner and operator of all things stylish and cool, Terryn Fudickar, believes “Kids have a mind of their own, and we strive to create a super fun and cool experience that invites them to explore trends and be creative in their clothing.” Their motto: B cool, B different, B you, B kids!

We all love the Curtain Exchange (3936 Magazine St., 897-2444, TheCurtainExchange.com), and Elaine Cullen tells me that as we move into fall it’s time to start planning for the holidays. She sees a trend away from silks toward linens, textured cottons and blends. “One of our favorite curtains right now is a treated linen that has a silver sparkle,” Cullen says. How great would that be in your dining room this Thanksgiving?

The other day we went to Manning’s Restaurant (519 Fulton St., 593-8118) and loved it! Be sure to visit it soon – great salads, hamburgers and more. We love you, Archie!

We are so sad about those still recovering from Hurricane Isaac.

Have a safe Halloween and have a great start to fall – I can’t wait for the cool weather; maybe we’ll have some by December! F

events submission

events 4 Come Hear What’s Cookin’ at Choice Foundation, benefiting Choice Foundation, 861-7957

Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, Gillian Stagg, 293-2618, gstagg@nocci.com

5 Louisiana Legends of Rock and Roll, benefiting Louisiana Museum Foundation, 558-0493, TheLMF.org

17 Ten Outstanding Persons Gala, benefiting Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 822-0800

6 An Evening of Champions.

3 Teams. 1 Goal, benefiting Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service and Tulane Hillel, 897-0143 7 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, benefiting American Cancer Society, 833-4024 10 St. Elizabeth’s Guild Volunteer Activists Awards, Rosalie Edwards, 466-8875 11 Lambeth On Broadway, benefiting Lambeth House Foundation, 865-1960 12 Up On the Roof Beer Tasting, benefiting Foundation at East Jefferson General Hospital, 456-5119

19 17th annual Pasta & Puccini, benefiting Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Jpas.org

If you would like your organization’s fundraising events to be listed in St. Charles Avenue’s Calendar of Events, please fill out this form and return to: St. Charles Avenue magazine 110 Veterans Blvd., suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 Attn: Morgan Packard fax 504/828-1385 or email: morgan@myneworleans.com

19 Magic in the Moonlight, benefiting New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation, 483-9386

Organization name:

20 Race for the Cure, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure New Orleans Affiliate, 455-7310 20 Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré, benefiting Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, 529-9755 20 Notre Dame Seminary 89th Anniversary Gala & Auction, benefiting, Notre Dame Seminary, 866-7426, ext. 3740 20 34th annual Howling Success, benefiting the Louisiana SPCA, 368-5191, La-SPCA.org

12 Monster Dash, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 455-5194

21 Martini Madness, benefiting Friends of City Park, 483-9376

13 O What A Night Gala, benefiting Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 539-9616

25 30th Anniversary Gala, benefiting New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, 620-2224

13 2012 Touro Here for Life Gala, benefiting Touro Infirmary, Harriett D. Cortez, 897-8744, harriett.cortez@touro.com 14 Senior Moments, benefiting Jefferson Council on Aging, 207-4691, lyager@jcoa.net, jcoa.net 14 9th annual Seelos Gala Dinner, benefiting National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, 525-2495 or 525-2499 15 Fall Into Fashion, benefiting Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Encore Shop, 861-9028 15 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, benefiting the American Cancer Society, 833-4024 17 Key to the Cure, benefiting

25 Roast of Carlos Miguel Prieto, benefiting the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, 523-6530, ext. 108 26 Sixth annual Golf Tournament, benefiting New Orleans Medical Mission Services, 392-1934 28 Walk Now for Autism Speaks, benefiting Autism Speaks, Allison Lindsly, 613-7250, alindsly@gmail.com 29 An Evening with Jewel, benefiting Breastoration, Ticketmaster.com 31 Bewitching Affaire, benefiting New Orleans Garden Society, Linda Skidmore Forman, (985) 845-0154, lindaskidmore11@hotmail.com

Organization address: Contact name: Contact phone: Contact e-mail: Contact fax: Event name: Event address: Event date: Event time: Cost of event: Phone number for info. & tickets: Chairs and co-chairs:

Board members:

Honorees:

A brief description of event:

A brief description of your charity:

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 9

cruisin’the crescent Well, we were all reminded that it’s hurricane season thanks to Isaac. Many of us stayed and rode out the storm and the aftermath, some without power for more than a week. It has been a while since New Orleanians have been advised to “hunker down” and not to evacuate.

It made me think of the storms before Katrina, the ones that were associated with no school, candles and board games – not floods and FEMA. Hurricanes are nothing to laugh about, as we all know, but having stayed and observed our community before, during and after Isaac, I remembered what it means for us to hunker down.

I recently had a good friend who had never experienced a hurricane move to New Orleans, and I was lucky enough to be with that person on his first trip to the grocery for hurricane supplies. It was funny watching his reaction; he walked in expecting everyone to be in a panic

By Shelby Westfeldt

and fighting over the last bottle of water. Instead what he saw was quite the opposite; everyone was friendly and chatty, exchanging tips on what white wines are good served warm and what canned foods complimented others. It was such a good feeling seeing the energy in the grocery store; we knew we were going to be without power, we know what it’s like to be without power and we all want to help each other through it because we know we’re all in the same boat.

In New Orleans, hunkering down means you’re going to be uncomfortable and cooped up for several days, but you’re going to make the most of it. We prepare for lack of power, lack of mobility but, most important, lack of entertainment.

Now I know Isaac was by no means “fun,” and I would never wish that upon us again, but I’m proud to be from a city with a spirit that can weather any storm. F

10 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Lady Highway Jewelry designer Rachel Luria debuted her new line at a trunk show in September. The New Orleans designer’s collection featured earrings and necklaces with unique baubles that she found around the city. The show was a hit; I bought two pieces myself! You can find more information on Lady Highway on Facebook.

1

1. Trunk show host Stephanie Willis and Lady Highway Jewelry designer Rachel Luria.

New Orleanians Mark and Colby Welsh celebrated their wedding ceremony in Destin, but were sure to bring their favorite local drink with them for the festivities. Mojitos, concocted by the bartenders from Magazine Street bar St. Joe’s, were served as the sun went down during their reception at The Destin Bay House. The outdoor wedding took place on the water at sunset, and afterwards guests enjoyed sliders and danced into the evening to the music of Cadillac Willy. Afterwards, the happy couple headed to Key West to celebrate their honeymoon.

2

New Orleans-based dancing group, the 610 Stompers, held their third annual “Ball Crawl” this year. They invited the public to dance and parade with them from bar to bar. The group donated all proceeds to charity.

5

3

4 2. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Welsh 3. Gordon McLeod and Kathryn Brennan at the reception.

4. Welles Fitzpatrick (center) celebrates his birthday with cousin James Lapeyre and good friend Ryan Adkerson

5. Stompers Patrick “The Doctor” Ford, Patrick “P-Stachio” Young and Chris “Rainmaker” Herrington all took a breather with frozen mojitos at Superior Seafood.

{

Heard something interesting for “cruisin’ the crescent?”

If so, please send it to: St. Charles Avenue 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, La. 70005 or email: Shelby@MyNewOrleans.com

}

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 11

skin deep

By Cat Wall Aschaffenburg

1

2

4

The Hair Affair

3

5

11 key looks for fall 7 6

9

10 11

12 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

As the warmer nights fade and the days shorten, our sense of style changes. We don new clothes and accessories for autumn; some for fashion’s sake, while others for practicality as we seek to keep warm and dry. And whenever we adapt our style or fashion to a new season, there often comes the need to adapt our hairstyles – not all haircuts and colors are suited to all seasons.

More often than not, however, we simply feel like we’re bored with the old, and a new season is the perfect excuse to change a hairstyle.

1. 1960s ponytail: Sitting low at nape of the neck with a little volume on the crown, this ponytail looks chic and effortless.

Add a cat-eye liner, and wow!

2. 1960s bob: Bob. Vintage. Vintage Bob. I know by now you’ve read those words and have gotten the picture: vintage hairstyles are “in” for fall and winter. The 1960s bob is a case of leaving the ’20s behind, however, and giving the bob a lot of volume, texture and sex appeal.

3. Indie fringe: Fringes, otherwise known as bangs, are seldom “out,” but the way they’re cut and styled changes each season. For fall/winter 2012, the look is all about a thick, long cut with plenty of tousled appeal.

4. Textured side-braid: Fall and winter are seasons in which textured hairstyles are natural for most people.

8 You can play it up, however, with a textured side-braid that updates the popular braided hairstyle with a winter infusion. Leave a few strands more loose than sleek.

5. Equestrian ponytail: This season the equestrian ponytail gets a softer reworking. Textured on top and finished with a leather tie, it’s a fresh take on the classic pony.

6. Twist: Do you like the textured side braid but don’t necessarily have thick enough hair to make it work? Try the twisted hairstyle. This softly waved hairstyle looks great with long hair, but it’s just as adaptable to shorter hairstyles. Just twist your front pieces and secure with a bobby pin (hide the bobby pins, please).

7. Tousled, flowing hair: It is simple enough that you can wear it all year round, but this tousled flowing hairstyle is particularly perfect for winter. Forget the weather – it’s all about having a bit of texture and careless wave.

8. Vintage wavy bob: Inspired by the 1920s fashion revival, this short hairstyle is actually a faux bob. Make a low ponytail and tuck and pin the ends under to make longer hair look perfectly bobbed.

9. Knotted chignon: Always a classic – try experimenting with a clean center part and low chignon. Perfect for longer hair, you can make it more unique with the addition of a little knotted effect.

10. Flapper bob: There is the faux bob and there’s the real haircut. Whichever it is that you like, this winter is all about styling it with a vintage flair.

11. Plaited buns: It counteracts the frizziness that normally comes with winter, and it has the perfect girly edge. This plaited bun look comes straight from Marc Jacobs’ fall/winter 2012 runway. Pair it with dark, grungy makeup or a look that’s a little softer and more romantic. The key point is that it’s such a simple hairstyle to master that you’ll find it easy to personalize and make your own statement.

As always, the key to trends is to see what looks good on you! F

what’s hot

{

By haley adams

Art

}

Though the city of New Orleans is synonymous with music, its talented visual artists and art galleries are important pieces to the city’s cultural prominence. The city is full of works that could spruce up any room in your home. Whether it’s a painting from a local artist or an iconic screenprint from Andy Warhol, find a new piece of art this fall in your favorite local gallery.

1

2

1. Marina from Marina’s Watercolours creates custom paintings of houses – a great keepsake for you or a loved one. The artist works from a photograph that she takes or the customer sends. The paintings are available in 5-by-7, 8-by-10 and 11-by-14, and they can also be made into cards.

Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania, 891-7018, JudyAtTheRink.com

3 2. “Untitled” by Hunt Slonem is a 34-by-30 acrylic on canvas. “Using vibrant color and loose abstract forms, Slonem captures the lush landscapes of southern Louisiana,” says Martine Chaisson of Martine Chaisson Gallery. The inspiration for Slonem’s new Bayou Series came from his two 19th-century plantations in Louisiana. Martine Chaisson Gallery, 727 Camp St., 302-7942, MartineChaissonGallery.

3. “Bayou Teche, Lost World” is part of “Louisiana Reveries” by Thomas Sully, the October show for the Jean Bragg Gallery. The oil on canvas is a 22-by-28 painting.

“I first experienced the beauty of Bayou Teche when I evacuated to St. Mary Parish during Hurricane Katrina,” Sully says in his artist’s statement. “It offered solace then and to this day provides a rich vein of landscape subjects. I take my place in a long line of Romantic painters who have been attracted to this haunting landscape for centuries.”

Jean Bragg Gallery, 600 Julia St., 895-7375, JeanBragg.com select photos by cheryl gerber

14 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

4

5 6 7

4. Martin Lawrence Galleries is home to original paintings, sculpture and limited edition graphics by Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt and more famous artists. “Marilyn #25” is a 36-by-36 hand-signed screenprint by Andy Warhol from 1967. Martin Lawrence Galleries, 433 Royal St., 299-9055, MartinLawrence.com

5. This abstract 36-by-48 acrylic on birch panel titled “Grayton” is by Amanda Talley. The local artist received her masters in fine arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has been a part of exhibitions all over the South. Studio Amanda Talley, 1382 Magazine St., 595-3136, AmandaTalley.com

6. This piece is one of the works from Newcomb Art Gallery’s current exhibition “Image Transfer: Pictures in a Remix Culture.” The exhibition “brings together artists who divert commonplace visual materials into new territories of expression to spotlight evolving attitudes toward the repurposing of existing photographic imagery,” says Teresa Parker of Newcomb Art Gallery. See all of the pieces before the exhibition closes October 14. Newcomb Art Gallery, Tulane University, Woldenberg Art Center (Building 81), 865-5328, NewcombArtGallery.tulane.edu

7. Ashley Longshore’s “Audrey with 42 monarchs” is a diptych, a work made of two hinged panels, from the Longshore Studio Gallery.

Each panel is 108-by-54 acrylic and mixed media on canvas with heavy resin.

Longshore Studio Gallery, 4848 Magazine St., 458-5500, AshleyLongshore.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 15

on the menu

Fall Flavors with a Kick

Chef Joseph Maynard shares his Cane Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash, Swiss Chard and Chipotle Tamarind Peach Sauce

{ 16 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Criollo Restaurant and Lounge Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 523-3341, reservations (866) 338-4684, HotelMonteleone.com/Criollo

}

photographed by jeffery johnston

recipe Cane Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash, Swiss Chard and Chipotle Tamarind Peach Sauce Marinated Pork Tenderloin 1/4 cup walnut oil 2 Tablespoons minced ginger 3/4 cup cane molasses 1 large red onion, diced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground 6 pieces 7-ounce pork tenderloin Place all ingredients, except pork, in a bowl and combine. Marinate pork for a minimum of 12 hours.

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash 1 1/2 cups sweet potato, diced into 1/2-inch pieces 1 1/2 cups chorizo, cooked 1/4 cup roasted sweet potato 3 Tablespoons red onion 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground 1 Tablespoon olive oil Blanch diced sweet potato. In a medium skillet sauté onions in oil for 4 minutes over medium heat and then add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine; cook for a further 3 minutes.

Chipotle Tamarind Peach Sauce 1 cup ripe peaches, pit removed 1/4 cup tamarind concentrate 1 each chipotle pepper 3 Tablespoons shallot, minced 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar 4 Tablespoons white wine 1 cup roasted chicken stock 1 teaspoon white pepper 2 Tablespoons kosher salt Sauté onions over medium heat until translucent, then add brown sugar and cook until dissolved. Place remaining ingredients in pan and return pan to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes then purée in blender until smooth.

Return to pot and simmer, slowly reducing.

Swiss Chard 2 pounds Swiss chard, cut into thin strips 4 Tablespoons shallot, minced 3 Tablespoons white wine 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon white pepper 2 Tablespoons kosher salt Sauté onions over medium heat until translucent, then add chard. Turn heat to high and sauté for 2 minutes more, then deglaze with white wine and season.

Cook pork; rest for 5 minutes then slice on bias. Place a portion of hash in the center of a plate; top with a portion of chard. Place four pieces of pork with a shingle on top. Drizzle sauce around and garnish with green onion.

Serves 6. F

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 17

the dish

By Gwendolyn Knapp

Blue Dot donuts

Adrian’s Bakery | 2016 O.C. Haley Blvd. | 875-4302 | Adrians-Bakery.com Blue Dot Donuts | 4301 Canal St. | 218-4866 | BlueDotDonuts.com Buttermilk Drop | 1781 N. Dorgenois St. | 252-4538 | ButtermilkDrop.com Il Posto Cafe | 4607 Dryades St. | 895-2620 | IlPostoCafe-nola.com Shake Sugary | 3600 St. Claude Ave. | 355-9345 | ShakeSugary.com Tartine | 7217 Perrier St. | 866-4860 | TartineNewOrleans.com

Halloween? Blue dot has Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches; that’s right,

In the world of New Orleans food trends, we’re always hearing about burgers, hot dogs and housemade charcuterie, which is fine – fabulous even. But lately there’s also an artisanal pastry renaissance happening around town, featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and it’s possible you haven’t heard.

Here are four bakeries that are turning out must-eat treats now: Blue Dot Donuts. Walk into this Mid-City doughnut mecca on

any given morning (they open at 6 a.m., early birds) and prepare to weep. It is that glorious. Sure the dining area is small, plain and hardly anything to write home about. But one look at the case of crullers, Bacon Maple Long Johns, doughnut holes and colorful array of artisanal doughnuts and any heart will melt like hot icing. The glazed doughnuts here are sinful, and the buttermilk doughnut is so sweet it’s best shared. Want to see a child turn into a ghoul this

18 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Biscuit

ain’t your average biscuit: a tad sweet with bits of glazed bacon, the sweet potato The Buttermilk Drops at Buttermilk adds a density to Drop. Before Mr. Henry made it big the biscuit and in Beasts of the Southern Wild (he’s resists the urge to even been on Oprah Super Sunday, dry out – no need y’all), he was known for his delicious for butter here. All fried and glazed drops, which are breakfast items, still the best.

{

try this

Eat Dessert First

two doughnut of your choice – seasonal options include Pumpkin and Sweet Potato – and a heaping scoop of New Orleans Ice Cream in the middle. Just like a good cheese elevates a crappy wine, Blue Dot’s cake doughnut – the blueberry and strawberry flavors are especially of note – works wonders for a mediocre cup of coffee, which is a good thing to know for work parties. On a gorgeous October day, take a stroll over to Blue Dot. They have a tiny seating area out front overlooking the large oak trees on this section of Canal Street and, if you’re lucky enough to avoid a line, get a hot doughnut and freshly brewed coffee. There’s no better way to welcome a cool fall morning.

The Shake Sugary. This littleknown bakery on St. Claude Avenue in Bywater is housed in a small brick building that used to be a barbershop. The only indication of the business is the small chalkboard placed out front every Saturday and Sunday – the only days it’s open – by owner and baker Dawn Snead. The

including muffins and scones, require a minimum half-dozen order. The giant coconut macaroon cookies are especially of note. You don’t see these cookies very much anymore and they’re somewhat of a throwback, but from a bakery named after a legendary blues lady, Elizabeth Cotten, it’s edible Americana at its best.

Adrian’s Bakery. Central City has long been in need of some sweet loving, or sweets-loving anyway. In August, Adrian’s Bakery opened for business in the Franz Building on O.C. Haley Boulevard, renovated by the Good Work Network, a nonprofit that provides support to minority and women-owned small business.

Known for their elaborate cakes – from a Dooney and Bourke handbag to a diaper bag – the bakery caters to sugar lovers. Come Mardi Gras time, the bakery will be a must-try for King Cake. Until then, éclairs, turtles and praline cake – pound cake topped with a praline topping – will have to do.

What about scones? Two Uptown destinations, Il Posto Cafe and Tartine, make outstanding versions of the pastry, rotating seasonal ingredients. F

}

photographed by steven hronek

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

1

2

4

3

1. Walt Navoy, executive director Julia Bland and Scott Cunningham 2. Mason and Jennifer Couvillon 3. Co-chairs Gina McMahon and Maria Huete with Pam Williams 4.

David and Lisa Farnsworth 5. Amanda Lo and Tara Labiche 6. Joey and Enola Richard with Dottie and David Haydel 7. The gala’s carnival theme extended throughout the museum.

Take a Seat

The Louisiana Children’s Museum celebrates 14 years of “CHAIRish the Children.”

August 25, The Louisiana Children’s Museum opened its big blue doors to the adults for their 14th annual CHAIRish the Children Gala. The gala featured one-of-akind hand-painted chairs from local artists and organizations, and all proceeds went to the LCM. For this year’s event, the museum was transformed into a magical carnival starting at 6:30 p.m. with a patron party, where cocktails by Cupcake Vodka and hors d’oeuvres

by Chef David Slater of Emeril’s were served to guests. Following the patron party, the gala took

place from 8 to 11 p.m., where guests were treated to cuisine from more than 20 gourmet restaurants, including Galatoire’s, Ralph’s on the Park, Acme Oyster House, Creole Creamery and Louisiana Sisters.

Republic National Distributing Company and Cordina Frozen Beverages provided drinks. To add to the theme, festive snacks such as gourmet popcorn from the Popcorn Bistro and cotton candy from Poof Gourmet Candy were served.

Groovy 7 provided entertainment for the evening, and there was also a silent and a live auction. Beautifully

20 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

spa service packages, French designed chairs by Chet Pourciau culture classes and more. Lee Design, Lizano’s Glass-Haus, Michael’s Jewelry also provided a Matthew Holdren Woodworking, Karoline Schleh, Stephanie Osborne $1,500 raffle.

The Louisiana Children’s and more were auctioned off to Museum promotes hands-on benefit the LCM. Silent auction participatory learning for children items featured vacation packages of all ages. F to Disney World; Saints, Voodoo and Hornets ticket packages; event at a glance along with What: 14th annual “CHAIRish the Children pottery pieces, Gala,” benefiting the Louisiana Children’s prints, paintings, Museum jewelry by local When: Saturday, August 25 artists, restaurant Where: The Louisiana Children’s Museum gift certificates,

{

}

Photographed by Melissa calico

5

6

7

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 21

philanthropic fun

By gabrielle bethancourt

1

2

3 1. Honorees Dr. Julie KanterWashko and Dr. William Wells with Nancy Parker and Glen Boyd 2. Lorrie Lee and Clark Castle 3.

Honoree Dr. Greg Henkelmann and Chandra Sekar with honorees Barbara Servat and Dr. Jaime Morales 4. Lisa Picone and Ed Trapido 5. Honorees Dr. Craig Lotterman and Dr. Sean Collins 6. Colleen Lemoine and vice president, Louisiana Terry Birkhoff

A Night of Hope

The American Cancer Society offers hope through celebration

More than 600 guests, including corporate sponsors, business leaders, philanthropic leaders and underwriters, attended the Hope Gala at the Shops at Canal Place on August 18. Event chairs Clark Castle and Ron Forman made sure every guest could enjoy the night and celebrate survivors, as well as help raise money for

cancer research. The patron party started at 6:30 p.m. with the gala following at 8 p.m. Popular local band The Bucktown All-Stars played at the event, and guests participated in exciting silent and live auctions.

The 2012 Spirit Award Honorees were: Dr. Nagarajan Chandrasekaran, Dr. Sean M. Collins, Dr. Gregory Henkelmann,

22 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Dr. Julie Kanter-Washko, Dr. Craig Lotterman, Dr. Matthew McElveen, Dr. Jamie Morales, Barbara Servat RN OCN and Dr. William Wells.

The American Cancer Society aims to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people to stay well and get well, find cures and fight back

against a disease that has taken too much from us all. F

{

event at a glance

}

What: “Hope Gala,� benefiting the American Cancer Society When: Saturday, August 18 Where: The Shops at Canal Place

Photographed by steven hronek

4

5

6

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 23

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

1

2 1. Board president Alyssa Wenck with honorary gala co-chairs Kathy Hebert and John Landrum and gala chair Askala Harris 2. Dick Simmons and honoree Betsy Nalty 3. Lisa and honoree John Sibal with honoree Martha Landrum 4. Honorees Darren Mire and Paul Valteau 5. Howell and Katie Crosby with honoree Gerry and Jeanne Barousse 6. Matthew Treuting and Bradley McCoy 7. Kevin Douglass, Aimee Willem, Patrick Walsh and Scott Binhings

4

3

Modeling Excellence The Youth Leadership Council honors 25 Role Models.

The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) honored 25 members of its 2012 Role Model Class at its 26th annual “Role Model Awards Gala.” The event took place on Saturday, August 11 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans hotel. Every year, the YLC honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in the community and have proved to be exceptional examples of the YLC. Master of ceremonies Chris Trew welcomed guests, and YLC

Executive Director Amy Boyle Collins introduced the 2012 Role Model video and awards presentation. Chair Askala Harris made the opening remarks, Bishop Morris K. Thompson Jr. provided the invocation and entertainment for the evening was provided by the Bucktown Allstars. Kathy R. Herbert, YLC president 2004, and John F. Landrum, YLC president from 1989-’90, were named as honorary chairs; past-presidents Alyssa Wenck and Joseph L.

24 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Giarrusso presented the awards.

Members of the 2012 Role Model Class include: Gerard W. Barousse Jr., Janet Bean, Dwayne Bernal, Michael Brown, Chimene Grant Connor, Mark Costanzo, Karen B. DeSalvo M.D., Paul H. Flower, Elizabeth “Shane” French M.D., Tara Hernandez, Thomas Kitchen, Martha M. Landrum, Kathryn LeBlanc, Mike McKenzie, Darren Mire, Elizabeth “Betsy” Nalty,

Cydi Nquyen, John Payne, Sandy Rosenthal, Suzanne Rusovich, John W. Sibal, Ronnie L. Slone, Sarah Newell Usdin, Paul Valteau and Matt Wisdom. F

{

event at a glance What: “2012 Role Model Awards Gala,” benefiting The Youth Leadership Council When: Saturday, August 11 Where: The Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel

}

Photographed by Melissa Calico

5

6

7

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 25

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

2

1

3

4 1. Holly Jones, Mike Prasad and Steve Schnelwar 2. Kaylyn Mansfield, Melissa Woolridge and Chloe Martin 3. Pedro Ochoa, Eryn Reece and Danny Mena 4.

Kristin Stolte, Dave Stolte, Paul Harrington and Camper English

Mix It Up

Tales of the Cocktail celebrates a decade of toasts.

Tales of the Cocktail celebrated 10 fabulous years on Thursday, July 26, with “A World Class Affair” Diageo Happy Hour at the Old U.S. Mint.

World Class U.S. invited 800 guests to celebrate the art of the cocktail while experiencing international mixology. Special guest world-class mixologists included: U.S. winner and New Orleans Native Ricky Gomez; Australia’s 2012 winner Tim Phillips; Japan’s

2011 winner Manabu Ohtake and London’s 2010 winner Erik Lorincz. The winners were selected as Diageo’s World Class competition winners at the international bartending competition.

Members of the United States Bartenders Guild were also in attendance. USBG members included Jim Meehan, Tony Abou-Ganim, Steve Olson and USBG president Dave Nepore.

The theme for the event was a

Brazillian-inspired oasis, and New Orleans Catering provided the food. Guests had the opportunity to sample some of Diageo’s “cocktail classics with a twist” incorporating gin, tequila, whiskey, vodka and rum.

Dan Dunn of “Dan Dunn’s Happy Hour” on SirusXM radio broadcasted live, and DJ Erock came down from New York to spin.

This year’s happy hour

{

was a celebration of Diageo World Class, the largest international bartender education program in the world. F

event at a glance What: “A World Class Affair” Diageo Happy Hour, benefiting Tales of the Cocktail When: Thursday, July 26 Where: Old U.S. Mint

}

Photographed by Melissa Calico

26 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 27

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

2

1

3

4 1. Speaker Scott Stephenson, board member Pat Smith and board president Fred Smith 2. Speaker Robert Cheney, Julie Jardine and board member Drew Jardine 3. David Briggs, executive director Priscilla Lawrence and Mark Romig 4. CEO Michael and Pam Cohn

Frolicking at the Forum

The Historic New Orleans Collection hosts its “2012 Antique Forum Dinner.”

On Saturday, August 4, The Historic New Orleans Collection held its “2012 Antique Forum Dinner” at the Royal Salons of the Hotel Monteleone.

During cocktail hour while hors d’oeuvres were passed, cellist Briana Belding-Peck, violinist Janet Heumann and flute player Joyce Kennedy played classical music for the guests.

Guests then enjoyed a four-course dinner that included blue crab and avocado purée with a crabmeat ceviche doughnut and Steen’s glaze; an heirloom tomato and

housemade mozzarella Napoleon and micro basil and olive tapenade with rosemary infused balsamic drizzle; a rosette of beef with grilled diver scallops, black summer truffle risotto and golden chanterelle concassé; and Ponchatoula strawberry Charlotte and Valhorna white chocolate Bavarois with hazelnut and mango coulis.

Special guests that attended included: Priscilla Lawrence, Executive Director of The Historic New Orleans Collection; John M. Lawrence, Director of the Museum Programs at the HNOC and

28 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

speaker; Jack Pruitt Jr., Director of Development and External Affairs at the HNOC and event organizer; Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and a member of the New Orleans Antique Forum Honorary Advisory Committee; Christopher W. Lane, speaker, co-owner of Philadelphia Print Shop West in Denver and a featured appraiser on the popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow”;

{

Robert Cheney, speaker, Director of Science Technology and Clock at Skinner, Inc. in Boston and a featured appraiser on “Antiques Roadshow”; and Eleanor Gustofson of The Magazine Antiques. F

event at a glance

}

What: “2012 Antique Forum Dinner,” benefiting The Historic New Orleans Collection When: Saturday, August 4 Where: Royal Salons of The Hotel Monteleone

Photographed by Melissa Calico

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 29

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

2

1

3

4

1. Glen Boyd, CEO Jackie Alexander, Nancy Parker and board president Robyn Merrick 2. Ken and Kelder Summers-Jones with treasurer Peggy and Robert Armstrong 3.

Cerise McClendon, Betsy Stoner and Jacquelyn Daniels 4. Therese and Austin Badon

A Gathering of the Green

Girl Scouts Council of Louisiana East honors 100 years of serving 23 Louisiana parishes.

Saturday, June 23, guests danced to the music of Gina Brown and Anutha Level at the Girl Scouts Council of Louisiana East’s “Rhapsody in Green Gala.”

The organization celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. The fundraiser benefits GSLE and the 23 Louisiana parishes they serve.

The soirée featured both a silent and a live auction. Silent auction items included JetBlue Airline tickets, Disney World tickets, a

weeklong stay at the Costa Azul Resort in Mexico, artwork from Terrence Osborne and a weekend stay at the Hotel Mazarin. The live auction featured a signed centennial umbrella. Linda Law Clark, Girl Scout alumna and board member, won and used it to lead a celebratory second-line.

Guests also enjoyed delicious cuisine by the Hilton Riverside Hotel, and a centennial toast was led by board chair Robyn Merrick, who toasted Girl Scouts founder,

Juliette Low, the volunteers, alumnae, families and future and present Girl Scouts.

Special guests included Mistress of Ceremonies, Girl Scout alumna and Fox 8 News Anchor, Nancy Parker; State Representative Austin Badon; GSLE CEO Jackie Alexander; volunteer gala chair Betsy Stoner; board members Linda Law Clark, Therese Badon,

Peggy T. Armstrong, Julie Z. LeBlanc, Jacquelyn S. Daniels, Patricia A. Day, Kelly A. Dolese, Carolyn K. Morse and Beth LeBlanc of Whitney Bank. F

{

event at a glance

}

What: “Rhapsody in Green Gala” celebrating the 100th anniversary of and benefiting Girl Scouts Council of Louisiana East When: Saturday, June 23 Where: The Hilton Riverside Hotel

Photographed by Steven Hronek

30 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 31

philanthropic fun

By Annie Weldon

1

2

4

3

1. Honorees: (back row) Nancy Degan, Suzanne Perron, Betty Landreaux, Diane Boazman, Kathleen Calhoun Nettleton Rebecca Winchell, LouAnn Lofton, Virginia P. Saussy, Kim Sport, Kay Morrison, Diane Mack, (front row) Dr. Tlaloc Alferez, Johan Barrios, Sister Camille Anne Campbell, chef Haley Bittermann and Anne Redd 2. Honoree Rebecca Winchell (center) with her daughters and guests 3.

Honoree Suzanne Perron with her guests 4. Honoree Anne Redd with her guests

Inspirational Achievers

New Orleans Magazine celebrates its Top Female Achievers of 2012

New Orleans Magazine presented its Top Female Achievers at a luncheon on Tuesday, July 17.

The event in the Grand Ballroom at the W New Orleans honored 16 stellar women with champagne and delicious lunch.

Susan Larson, host of “The Reading Life,” former book editor of The TimesPicayune, vice president of literary programming for the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival and board member of the New Orleans Public Library, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Top female achievers included:

Anne Redd, civic volunteer and political consultant; Kathleen Calhoun Nettleton, president, publisher and co-owner of the Pelican Publishing Company; Haley Bittermann, corporate executive chef and director of operations of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group; Sister Camille Anne Campbell, president and principal of Mount Carmel Academy; Dr. Tlaloc Alferez, internist and infectious disease specialist; Johan Barrios, civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans; Diane Mack, announcer

and producer at WWNO-FM; Nancy Degan, lawyer; Diane Boazman and Betty Landreaux, co-owners and directors of Home Care Solutions; Suzanne Perron, designer and author of Designing in Ivory and White; Rebecca Winchell, aneurysm survival activist; LouAnn Lofton, writer; Kay Morrison, owner of the Occasional Wife; Virginia P. Saussy, vice president of sale and operations at Sucré and creative director and chair of themes and floats for the Krewe of Muses; Kim Sport,

{

attorney and community activist.

The W Hotel, Grow With Us florist and produce market, Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village and Thibodaux Regional Medical Center sponsored the event. All proceeds from the event benefited Grace House. F

event at a glance

}

What: New Orleans Magazine’s Top Female Achievers awards luncheon, benefiting Grace House.

When: Tuesday, July 17 Where: The Grand Ballroom, W Hotel, New Orleans

Photographed by Steven Hronek

32 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 33

Party Procedures

I

n New Orleans, the cultural season lasts all year. What to attend? What to wear?

It is time to prepare for the parties; time to brush up on your etiquette!

The word “etiquette” comes from Old French, meaning “prescribed rules, forms and practices established for behavior in polite society.” Sounds heavy? Not really – because everything old is new again.

Let us start with what to do when invitations arrive. Mark your calendar when you decide which ones to accept. Then – and this is very important – R.S.V.P.: Répondez s’il vous plaît. In plain English that means answer the invitations if you please … Now! But how? A hand-written note would be nice, but there are other, more modern ways of communication. First, check the invitation to see if a preferred manner is indicated; if so, respond as requested. If not, a phone call or a simple email will suffice. But please, answer quickly, as it helps the host to know in advance the number of guests who’ll be in attendance. It would surprise you to know how many people are guilty of not responding at all. You definitely don’t want to be one of those people who get the dreaded phone call the day before the soirée, “Hi there, Susan! Are you coming to the Smith party tomorrow night?” Oh my, what a faux pas.

What to wear to the party? “Dress casual” appearing in the lower right corner of the invitation always gives a guest a confusing signal at best. It is up to the host to spell out what he means when he uses that ambiguous directive. It is up to you, however, to call the host if you don’t understand the dress code.

But whatever you do, don’t equate “dress casual” with sloppy clothes or come in any “old thing.” (See the sidebar for more information on dress codes.)

For a wedding or a large, more formal gathering, the rules are pretty standard. If the

celebration is before six o’clock, a dark suit for a man and a dressy ensemble for a lady would be acceptable. After seven o’clock the dress is black-tie for a man and a more formal dress for a lady. Most importantly, always dress with confidence!

Speaking of confidence, have you ever noticed that men aren’t as confident in these choices of what to wear as women are? They are a bit more anxious about their apparel.

An hour or so before the party, men begin to phone one another asking what exactly to wear. Of course they all know that summertime demands a white linen suit or seersucker. They also know that a gentleman never leaves the house without a white handkerchief in his breast pocket.

Party invitations may well specify a party – say at Halloween or Mardi Gras. Some guests may feel self-conscious wearing a costume.

Try to overcome that feeling and join in the fun with the other guests, and don’t be afraid to show off a little. You will have a much better time and so will the other guests – because of you.

As for the cocktail party, it’s the crowd favorite. Be sure to arrive on time. You don’t have to stay all night, but make your presence known early. Smile! Work the crowd! Make sure you introduce yourself to strangers.

Give them your full name, not some obscure nickname or, heaven forbid, your confirmation name – keep that for another meeting.

What a good time you had at the party – relay this message to the host the week after the party in a quick thank you note. You didn’t even have to worry about what fork to use and never once felt the need to assuage your insecurity or awkwardness by whipping out your cell phone to check Facebook and text your friends to make plans for tomorrow. You know why? Because you brought your consid-

’Tis the season to play by the rules.

by M.I. Scoggin

eration of others and your manners to the party – those never go out of style.

Have fun this season – and all year long! F

entire attires Black Tie Men: tuxedo or dark blue suit Ladies: cocktail dress; must embellish with heirloom jewelry or eye-catching earrings Formal Attire Men: white tie and tails Ladies: long dress or ball gown Casual Men: collared shirt, slacks (no shorts, please), loafers and forget the tie Ladies: skinny jeans, a fabulous top and flats Casual Chic Men: blazer, collared shirt, tie and red suspenders optional with alligator or turtle loafers (a must) Ladies: designer jeans, a fabulous top, jewelry and heels Business Casual Men and ladies: wear what you wore to work that day Festive Attire Almost always has to do with holidays – Halloween, Christmas, Mardi Gras. Don’t be afraid to wear something outlandish – men are more attractive to women if they’ve given some thought or concern to what they’re wearing. Better to err on the side of “dressing up your casual attire” rather than “dressing it down.” Make a statement.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 35

36 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Whimsy

Martin Wine Cellar

Holiday Entertaining

By Kelcy Wilburn

T

he onset of fall marks the beginning of one of the busiest, yet most welcome, times of year.

With several major holidays in four months – not to mention a variety of festivals, Saints and LSU football and an upcoming New Orleans Super Bowl – there is no lack of reasons to gather friends and family for a celebration during fall and winter. Halloween is right around the corner with Thanksgiving shortly to follow, and Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s will be here before you know it.

Those hosting a holiday party or fall/winter gathering of any kind would do well to start planning now, as well-designed, customized events can take weeks of proper preparation. From invitations and décor to the food and favors, covering all your bases doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you enlist the help of local party experts.

Once you pick a date, Betty

Hunley of Betty Hunley Designs recommends getting a jump on invitations.

“Start your guest list as soon as you decide to have a party,” says Hunley. “Get the invitations in the mail a month ahead of time, which means ordering them about six weeks before the event.”

A stationary and invitation boutique, Betty Hunley Designs (6057

and part retail boutique, Betty Hunley Designs is open MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday-themed family photographs are always popular for holiday cards; additionally, enlarged and framed photos can add a personal touch to your holiday décor. A long-established New Orleans institution, Orient

Magazine St., 895-2870, BettyHunley. com) has been a staple in New

Expressed (3905 Magazine St., (888) 856-3948, OrientExpressed.com)

Orleans for nearly 30 years. The boutique stocks a vast array of printable papers from which to choose, and Hunley’s creativity adds the finishing touch that officially gets the party started.

Customizable party accessories are also available, as well as traditional and non-traditional holiday cards.

While six weeks is the ideal timetable for custom orders, in-house invitations can be printed quickly, and Hunley assures that even last-minute orders will be accommodated. Part studio

continues to dress area children for every occasion with their exclusive hand-smocked clothing for boys and girls. New to Orient Expressed is a trendy new line of outfits for the “tween” age group of girls.

Great for family photos and for holiday events, Orient Expressed’s classic style is the perfect balance of whimsy and sophistication.

In addition to children’s clothing, Orient Expressed offers party-friendly home décor items such as table settings, serving trays and platters.

Orient Expressed

When preparing the home for an event, many people limit themselves to the interior. Local entrepreneur and designer Beverly Katz of Exterior Designs,

Inc. (866-0276, ExteriorDesignsBev. com) offers a fresh perspective on

party décor with Partyscape™, an outdoor landscaping service tailored to your event.

“Partyscape goes a step beyond the interior florist,” says Katz. “I work on the outside. It’s not just adding mulch and planting – I make everything more lush, make sure you have pots and add color to match the interior or the theme of the party.”

One unique aspect of Katz’s work is its lasting quality. Whereas interior floral arrangements may droop in a week or two, a Partyscape™ can last for months or longer. Exterior Designs offers the option of maintenance in addition to design, so those who October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 37

avocado, nuts, dried cranberries, beets, several meats and seven different cheeses.” All create-yourown and signature salads at Fresh Bar can be made into wraps, with each wrap platter feeding 12 to 14 people.

Equally important as the food are the beverages, and local wine and spirits experts at Martin Wine

Cellar (3500 Magazine St., 894-7420; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7300; MartinWine.com) have fall and

Fresh Bar

want annuals replanted or need occasional pruning can make sure Katz’s neat, clean and colorful vision remains intact.

Depending on the size of the desired Partyscape™, the design and implementation can take up to two months.

“A week would be last-minute,” says Katz, “but I could do something. Three to four weeks is appreciated and gives us time to scout the property.”

In addition to customizing your invitations and landscaping, party favors and accessories should make your list of to-dos.

Customizable, Styrofoam “go-cups” are always popular, as well as personalized napkins, plastic cups and party favors.

A fully stocked party boutique, Whimsy (5420 Magazine St., 273-5900, MyWhimsy.com), features holiday

décor in addition to party supplies such as plates, napkins, Styrofoam cups, party favors and gifts.

From quirky Halloween items to football-shaped platters, Saints and LSU custom cups and holidaythemed wine glasses, Whimsy leaves no celebration untouched.

“You can really find everything in once place,” says Marcelle Perez, owner of Whimsy. “For the holidays, our most popular Styrofoam cup has a big red, ‘Ho!’” she laughs. “Another popular item is the spun holiday wine glass resembling a Santa suit.”

Guests with a sweet tooth enjoy the custom candy party favors that Whimsy supplies. Hosts choose from a variety of candies, pick their packaging and customize a sticker with a personal message to guests. Candy orders take about 10 days to two weeks for processing.

With your plates, napkins and cups chosen, it’s time to plan the food and drink to accompany them. Depending on the event size, you may decide to cook, cater or use a combination of both. For a light holiday meal or a fresh addition to a larger menu, Fresh Bar (6101 Magazine St., 309-9513, FreshBarNola.com) offers a refresh-

ingly new alternative to a boring bowl of salad.

“We offer a premium salad and wrap bar, which can be help-yourself or full-service,” says owner Ellie Thomas. From small-scale wrap platters to a full-service salad bar, Fresh Bar can accommodate parties of any size and presents a fun and healthy way to cater.

Salad bars consist of 12 customizable toppings, your choice of lettuce and five dressings.

“We stand out from local grocers because of our extensive menu,” says Thomas. “We have your everyday veggies, but we also offer premium toppings like artichokes, hearts of palm,

winter favorites they’re ready to share. Whether you’re looking for a case of wine to supply a party or a bottle to give to the host, Martin Wine Cellar has a great tasting wine to fit any budget and highly trained and educated staff on hand to answer questions and make suggestions.

“When you walk down an aisle and someone is telling you about a wine, they’ve likely met the producers and seen the winery,” says Hope Martin. “We have wines for every budget and quality wines under $10. Owner Cedric Martin personally checks each wine for quality, especially for party wines.”

Additionally, the Metairie location of Martin Wine Cellar offers a large selection of gourmet cheeses and pates. They also offer full-service catering with an extensive variety of menu options. F

Host a Party at a Home Away from Home The elegance of a home is ideal for a warm holiday soiree, but not everyone wants to host at their personal residence. Imagine hosting amidst the charm of the French Quarter in a home where John James Audubon drafted Birds of America in the early 1800s. Audubon Cottages (509 Dauphine St., 586-1516, AudubonCottages.com) isn’t a hotel, nor a catering space; the collection of cottages is a series of 12 bedrooms across seven eclectic, residential cottages, each with a parlor and patio and all surrounding a private New Orleans courtyard with a saltwater swimming pool. With personal service provided by Roderick Bernal, French Quarter Butler, Audubon Cottages present a luxurious home away from home.

Guests of a single cottage may entertain small gatherings of up to 12 to 15 people, though all seven cottages may be rented simultaneously. Roderick helps the guest make arrangements, choosing, setting up and retrieving food if necessary. The cottages are also perfect for hosting a small cocktail reception before perhaps meeting a larger group with reservations at any number of nearby French Quarter restaurants.

38 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 39

Add An Antique With numerous ways to shop, antique shopping is far from antiquated.

By Kelcy wilburn Photographed by Cheryl Gerber

Dunleith Designs and Antiques

perch.

N

ew Orleans has been described as the antique mecca of the South, and a drive down just about any city thoroughfare will reveal an abundance of storefronts boasting the treasured relics of another time. Painted on bricks or listed in signs and on old glass windows, the word “antiques” dots the city in colors and fonts as diverse as the pieces themselves. And just as there’s an abundance of antique items in the city, there’s also an abundance of ways to go about acquiring them.

No matter a person’s budget, style or period preference, there’s an antique-shopping method

for every shopper.

While some people prefer a quiet stroll into the quaint shops of Magazine Street or Royal Street, others find thrill and excitement in a competitive purchase. Crescent City Auction

Gallery (1330 St. Charles Ave., 529-5057, CrescentCityAuctionGallery.com), a locally

owned and operated full-service auction house, offers buyers a buying experience wholly different from an antique store.

“We get very full rooms,” says owner Adam Lambert. “We had over 1,200 registered bidders in the last auction, which included the packed room as well as bidders online.”

While many bidders attend the local auction, Crescent City Auction Gallery makes it possible for you to bid from anywhere in the world so long as you have an internet connection.

“You can watch the auction from your iPhone, iPad or computer,” says Lambert. “We have cameras here, and we run the bidding through online platforms.”

Crescent City Auction Gallery’s next live auction takes place December 1 and 2. Those who can’t make it to the auction can bid online and compete with bidders in the live audience.

“In New Orleans, we have a lot of people who come in from Natchez, Miss., or Houston to buy antiques and take them back home. Now they can purchase them from their stores or houses and have the antiques shipped, or they can pick them up at another date,” says Lambert. Crescent City Auction Gallery auctions October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 41

Renaissance Interiors

Another local interior designer, Caroline Robert, owner of perch.

antiques of all varieties – furniture, fine art, pottery and jewelry – which include everything from a Chinese Bronze Lotus Buddha that recently sold for $18,960 to contemporary works by local artists.

For those who’d rather take their time meandering through rooms of antiques, searching every last nook and cranny, Renaissance Interiors (2727

(2844 Magazine St., 899-2122, Perch-Home.com), assists

Edenborn Ave., Metairie, 454-3320, YourRenaissance.com) brings

the eccentricities, charm and adventure of a Paris flea market to New Orleans with their new 18,000-square-foot facility.

They boast superb consignment antiques, paintings, mirrors, sliver, porcelains and one-of-akind items in abundant supply.

As one of the largest consignment shops in the South, the inventory at Renaissance Interiors changes daily and dramatically. Part of the excitement for the store’s 8,000 monthly customers is not knowing what they might discover on any given day.

Their low-key sales environment makes for a fun store-wandering experience in the middle of Metairie across from Lowe’s.

Another popular way to shop for antiques is to go directly to an expert – someone who has spent years in the business and knows how to authenticate pieces, as well as how to arrange them into the existing style of a shopper’s home. Ken Rogers, owner of Dunleith Designs

“Everybody can be fooled, and of course it depends on how much you pay for something, but it can be a tragedy,” he says.

In addition to selling antiques at Dunleith Designs, Rogers also offers interior design services. A new design center within his Metairie Road store is dedicated to consultations and stocked with a variety of fabric samples for window treatments, bed coverings and upholstery for antiques.

and Antiques (1537 Metairie Road, Metairie, 272-0879, DunleithDesigns.com), does just that. Specializing

in fine and vintage American, English and French antiques from the 17th through the 20th centuries, Rogers personally selects items for his store, items he knows to be of good quality and value.

“I authenticate everything I buy to the best of my ability and choose things that are in good shape and don’t have to be totally restored,” says Rogers, who stresses the importance of utilizing an expert. At one vendor, Rogers once discovered that a supposed iron French fountain was “Made in Mexico” right before a sale.

42 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

clients directly in the acquisition of antiques.

With the help of fellow interior designer Jack Mayberry, Robert actively seeks items for clients.

“People utilize us as a resource when looking for specific things, and we try to seek it out locally, whether it be through vendors or estate sales,” says Robert.

In redecorating, Robert recommends that in addition to acquiring new pieces, shoppers should consider the antiques or vintage items they may already own.

“People should take a second look at what they’ve inherited from their parents and grandparents and consider utilizing those in their design scheme. Often things can be repurposed or refurbished for a new look,” says Robert.

The interior of perch. displays the creativity of Robert and Mayberry in every corner. With antiques as well as vintage and contemporary items, perch.’s eclectic space is inspirational, a great place to see how a combination of contemporary and antique styles can blend together seamlessly. F

antique jewelry While shopping for an antique dresser or desk, one rarely purchases it from a modern-day carpenter. When buying antique jewelry from a current designer, you gain the unique perspective of an artist on the artwork that preceded his own. Beginning in the French Quarter in 1975, Symmetry Jewelers (8138 Hampson St., 861-9925, (800) 628-3711, Symmetry-Jewelers.com) was founded with the concept of returning jewelry to its rightful place among the arts, and since then brothers Tom and Richard Lee Mathis have continued to further this goal by offering Tom’s original creations alongside a growing allotment of vintage and antique jewelry.

“We’ve always been known as a contemporary gallery, but we’ve expanded to four cases of estate and antique jewelry – three cases of pendants, earrings, watches and bracelets, and then another case of vintage and antique settings that are engagement oriented,” says Richard Lee Mathis, Gallery Manager.

While some antique items are sent to Symmetry by national and international estate dealers, others are acquired locally. Pieces range from the mid- or late-1800s to estate pieces from the 1950s-’70s.

Symmetry Jewelers is located in the Riverbend and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also by appointment.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 43

The legendary “Les Misérables” will arrive at Mahalia Jackson Theater in late October.

OnStage is sponsored by

October 2011 St. Charles Avenue | 45

front & center

By Kathy Finn

creativity backed by determination

N

ew Orleans theater pros have repeatedly shown a strength of spirit that matches the depth of their talents, continuing to ply their art wherever they can find a place. Their determination enables creative expression to thrive no matter what.

Performances grow continually more impressive on local stages, whether the production is a musical classic or the premier of an original script. And one of the most promising signs for the future is the enthusiasm local pros have for engaging younger generations. Educational opportunities abound in New Orleans for young students to learn the ropes and test their chops.

Find highlights of all the activity in the following pages, which include brief profiles of some of the city’s best-known performing arts organizations.

Les Misérables

Producer Cameron Mackintosh has called his new iteration of the classic “a magnificent mix of dazzling images and epic staging, driving one of the greatest musical stories ever told.”

The production runs Oct. 30-Nov. 4. Check mahaliajacksontheater.com for times and ticket information.

Encore brush with greatness

One of the greatest tenors of all time made some of his earliest professional appearances in New Orleans, and this year he returns to perform on the stage that wears his name. A gala concert at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on Oct. 12 will celebrate 50 years of Plácido Domingo’s performances.

The famous tenor will sing with the New Orleans Opera, featuring local favorite Sarah Jane McMahon and some of the world’s leading operatic talent, including Stephanie Blythe, Ana María Martínez and David Lomeli. Robert Lyall conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Opera Chorus in an evening hosted by Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson. See neworleansopera.org or call the opera box office at 504-529-3000 for tickets.

2011-2012 season, the city’s oldest stage appeared to have found salvation in a deal that would give over a portion of its physical address to a new restaurant to be opened by Dickie Brennan. But Le Petit is bypassing the fall 2012 season as well.

A message on its website promises that the theater “will be reborn” and says its “brightest days are ahead.” A facelift is under way, the message says, and Le Petit will open in January 2013. The theater’s board President Cassie Worley did not return a call requesting comment.

Plácido Domingo

Trouble behind the curtains

Magical misery

Broadway has become more and more at home in New Orleans, and this season brings one of the biggest-ever productions from the Great White Way. “Les Misérables” became the world’s longest-running musical when it passed the 20-year mark in London, and it later became the third longest-running production on Broadway. Now “Les Mis” takes New Orleans with a six-day run at Mahalia Jackson Theater for Performing Arts.

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, the production is an uplifting story with a powerful score and spectacular scenery.

It’s unsettling to see pillars of the local drama scene still in flux even as the fall theater season moves into high gear, but Southern Repertory Theatre, at least, has found a way to continue.

Left homeless after its Canal Place landlord ended its lease months ago, Southern Rep has temporarily landed at Contemporary Arts Center on Camp Street.

Now billed as “in residence” at the CAC for the 2012 season, Southern Rep tested the waters there last spring with a presentation of “Shirley Valentine,” starring Ricky Graham.

As Artistic Director Aimée Hayes continues the search for a permanent theater home, she also found a stage, at Mid-City Theatre, for several original one-act productions, as well as “Debauchery! The Soap Opera” by Pat Bourgeois.

The status of Le Petit Théatre du Vieux Carré is less clear. Dark through the entire

46 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Meanwhile, the saga of Jefferson Performing Arts Center, in neighboring Jefferson Parish, continues. A loss of financial support from the state resulted in delays in nailing down the Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s 35th season lineup. And the many talented performers, producers and other behind-the-scenes people who have entertained audiences at the society’s three stage locations have had to deal with ongoing uncertainty.

“We are actively exploring funding options and we are optimistic that we will receive the support necessary to bring you our 35th Season,” Artistic Director Dennis Assaf wrote in a recent message to JPAS patrons. “In light of this, we may be required to make some adjustments to our offerings for 2012-2013.

But rest assured, we will be having a substantial season.” •

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 47

theater pros keep it fresh

By Kathy Finn

Stages new and old set a high bar for creativity and performance

I

f experience is the best teacher, it sometimes is also a liberator, boosting an individual’s confidence and calming the fear of failure.

Fred Nuncio began feeling a yen to open his own theater years back as he was cutting his teeth in various venues around town.” I’d been doing theater since high school, and I started working in management part-time in the days of the Rose Dinner Theater,” he says.

He also worked in production and stage management at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre.

In time, his devotion to theater and growing belief in his own abilities led him to set up shop on his own. “I enjoyed producing and decided, this is what I wanted to do,” he says.

“This,” as he refers to it, is Mid-City Theatre, a year-old enterprise that has quickly become a performing arts anchor in a part of town that previously didn’t have a permanent stage to call its own.

Dedicated to “comedy, drama, cabaret and music,” the theater seems to be living up to its wide-ranging promise. with offerings from original one-act plays to Pat Bourgeois’ “Debauchery” soap opera, to the dramatic play “SubUrbia,” by Eric Bogosian. “We’ve had some great success so far,” Nuncio says.

Recently the theater featured two of the city’s most popular one-of-a-kind performers, Ricky Graham and Becky Allen. “It was the first time in a dozen years or so that they’ve performed together,” Nuncio says.

While Nuncio didn’t plan it this way, Mid-City Theatre likely benefitted from difficulties that befell a few other venues. After Southern Repertory Theatre lost its lease at Canal Place, for instance, the “Debauchery” production shifted over to Mid-City, as did a series of original one-act plays that would have played at Southern Rep.

At the newly named Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, managers Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi of Theatre 13 offer up the musical comedy “Boeing Boeing” in November, with the “Class of ‘70 Something” coming in January, as part of the team’s Broadway Series.

In addition to its role in “Lily’s Revenge,” Skin Horse Theater in November will present “The Importance of Being Earnest,” joining with Elm Theater’s Garrett Prejean to tackle Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of errors.

Also coming in November Becky Allen and Ricky Graham is the event fast becoming a must-do each fall – the New Orleans Fringe Festival. This creative and eclectic selection of theatrical, visual and performance art unfolds at more than a dozen locations Nov. 14-18.

The festival has become an important staging ground for new works and young performers as well as veterans who chose to push the envelope. It also offers workshops that provide practical advice and tips for theater and performing arts aspirants.

Both veterans and newbies will take the stage this fall in the various settings of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society.

Well-known actors Janet Shea and Lance Nichols star in “Driving Miss Daisy” in October at Teatro Wego! Theatre in Westwego.

And “Frost Nixon” is on tap at Westwego Performing Arts Theatre Oct. 26-Nov. 4.

Stories,” which Nuncio describes as a Tuesday Families will want to watch for the society’s night celebration of New Orleans culture, presentation of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” and “A featuring local musicians in an interview and Celtic Christmas” in December, followed by a audience-discussion format.

As Nuncio continues rolling out new offerings musical lineup coming in the spring.

Throughout the fall and winter, the city’s at Mid-City, other local acting companies and musical performing arts organizations will theaters are doing the same. present a rich season full of offerings by The energetic team of Cripple Creek Theatre both local professionals and guest stars Company presents “The Lily’s Revenge” Oct. 18-21 at the Den of Muses. Presented in collabo- from elsewhere. Check the websites of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New ration with Southern Rep, Mondo Bizarro, Skin Orleans Opera Association and the New Horse Theater and Allways Lounge, the play is described as a “larger-than-life epic romp” in five Orleans Ballet Association for details of upcoming performances. • acts featuring nearly 40 actors.

But Nuncio is also putting his own touch on the theater. Featured in October is “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson,” a relatively new musical that debuted on Broadway a few years ago.

Ricky Graham will return later, with a favorite co-star, Varla Jean Merman, and he’ll be back in December with Yvette Hargis for a holiday performance of “Scrooge in Rouge.”

In between, the theater will host “Song

48 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

stage as training ground

By Kathy Finn

Tomorrow’s players watch and learn from theater pros

O

ne way to measure the dedication of individuals to their art is by the responsibility they take for nurturing similar talents in others. Gauged by that measuring stick, local stage professionals are standing tall.

Even though it takes a high level of devotion and determination just to make it on one’s own in the theater business, local actors, writers and producers seem to freely share their time and advice with others, including young students who could become the players of tomorrow.

Elm Theatre in the Warehouse District is one such organization. Artistic Director Garret Prejean made education a priority when he founded the theater two years ago, and it has quickly become an important “laboratory” for developing new talent.

Launched with a focus on ensemble acting and presenting such productions as this past summer’s “The Gingham Dog” by Lanford Wilson, Elm Theatre also emphasizes education through its eight-week acting classes and workshop series. In sessions taught by professionals such as J. Patrick McNamara, who brings a long string of stage and screen credentials, students learn skills ranging from how to audition and get their foot in the door, to basic acting methods used for establishing a character, and voice and movement techniques that help communicate intention and feeling.

Long known for turning some of the city’s youngest talents into well-known stage players, Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School has become an educational anchor in its Carrollton neighborhood.

Veteran actor Anthony Bean has for years thrown himself into providing not only a “classroom” for aspiring actors, but also a stage

where they can try out their developing talents and gain experience with a live audience.

His after-school programs present kids with performing and writing challenges that help them develop confidence in their own voice and material.

Bean also offers adult classes for aspiring actors at various levels, aimed at developing spontaneity, theatricality and awareness of self.

In neighboring Jefferson parish, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society is another stalwart of dramatic education. The organization regularly presents kid-friendly productions for school groups and offers an Arts Adventure Series that provides free coordinating lesson plans and study guides for series performances. “How I Became a Pirate,” based on an acclaimed children’s book, was a notable feature of its latest series.

In its summer musical theater education program, JPAS also provides a highquality experience in terms of both the productions and the training it offers.

Past productions have included hits such as “High School Musical,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Another JPAS initiative in behalf of the next generation is Cultural Crossroads, a residency-based program that incorporates arts-integrated instructional strategies.

The program serves alternative schools and schools that are struggling academically, with a goal of using the arts to enhance

student proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics.

Adding to the repertoire of local educational programs, Southern Repertory Theatre annually offers choices that include summer camps, workshops and student matinees where youngsters not only can experience a live drama up close, but are treated to an after-show talkback with the actors and director.

Southern Rep also makes the educational process a two-way street by offering “touring shows” that go to the students, presenting a theatrical production or acting class in the school setting.

Not to be overlooked when it comes to training grounds, of course, are the schools themselves. Stages around the city feature their own young performers in productions ranging from serious drama to musical comedy. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts has long been a leader in developing promising talents not only for the stage but in musical, literary and fine arts.

Many other schools offer dramatic arts education as well. Students at Mount Carmel Academy, for instance, are slated to present Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors” in October. In preparation for the production, the students in August worked with a professional Shakespearean actor.

Youngsters who get a taste of the stage during their elementary and high school years and discover an affinity will find it a treat to move to another level under the direction of active theater pros.

Theatre 13’s Kelly Fouchi and Gary Rucker, who recently took over management of Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, have been nurturing such young talents for years. In October, they present “Freckleface Strawberry,” a regional premier and the new Rivertown’s first children’s production. • October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 49

profiles

anthony bean community theater

rivertown repertory theatre

1333 South Carrollton Ave. | New Orleans | 504-862-7529 www.anthonybeantheater.com

325 Minor St. | Kenner | 504-468-7221 | rivertownrepertorytheatre.org

Founder and Artistic Director Anthony Bean has dedicated this theater to developing young talent and providing a stage where novices and professional actors may work side by side. This is a professional theater company and school that allows unrestricted entrance to children and adults.

Watch the website for announcements of upcoming training and educational opportunities. Anthony Bean’s after-school programs provide wholesome and challenging activities for children, ages 10-17.

In past sessions, young people participated in an intensive 12-week acting and playwriting workshop to develop their performance skills and write their own material to be performed before audiences of family and friends. Dance and vocal lessons also are available.

The theater also has a fall program under way for aspiring adult actors focusing on acting technique, movement and voice. Call for details of future training opportunities.

50 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Theatre 13 pros Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi have taken the helm at Rivertown and promise to carry the theater to new heights during its 25th season. Look for fresh performances and a steady stream of outstanding local talent in the Broadway Series. And watch for “Gypsy” coming in May. Upcoming: “ F r e c k l e f a c e S t r a w b e r r y ” (Oct. 12-21). Catch Rivertown’s

first children’s theatre production and a delightful musical, directed by Stephen Eckert. “ B o e i n g B o e i n g ” (Nov. 2-18). A nonstop comedy directed by Ricky

Graham features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has French, German and American fiancées/airline hostesses and enjoys frequent “layovers.” “ C l a ss of ‘ 7 0 S o m e t h i n g ” (Jan.

11-27, 2013). The decade of disco and plenty more comes alive. Dust off your bellbottoms and platform shoes for a rollicking musical journey. Directed by Gary Rucker.

profiles

jefferson performing arts society

adapted from the popular film. Filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides, it’s entertainment for the family.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center | 400 Phlox St. | Metairie | Box office: 504-885-2000.

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre | 177-A Sala Ave. | Westwego | 504-371-3330.

Teatro WEGO! Dinner Theater | 177 Sala Ave. | Westwego | 504.371.3330 | www.jpas.org

Danny O’Flaherty and friends to celebrate the season.

At Westwego Performing Arts Theatre.

The regional theatre, under the direction of Dennis Assaf, offers a diverse lineup on stages in three locations, plus selected additional venues (see below). Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.)

Upcoming: “ T h e F u l l Mo n t y ” (through Oct. 7). Unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY,

come up with a bold twist on “girls night out.” At Jefferson Performing Arts Center. “ D r i v i n g M i ss D a i s y ” (Oct. 5-14). The prize-winning study of the unlikely

relationship between a crotchety, aging, white Southern lady and a proud, soft-spoken black man. Starring Janet Shea and Lance Nichols. At Teatro Wego! “ F r os t / N i x o n ” (Oct. 26-Nov. 4). An interview that sealed a president’s legacy

is a prize fight between talk show host David Frost and Richard M. Nixon. At Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. “ D i s n e y ’ s A l a dd i n J r . ” (Nov. 30-Dec. 9). A hit play especially for kids,

“ A C e l t i c C h r i s t m a s ” (Dec. 15-16). Join singer

B a l l e t H y s e l l ’ s “ T h e Nu t c r a c k e r ” (Dec.

22-23). With the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dennis G. Assaf, a presentation of the holiday classic. “ A v e n u e Q ” (Jan. 25-27). Laugh-out-loud musical

tells the story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment.

At Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. “ T h e Co l o r P u r p l e ” (Feb. 22-March 3). Inspiring family saga of an unforgettable woman who triumphs over adversity and discovers her unique voice. At Jefferson Performing Arts Center.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 51

profiles

southern repertory theatre

mahalia jackson theater for the performing arts

333 Canal Place | 3rd floor | New Orleans | 504-522-6545 | www.southernrep.com

801 N. Rampart St. | New Orleans | 504-525-1052 | www.mahaliajacksontheater.com

Looking for Broadway in New Orleans? It’s on stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Along with hit musical classics, the theater presents a range of entertainment, from standup comedy to rock ‘n’ roll bands.

The city’s premiere repertory theater holds its own after losing its lease last year. Artistic Director Aimée Hayes presents the 2012-13 season in residence at the Contemporary Arts Center’s FreeportMcMoRan Theater, at 900 Camp St. Southern Rep will also offer other productions in collaboration with local companies, at other sites.

Upcoming: “ L e s M i s é r a b l e s ” (Oct. 30-Nov. 4). Cameron Mackintosh presents a

25th anniversary production of the legendary musical with glorious new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.

Upcoming: “ T h e L i l y ’ s R e v e n g e ” (Oct. 18-21). The epic production

“ A C h r i s t m a s C a r o l ” (Nov.-Dec.,

call for dates/times). Starring John “Spud” McConnell as Ebenezer Scrooge in the well-loved classic, beginning Thanksgiving weekend. At Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. 504-528-3800.

“ D i s n e y ’ s M a r y P opp i n s ” (Dec. 18-Dec. John barrios photo

presented in collaboration with Cripple Creek Theatre, Mondo Bizarro and the AllWays Lounge. At Den of Muses, on Architect Street, in Bywater.

Ricky Graham as Shirley Valentine

52 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

23). The irresistible story and songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular staging. “ J e r s e y B o y s ” (Jan. 8-27). Award-winning

musical about rock-n-roll hall of famers The Four Seasons (Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi). The story of how four blue-collar kids became one of pop music’s biggest successes.

“Les Misérables”

classical music performances

mid-city theatre

louisiana philharmonic orchestra

3540 Toulouse St. (behind the American Can apartments) New Orleans | 504-488-1460 | www.midcitytheatre.com

1010 Common St. | Ste. 2120 | New Orleans | Box office: 504-523-6530 | www.lpomusic.com

The city’s newest neighborhood theater has concluded its first year of drama, comedy and cabaret. Renowned locals Ricky Graham and Becky Allen have become features on the stage here. Discover the Bayou St. John ambience of this wonderfully creative theater set amid great neighborhood dining spots. The parking lot wraps around the building and parking is free.

Upcoming: P a t B ou r g e o i s ’ “ D e b a u c h e r y ” (Oct. 17). Get

soaped up with the city’s only live theater soap opera. “ 6 b y 6 ” (Oct. 24,

Nov. 21). Discover talent as it arises. Six 10-minute plays by local playwrights doing staged readings.

Music Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto continues to lead the musicianowned and -managed orchestra through this 22nd season’s exciting performances. Special event coming Feb. 28: Bernadette Peters, live with the LPO, at Morial Convention Center Theater.

Upcoming (check the website for times and locations): “ H e r e t o S t a y : T h e G e r s h w i n E x p e r i e n c e ” (Oct. 6). Multimedia concert celebrating America’s great team of collaborators. Featuring pianist Kevin Cole, conducted

by Glenn Langdon. At Mahalia Jackson Theater. “ E v e n i n g w i t h Yo - Yo M a ” (Oct. 26). Featuring the amazing cellist, with Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting. At Mahalia Jackson Theater. “ A l l S a i n t s ” (Nov. 1). Featuring Strauss and Shostakovich. At First Baptist Church, New Orleans. “ B r a h a m s P i a n o Co n c e r t o No . 2 ” (Nov. 29). Including

Nielson’s Symphony No. 4, with pianist Stephen Hough and Markus Huber conducting. At First Baptist Church, New Orleans.

YO-YO MA

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 53

classical music performances

new orleans opera association

new orleans ballet association

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts | New Orleans | Box office: 504-529-3000 | 800-881-4459 | www.neworleansopera.org

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts | New Orleans | Box office: 504-522-0996 | www.nobadance.com

World-class dance companies and artists perform classical and contemporary programs at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts.

This season focuses on “American Moves” with a stunning lineup of talent.

Upcoming:

Upcoming:

P l á c i do D o m i n g o G a l a (Oct. 12). The world’s greatest tenor takes

“ P i l obo l us ” (Oct. 20). Artistic Directors Robby Barnett and Michael Tracy

the stage that wears his name, performing with Stephanie Blythe, Ana Maria Martinez, David Lomeli and New Orleans favorite Sarah Jane McMahon.

present an ensemble that electrifies audiences with breathtaking physicality. “ B a l l e t H i sp a n i c o ” (Dec. 8). The leading Hispanic-American dance

John Kane photo

company teams with Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for Rumba, Salsa, Cha-cha and Mambo. “ J e ss i c a L a n g D a n c e ” (Jan-18-20). Stunning

works co-presented with the NOCCA Institute, at Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA. “ Asp e n S a n t a F e B a l l e t ” (Feb. 23). The

sleek and sharp ballet shows innovative style in an adventurous repertoire.

54 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

General and Artistic Director Robert Lyall leads the association in a glorious 70th anniversary season on the Plácido Domingo Stage of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Watch for Opera On Tap in local clubs.

“Pilobolus”

“ T h e B a r b e r of S e v i l l e ” (Nov. 16, 18). Star-crossed lovers and an ingenious barber. Featuring Deborah Domanski, Michele Angelini, Matthew Worth, Samuel Ramey and Thomas Hammons. “ S a m so n a n d D e l i l a h ” (March 15, 17). See the Bible come to life, featuring Richard Cox and Edyta Kulczak. “ M a d a m e B u t t e r f l y ” (April 12-14).

Plácido Domingo

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 55

Junior Achievement special section

Junior Achievement Celebrates Its 2012

Rising Stars profiles by Sarah Ravits

photographed by cheryl gerber

o

On Friday, November 9, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JAGNO) will honor its ninth class of Rising Stars at the 2012 City Stars SoirĂŠe.

The celebration, sponsored by Entergy, Peoples Health and St. Charles Avenue magazine, will take place at JA BizTown located on the City Park campus of Delgado Community College.

We are honored to introduce the 2012 Rising Stars in this special section of St. Charles Avenue magazine. They are: G. Perry Eastman, President of Auto-Chlor Services, LLC; Jennifer Medbery, Founder & CEO of Kickboard; Jessica Shahien, Executive Director of 504ward; Gary Solomon Jr., President of Solomon Group; along with Craig Cordes, Co-Founder and CFO, Antonio LaMartina, Co-Founder and Vice President of Sales and Sal LaMartina, Co-Founder and CEO of Cordina Frozen Cocktails.

JA empowers young people to own their economic success with its many hands-on economics learning experiences, and by recognizing and honoring role models. Beginning in 1984, JAGNO began inducting community business leaders into its prestigious Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. To recognize and encourage young entrepreneurs showing early excellence and business potential, the Rising Stars award was created in 2002. Recipients are 40 or under individuals from the area that demonstrate leadership, vision, ingenuity and innovation. These Rising Stars serve as role models for others in business and in life. JAGNO encourages and challenges each honoree to continue to strive in their careers so that they might be honored again someday with the recognition as a Business Hall of Fame Laureate!

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 57

message from the ja president and soirée chair

J

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JAGNO) has decided 9 might just be their lucky number. Last year, through JAGNO’s relationship with New Orleans Saints number 9 Drew Brees, the organization was awarded $31,000 in funding when he won the NFL/FedEx Player of the Week and Year. Not only did this fund programs for the students of our area, it provided all of us Who Dats with hope and cheer all season long. And on November 9, 2012 we will continue the celebration with the City Stars Soirée and JA Rising Stars 9th Annual event.

This year’s honorees, also like Drew Brees, are all under the age of 40. They exemplify the business qualities we are trying to instill in our students; being resourceful, driven and passionate about their products and our community. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2012 Rising Stars: G. Perry Eastman of Auto-Chlor Services, LLC.; Jennifer Medbery of Kickboard; Jessica Shahien of 504ward; Gary Solomon Jr. of Solomon Group and Craig Cordes, Antonio LaMartina and Sal LaMartina of Cordina Frozen Cocktails.

We know this will be a historic year for all of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans’ number 9’s (not to mention a certain ‘2peat” as well)! Please join us for the celebration and renew your commitment to teaching our kids the importance of growing our economy and making our entire city a winning environment.

Jack Brancewicz, President Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans

McKenzie Coco, Chair 2012 City Stars Soirée

ja celebrates its 2012 rising stars G. Perry Eastman IV President and CEO of Auto-Chlor Services, LLC New Orleans native Perry Eastman IV, president and CEO of Auto-Chlor Services, LLC, runs a business that provides warewashing, laundry and institutional cleaning and sanitizing products as well as leasing programs for commercial dishwashing, laundry and housekeeping applications. This innovative business model operates throughout an 11-state area in the Southeast and South Central

58 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

United States. Eastman reached his current status as a successful entrepreneur by simply setting “personal and professional goals” and then “trying to hit them. I stayed patient, took small steps and definitely listened a lot more than I spoke,” he says. “The biggest key was, and still is, being surrounded by an excellent team.”

He credits his parents as his mentors: “They have completely different styles and personalities, and I have learned so much from both of them,” he says. “They

were never overbearing and never tried to push me in certain directions.”

The best advice he ever received was “You don’t get what you want; you get what you deserve.” His goals for the future include continuing to build and nurturing Auto-Chlor and “proving that growing businesses can be headquartered in New Orleans.” He says that aspiring entrepreneurs should “find the best, most knowledgeable people you can afford. The better the people, the better the job done.”

ja celebrates its 2012 rising stars Jennifer Medbery Founder & CEO of Kickboard Jen Medbery moved to New Orleans as a founding teacher of a local charter school. Her experience as an educator inspired her to launch Kickboard, an education technology company that offers a next-generation gradebook-asa-platform. Kickboard allows teachers to collect, analyze and share missioncritical data while keeping track of student performance as a whole. It also records academic progress, behavior and character development, along with

Jessica Shahien Executive Director, 504ward As executive director of 504ward, Jessica Shahien meets with young professionals; gives career advice and suggestions on how to “plug into” the New Orleans area; coordinates events for members of the organization and discusses the talent needs of local companies; and figures out how to connect them to top talent. The mission of 504ward is to retain the influx of young talent in the

Gary Solomon Jr. President, Solomon Group Solomon Group provides creative and technical production services to high-end live events, museum and attraction environments and multimedia installations. The heart of this business, explains president Gary Solomon, is that “we’re all storytellers. Our job is to bring your story to life, to make it moving and memorable, to engage, entertain and educate.”

A graduate of New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of Arts, the

Craig Cordes Co-founder, CFO, Cordina Frozen Cocktails

Antonio LaMartina

Co-founder, Vice President of Sales, Cordina Frozen Cocktails

Sal LaMartina Co-founder, CEO, Cordina Frozen Cocktails Craig Cordes and his friends, brothers Sal and Antonio LaMartina, are in the business of enhancing the fun. Big Easy Blends is an innovative alcoholic beverage company – perhaps you’ve sipped on one of their products at a local music

parental communication.

“There is no typical day,” says Medbery. “I wear many hats so my daily activities vary wildly, depending on what’s most pressing that particular day.”

She constantly communicates with her team in order to remain aware of what’s happening across her company, whether it’s in the field of product development, customer service or sales and marketing.

It isn’t surprising that Medbery credits her former teachers as sources of inspiration. While she was in college, professors helped her refine her skills

in technology, and her colleagues in the schools where she worked helped her become a better educator. They “acted as a sounding board while I was formulating my idea for Kickboard,” she says. Medbery is ambitious about the company’s future. “We would like to see dozens of districts nationwide using Kickboard. Imagine if all the same grade level or subject area across multiple schools could share best practices and extract trends from their classroom data? The impact,” she muses, “could be profound.”

area, focusing on 23-35 year olds. The organization helps both newcomers and natives by connecting them to key events, people, organizations and opportunities. Shahien, herself a native, says she has always had a knack for helping people connect. “I was lucky to discover 504ward while it was being incubated at the Idea Village as a ‘brain gain initiative,’” she says. Her hard work and faith in the city has helped tremendously.

“One obstacle I originally encountered

through 504ward was convincing the establishment in New Orleans that the young professional community was not only in New Orleans but they wanted to stay here,” she explains.

Shahien is excited about growing the organization, which currently represents approximately 25 percent of the young professional community in the area.

“I look forward to finding new and creative ways to connect our members to the many opportunities that exist here.”

native New Orleanian (who also studied at NOCCA and St. Martin’s) returned home to develop his career.

“I went to college with eyes on a lighting design career in musical theater, but New York exposed me to opportunities that allowed me to imagine a career bringing that sense of theatricality to markets that craved and valued creativity and complex technical coordination outside of the traditional ‘theater’ environment,” he says. He also credits his parents for mentoring him

as he started Solomon Group with two partners in 2009 – today the company has more than 50 employees. With roots that are firmly established here, the company is also expanding its reach outside the local market. “One goal for the future is to bring our talented New Orleans team to work on large projects around the country and prove that New Orleans can be home-base to a world-class production team that doesn’t have to live in New York or Los Angeles to be successful,” he says.

festival or on a trip to the beach, which is where they first came up with their idea. The flagship product is Cordina (a portmanteau of their last names) frozen cocktails, which are served in a stand-up flexible pouch. Sal LaMartina, CEO, says they face obstacles every day, such as competing against billion-dollar liquor companies. “It takes passion and hard work to win,” he says. Through hard work and “calculated risks,” the team has become a success both locally and nationally. Cordes says that every day is

different – whether they’re reviewing new product launches or reviewing financial performances. For aspiring entrepreneurs, he says, “Do not get hung up in writing an elaborate business plan, as your plan will change every day. Have a clear view of what you want the end to look like, and continue to jump the hurdles throughout the cycle to get there.” Antonio LaMartina adds, “Do not be afraid to share your ideas with your peers … People are generally willing to assist with your efforts rather than take them.”

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 59

NOVEMBER FUN UNDER THE JA BIZTOWN STARS

O

On Friday, November 9 from 7pm to 11pm, you’re invited to join Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans as we gather under the stars of JA BizTown for the ninth annual celebration of the “City Stars Soirée.” This fête will be located on the City Park campus of Delgado Community College and will honor both the children of our area and the young entrepreneurs that will act as their role models in both business and community leadership.

During the Soirée, we’ll recognize our seven Rising Star recipients. For just a $50 ticket (or

$75 for a couple), you can enjoy the music and dancing provided by the always rockin’ Bucktown All-Stars, delicious cuisine courtesy of New Orleans’ finest restaurants and libations provided by Republic National Distributing and Crescent Crown Distributing. You can also take a stroll around JA BizTown’s kid-city to have your caricature drawn or have your tarot cards read.

For information and tickets, call Gail Smith at 569-8657, email her at gail@jagno.org or visit jagno.org.

At the Friday, November 9 City Stars Soirée, guests will enjoy a silent auction with over 100 items to bid on, New Orleans cuisine and libations. Music will be provided by the Bucktown All-Stars plus amusing entertainment featuring fortune tellers, photo booths and caricaturists!

The Rising Star The Rising Star award signifies outstanding performance and achievement. Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans presents each Rising Star recipient with a dazzling shooting star sculpted out of crystal. It brilliantly symbolizes the stellar achievements they have already reached in their careers and lights the way for others to follow. Junior Achievement’s Rising Stars create, innovate and shine brightly.

ja inspiring future business leaders

J

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JAGNO) empowers young people to own their economic success. This focus on workforce development, entrepreneurship and financial literacy fosters a partnership between the business and education communities of our area. In simplest terms, JAGNO, its programs and its trained volunteers seek to link classroom learning to the everyday demands of real life in a free enterprise economy.

JAGNO provides economics education to young people in grades kindergarten through 12 within their own classroom. This in-class continuum from grade to grade is built upon sequential hands-on economics programs presented by classroom volunteers from the business community, local colleges and universities, as well as parents (providing introduction to some of the first conversations about economics between parent and child). These programs teach young people business principles, decision-making and critical thinking. Most importantly, these school programs provide the link between volunteer role models and the child’s real life.

To strengthen and reinforce this, JAGNO offers two site-based programs: JA BizTown for 5th and 6th graders and Capital One/Junior Achievement Finance Park for 7th through 12th graders. Both programs begin with up to 18 hours of

60 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

classroom preparation leading to the heavily hands-on, experiencebased learning at the respective site-based facilities.

JA BizTown’s curriculum culminates with a unique experience in a simulated kid-sized city located in JAGNO’s facility on the City Park campus of Delgado Community College. At JA BizTown, students apply what’s learned in the classroom as they own and operate businesses and buy and sell goods and services.

For the older students, Finance Park, presented through the generous support of Capital One, includes a one-day experience in financial literacy in a “mobile” leaning lab that has operated at sites at JAGNO’s facility and within St. Charles and St. Tammany parishes.

Be it in-class or site-based, each JA program provides a strong stand-alone economics learning opportunity, preparing young people for the future and enhancing financial literacy. Through JAGNO’s work to develop ongoing partnerships with schools and businesses throughout its 12 parish service area in southeast Louisiana, last year 23,819 students benefitted from the full gamut of economics learning that will, in turn, benefit us all in the future.

To learn more about Junior Achievement and/or to make a contribution or volunteer, please visit us at jagno.org or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/jagno. •

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 61

AMERICAN HEART SECTION

SMALL HEARTS- BIG CHALLENGES

H

eart disease is the No. 1 killer in Louisiana and in America. Heart disease does not discriminate against age, race or gender. Heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined.

Unfortunately, the killer isn’t easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood.

The truth is that heart disease is not an old man’s disease like so many believe. Even the smallest hearts have big challenges. The number one birth defect in the United States is congenital cardiovascular defects, also known as congenital heart defects (CHD).

The incidence of CHD ranges between 4 and 10 per 1,000 live births. Tragically, more than 1,600 of them do not live to celebrate

their first birthday. Beyond the terrible death toll, physical and mental suffering and lost potential and productivity that CHD causes, it also comes with a steep price tag. In 2004, hospital costs for all individuals with CHD totaled $2.6 billion.

But there is still real reason for hope. Due to research, more survive to adulthood, including many who formerly would have died. The prevalence of congenital cardiovascular defects has increased strikingly in both adults and children due to increased survival.

A recent American Heart Association study shows that • Severe CHD rose by 85 percent in adults and 22 percent in children from 1985-2000.

• As of 2002, it was estimated

62 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

that 650,000 to 1.3 million Americans had CHD. More recent studies show these numbers could be increasing.

• CHD are about 60 times more prevalent than childhood cancers.

Although the mortality rate for CHD has sharply declined since 1994, CHD is still a major killer.

Nearly one in three infants who dies from a birth defect has a heart defect.

GRAYCEN TAYLOR BOND: TRANSPLANT CANDIDATE, 2 Little Graycen Taylor Bond, daughter of Melissa Taylor and Marc Bond, turned two in September but although she appears to be a normal child she has struggled to survive since she was born. Graycen was born with a heart defect, which was

diagnosed as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) before she was born.

This diagnosis meant that half of Graycen’s heart was small and underdeveloped. When the chamber is small and poorly developed, it will not function effectively and cannot provide enough blood flow to meet the body’s needs. For this reason, an infant with HLHS is in a very critical situation.

“When we heard the news I immediately thought my baby was going to die,” says Bond.

“I thought birth defects were a deformity. I never even thought about something being wrong with her heart.”

The Bond family knows well that heart disease knows no boundaries with a family history

AMERICAN HEART SECTION

of the disease through many generations. Graycen’s mother has been diabetic since she was just 10 years old, and her father suffered from a heart attack at 42 years old. The family history continues as Graycen’s grandparents on both sides have had open heart surgery, heart attacks and stroke.

The reality of Graycen’s condition did not settle in for her parents until her first open heart surgery at just two weeks old.

Graycen was in the hospital for the following three months. Then at just six months old, Graycen was back for her second and third surgeries within days of each other. If that was not scary enough, Graycen’s oxygen levels dropped so low that she turned blue and her parents thought she was going to die. But Graycen is a fighter. She recovered from the surgeries and went home.

“We had waited our entire life for her and she has been worth every second,” says Taylor, who is being strong for the entire family.

On January 4, 2012, while at home with her family, Graycen aspirated, had a stroke and coded.

Through her recovery from this episode, she contracted a series of infections because of her low immune system. One of these infections was fungal with an 80 percent mortality rate for infants.

But Graycen stayed strong and once again returned home.

In June after the discovery of a clot in her heart, Graycen started to have congestive heart failure.

With the right side of her failing, Graycen needs a heart transplant.

By the age of two, Graycen had spent nine months of her life in the hospital, which has put her behind developmentally.

She started crawling a month shy of two years old and is still fed through a feeding tube. But if you were to look at her you would not know just how sick she really is. Her parents say that she loves to dance to the “Wiggles” and “Sesame Street.” That she is always smiling until she sees a doctor. When Graycen sees a white coat, even at the pharmacy, she is scared, fearing a shot or having blood drawn.

Currently there are no Louisiana hospitals that perform heart transplants on infants. The family relocated to a Birmingham, Ala., apartment where they will remain until Graycen is well enough to return home to New Orleans.

Right now, she is in a hospital room at Alabama’s Children’s Heart Center awaiting a heart to become available to her.

The family keeps faith on the statistic that, the longest a child Graycen’s age has had to wait for a transplant is 10 months with a recovery of 6 months to a year.

This time next year her parents hope that she is home, walking and playing with other children.

Their goal for her is that she can stay out of the hospital for an entire year.

Heart disease is a part of Graycen’s story, and it has shaped her personality to be a strong, happy baby who is fighting with all of her might to see her third birthday.

“I think about her growing up to be a doctor or a nurse,” says Bond. “The doctors and nurses who have cared for her have used their skills and talents to keep her here with us. Perhaps she can do that for someone else.”

With so many parents and babies affected by CHD, the Bond family says as their advice to other parents is to stay strong, keep your faith up, rely on prayer and surround yourself with a support system.

“We are coming home to New Orleans with Graycen and her new heart,” says Bond. “New Orleans is our home, and our entire life is there.”

To learn more about Graycen’s story visit graycensgift.com.

JOIN THE FIGHT Each day the American Heart Association is working on research to help understand and prevent heart disease and CHD. The New Orleans American Heart

Association will host the annual Go Red for Women luncheon in February 2013.

The Go Red for Women campaign is more than a message. It’s a nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as woman to band together to wipe out the No. 1 killer. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are dying at the rate of one per minute, because they don’t know that heart disease kills.

Through awareness and prevention heart disease can be prevented. Heart disease has already touched you or someone you love, so help us save a woman’s life and be a part of Go Red for Women New Orleans.

Go Red for Woman is sponsored by Macy’s, Merck, Peoples Health, Tulane Medical Center, UnitedHealthcare, and Sheriff Newell Normand. For more information visit heart. org or visit the New Orleans American Heart Association on Facebook, facebook.com/ AHANewOrleans. •

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 63

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 65

bev entertaining

By Bev Church

Weddings Southern Style 68 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

The National Association of Caterers and Events held its meeting in New Orleans in July with 600 delegates attending. Tony Leggio of Mardi Gras Productions is president of the local chapter and co-chair of the convention, and he asked me to be one of the presenters at the wedding brunch, representing the way we create the ultimate Southern wedding.

Many of you know that I authored the book, Weddings Southern Style, with Lisa Ruffin Harrison in the 1990s, which spotlighted incredible weddings from Houston; Highlands, N.C.; Seaside, Fla..; Mobile, Ala.; Nashville; New Orleans and more. I wanted to incorporate new designs and ideas that reflected the South.

We are definitely traditional and elegant, but with a twist! One of the how-to ideas featured in the book was a cake table designed by Bitsy Duggins. Kellie Grengs and I reinvented the table, which was the focal point of our design – it even had spaces for the bridesmaid’s bouquets.

Next, I called Luis Colmenares, who created the tent look: The central pole of the tent had four candelabras at the corners, complete with vases so we could add spectacular flowers. Colmenares also made the circular table with a hole in the center so we could swag the cotton fabric and silk illusion tulle from the top of the center pole to the four chandeliers. In addition, he created the cake stand that held five different wedding cakes (one unpictured) created by Doyle Defores, owner of Flour Power.

Our decorating couldn’t begin until 10:30 p.m., and my presentation started at 9 a.m. the next day, so we decorated all night! We got a few hours of sleep, and attendees started arriving to see our vignettes at 8:30 that morning. The panel discussion began after guests viewed the tablescapes representing North, South, East and West! Of course, we thought we “WOWed” them! How exciting to have a NACE convention in New Orleans so we could spotlight our remarkable city. The Sheraton was the host hotel, and did a fabulous job!

Mardi Gras Productions is now creating weddings; Luis Colmenares (491-4854) rents the tent and fabrics and can create anything you can dream up!

Kellie Grengs photographs

FACING PAGE: Close-up of the center of the tent with flowers provided by Mardi Gras Productions and designed by Bev Church.

THIS PAGE: We followed Bitsy Duggins’ instructions and used artist canvas, wallpaper paste mixed with latex paint, clips and plastic cups for each bouquet.

Kellie Grengs created the canvas tablecloths and added jumbo cording to make the canvas undulate. Cakes designed by Doyle Defores of Flour Power Confectionery, Inc. Call 276-9095 to get in touch with Doyle and his team. They are wonderful to work with.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 69

with this ring

By Mallory Lindsly

{Yancey – Adams} Cameron Cavanaugh Yancey and Mark Philip Pierce Adams met at a mutual friend’s party while the two were in high school at Isidore Newman; it was the beginning of Cameron’s sophomore year, and Pierce was a senior. The following fall, Pierce left for Washington and Lee University in Virginia, and Cameron started her junior year at Newman. The two kept in touch and began seeing more of each other in 2005 when Cameron started college at The University of Georgia.

Ever since high school, Cameron and Pierce have made a “date” of “Celebration in the Oaks” followed by Ralph’s on the Park for dinner.

On December 22, 2011, the couple went to continue the tradition.

Though it appeared more crowded than usual, Pierce popped the

70 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

question at the event anyway. Cameron excitedly said yes, and the two went straight to Ralph’s on the Park where the families were waiting to celebrate with the newly engaged couple.

After the wedding, Cameron and Pierce left for a romantic 10-day honeymoon to the South of France. They made three stops: Les Baux de Provence, Vence and Eze, touring the surrounding countryside along the way.

The two currently reside in Uptown, near the Audubon Park area. Cameron is the Director of Communications for The Idea Village, and Pierce is a financial consultant with Capital One and is a member of the LA State Bar. F Bride: Cameron Cavanaugh Yancey Groom: Mark Philip Pierce Adams Bride’s Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hunter Yancey IV

Groom’s Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Horace Mark Adams Date of Wedding: July 14, 2012 Ceremony Location: Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

Reception Location: New Orleans Country Club Celebrant: Dr. Donald Frampton and Reverend Carol Crawford

Ceremony Music: Stephen Blackmon, organist and Luke Fleming, violist

Wedding Gown: Suzanne Perron custom-made Cameron’s gown and incorporated old lace from her mother’s dress, which was originally from Cameron’s great-great aunt’s gown. Cameron also wore her great-great aunt’s veil, which is handmade Brussels lace c. 1875.

Maids of Honor: Caitlin Carrère and Betsy Ellis Bridesmaids: Rachel Bankston, Ashley Barriere, Lindsay Diamond, Georgia Dodge, Kate Elder, Grayson Gibney, Jessica Holt, Alexis Preis, Kelly Reily and Marcelle Robert

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN by Anthropologie Flower Girls: Ansley Addis, Maggie Holloway, Anna Clare Polland and Lucy Polland

Ring Bearers: Graham Addis, Henry Addis and Charlie Holloway

Groom’s Attire: White Linen Suit by Haspel and Bow Tie by Southern Proper

Best Man: Mark Adams Groomsmen: John Allgood, David Butler, Jeff Cohn, Thomas Goodrich, Matt Hart, Minor Jahncke, Charlie Jarrett, Scott Kushner, Killian Lapeyre, Pat McGlone, Andrew Robinson, Graham Wogan and Hunter Yancey

Ushers: Keith Deane, Robert Foster, Baker Freiberg, Brendan Gibney, Jim McDougall and Scott Pollard

Groomsmen’s and Ushers’ attire: White Linen Suit by Haspel and Mint Julep Bow Ties by Southern Proper

Florist: Amanda and Carl Cottingham, The Pantry, Inc. Caterer: New Orleans Country Club Wedding Cake: Denise St. Pierre Groom’s Cake: Lea Micheal Photographer: Grevy Photography Hair: Casey Calliouet and Naomi Smith Makeup: Tisa Camet and Katie Malone Music: BRW (White Oak Productions) October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 71

student activist

By Mallory Lindsly

Shelby Heath Meckstroth

Shelby Heath Meckstroth, a New Orleans native and senior at The Taft School (a boarding school in Connecticut), received the prestigious 2012 South African Summer Citrus Soccer Star award.

At Taft, Meckstroth is involved with a volunteer council that organizes activities for blood drives for local organizations, goes to homeless shelters and participates in other service opportunities in the community. She also volunteers as a tour guide, showing potential students the Taft campus.

Meckstroth participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership program in Louisiana, where she gained the skills to be a dorm monitor at Taft. For the past two years she has lived in the underclassmen dorm and acts as a confidant towards the students in the dorms. “But above all, I’m there as a friend for the freshman and sophomores throughout the year as someone who has been where they are and gone through the classes they are going through,” she says.

Soccer is an integral part of Meckstroth’s character. This past summer she went to Nicaragua to participate in Fútbol Sin Fronteras, 72 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

Soccer Without Borders, where she was able to work with local kids and coach soccer.

“While in Nicaragua,” she says, “I was able to go to gym classes to coach the girls, and also help run the camp that Soccer Without Boarders puts on year round.

Soccer is a sport that I’ve grown up playing, so it was really great that I was able to use my knowledge and love for the game to connect with and teach the young Nicaraguan girls that they can be leaders of their community.”

She also was one of eight youths across the country to receive the 2012 South African Summer Citrus Soccer Star award. This award was established by the South African Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, a group of South African Citrus growers who export citrus to the United States.

During her twin brother’s state championship soccer game, Meckstroth’s father suffered a heart attack. Since her mother wasn’t at the game, she had to act quickly to help save her father’s life. Meckstroth found another parent to help transport her father to the hospital, where she was able to provide all of the vital health information to the physicians during his treatment.

“I had to be courageous during his heart attack, and I learned to be a stronger person because of this event,” she says. “This was very scary at first, but I had to be brave in front of him.”

Meckstroth is now entering her senior year at The Taft School and is preparing for college, where she wants to focus on pre-med and study to become a physician in the New Orleans area while traveling to help those in Central America. F

to your health

By Billy Katz and Hudson Ellis

Two Moves for Your Month Learn a squat and walk to prevent breast cancer.

This month introduces a new feature in “To Your Health”: the “Power Move of the Month.” In each issue, Katz and Ellis will give you one new move to add to your routine that will deliver the most “bang for your buck.”

Power Move of the Month: The Squat

Our first choice is The Squat. It activates the body’s biggest muscles: buttocks, back and legs. It will raise your heart rate and strengthen key muscles, thereby combating inevitable muscle loss that comes with aging.

It is simple, too. Bend your knees and lower your torso until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Repeat 12 times for three repetitions. As the squat becomes easier add weights to increase intensity.

As with all exercises, executing them correctly is critical, so ask a professional to check your form.

Step up to end breast cancer: 5K Walk

It is a very sad fact of life that most of us have been touched by breast cancer; be it a mother, daughter, wife, aunt, niece, cousin or friend.

However, what comes from this is a huge commitment to end breast cancer – for

good. That is why the American Cancer Society is hoping that more than 8,500 (last year’s total) people will participate in the 14th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer New Orleans 5K Walk. It takes place on Sunday, October 7 at City Park, and is the only one in Southeast Louisiana.

Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., with the walk at 8 a.m., and they’re hoping to surpass the $5,000 raised last year.

For more information, visit MakingStridesNewOrleans.org or call Anne Bates at the American Cancer Society 833-4024. F

{ } Billy Katz and Hudson Ellis are the co-owners of Simply Fit gyms. Read more tips from them in Renaissance Publishing’s e-newsletter.

Sign up by visiting MyNewOrleans.com

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 73

october snapshots

By Gabrielle Bethancourt

4

1

5

2

6

3 1. Councilwoman Stacy Head and Jay Rive, CEO of Poydras Home, at groundbreaking for Poydras Home’s new addition on April 25. The new three-story addition will add 22 assisted living and 11 memory assisted living suites. The expansion will also include renovations to the nursing care wing, new dining spaces and a new, state-of-the-art wellness and therapy center. 2. Roxie LeRouge performs with Slowburn Burlesque at the Contemporary Arts Center’s annual fundraiser “Bourbon & Burlesque.” The event was an all-night burlesque review, starring local troupes Slowburn, Storyville Starlettes, Reverend Spooky LeStrange & Her Billion Dollar Baby Dolls, Fleur de Tease, Queerlesque! and the Southern Jezebelles featuring members of the original Shim-Shamettes.

3. The “Bourbon Girl” serving craft Bourbon samples. The CAC was standing room only on Saturday, June 16, for the sixth annual “Bourbon & Burlesque” fundraiser. More than 700 patrons enjoyed dishes by chef Darrin Nesbit and cocktails by Barry Himel of Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House.

74 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

4. “Bourbon & Burlesque” headliner Angela Eve with trumpeter James Andrews. The event concluded with a finale performance of Storyville Bordello: Basin Street Parlor House Jive, a collaboration between acrobatic aerialist Angela Eve and trumpeter James Andrews. 5. Grammy awardwinning recording artist and 2012 McDonald’s® 365Black® Award honoree Chaka Khan performs at the ninth annual “McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards.”

The 2012 honorees included multi-platinum and 10-time Grammy-winning recording artist Chaka Khan; global humanitarian, best-selling inspirational author/entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes; Grammy-nominated R&B singer/ songwriter Tamia and husband, All-Star NBA player Grant Hill; teenage medical innovator Tony Hansberry II; youth empowerment activist Mary-Pat Hector; and McDonald’s owner/operators, Tina and Harold Lewis. Photo Credit: Alstek Photography 6. Actress Tisha Campbell-Martin poses on the red carpet with Ronald McDonald before attending the “McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards.” The awards were held at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on July 6. Awards are given each year to celebrate outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. Photo Credit: Alstek Photography

october snapshots

By Gabrielle Bethancourt

10 7

11

8

12

9 7. Global humanitarian and best-selling inspirational author Bishop T.D. Jakes accepts the McDonald’s® 365Black® Award. The program was full of powerful messages about empowerment from Marty Gillis, chairman, McDonald’s African American consumer market committee; Kevin Newell, executive vice president, global chief brand officer, McDonald’s Corporation; and Neil Golden, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s USA. 8. Jessica Bride, Chris Okorie, Chef John Besh, Calvin Virgil and Emery Whalen smile for the Chefs Move! Scholarship in Pastry Arts award event. Chefs Move! aims to diversify the management level of restaurant kitchens by giving minority applicants who demonstrate a passion for cooking and New Orleans the opportunity to train in culinary arts in a world-class setting. 9. Tierney Monaghan, Angie Koehlar and Alana Monaghan take a break from the Registration Table at the “Roots of Music Poker Crawl” on June 16. The Roots of Music is a tuition-free, comprehensive music education program for children ages 9-14.

10. Elexa Ruth, Tierney Monaghan, Angie Koehlar, Barnaby Chancelor, Lloyd Miller and Trey Monaghan at the “Roots of Music Poker Crawl.” Trey Monaghan is dealing Barnaby Chancelor the card that won him the worst hand of the tournament at Molly’s At The Market. The event was a great success; over $20,000 was raised for the Roots of Music. All the funds will help the foundation go to Pasadena, Calif., to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade before the 2013 Rose Bowl. So far, the organization has raised a little more than half of their necessary grand total of $365,000. 11. Donald Harrison Jr., Detroit Brooks, Joe Dyson Jr., Max Moran, Conun Pappas, Jesse McBride, Christian Scott, Tyler Ginsberg and David Pulphus serve as Newman Isidore New Jazz School professors. The New Jazz School ran from June 4-15 and taught vocals, brass, woodwind, rhythm, bass, guitar, percussion and piano to students in 8th through 12th grades. Participants are chosen through auditions, and limited enrollment space is available. The program is free of charge to the diverse students selected to enroll, due to the support of sponsoring institutions 12. Will Hightower, Morgan Guerin and John Michael Bradford play together in the final performance at the Newman New Jazz School on June 15. The New Jazz School is committed to educating the next generation of New Orleans musicians to preserve the city’s culture and heritage. Donald Harrison Jr. directs and teaches the program with assistance from experienced, established musicians. The New Jazz School students learn traditional jazz, swing, bebop, modal jazz, jazz-rock and hip-hop. There are also classes in harmony, technique, reading, ear training, listening and ensemble.

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 75

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.

Premier

Each office independently owned and operated.

Magnificent custom creole french gem. Recently built & luxuriously appointed. Great room has exposed antique cypress beams & big fp w/ custom cast mantle. Dining room w/ antique wall of mirrors. Grand master suite. Arch. Details include 12’ ceilings, extensive wood detailing, peacock paver flooring. Fab gourmet kitchen. Stucco wall surrounds stunning courtyard w/veranda, saltwater pool, & outdoor cooking area. Stateof-the-art entertainment system.

Great for entertaining ! This move-in stylish 4 bedroom/ 3 1/2 ba. Home is in a prime location. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite counters, sub-zero/thermador appliances. Large family room with cathedral ceilings and sunroom overlooking a lush landscaped patio/ pool area. Beautiful master suite and walk-in closet. Never flooded. Owners have done several custom upgrades to the home. A must see !

401 Bellaire Dr ................................................. $1,950,000 208 Ridgeway Dr ............................................. $1,200,000 3834 Lakeshore Dr ............................................. $849,000 6 Savannah Ridge Ln .......................................... $849,000 5513 Coliseum St ............................................... $730,000 310 Freidrichs Av ................................................ $625,000 38 Beresford Ct ................... VACANT LOT .............. $596,000 400 Old Hammond Hwy Unit 4 ...................................$575,000 244 Mulberry Dr .................. VACANT LOT .............. $475,000 250 Beverly Dr ..................... LAND VALUE............... $399,000

76 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

1907 Palmer Avenue.................................................................................. $3,975,000 217 Audubon Blvd..................................................................................... $3,420,000 10 Nassau Drive ........................................................................................ $2,800,000 1527 Washington Ave ............................................................................... $1,595,000 3721 St. Charles Unit A ............................................................................... $880,000 636 Webster.................................................................................................. $648,000 41 Versailles Blvd.......................................................................................... $590,000 70 Versailles Blvd.......................................................................................... $310,000 1444 Henry Clay Ave ................................. SOLD ................................... $2,600,000 625 St. Charles PHA ................................. SOLD ................................... $1,675,000 13 Nassau - lot............................................ SOLD ................................... $1,575,000 5508 Hurst ................................................. SOLD ................................... $1,549,000 1314 Napoleon Unit 9 ................................ SOLD ................................... $1,540,000 824 Ursulines .............................................. SOLD ................................... $1,395,000 6035 Laurel St ............................................ SOLD ...................................... $948,000 621 Arabella ............................................... SOLD ...................................... $849,000 5914 Coliseum St. ...................................... SOLD ...................................... $835,000 303 Audubon St ......................................... SOLD ...................................... $788,000 6021 Constance St...................................... SOLD ...................................... $695,000 405 Audubon St ......................................... SOLD ...................................... $685,000 534 Arabella ............................................... SOLD ...................................... $679,000

Properties ELEANOR FARNSWORTH Top Residential Producer

CRS, GRI, BRC, HRS Office: (504) 891-1142 Home: (504) 891-9023 891-6400

www.EleanorFarnsworth.com 1415 Third Street .........................................$12,500,000 4717 St Charles Avenue......SOLD...............$6,000,000 16 Audubon Place .............. SOLD ..............$4,500,000 521 Gov. Nicholls................SOLD...............$3,750,000 1516 Robert Street .........................................$3,100,000 1776 State Street .............................................$2,500,000 5614 St. Charles Avenue................................$2,500,000 3 Poydras Street #9E/F ........SOLD...............$2,300,000 906 S. New Hampshire Avenue......SOLD...............$2,199,000 1413 Philip Street ...........................................$2,020,000 1538 Fourth Street .........................................$1,900,000 1518 First Street ..................SOLD...............$1,750,000 1415 Cadiz Street ...............SOLD...............$1,700,000 2708 Coliseum Street ..........SOLD...............$1,625,000 4613 St. Charles Avenue.....SOLD...............$1,600,000 576 Audubon Street ............SOLD...............$1,595,000 2721 St Charles Avenue 3A ..........................$1,559,000 2707 Coliseum Street ..........SOLD...............$1,490,000 2507 Prytania Street ............SOLD...............$1,490,000 1542 Calhoun Street ...........SOLD...............$1,450,000 5726 St. Charles Avenue......SOLD...............$1,400,000 1205 Philip Street .................SOLD...............$1,399,000 4917 St. Charles Avenue......SOLD...............$1,370,000 71607 Riverside Drive ...................................$1,350,000 1732 Palmer Avene ........................................$1,300,000 447 Audubon Street ........... SOLD ..............$1,300,000 9 Blanc Place ........................SOLD...............$1,300,000 1578 Calhoun Street ...........SOLD...............$1,300,000 1207 State Street ..................SOLD...............$1,250,000 571 Audubon Street ............SOLD...............$1,220,000 1539 Soniat Street ...............SOLD...............$1,220,000 6554 Oakland Drive............SOLD...............$1,200,000 441 Audubon Street ............SOLD...............$1,199,000 4901 St. Charles Avenue......SOLD...............$1,100,000 2006 Jefferson Avenue........SOLD...............$1,100,000

1429 Jackson Ave $1,198,000 10 Swan ....................... SOLD .............$1,300,000 1429 Jackson Ave ...............................$1,198,000 500 Audubon ................ SOLD ................$998,000 22 Farnham.................... SOLD ................$950,000 1566 Calhoun ................ SOLD ................$875,000 5111 Pitt ........................ SOLD ................$749,000 1240 Eighth ................... SOLD ................$725,000 6308 Camp .................... SOLD ................$549,000 6219 Magazine St ......... SOLD ................$530,000 924 Bellecastle.............. SOLD ................$485,000 5120 Chestnut ............... SOLD ................$439,000 6300 Colbert St. ............ SOLD ................$419,000 4 Stilt ............................. SOLD ................$415,000 4440 Bienville................ SOLD ................$399,000 915 Cadiz ....................... SOLD ................$396,000 4701 Iberville...........................................$335,000 7705 Hampson .............. SOLD ................$333,000 7400 Cohn ...............................................$289,000 628 Orange .............................................$287,000 2619 St. Charles Unit C ...........................$219,000 7008 Pritchard Pl .....................................$194,000

1701 Valence Street .............SOLD...............$1,075,000 1919 State Street ..................SOLD...............$1,050,000 1221 First Street ..................SOLD...............$1,050,000 1221 Exposition Blvd .........SOLD...............$1,045,000 3225 Prytania Street ............SOLD...............$1,000,000 1137 Nashville Avenue ..................................... $999,000 1844 State Street ..................SOLD.................. $995,000 1022 Webster Street ............SOLD.................. $995,000 3447 Camp Street ................SOLD.................. $985,000 1119-21 Delachaise Street ................................ $960,000 1543 Henry Clay Avenue.......SOLD.................. $950,000 1729 Jefferson Avenue........SOLD.................. $950,000 4525 Prytania Street ............SOLD.................. $950,000 3937 Camp Street ................SOLD.................. $950,000 508 Walnut Street ................SOLD.................. $950,000 2331 Chestnut Street...........SOLD.................. $949,000 1922 State Street ..................SOLD.................. $899,000 6161 Loyola Avenue............SOLD.................. $895,000 1205 Arabella Street ............SOLD.................. $895,000 6047 Camp Street ................SOLD.................. $850,000 836 State Street ....................SOLD.................. $849,000 500 Walnut Street ................SOLD.................. $825,000 5933 Camp Street ................SOLD.................. $799,000 265 Audubon Blvd ............................................ $799,000 405 Exposition Blvd ...........SOLD.................. $755,000 1453 Arabella Street ............SOLD.................. $649,000 732 S. Beach Blvd ................SOLD.................. $649,000 1718 Valence Street .............SOLD.................. $547,000 123 Walnut Unit 304 ......................................... $525,000 8654 Pontchartrain Blvd #20 .......................... $320,000 1227 Royal Street Unit 4 .................................. $300,000 7337 W. Roadway Street ......3 Slips.................. $230,000 1205 St. Charles Avenue Unit #1415 ............. $194,000 5605-07 Tchoupitoulas ..................................... $150,000

De Limon Place Patrolling Guard Service, Limited Access, Pool, Clubhouse, Easy Living… 3 STORY ELEGANT TOWNHOME 2655 Sq Ft Liv Area + 2 Car Garage ................... $425,000 PONTALBA CONDOMINIUMS Corner Unit! Completely Renovated!

1490 Sq Ft ............................................................. $329,000 RENTALS AVAILABLE ............................$2700 PER MONTH

504-835-6100

Property Shown by Appointment Only DeLimon Real Estate 401 Rue St. Ann | Old Metairie www.crosbydevelopment.com | Lisa Crosby Forshag

October 2012 St. Charles Avenue | 77

Premier Properties

78 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

NEW ORLEANS Ah-Ha Angeli On Decatur Angelique Angelique Baby Angelique Shoe Antoine’s Ashley Hall Interiors Ballin’s Basil Leaf Belladonna Betty Hunley Designs The Blind Pelican Bombay Club Broussard’s Breaux Mart Byblos C. Collection Café Degas Café Envie Café Fresco Café Luna Café Rose Nicaud Canine Culture CC’s Coffee House Charlotte Williamson Salon Chez Nous Contemporary Arts Center Cork & Bottle Fine Wines Corner Muse Creole Creamery Crepe Nanou Croissant D Or Downtown Fitness Dr. Mary Lupo Eclectic Home Ele Shoes Elio’s Wine Warehouse Em & Liv Ernst Café Espresso Express Faubourg Marigny Books Feet First Flora Coffee Shop & Gallery French Quarter Postal French Sole Emporium Gae-Tana Garden District Book Shop Gordon Biersch Brewery Green Parrot Nursery

The Grocery Gumbo Shop Restaurant Harrison Cove Harry Ace Hardware Hazelnut Heavenly Ham Heirloom Furnishings Interior Design Jazmine Café Jewish Community Center Joan Vass John Jay Juan’s Flying Burrito Judy at the Rink Jupiter Salon Katie’s Kyoto La Boulangerie LaBoucherie Coffee House Langenstein’s Laurel Street Bakery Le Visage Day Spa Libertos Cleaners Little Laughter Little Miss Muffin Louisiana Products Inc. Lucy’s Maison St. Charles Make Me Up Martin Lawrence Gallery Mid-City Rock & Bowl Mike Serio’s Deli Mikimoto Mimi Mona’s Mona’s Café Napoleon House New York Pizza Ninja Nirvana Nola Beans Octavia Books Old. New. Blue.

Omni Royal Orleans Orient Expressed Peaches Records perch.

Perlis Piranesi Antiques PJ’s Coffee & Tea Place St. Charles

The Pontchartrain Priorities Reginelli’s Pizzeria Riccobono Panola Café Roosevelt New Orleans Royal Blend RSVP Rubenstein’s Rue De La Course Sake Café Salon M Salu Santa Fe Tapas Schiro’s Super Food Store Simply Fit The Skin Institute Slice Restaurant Snug Habor Soren Christiansen Gallery Southern Runner Sterling Silva Still Perkin Swap Sweet Pea & Tulip Swiss Confectionary Symmetry T & R Sundry Shop T. Taqueria Corona Theo’s Pizza Tommy Crane Group Total Woman Town and Country Town Crier Uptown Athletic Club Vincent’s W.I.N.O. Welty’s Deli The White Camellia Who Dat Coffee Café Whole Foods Whimsy Woodhouse Spa Wrens Tontine & Shade Shop Zea Zuka Baby METAIRIE/KENNER/HARAHAN Acme Oyster House Andrea’s Bella Bella

Boudreaux’s Jewelers Bozo’s Breaux Mart Brick & Block Products Byblos Market Place Café Latte Da Café du Monde Café Royale CC’s Gourmet Coffee Chateau Coffee Chateau Drugs Chatta Box Cleanerama Cleaners Dorignac’s Dunleith Designs Elizabeth’s Elmwood Fitness Center Em’s Esplanade Mall-Café du Monde FeBe Too Floor Coverings Int’l Galleria Food Court Gordon’s of Kenner Gordon’s of Metairie Heritage Sports Center Imelda’s Isabella’ s Gallery Italian Pie Joe Yenni Bldg.

Kosher Cajun Lakeside Shopping Center Langenstein’s Le Boulevard Le Madeline Lee’s Hamburgers Little Miss Muffin Mercedes Benz (Recp. Desk) Metairie Cleaners Metairie Dental Care Mirabella Morning Call O’Henry’s Omega Hospital Peppermill Perino’s Garden Center Pet Care Center Peyroux Custom Curtains Phil’s Grill PJ’s Coffee Shop Premier Fitness Puccino’s

Rooba’s Crescent Spoon Café Royal Blend Russell’s Short Stop Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Safari Car Wash Salon Sanoj Semolina Serrano’s Salsa Company Simply Fit St. Charles Vision Taqueria Corona Tattle Tails The Beach House Restaurant The Galley The Plant Gallery Zuppardo’s NORTHSHORE/WESTBANK Ballins Barnes & Noble Brenchley Boudreaux’s Jewelers Coffee Rani Columbia St. Natural Foods Dakota Downtown Fitness Center Gambino’s Bakery Gilboy’s Health Club Home & Garden Honey Baked Ham Italian Pie London Hill Louisiana Custom Closets Martin’s Wine Cellar Morton’s New Orleans Food & Spirits Parish National Bank Perlis PJ’s Coffee Shop Raffaele/Dolci Modi Slidell Athletic Club St. Charles Vision St. John’s Coffee Villa Vici Zöe’s Bakery

new orleans nostalgia

By Seale Paterson

A Penny for Your Memory

There was more to the Pennyland Arcade than games of chance and luck.

It might be hard to imagine that a penny arcade could hold a lot of value in the literary world, but in New Orleans we’ve learned not to be surprised by much.

The Pennyland Arcade, which opened in 1931 and was located at 131 Royal St., is mentioned in one of New Orleans’ most venerated books, and a recording that was made there holds a place of high honor in the Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound at the New York Public Library.

The Pennyland Arcade was composed of a mixture of more

than 100 luck and skill games, including a Drivemobile Machine and many sport-themed penny games such as bowling, basketball and hockey. In A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole’s 1980 novel, it’s the mechanical baseball game that achieves infamy as Ignatius J. Reilly’s favored game at the arcade. During a visit he’s disappointed to find it missing and presumably broken, after a previous bout with it resulted in a kick to the machine and subsequent quarrel with management over a nickel.

Pennyland also provided

80 | St. Charles Avenue www.saintcharlesavenue.com

amusement in the form of technological marvels such as an instant photo booth, fortune-telling machines, the first Coca-Cola drink dispenser in town and Voice-O-Graph recording booths. They advertised the booths as a way to make wholesome Christmas recordings to send home by mail, but when Tennessee Williams and his companion Pancho Rodriguez took over a booth in 1947, propriety wasn’t a concern. The eight cardboard acetate discs they recorded contain bawdy jokes, gay love poems, vampy skits, songs,

poetry and the recitation of a scene from A Streetcar Named Desire with Rodriguez reading Stanley to Williams’ Blanche.

Pennyland stayed open 24 hours a day and was in operation for more than 70 years, nestled in among theaters, honky-tonk bars, burlesque joints and coffee shops.

It closed in the early 2000s. F

{

}

A shoeshine boy polishes up a customer outside the Pennyland Arcade on a busy night on Royal St., c. 1963.

Photo by Dewey Bowman, and provided courtesy of the New Orleans Public Library