New Orleans Magazine September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 / VOLUME 52 / NUMBER 10 Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Ashley McLellan Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Contributing Writers Mary Lou Eichhorn, Fritz Esker, Kathy Finn, Dawn Ruth Wilson, Brobson Lutz, M.D., Jason Berry, Carolyn Kolb, Chris Rose, Eve Crawford Peyton, Mike Griffith, Liz Scott Monaghan, Lee Cutrone, Dale Curry, Jay Forman, Tim McNally, Robert Peyton, Mirella Cameran Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot Social Media Assistant Becca Miller Staff Writers Topher Balfer, Kelly Massicot, Melanie Warner Spencer Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Advertising Sales Manager Kate Sanders Henry (504) 830-7216 / Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executive Claire Cummings Account Executives Katie Gray, Meggie Schmidt, Rachel Webber Director of Marketing and Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Abbie Dugruise Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information call (504) 830-7264 Production Designers Emily Andras, Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney Special Projects Art Director Molly Tullier Traffic Manager Topher Balfer Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Mallary Matherne Subscriptions Manager Brittanie Bryant For subscription information call (504) 828-1380 WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Hronek NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 MyNewOrleans.com

New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rates: one year $19.95; Mexico, South America and Canada $48; Europe, Asia and Australia $75. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution of $40 or more to WYES-TV/Channel 12, $10.00 of which is used to offset the cost of publication. Also available electronically, on CD-ROM and on-line.

Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2018 New Orleans Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine are registered. New Orleans Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

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Contents features

52 Let the Good Times Roll Three bike routes for exploring on the move

By Melanie Warner Spencer

60 People to Watch Our Class of 2018 profiles By kim singletary

72 Falling for Festivals The Best of the Season By fritz esker

on the cover Tammany Trace photo by marianna massey

Contents departments

32

Local Color

80

Chris Rose America Up the Road 38

Modine Gunch By the Numbers 40

Joie d’Eve A Uniform Solution 42

In Tune Early Fall Sounds 44

Jazz Life Henry Butler, Eternally 46

Home

The Beat

Uptown Park Style 48

Marquee Entertainment calendar 24

Persona Doug Mouton 26

Biz Hotel Health 30

Education Yearning for Learning 32

Chronicles Wild about Wild Animals 34

The Menu Table Talk Zocalo 76

Restaurant Insider Catalino’s, Autonomy, Felix’s 78

Food When Pho Meets Bahn 80

Last Call Voodoo Child 82

Dining Guide Plus Restaurant Spotlights 84

In Every Issue Inside People We Have Watched 14

Speaking Out 46

Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon 18

Julia Street Questions and Answers About Our City 20

Streetcar The Wrath of Gustav 128

DIAL 12, D1 MASTERPIECE favorites return this month on WYES. Get ready for new episodes of “Poldark” and The Durrells in Corfu,” plus the new show “The Miniaturist.” For broadcast dates, go to wyes.org.

inside

People We Have Watched

S

ally Ann Roberts was on the cover of our 1978 People to Watch issue. Dressed as a fortune teller, the long-time WWL TV morning show anchor was pictured staring into a crystal ball as though to predict that year’s group of watchable people. The annual feature is the magazine’s oldest tradition, though one that has been modified with the times. Back then, the number of selections matched the year, so forty years ago it would be 78 people on the list. Mercifully the editors switched to a standardized number before being overwhelmed in 1999, which would, in theory, be followed by no people in 2000.

We define People to Watch as folks who are doing something new and different or, if they have been around, going in a different direction. Stephen Ambrose the UNO history professor, who would later be famous for being the impetus behind what is now the Word War II museum and whose books on the war are classics, was on the list but for a different reason.

He had just been contracted by the BBC to write a parallel livesthemed documentary about chief Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer. A young reporter for the States-Item newspaper, Walter Isaacson was seen to be a rising star. Good call. He is now a nationally famous biographer whose latest critically acclaimed book about Leonardo DiVinci follows successes covering Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein and Henry Kissinger,.

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Selecting Dutch Morial for the list was an easy pick because he had just been elected mayor and would take office later that year.

More daring was the inclusion of councilman-at-large Sidney Barthelemy who would be elected mayor eight years later.

Some names are forgotten but all had their moment in the sun.

Curiously the person who literally was most watched for the longest period of time was cover girl Sally Anne Roberts. At one point the WWL morning show had one of the largest local audiences in the country. Roberts retired last year. Perhaps she saw that in her crystal ball.

meet the sales staff

Kate Sanders Henry Sales Manager (504) 830-7216 Kate@myneworleans.com

Claire Cummings Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7250 Claire@myneworleans.com

Rachel Webber Account Executive (504) 830-7249 Rachel@MyNewOrleans.com

Meggie Schmidt Account Executive (504) 830-7220 Meggie@myneworleans.com

Katie Gray Account Executive 504-830-7263 Katie@MyNewOrleans.com

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215 Colleen@myneworleans.com 16

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speaking out

Brown Pelicans A 50 Year Revival

I

n 1968, fifty years ago, a group of biologists in boats headed to Queen Bess Island in Barataria Bay near Grand Isle. On board were some brown pelican chicks that had been imported from Florida to not only begin a new life in Louisiana but to restore what once was.

Though the pelican was Louisiana’s state bird it was extinct by 1968 mostly due to the since banned pesticide DDT that was used for spraying crops. Not only did it kill plant critters but also the runoff damaged the pelican hatching sites.

Because Queen Bess Island had once been an important nesting spot for the birds, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife 18

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and Fisheries (LDWF) chose it as the nursery to raise a new population. Beginning in 1968, through 1976, 767 brown pelican chicks were brought from Florida’s Atlantic coast and relocated in Louisiana especially on Queen Bess. According to a LDWF statement, by 1971 eleven nests were documented on the island signaling that the relocation was successful.

Forty years later, by 2008 there were 4,000 nests on the island.

A year later the brown pelican was removed from the federal endangered species list.

This tale would have a happy ending except that there have been some problems along the way. Queen Bess has experienced subsidence though the years and

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its nesting area has decreased.

Also it was heavily damaged by the BP oil spill. The island, which is the hatching ground for ten species of birds including pelicans, provided sad images of its feathered residents exposed to oil. Curiously, through the effort of the Coastal Protection and Resonation Authority there has been a positive development.

The disaster funding from the BP oil spill (The National Resources Damage assessment) will be used partially to restore the island and to increase nesting habitats. A restoration project is scheduled to begin next year.

Here we pause to wax on briefly about pelicans because there are few sights in the aviary world more

graceful than a pelican gliding over open water close enough to see what is below. Suddenly the tranquility is broken by the bird taking a plunge then rocketing back through its splash to resume its peaceful glide only now its bill richer by one fish.

We remember seeing pelicans standing on stumps in the Bucktown Harbor in late 2005, a sure sign of their return. Than along came Katrina and the pelicans, like all birds, took flight.

Now they can be seen again. In many ways the state bird is a sign of the state’s health. We celebrate this being the 50th anniversary of the birds’ return. Once again the pelican has made a big splash.•

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

julia street

with poydras the parrot

Boulevard. At the time, the southern bakery chain had seven local discount stores, most of which were outside New Orleans in Jefferson and St. John the Baptist Parishes. In addition to the Gretna location on Stumpf Boulevard, there were shops in Metairie, Kenner, Marrero and LaPlace; the two New Orleans Parish locations were at 6700 Chef Menteur Highway and 6021 South Claiborne Avenue. The Stumpf Boulevard location lasted less than ten years; by 1975, Kami motorcycles were being sold from a store at that address.

Dear Julia and Poydras, While walking through City Park, I happened upon an octagonal fountain which an attached plaque indicates was restored and rededicated in honor of Patrick K. Butler in 1994. A second plaque, found at the rear, shows the memorial was created in 1910 in honor of William Frazer Owen, Jr. Do you happen to know anything at all about the circumstances of young Mr. Owen’s demise? I am also curious as to why a classical nude female statue adorns the memorial his parents had erected in his honor? Jules Jones (New Orleans) William Frazer Owen, Jr. was the only child of Southern Pacific Railroad superintendant William Frazer Owen, Sr. and his wife, Jennie Read. William was only 13 when he died of appendicitis in October 1899.

His mother never recovered from a fall she sustained in the family’s Mobile, Alabama home in the weeks following her son’s death. Although she lived to see her son memorialized, Jennie Read Owen succumbed to her injuries and followed her only child to the grave in November 1910.

Dedicated in 1910 as the William Frazer Owen, Jr. Memorial Fountain, the structure was built and originally used as a drinking fountain with drinking stations at each of its eight sides. A whimsical statue of a young boy holding aloft a leaking boot, sometimes called the “Unfortunate Boot,” 20

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adorned the fountain’s center until it was damaged in the late 1920s.

In 1929, City Park officials obtained from a foundry in New York, a replacement for the damaged statue but elected not to install it when the wife of park resident and benefactor William H. McFadden complained she did not want them to erect a statue, which was identical to one she had installed in her garden. Arrangements were made to sell the replacement statue and Albert Weiblen, whose company specialized in stonework and statuary, imported the classical female nude figure which has adorned the fountain since that time and depicts Chloe, one form of the Greek agricultural fertility goddess Demeter.

Dear Julia, There is a battered and dilapidated red heart-shaped sign in front of an abandoned building in a Stumpf Boulevard strip mall.

No wording remains on the sign and there are holes where something, presumably lettering or neon tubing, was removed.

There are no surviving clues about its age or the business it promoted. Can you help solve this mystery? Mary Johnson (Gretna) The heart-shaped sign, now lacking its original neon, was put up in the mid-1960s, when a Hart’s Bakery franchise opened a discount bread store at 1102 Stumpf

Dear Julia, Do you have any idea why Poydras’ feral kinfolk, the monk parakeets, seem so partial to power stations? It is really a good idea for them to build their condos there? Jacobi Jefferson (New Orleans) Jacobi, Poydras does not like to admit that any of his kinfolk are feral. He says they are really professional actors trained to act feral for wildlife documentaries. They think those crime cameras around town really belong to National Geographic.

Monk parakeets are native to South America and may have escaped from the pet trade decades ago.

Some of their most impressive communal nests, which are maintained and used year-round and not just during the breeding season, can be found at utility company substations throughout the country.

Some northern researchers have speculated the birds are drawn to the substations’ warmth in cold winter months but that explanation does not appear to be universally accepted.

The parakeets’ twig nests can be quite immense and weigh several hundred pounds. If the expanding nests happen to bridge wires, they can cause electrical shorts, electrocuting the parrots while also killing their human neighbors’ electrical service. The problem is not theoretical, as utility companies in Tampa and Austin can attest, but solutions such as culling the non-native birds have proven controversial and largely ineffective.

Have a question for julia?

Send your question to: Julia Street, c/o New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 or email: Errol@MyNewOrleans.com.

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The Beat

greg miles photo

MARQUEE . PERSONA . BIZ . EDUCATION . CHRONICLES

WWL TV Sports director doug mouton

THE beat . marquee

September Our top picks for this month’s events By fritz esker

Taylor Swift September is a big month for concerts at the MercedesBenz Superdome.

Pop goddess Taylor Swift is coming to the Superdome for one night only on September 22 as a part of her Reputation Stadium Tour.

MBSuperdome.com.

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Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert Part of the wonder of the classic film Star Wars: A New Hope is the thrilling score by revered composer John Williams. Now, fans will get the chance to experience the film in the stately confines of the Saenger Theatre on September 7 & 8 accompanied by a live orchestra. Information, SaengerNOLA.com.

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Jay-Z and Beyonce

Pump Boys and Dinettes

Jay-Z is one of the world’s most famous rappers and Beyonce is one of the world’s most famous singers. The married couple have united for the On the Run II World Tour.

Previous shows on the tour have included a whopping 37 songs from Jay-Z and Beyonce.

They will appear for one night only at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 13.

Information, MBSuperdome.com.

This country and western musical tells the story of the “Pump Boys” who sell gas near the Grand Ole Opry and the “Dinettes” who run the Double Cupp Diner next door.

The show has received rave reviews on and off Broadway and will play on weekends at BB’s Stage Door Canteen in the National World War 2 Museum from September 7-30.

NationalWW2Museum.org.

calendar Events, Exhibits & Performances July 29-September 16

September 20-23

Changing Course: Reflections on New Orleans Histories, New Orleans Museum of Art. noma.org.

New Orleans Burlesque Festival, Various CBD venues.

NewOrleansBurlesqueFest.com.

August 30-September 3

September 20

Southern Decadence, French Quarter. SouthernDecadence.net.

A Symphony is Born with Music

by Gabrieli and Haydn, Orpheum Theater. OrpheumNOLA.com.

September 1-9

Africa Umoja, Mahalia Jackson Theater.

MahaliaJacksonTheater.com.

September 21

Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ’n Out Live, Smoothie King Center.

SmoothieKingCenter.com.

September 5

Paul Simon: Homeward Bound Farewell Tour, Smoothie King Center. SmoothieKingCenter.com

September 21

September 7

September 21

Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Joy Theater. TheJoyTheater.com.

The Curtain Call Ball, Le Petit Theatre. LePetitTheatre.com.

September 8

September 21-Oct. 28

Saints Kickoff Run, Champions Square. Saints5K.com.

Shear Madness, Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. jpas.org.

September 10

September 22

WWE Monday Night Raw, Smoothie King Center.

SmoothieKingCenter.com.

NOLA on Tap, City Park Festival Grounds. NOLAOnTap.org.

Chromeo, Joy Theater.

TheJoyTheater.com.

September 22 September 10-16

Restaurant Week New Orleans, Various Restaurants.

CoolinaryNewOrleans.com.

September 11

Neko Case, Civic Theatre.

CivicNOLA.com.

Taylor Swift, Mercedes-Benz Superdome. MBSuperdome.com.

September 22-23

Fried Chicken Fest, Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

FriedChickenFestival.com.

September 23

September 13 & 15

Beethoven’s Ninth with Schubert’s “Unfinished”, Orpheum Theater.

OrpheumNOLA.com.

Future Islands, Joy Theater.

TheJoyTheater.com.

September 24

September 14

Aubrey & the Three Migos, Smoothie King Center.

SmoothieKingCenter.com.

Descendents, Joy Theater.

TheJoyTheater.com.

September 26-Oct. 7

September 15

Aladdin, Saenger Theater.

SaengerNOLA.com.

Lewis Black: The Joke’s On Us Tour, Joy Theater.

TheJoyTheater.com

September 26

The Decembrists, Civic Theatre.

CivicNOLA.com.

September 17-28

The Victory Belles, Stage Door Canteen.

NationalWW2Museum.org.

September 30

Mat Kearney: Crazytalk Fall 2018 Tour, Joy Theater.

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THE beat . persona

greg miles photo

Doug Mouton WWLTV Sports Director

by Ashley McLellan

W

hen WWLTV Sports I was actually in Psychology at Director Doug Mouton UNO, but three years in, I realtook on his position at ized I didn’t want to do that for a the news channel in 2012, he living. The day after I made that followed in the footsteps of a very decision, I was walking across exclusive group. Prior to Mouton, campus and I remember thinking the Sports Director position had -- “What do I do now?” In high only been held by two others, school, they always said, “Do Hap Glaudi and Jim Henderson, what you love.” And I remember and recognizing the important thinking, “What do I love to do? I responsibility in carrying on love to go to ball games. So, how those legends’ good work is key do I make a living going to ball to Mouton’s continued success. games?” I weighed the possibiliA New Orleans ties and decided that being a sportscaster native (he graduated from Brother sounded fun and True Confession: Martin High School possibly doable.

I wish I had and UNO), Mouton I loved following something clever or has become known big time sports as a interesting to say for his energy and kid, and I knew a ton here, but I don’t. I contributions during about the players, but I like to cook and watch baseball. his 30-plus years of also knew all the playNot much of a true journalism both in by-play announcers confession, but the newsroom and and the local sportsthat’s all I’ve got. across the commucasters. Once I came nity. He has reported up with the idea of and worked from the field, at being a sportscaster, it really fit. the anchor desk and behind the camera.

Q: Did you or do you play sports?

As we enter into regular Saints Growing up in New Orleans East, season, New Orleans Magazine playing football was the thing I asked Mouton for his insights on cared about most. My friends and the upcoming football season, his I played NORD ball for years at experience in reporting in New a little playground called Kerry Orleans and who he’s watching Curley. Our coach was terrific, Joe Bradley, and he moved up on the field. with us as we got older. We won Q: How many years have you a lot of games but by the time I been in the journalism business? got to high school, my athletic Thirty-one years now. I started limitations were obvious. I’ve in January of 1987 as an intern played in a ton of recreational for Buddy Diliberto at Channel flag football and softball leagues 6. One day into interning , I knew over the years, but I’ll never wow it’s what I wanted to do. anyone with my athletic prowess.

Q: How and why did you go into sports journalism specifically?

Q: What advice do you have for Zach Strief as he takes over the m y ne w orleans . com

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play-by-play coverage of the Saints from the legendary Jim Henderson? Jim is one of the greatest examples to follow in broadcasting. Back in the 80s and 90s, as Jim’s legend was growing in New Orleans, ESPN was catching fire. Local sportscasters across the country were all doing terrible imitations of what they saw on SportsCenter, doing silly catch phrases and goofy noises. And Jim was about as opposite of that as you could be. Jim was just Jim. He was an English Professor doing sports.

He never tried to be anything but who he was.

The lesson of Jim Henderson is to just be you. It’s your only hope for any long-term survival in this business, because especially in New Orleans, people will immediately see through and reject what’s phony.

Zach already gets that. It takes time to find your own voice, but I think Zach will find his quicker than most. He’s a highly intelligent guy who works extremely hard.

Q: Who are you most excited to see in action for the Saints team this fall? I want to see Drew Brees make another Super Bowl run with an extremely talented team. My dad was an original Saints season ticket holder. I started going to games with him in 1969. That’s almost 50 years of Saints football for me, and the Saints have never had a quarterback close to his level.

And I realize that when he’s done, there’s an excellent chance I’ll never see another one as good as him in Black and Gold. I’m looking forward to 16 more games watching number 9.

Q: Although it’s early, how does this season look like to you for the Saints?I think the Saints are absolutely Super Bowl contenders. Obviously, they need a little luck and they need to stay healthy, but I believe no team has a better chance to get to Atlanta

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than the Saints.

Q: What is your favorite sports play or moment (other than the Super Bowl win, of course)? I don’t think any sports moment could ever compare to Super Bowl 44. Tracy Porter’s game clinching interception is the most spectacular play I’ll ever see. But if I can’t say that, then Garrett Hartley’s overtime field goal in the NFC Championship Game that sent the Saints to Miami would be next.

At a Glance Age: 55 Born: Baton Rouge. My dad was working for the state Department of Highways at the time. The family moved back to New Orleans when I was 2. Education: Resurrection (elementary school in NO East), Brother Martin, UNO Favorite Book: “Moneyball.” Loved the movie too. It combines two of the greatest things in life, baseball and math. Favorite Movie: My favorite decade is the 70’s. There are so many movies I love from that period, but for when it came out and the wow factor it had on me at the time, I think I’d say “Pulp Fiction.” Favorite TV show: This is too difficult, but if I had to pick one series I’d pick “Breaking Bad.” Favorite Food: My all-time comfort food is fried shrimp. Favorite restaurant: Could literally list at least 30, but I love Vincent’s in Metairie and Drago’s and I eat at the Little Tokyo on Causeway all the time.

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THE beat . biz

Hotel health Visitor numbers not the whole story

By Kathy Finn

C

heers went up in New Orleans’ hospitality industry a few months ago when word came that a record number of people had visited the city. Almost 11 million visitors came to town during 2017, according to data released by the University of New Orleans.

Though the primary local tourism organizations – the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. and the Convention and Visitors Bureau – later said a privatesector analyst the groups had hired for the first time came up with a substantially higher total, all parties agreed that 2017 was a strong year for tourism. And activity during the first half of 2018, including rising numbers of passengers through the local airport, suggest that the growth will continue.

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a uniformly rosy picture for the local hotel industry.

On some levels, the hotels have performed pretty well. Figures provided by Tennessee-based travel research firm STR show that average occupancy of area hotels rose about 3 percent during the past five years. That’s not a bad result considering that the city grew its hotel room inventory by about 10 percent during that period, to a current total of more than 41,000 rooms.

But the hotels’ financial performance is less impressive. STR data show that average daily room rates rose only about 6 percent between mid-2013 and mid-2018, to a recent average of about $159 a night.

Jan Frietag, a senior vice president and longtime hotel data analyst at STR, reported that during the past three years, local room rates rose only about $2 on

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average. “That’s not a lot given that the Consumer Price Index has grown at around 2 percent (annually),” he said.

He noted that New Orleans hotels’ price performance “is not typical” among the country’s top 25 hotel markets. What is weighing down local prices?

According to Frietag, it’s hard to pinpoint a cause. On one hand, the figures could reflect shifting preferences among travelers for other major tourist destinations rather than New Orleans, though it would be nearly impossible to document such a change.

It is also possible that the rising availability of short-term rentals in some popular neighborhoods is making it difficult for local hotels to raise their rates. Many owners of single-family homes or duplexes increasingly view their residences as income producers that can be

rented to visitors for substantial chunks of time. In addition, some newly constructed condominium buildings are attracting buyers who intend to occupy their units only for short periods while renting them out for much of the rest of the year.

“It’s very hard to say whether short-term rentals are affecting hotel rates,” Frietag said. Noting that current hotel occupancies have remained at respectable, if not high, levels in recent years, he added: “You can’t really say what could have happened if no short-term rentals were available.”

Local hoteliers will no doubt keep a sharp eye on New Orleans’ expanding room inventory.

Projects now under way or in the planning stage include a remake of the former World Trade Center building into a Four Seasons hotel with 300 rooms and 80 condos; a 350-room Hard Rock Hotel in the French Quarter; a 340-room hotel to be developed above the Harrah’s downtown casino; and a 230-room hotel adjacent to the National World War II Museum. In addition, a 1,200-room hotel has been proposed as part of a mixeduse development to complement the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Can local hotels improve their revenue picture in the face of rising competition? According to Frietag,”we’ll have to wait and see.” •

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THE beat . education

A

new Tulane University study shows that the state’s takeover of the majority of New Orleans public schools after Hurricane Katrina paid off for New Orleans school children.

The Education Research Alliance of New Orleans studied the impact of education reform in a nine-year period after Katrina and determined that “public schools saw sustained gains in student achievement, high school graduation and college outcomes.”

This recent study adds to a growing body of evidence that New Orleans schools are better today than they were pre-Katrina.

Moreover, school administrators are operating under more demanding state academic standards than their predecessors.

The alliance study is one of two pieces of good news New Orleans educators have received recently.

Another development is one of those bitter-sweet moments. In July, the state released test scores for the 2017-2018 academic year that showed New Orleans’ student performance scores appear to have stabilized after last year’s decline as result of increasing state standards. The state’s new LEAP tests adhere to standards agreed upon nationally. The leveling off beats more downturn, but officials are worried that scores could worsen when the state eliminates temporary curving to help districts adjust to new challenges.

Public attitudes about schools remain positive, however. In June, the Cowen Institute of Tulane released results of its annual survey of residents and parents. It showed more people believe schools have

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Yearning for Learning Better Days for Public Schools

By Dawn Ruth Wilson

improved compared to last year.

Thirty-nine percent of participants believe schools are “getting better,” compared to 33 percent last year, the report says.

During the nine years studied by the Education Research Alliance, the state Recovery School District transferred the “failing” schools the state seized in 2005 to charter operators, giving them broad authority over budget decisions and personnel. Of the handful of high performing schools retained

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by the Orleans Parish School Board, many also became charter schools early on and others moved in that direction later.

Overall, the shift from the old-style, centralized model of school operations to contracted school-based management resulted in significant improvements in student achievement.

Douglas Harris, director of the Education Research Alliance, said the uptick in student performance in New Orleans outshines all other

system improvements that alliance researchers know about. “We aren’t aware of any district or program that has had this kind of improvement across such a wide range of outcomes,” Harris said in a summary of the report’s findings.

“Compared with pre-Katrina student outcomes,” he said, “We see increases of 10 percent to 67 percent on every measure available.”

The report reveals that before Katrina, New Orleans schools ranked second from the bottom on state performance measurements while Louisiana itself ranked at just above the bottom in national performance.

Among other measurements, the alliance reports that through 2014, student achievement increased 8-16 percentiles; high school graduation rates shot up 3-9 points; enrollment in college increased 8-15 points; and college graduation rates climbed 3-5 points.

Critics of charter schools have long argued that a change in student population led to achievement improvements, not improved school management and instruction. The alliance report “rules out” that argument.

The report warns, however, that other school districts might not achieve the same results from similar reforms because New Orleans’ situation was unique.

“However,” Harris said in the report, “the New Orleans reforms provide important lessons for school reform efforts nationally that are worthy of attention.” •

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THE beat . chronicles

of the Brute Creation” would “handle and caress them with fearlessness” the advertisement promised. Besides that spectacle, visitors could also tour “The New York Travelling Museum and Exhibition of Fine Arts,” This exhibit, in “an adjoining pavilion” included “wax figures, paintings, birds, fish shells, minerals, corals, fossils, insects, etc., etc.”

In 1829, the New Orleans Bee published an advertisement for “A Grand Menagerie” – which had been in the French Quarter across from the Orleans Theater but had moved to Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets. The proprietors promised “a zebra, the most beautiful animal in the world,” plus two panthers, a leopard, an African emu, and even “a Shetland pony.” Furthermore, “there is another curiosity which has never been seen here: a monkey with her little one, which she nurses with all the tenderness of a mother.”

Even domestic animals could perform for New Orleans audiences. On March 20, 1818, the Orleans Gazette Exotic shows in New Orleans carried an advertisement for the Olympic Circus, a

by Carolyn Kolb venue associated with the St. Philip St. Theater, which offered “Equestrian Exercises” performed by “Edward, aged five years and a half, who will spring round at full ccording to The New Orleans Item, of The Picayune, since one “cute little gallop, and perform many new and surprising feats for November 12, 1904, the Ringling tiger cub… was born in this section of a child of his age.”

Brothers Circus’s “menagerie is the country, it was decided to give him Following this, “Mlle. Herminie will make some the finest in the country. It contains a name that would identify him with surprising leaps, spring over four bars, and conclude by the only rhinoceros with any traveling Louisiana. After much discussion, his a number of new feats on a single horse at full gallop.” show; two giraffes, a real baby elephant, sponsors burdened the poor, inoffensive After that, “the elegant horse Apollo will jump through a hippopotamus, …and a nursery of baby little kitten with Tchefuncte….” a hogshead with his rider on his back.” wild beasts. There are 108 cages in this Audubon Park was the site for a 1898 Apparently, all those travelling animal shows were an performance, but the Ringling Circus had inspiration to the New Orleans public. The Picayune of department of the show.”

Ringling Brothers Circus was founded also appeared at the corner of White January 20, 1894, headlined a story: “New Orleans to in 1884, and had been visiting New Street and Canal, far from Have a “Zoo” Garden: Proposition submitted Orleans regularly by the time this report the business district. to the Audubon Park Commissioners.” appeared. The circus parade, possibly In 1838, however, St. The proposal was presented by a Mr. A.J. Photographer John including the bandwagon above, was Charles Avenue near Poydras Laughlin captured this Miller, one of the editors of the Southern image of a fantastic three miles long that year and the big Street (across from the St. Trade Journal. In fact, he offered to head an bandwagon, used by Charles Theatre) was the tent show featured 375 performers. expedition to Central America for collecting Ringling Brothers Circus The 1907 circus again featured site chosen by the propri- after 1890, at the Circus animals for exhibit. And, he suggested that numerous animal offspring: “The families etors of a “Mammoth he knew an ideal addition to his crew: a World Museum in Milwaukee include Mrs. Alice Elephant and Baby Exhibition of Wild Animals” naturalist, someone who is “generally also a Boo, named for Baraboo, Wisconsin, for their January showing. taxidermist,” an ideal source for Mr. Miller’s her birthplace; Mrs. Peruvian Llama and “The World of Wonders other idea for the perfect zoo addition: “an Miss Llama; Mrs. Kangaroo and Baby Embraces All the Specimens of NATURAL interesting museum into which could be placed the Kangaroo; Mrs. Leopard and babies; HISTORY!!!” including “a full grown ornithological and zoological stuffed specimens.”

Mrs. Tigress and kittens….” Naming African Lion and Lioness, a Leopard Patrons might be warned not to expect any perforthe animals after their birthplace was and Jaguar, a full grown pair of Royal mances from those exhibits. (The Audubon Zoo dates apparently an established circus custom. Bengal Tigers.” its beginnings to twenty years later, 1914.) • According to the November 3, 1907 issue Mr. F. Word “the celebrated conqueror

Wild About Wild Animals

A

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courtesy of the clarence john laughlin Archive at the historic new orleans collection

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Local Color CHRIS ROSE . MODINE GUNCH . JOIE D’EVE . IN TUNE . JAZZ LIFE . HOME

Cha Wa

LOCAL COLOR . CHRIS ROSE

I

have just returned from a summer road trip which established a new personal record: l was gone from New Orleans for the longest period of time since l first moved here in 1984 — way more than a quarter century ago.

It was 31 days. Thirty one days of no politics, no potholes, no humidity, no crime cameras and no random late night reverberating pops that sound suspiciously like gunshots.

Thirty one days of no grilled oysters, no slow walks through cemeteries, no gallery browsing, no art markets, no street musicians, no strolling City Park, no Magazine Street window shopping, no Royal Street wishful thinking, no picking over scraps at the Green Project, no Greenway, no Clover Grill, no John Boutte and no encounters with random strangers who call you babe.

As cliched as that list appears, those are things l actually do, places l actually go and people l truly cherish.

Best of all, it was 31 days of no Facebook, no cable news and, for long and glorious stretches of time, no internet or cell phone access. That alone was almost as refreshing and renewing as the music festivals we attended, the rivers we swam, the lakes and waterfalls we saw, the small towns we visited and the great stretches of old Midwestern two-lane highways we traveled, unhurried and unbothered.

That’s not to say that l did not follow the news, not entirely at least. While bunked down for nearly two weeks in the quaint and nearly oppressively hospitable town of Staples, Minnesota (population 2,898; location, middle America), l became an avid and loyal reader of the Staples World, the small town weekly that covers the cities of Staples and Motley, 38

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America Up the Road A summer road trip up north.

By Chris Rose

Minnesota, with an eye and ear for detail that is not just admirable, but almost tenacious. l like to know what’s going on wherever l am, being locally grounded, so to speak. I listen to local AM radio stations when driving through small towns — nothing like the local farm bureau reports and high school sports results to let you know where you are — and reading local papers to get a lay of the land.

And nothing — nothing — could give you a better sense of how far you are from New Orleans than by reading the local police reports. To wit: l went into the Times-Picayune

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archives to compare crime news with that of the Staples World on the same day.

Here are some examples: June 9, the New Orleans TimesPicayune: Eighteen people were robbed in a 24-hour period, one was shot dead, and a man in the Treme was knocked unconscious by a perpetrator wielding a beer bottle.

June 9, from the Staples World: “Staples Police were dispatched to a report of an older female subject walking in an alley with no pants. Police made contact with the subject, who said she walks every night/early morning and had forgotten to put her pants on.

The subject refused any medical care. The subject was advised.”

Advised of what, they did not say.

I’m guessing to put her pants on?

June 16, from the TimesPicayune: There was a carjacking and three hold-ups in a 12-hour period in Central City.

June 16, from the Staples World: “Staples Police located an intoxicated female and gave her a ride to her parents’ residence.”

There was a near-accident to the on-ramp of State Highway 10. A “near-accident.” It made the paper.

During the week of June 4th, a whole bunch of people got murdered in New Orleans. A trash compactor was stolen from a construction site in Staples.

I love New Orleans. After all, I’ve never had a trash compactor stolen from me here. Then again, I’ve never owned a trash compactor.

Sometimes New Orleans really pisses me off. But it’s good to be home after 31 days without. All this damn heat and these damn weeds and always wondering what might go down next. Great mysteries. Great discoveries.

Enormous fears. My city.

Sometimes in moments of doubt, I look for reasons to love this place more than, say, Staples, where a river runs through it. A river you can swim in.

It’s not as humid in the upper Midwest, but if you can believe this, the mosquitoes are worse.

They are more like bats then mosquitoes. They swarm you like velociraptors and you would swear they are going to carry away.

The only saving grace is that they are so damn big that you get a pretty good chance at smacking them on your skin before they bleed you dry. So there’s that.

And everything else. Everything else America.

Not great again.

It never wasn’t. • Jason Raish Illustration

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LOCAL COLOR . modine gunch

By the Numbers A Day in the Life

By Modine Gunch

I

t’s one of those days where everything goes wrong. I am counting.

I wake up late (#1) and rush around and grab a stick of Icy Hot and smear it on like deodorant before I realize, so I got to walk to work holding my arms like Koko the gorilla to air out my armpits. (#2) I am a tour guide and I am supposed to meet some bigwigs from Up North that think they want a walking tour of the French Quarter in September. After half a block, they are going to glare at me and tell me it’s hot. (#3) While I am thinking about this, my iPhone dings. I look at it and see the underside of a chin.

“NO!” the phone squawks. “I hit FaceTime by accident. Hang up!”

I see a ceiling over the chin. “I’m in the bathroom!” the phone wails.

“Go away!” (#4)

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I shove it in my purse. A minute later it gives its normal ring. I hold it at arm’s length and squint at it, careful. It’s my sister-inlaw Gloriosa again, but not on FaceTime. “I hope you washed that phone,” I say. But I understand.

She got three kids. Naturally, she got to get in the bathroom to talk.

One of these kids is a baby named Flambeau, who is adorable, being a baby, but also cantankerous. You don’t get much rest around Flambeau. Gloriosa is temporarily a zombie. By “temporarily” I mean for the next 20 years.

That baby is really cantankerous.

Anyway, Gloriosa went to some Uptown civic meeting, and everybody had to fill out those stick-on name tags. She met this gorgeous man named Albert while she was filling out her name tag, and being zombified, she wrote “Albert” on it and stuck it on her left breast.

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Now Gloriosoa’s bosoms are pretty eye-catching, so everybody must have noticed, but nobody told her. She didn’t find out till she got home.

The next meeting is tonight at Gloriosa’s house and what can she do? She is happily married.

People might talk. “Hand Albert the baby,” I say. That’s my advice.

I meet my tour group. They tell me it’s hot. (#2, like I expected.)

We start walking, ogling the historic and non-historic sights.

Then, when we pass Nola’s Naughty Novelties, I almost step into a water meter hole. (#5) Somebody stole the cover.

Somebody else thoughtfully put a orange cone over it, but another somebody moved that cone to one side. I glare all around until I spot Bubba, Nola’s eight-year-old kid, smirking through the store window. I put the cone back and

yell in his direction, “There’s a giant snake lives in that hole, and the only thing keeps him down there is this cone!” This is an alternative fact, but one of the people in my tour group immediately makes a phone call.

“Reporting this,” he says.

We continue on and after awhile, they tell me I pronounce New Orleans wrong. (#6) Now, everybody pronounces New Orleans different depending on things like what neighborhood they grew up in and what high school they went to. And everybody gets mad at each other for pronouncing it wrong.

It’s like this: you say New Awlins, you’re from mid-city.

You say New Aw-le-uns, you’re from Uptown. You say N’awlins, you listened to Frank Davis when he was on WWL-TV. You say NOLA, you’re new in town. And if you say New Or-leens, you’re a tourist, telling me I am saying it wrong.

This city got more names than Stormy Daniels.

Finally this tour ends. On my way home, I pass Nola’s, and what do you know, there’s a city crew staring down that water meter hole. Turns out they got word there was a snake down there. So they are replacing the lid.

Something good, for a change. (#1) That night, I am putting soothing lotion on my armpits when Gloriosa calls again from her bathroom.

“You know,” she says, “Flambeau got a little reflux problem? She spit up on Albert.

Strained spinach. He left early.”

“You’re welcome,” I say. (#2) Sometimes a few things go right.•

LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

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LOCAL COLOR . JOIE D’EVE

A Uniform Solution How to manage without a uniform

By Eve Crawford Peyton

T

here are many life problems and concerns on which you don’t necessarily want advice.

People feel compelled to give you advice, particularly, it seems, on issues relating to pregnancy and child-rearing, but often you don’t actually need or want it.

Struggling with infertility?

People will tell you to try acupuncture, to track ovulation, and of course to just relax!

Pregnant and dying from morning sickness that is in no way limited to the morning? Have you

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tried ginger? Saltines? Lemonade and potato chips?

If breastfeeding is challenging, friends will offer up foods that might help (oatmeal), beverages that might help (dark beer), supplements that might help (fenugreek), or alternative solutions that might help (have you heard of formula?).

When you’re trying to wean a baby off of a pacifier, when you’re trying to get a toddler to brush her teeth, when you’re dealing with your son’s night terrors –

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many times all you want is for uniform. There’s a fairly strict people to be sympathetic, not to dress code, but she’ll no longer try to solve your problems by be limited to khakis and a polo suggesting solutions that you’ve bearing the school logo. clearly already Googled and tried I love that she’s celebrating this and rejected. rite of passage, but I am baffled That said, sometimes one as to how to handle it. For years, really does want advice, and this she only wanted to wear dresses and shunned jeans because denim is the case now.

Since she started pre-K, Ruby was Satan’s own fabric. This past has had a school uniform, and it year, however, she wears jeans was a welcome blessing after years almost every day. Who knows spent fighting with her about what what next year will bring? she’d wear to daycare.

My gut instinct is to avoid Back in the daycare era, even turning this into a battle, to simply when she and I would carefully buy her a few pairs of jeans and a pick out an outfit the night before, few colored polos and a handful she would reject it the next of cute dresses with leggings to morning. Tags, seams, embroidery, match and then let her pick her and any kind of fabric perceived own outfits.

My past experience, though, to be scratchy were all taken as personal affronts and mightily leaves me wary, certain that if protested. we don’t set some limits and plan On one occasion, fed up and in advance, we’ll end up late for pushed to my limit, I brought school every morning.

Ruby to daycare in her underwear I’ve seen aspirational posts with clothes in her backpack; about “outfit prep,” which is like she acquiesced and agreed to get meal prep, which something else dressed outside the gate.

I always want to do and never Now she’s not 3 anymore, and actually successfully execute. she has grown out of many of Complicating everything, of these quirks. She’s still bothered course, is the once-a-month by some things, but she’s learned dress-up day, the Student Counciltactics like undershirts or wearing sponsored theme Fridays, the her socks inside out, and at age game days she has to wear her 11, she now cares cheerleading uniform enough about being – I start to worry that fashionable that she’ll Excerpted from Eve we’re going to be Crawford Peyton’s tolerate a shirt with back in the dark days blog, Joie d’Eve, a badly placed seam of 2010, except that I which appears if she thinks it’s cute can’t pick her up and each Friday on strap her in her car seat enough.

MyNewOrleans.com But as she started in her Bubble Guppies sixth grade in the fall, she is no panties anymore. • longer required to wear a school

jane sanders illustration

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LOCAL COLOR . in tune

calendar must-see music september 5

Paul Simon takes a bow at the Smoothie King Center. september 6

OHMME experiment at Gasa Gasa. september 11

Neko Case rocks the The Civic. september 12

The Punch Brothers bring folk to The Civic.

Early Fall Sounds

september 13

Robert Earl Keen brings the family to Tipitina’s.

Cha Wa Returns

By Mike Griffith

T

he early fall is a great time for music in New Orleans. The heat is starting to break a bit and all of the bands are returning home from their summer tours.

This month, one of my favorite local acts—Cha Wa—return from a summer of touring to play sets at both NOLA on Tap and the Gretna Heritage Festival. Cha Wa have really led the pack in innovating the sounds of the Mardi Gras Indian traditions while staying true to their original voice.

On their latest release they have brought the brass band sound of second lines into the mix as well. Their sound is analog, harmonic and massive. I spoke with singer J’Wan Boudreaux and band leader Joe Gelini about their recent release Spyboys and the challenges of innovating within such traditional spaces.

I asked them to speak directly toward the merging of cultures,

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Joe started: “My feeling is that… Just hand percussion and brass [our musicians that are very instruments, and when we’re entrenched in the culture, the doing Mardi Gras Indians it’s just street culture of New Orleans drums and hand percussion. So, [as members of] brass bands, it’s two cultures that was bound secondline musicians and Mardi to get together, but no one ever Gras Indians, it just seemed like really did it.” a natural extension of our sound What they have done is produce to be able to pivot from just a sound that stands firmly in the Mardi Gras Indian chants both cultures while generating to more of a brass band street new synergies between the two. instrumentation.”

This is what the evolution of J’Wan amplified, “We New Orleans’ music brought both sounds sounds like. Look together, and you can for Cha Wa at NOLA Playlist of hear how it connects in on Tap September 22 mentioned bands me, like a unique sound, and at The Gretna available at: http:// unique and different Heritage Festival the bit.ly/InTune9-18 next weekend. I’ll from others because others are using electric have an extended instruments. We can do shows version of this interview on our without even much having to website September 22, there is plug up anything, and that’s a lot more insight from Joe and how it is on the streets. When J’Wan to come. we’re doing second lines we don’t really have electronics.

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september 13

Jay-Z an Beyoncé blow the roof off the Dome. september 14

Portugal. The Man shred The Sugar Mill. september 15

Saintseneca stomp into Gasa Gasa. september 19

Frankie Cosmos haunts Gasa Gasa. september 24

Drake and Migos light up the Smoothie King Center. september 26

The Decemberists tell stories at The Civic.

Dates are subject to change; email Mike@ MyNewOrleans.com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.

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LOCAL COLOR . jazz life

Henry Butler, Eternally It was something he had.

By Jason Berry

“N

o one had a left hand like him,” trumpeter Steven Bernstein told the Times when Henry Butler died recently, of cancer, at 69.

“It was so strong and fast, and he had such control...the tone, the dynamics, the speed. He did all these things that were so fast that no one else could do them.

If you looked at his hands, they were blurs.”

Washed out of New Orleans after Katrina, Butler wended his way to New York where he teamed up with Bernstein and the Hot 9, a glorious collaboration on his last CD, Viper’s Drag. On Jelly’s “King Porter Stomp” he showcases that left hand in roaming high poetics.

Likewise “Buddy Bolden’s Blues.”

Butler was an anchor of the New Orleans piano tradition, that line of impressionists that ran from Jelly to Fess, Fats and Booker, Allen Toussaint, Art Neville, Dr. John, 46

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Harry Connick Jr. and the reigning supremos, Tom McDermott and Jon Cleary, to name the most obvious.

Butler melded the left hand wizardry with a voice of deep power that scaled near-falsetto heights. Of his many recordings, the standouts begin with “You Are My Sunshine,” which cowboy singer Jimmy Davis, later the worst governor of modern Louisiana, made famous. (Davis was not the composer; he purchased the song rights and earned a fortune from it.) “Sunshine” is one of those rare songs with simple, universal lyrics to traverse country, pop and blues designations. “You’ll never know dear/ How much I love you/ Please don’t take/ my sunshine away.”

Ray Charles did a blow-out version of gospel echoes. Henry sang it in piano-pulsing blues, with a moan for the departed lover to give you chills of deja-vu from swamp slog

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of broken love.

It’s on Henry Butler PiaNOLA Live (Basin Street) which includes “Let ‘Em Roll” and “Something You Got” for those with the contagions for dance, and Henry’s take on “Tipitina.” He transforms the Professor Longhair classic with a 3-minute 23-second overture (my Dell timed it), of unrelated melody, equal parts rhapsody and boogie prancing till he hits the melodic button and then a belt of his own deep blues: “Misery and trouble! All because you ain’t right now, you gone and left me ‘n a happy home.”

On another magisterial CD, Homeland, he does “Ode to Fess” which takes the “Tipitina” melody and unspools a paean: Oh Professor, oh Professor You brought me so much joy I loved your music Since I was a baby boy.

Butler was blind; he grew

up in Calliope housing project, learned Braille, attended a school for the blind in Baton Rouge, and as a voracious reader with a transcendent talent for music studied under Alvin Batiste at Southern and earned a Masters at Michigan State.

He was a mainstay at the Jazz and Heritage Festival, and one of the most exciting keyboard artists on stage in these parts. I got to know him in the late 90s. We had several phone conversations after century’s turn in which he voiced a disapproval of certain local politicians to make me wish I’d taped him for posterity.

The wit he brought to music extended to his idea of vision.

With a little help from friends he took photographs, a good number of which can be found via the internet. Henry, you were a prince. •

SINCE 2008

SEPT. 28-30 DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY TEXAS Authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, weenie dog races, carnival and children’s activities!

VisitMcKinney.com/NOM m y ne w orleans . com

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LOCAL COLOR . home

Custom sofa with spiral carved legs covered in a Manuel Canovas velvet. Geometric curtain fabric, from Kravet; two small art pieces are client’s collection, large abstract is by Meredith Pardue. Gold side table, by Bunny Williams, Art deco side table from Uptowner Antiques; vintage lamp from Lum Vintage Lighting; custom ottoman is blue hair-on hide with nail-head trim; accessories, from Malachite Home.

Uptown Park Style Timeless-meets-current design

By Lee Cutrone

F

ive years ago, when Ayesha and Aaron Motwani decided to move, they already had a busy life that included three daughters. Ayesha’s father,

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who resides in Pakistan, also lived with the family during summers. The Motwanis wanted an Uptown house near the park with at least five bedrooms and

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a large kitchen overlooking the main living area so that Ayesha could watch the kids while cooking. They found their full wish-list in a new construction

located on property that was once part of Lasalle Elementary School and later NOCCA. With just under 7,000 square feet, it has a total of seven bedrooms (the family’s rooms on the second floor and three guest rooms on the third) all with their own baths, as well as a playroom for the kids, a media room for movies, a large kitchen and a pool.

“It was perfect,” said Ayesha.

“It has suburban amenities, but is Uptown.

With respect for its Uptown surroundings, the builder imbued the three-story house with timeless features, including a double gallery, high ceilings, moldings, a traditional front hall stair case, a fireplace and wooden floors, all of which the couple liked. But while they wanted a house with classic bones, they also wanted it to speak to their love of current design and international influences. The Motwanis, who now have a twoyear old son as well, worked with several local decorators to achieve the look they were after.

“We wanted to keep it young and fresh but not have to replace things in 10 years,” said Ayesha. “I love vintage and antiques and we wanted to make it really livable. We wanted to be able to have adults over but also have kids watch a movie in the den.”

A few structural changes were made. Though the house had

Greg Miles photographs

never been occupied, the master bathroom was gutted and redesigned to suit the couple’s needs.

Dual water closets and a built-in tub were foregone in favor of a single water closet, a vanity, a slab shower, a wide trough sink with his and hers faucets, and a free-standing tub.

The Motwanis worked with

a local interior designer on the new master bathroom and the décor through much of the house.

Will Erikson of Yazoo Restoration installed the new master bath and executed the built-in bunk beds for the Motwani’s five-year old twin daughters. The Motwanis also tapped interior designer Natasha Shah to re-work the kitchen and

Left: Interior designer Natasha Shah re-designed the kitchen, so that a range with brass fittings and a streamlined brass hood are now a main focal point; the island has a thick marble slab top inlaid with brass and gold-leafed cabinets below. Top, right: The Motwani’s Uptown house was built with classic New Orleans architectural elements, including a double gallery with wrought iron railings. Bottom, right: The Motwani family left to right: Ayesha, Zaina, Ava, Aaron, Kish and Sareena

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Facing page: Top, left: The bed in Ava’s room already belonged to the Motwanis when they moved into the house; their designer had it reupholstered and added the cornice and draperies; fabric by Romo. Top, right: A brass canopy bed by Bernhardt is the focal point of the master bedroom; the abstract painting at right is by Mallory Page. Bottom, left: Hunt Slonem wallpaper in the children’s third-floor playroom. Bottom, right: The master bath was re-designed with his and hers amenities, including a vanity for Ayesha; chandelier from Niermann Weeks; mosaic tile floor made with tiles from Stafford Tile.

This page: Left: An elegant Chinoiserie colored wallpaper was chosen for the dining room; the midcentury Maison Jansen dining table came from Piranesi Antiques; custom chairs were based on vintage chairs and covered with a Lee Jofa printed velvet; antique enfilade and mirror from Uptowner Antiques, sculptural lamps from Lum. Right: Will Erikson of Yazoo Restorations built the bunk beds and reading nooks in the twins’ room; graphic carpet tiles by Flor.

the butler’s pantry.

In addition to wanting to lighten the kitchen with an all-white scheme, Ayesha wanted to address the fact that the window over the sink looked directly into the neighbor’s property. At Shah’s suggestion, a new stove with brass fittings and a brass hood became the focal point. Shah also made the large island into a work of art with a thick slab top inlaid with brass and gold leafed cabinets below.

Gold accents and Indian-inspired motifs were purposely incorporated into the décor as Ayesha’s heritage is part Pakistani and Aaron’s is Indian. Both grew up in New Orleans and are world travelers who love exotic destinations and wanted beautiful colors, art and pattern to embolden the calmer backdrop of their home.

“We wanted white walls but we played with pattern,” said Ayesha. “It’s such a fun way to add color. I also wanted our house to feel like it was influenced from our backgrounds.”

A blue-on-white Moroccan pattern covers

the walls of the downstairs powder room and an Indian Suzani-inspired woolen blend dresses the large ottoman in the den. On the third floor, artist Hunt Slonum’s whimsical rabbit portraits enliven the kids’ play space.

An elegant Chinoiserie wallpaper in shades of lilac and green was chosen for a classic touch in the more formal dining room.

Statement lighting, which runs the gamut from vintage lamps to beaded chandeliers and starburst pendants adds another jewellike element to the layers of color, metallic shine and texture blended throughout.

With four young children and lots of entertaining under its roof – the Motwanis regularly host parties, Sunday dinners and holidays – the house has lived up to the family/guest friendly environment that was the goal.

“The home is a reflection of our lifestyle, a perfect balance between function and allure,” said Ayesha. “The kids get to play in the same room where we entertain our friends, which is exactly what we envisioned.” •

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3 bike routes for leisurely exploring

By Melanie Warner Spencer photographed by marianna massey

The scenic, 31-mile Tammany Trace trail was originally a corridor of the Illinois Central Railroad.

let the good times

T

here are few more effective ways to feel like a kid again than hopping on your bike and heading out for an adventure.

Better yet, grab a friend — or three or four — and don’t worry about getting home until the streetlights come on. While New Orleans still has a few miles ahead in

its ongoing efforts to be a completely bike friendly city, for the past couple of years, multiple initiatives have propelled it forward and proponents, as well as officials seem committed to going the distance.

In 2017, the nonprofit People for Bikes included New Orleans among 10 communities for its Big Jump

Project. A March 2017 post on the People for Bikes blog cites, that “Some cities work for many years to do what New Orleans has done since 2012.

“Almost without the rest of the country noticing, the Big Easy has rapidly become one of the nation’s leading cities for bike transportation. About one in 30 local residents now

gets to work by bike, double the rate from 2007 and sixth highest rate among large U.S. cities, right between Seattle and Oakland.” With bike lanes being added regularly throughout the city, as well as trails, such as Audubon Park, the Lafitte Greenway, Crescent Park and the Tammany Trace, plus the Blue Bike NOLA bike share program, which

Safety first

Wooden pedestrian bridges and breathtaking scenery define the Tammany Trace trail section of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

officially launched in February, it has never been easier to bike in the Big Easy.

Whether you are a bike-towork kind of New Orleanian or you haven’t been on a bike in years, we’ve put together three routes that are admittedly more about fun (hello, breweries) than fitness, but this is New Orleans after all — laissez les bons temps rouler!

Uptown and Brewery Bound Biking through Audubon Park offers a nature-infused start to the day and will help curb any guilt you might have regarding the calories consumed at the end of this route. The 2.1-mile loop at Audubon is shaded by great live oaks, with picturesque ponds and sculptures and it’s easily accessible via St. Charles

Biking is a fun, economical and eco-friendly way to get around, but it doesn’t come without risk. Be sure to put safety first by wearing a helmet, using lights and reflectors, going with the flow of traffic, mapping out the safest routes and using the correct signals.

Visit BikeEasy.

Org for classes, tips, maps and activities. Also, with bike theft on the rise, experts recommend locking bikes in well-lit areas, preferably on racks (or use a bike valet) and employing both a U-Lock and a cable lock. Use the cable lock on the front wheel and the seat and the U-Lock to secure the frame and the back tire to the rack.

No bike?

No problem!

There are various bicycle rental companies around New Orleans, including American Bicycle Rental Company and Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours at 318 N. Rampart St. (neworleansbiketour.com); Bike NOLA at 1209 Decatur St. (bikenola. net) and City Park Boat & Bike Rentals at Big Lake Trail (neworleanscitypark.com).

The average price is about $6 to $10 per hour. In Mandeville, Shack deVille (shackdevillemandeville. com) offers bike rental, as well as concessions. Bikersto-be can rent online or in person from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Blue Bikes bike sharing (bluebikesnola.com), sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, offers several payment options, including pay as you go for 13 cents a minute, $15 a month ($10 for college students) and reduced fares for qualifying New Orleanians. Users are not charged when the bike is docked and locked at a station and they can reserve bikes in advance. There are additional fees for locking up at public racks and for locking outside of the system, so be sure to read the fine print.

Avenue or Magazine Street.

Be on the lookout for ducks crossing the bike path and stay on the side designated for bikes.

We recommend exiting the park on the Magazine side and proceeding past Audubon Zoo toward the river on Tea Room Drive.

Next, cut through the park past the Labyrinth to Laurel Street and take a right on Seventh Street to NOLA Brewing for some brews and barbecue. Once you are fortified, pop back onto Laurel, take a right on Felicity Street, a left on Annunciation Street and

a left on Market Street for a stop at Urban South Brewery. If you still want to hit one more brewery, take Market back to Annunciation heading toward downtown and hang a left on Erato Street, which will put you at The Courtyard Brewery, where there is usually a food truck on site. Gluttons will of course probably roll over to St. Charles Avenue and make one last stop at The Avenue Pub to take advantage of its enormous craft beer selection from all over the world, but if you have to bike home, you

may want to skip this one.

We are assuming you have been pacing yourself and hydrating accordingly, right? If not, order a ride share vehicle with a bike rack or ample storage. Bike racks abound on this route and architecture buffs will see every imaginable style of New Orleans home design.

Lafitte Greenway On bike or on foot, the 2.6-mile Lafitte Greenway is a breeze. It has community gardens, parks and workout areas, plus marked intersections at

which, during our jaunt, nearly every car stopped to allow bikers to cross the street.

For those without bikes, the North Jefferson Davis entry in Mid-City is the perfect starting point, with its Blue Bike Station. There are four stations along the trail. We took it into the French Quarter, tucked our Blue Bikes into the station on Esplanade and stopped at Brieux Carré Brewing Co. for a couple of beers, then grabbed a burger at the Marigny Brasserie on Frenchman.

Myriad options abound on the greenway, however, with easy access to Bayou Beer and Wine Garden and Parkway

Tavern near the Jefferson Davis starting point, as well as Second Line Brewing off of the St. Louis edge by about nine blocks. Pick your favorite place in the Marigny, French Quarter or Tremé, or tool around Mid-City through City Park. The Blue Bikes come with baskets, so who are we to judge if you stop at Canseco’s Market on Esplanade for a container of “Thunder Cheese,” some crackers and a bottle of wine to enjoy on the banks of Bayou St. John?

Tammany Trace If you live on the North Shore, you have a treasure at

your fingertips. The 31-mile Tammany Trace trail was originally a corridor of the Illinois Central Railroad. It was purchased in 1992 by the St. Tammany Parish government, which transformed it into an asphalt hike-and-bike trail. Replete with quaint wooden pedestrian bridges and breathtaking scenery, this section of the Railsto-Trails Conservancy is a must-visit. We entered at the Mandeville trailhead and biked to Covington. Towering pine trees and charming cottages abound and bike rentals are available if you don’t live in the area or don’t have a

Whether you prefer to bike in urban environments or areas that are a retreat into nature, there are countless choices in and around the city.

bike rack for your car. The Old Rail Brewing Company in Mandeville, the Abita Brew Pub, Abita Brewery and Abita Mystery House, as well as the Covington Brewhouse and Columbia Tap Room and Grill are all easy stops from start to finish. This part of the trail is about 24 miles round trip. Be prepared to spot lots of wildlife from birds, squirrels and raccoons to turtles, fish and snakes (we narrowly missed one that slithered out onto the trail). Once in Covington, wander the charming downtown area ducking into boutiques, restaurants and watering holes, or just taking in the historic homes and scenery.

Bike Easy Each one of these routes can

be as leisurely or challenging as the biker intends, as evidenced by the countless serious-looking lycra-clad cyclists that whizzed past us on each one. We encountered walkers, including families with strollers, on both hike-and-bike trails, confirming that these well-tended public trails are built for all ages and abilities.

With the mostly flat terrain and easy to navigate grid, New Orleans is a natural place to bike for fun or transportation. As the city, and its Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee, continues to make improvements and build awareness, New Orleans increases in bike friendliness and safety. It’s common for festival organizers to include bike racks in setup and

information for bikers on the websites and in promotional literature and biking during Carnival season with its road closures is just about the easiest way to get from point A to point B. (Backpack cooler or bike trailer recommended.)

New, permanent racks are popping up all over the city every month as a result of the work by groups such as Bike Easy and Where Ya’ Rack? (a project of the Young Leadership Council), as well as the city. Residents can join bike clubs (visit nolasocialride.org for events and group information) or take to the streets solo and it’s as easy as — well, riding a bike. Just watch out for those potholes.

Local breweries, such as NOLA Brewing, Urban South Brewery and Second Line Brewing offer bike racks and a place to rest and refresh before mounting up for the next leg of your ride — which often is to the next brewery.

But wait, there’s more!

This piece, of course, only touches on three potential routes for biking around town. There are a lot of other options however for your cycling pleasure. Here are a few to put on your list: Crescent Park, 1.4 miles near the French Market District Lakeshore Drive, nearly 15 miles along the lakefront St. Charles Avenue, a little over 4.5 miles from Uptown to the CBD Mississippi River Trail, 25. 7 miles along the levee beginning near Audubon Park

P R O F I L E S BY K I M S I N G L E TA RY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON

As New Orleans begins its next 300 years, we look forward to seeing the creative people it will continue to provide a setting for; people such as those in this year’s class of People to Watch.

We define a Person to Watch as someone doing something new and interesting. In some cases it might be someone who has already been watchable

but that is moving in a new direction. (Over the years there have even been a few that have wound up in jail, but that only validated our thesis that they should have been watched.) Most of our selections, however, achieve the greatness that we had anticipated, or greater. How will this class do? We’ll be watching.

Jeremy Fogg

Pastry Chef, Emeril’s Restaurant In the past year, pastry chef Jeremy Fogg has appeared on four different Food Network competition shows: “Dessert Games,” “Chopped,” “Best Baker in America” and “Beat Bobby Flay,” where he was declared the winner for his S’mores Ice Cream Sandwich.

That ice cream sandwich can be found on the menu at Emeril’s Restaurant, where Fogg is charged with creating the dessert menus and managing the pastry kitchen operations.

“I manage the flagship restaurant daily,” said Fogg, “but I also assist with the dessert menus for some of the other restaurants as well as offsite and charity events. I’m also looking forward to taking the dessert menu at Emeril’s even further creatively and sharing some really great dishes with our guests.”

While he said his current position is “100 percent what I’m supposed to be doing,” Fogg does have dreams for the future.

“Ultimately, I want to have my own bakery and restaurant, and perhaps an ice cream shop,” he said.

“Those are all years in the making though.”

Dr. Catherine Wilbert

Katy Hobgood Ray

Host, Producer and Musician, Confetti Park Katy Hobgood Ray has been recording and performing since she was 15 years old, but said she was always too shy to put out her own music.

Seven years ago, with the birth of her son, Louis Bienville Ray, things changed.

“When I had a child my attention naturally turned toward the genre of children’s music,” she said.

“And once I did, I discovered how joyful I felt writing songs for children — seeing the world through fresh eyes, not taking for granted the unique experiences, colorful scenery and delightful characters that New Orleans has to offer.”

Ray soon found herself running a children’s choir based out of her neighborhood park called The Confetti Park Players. That grew into a weekly radio show and podcast, choir performances at festivals like French Quarter Fest, the Jazz & Heritage Festival and Bayou Boogaloo, two children’s books and her first CD, “We’re Going to Confetti Park,” released in 2015.

“I am writing a lot,” she said. “And hope to record another children’s album this coming year.”

Founder and CEO Big Sky Ranch, C.A.T.N.I.P. Foundation

For more than 30 years, Dr. Catherine Wilbert’s passion for animals has grown to include a 10-acre animal sanctuary in Folsom called Big Sky Ranch — home to a wide array of animals and hundreds of cats.

Her Working Cat program offers up feral cats that are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped as effective pest control options for local businesses and farms. There’s currently a waiting list.

In only eight years, two cats can multiply to create over 2 million cats. “They’re like rabbits, in that they’re spontaneous ovulators,” said Wilbert. “Average cat litters are between five and six kittens and cats can get pregnant as young as four months old.”

She’s also created a Seniors for Seniors program that pairs up local senior citizens with senior cats who would likely otherwise be euthanized.

Wilbert remains a tireless advocate for legislative changes to address our cat problems and her efforts helped over 700 cats find homes last year alone.

“We need affordable, accessible spay and neuter programs, that’s the No. 1 thing,” she said. “We can do it, we just need people to support it.”

Ashley Ann Lyons Porter CEO & Designer Porter Lyons

Leigh Isaacson

CEO & Co-Founder, Dig — The Dog Person’s Dating App There are dating apps that pair singles based on a wide array of things — from matching people of the same religion, to an app that pairs people based on things they hate. And now, thanks to Leigh Isaacson, there’s an app devoted to connecting dog lovers with other dog lovers.

Dig — The Dog Person’s Dating App, was co-founded

by Isaacson and her sister, Casey, in 2017 and has been strategically growing city-by-city ever since. So far this year, Dig was also a finalist at the 2018 Coulter IDEAPitch and JEDCO Challenge.

“For the first 25 cities, we’re launching with big dog-friendly events that also promote local rescue groups and dog businesses in the area,” said Isaacson.

“The events are fun, dogfriendly and free (often with free beer too.) People just have to download Dig for entry.”

Before this latest venture, Isaacson worked as a reporter for WVUE-TV Fox 8 News for two years and as the Southeast regional director of the Coastal Conservation Association from 2015 to 2017.

“My job is now about dogs and love,” she said.

“It’s an incredible position to be in.”

From potion bottles, skulls and evil eyes to rare stones, pearl and diamonds, Ashley Ann Lyons Porter has made a name for herself through jewelry creations as diverse and magical as the city her family has called home since the 1800s. Porter’s family once owned a pharmacy called I.L. Lyons that called Camp Street home from 1866 to 1966.

Porter Lyons, Porter’s jewelry and accessory brand, opened its flagship store on Toulouse Street in 2016. It has since been named one of “America’s Coolest Stores 2018” by Instore Magazine.

“The biggest opportunity I’ve had is moving into custom designs for clients,” she said, “including engagement rings and recreating family heirloom jewelry into more modern pieces.”

Porter Lyons will expand its retail reach this October with a mobile tiny house, a move that will coincide with the debut of a Pharmacy Collection, inspired by her family’s business.

When asked about her long-term goal, Porter said she wants to bring more industry to New Orleans.

“This city is a hub for makers and artists,” she said, “and to build infrastructure here would be a dream.”

Edward Wycliff

Founder and Designer Bow Shoeshoe Edward Wycliff’s company has nothing to do with shoes…but it is making sure hundreds of people can get on their feet.

Bow Shoeshoe (pronounced bo shwayshway) was created by Wycliff, a former Peace Corps worker, three years ago.

“I’d lived for over a year in a small village, deep inside one of Africa’s highest mountain ranges, with less than 50 people,” he said. “There were no paved roads or running water and barely any jobs other than subsistence farming or herding sheep.

What the Basotho people did have was a vibrant fabric [shoeshoe] that had been in their culture since the 1940s.”

With that fabric, Wycliff has taught over 150 people in seven different communities how to sew hand-tied bow ties from their fabric. He then sells them and returns the money to the people.

“For about two weeks of work I was able to pay them what the average person earns after two months,” he said.

When not at the Palace Market on Frenchmen Street selling the ties, pocket squares and shirts, Wycliff is currently busy expanding the line to scarves, funky shoelaces, full suits and heavy, woolen Basotho blankets.

Kevin Fitzwilliam

Owner, Atlas Handmade Beads A New Orleans native whose family has called the city home since the mid-1800s and the co-creator of Hollygrove Market & Farm, Kevin Fitzwilliam’s love for his home town runs deep, but there’s one thing he’d like to see much less of: plastic beads.

Through his new company, Atlas Handmade Beads, launched in 2017, Fitzwilliam is enticing Carnival participants to ditch the plastic in favor of beads and bracelets made from recycled magazine paper, handcrafted by women in Uganda.

For Carnival 2019, Fitzwilliam is partnering with ARC of Greater New Orleans to offer float riders the option of purchasing boxes of a mix of re-used and Atlas Handcrafted beads. He will also be partnering with local school and universities to offer up his creations as a way to showcase school pride or fundraise.

“I would like to play a role in helping us all shift away from plastic in our daily life,” he said.

“I enjoy seeing people learn about and become motivated to do more for the environment, as well as support handcrafted work.”

Allison Albert Ward

Founder/CEO Pet Krewe Lions, pirates, mermaids, unicorns, spiders…all are costume options for cats and dogs through PetKrewe.com, a company founded by New Orleanian Allison Albert Ward in 2015.

A Pennsylvania native, Ward grew up attending a Mennonite school where sewing was one of the focuses. It was a skill that she used for to create pet costumes for years until finally turning her hobby into her dream job.

In the year it launched, Pet Krewe’s first costume, a lion mane, became the top selling pet costume in the country. The company has since grown large enough to establish relationships with retail giants including Chewy. com, Amazon, Walmart and Overstock. Ward’s unicorn costume was even part of the swag bags for the Golden Globes.

While Ward still considers winning a blue ribbon at the Georgia State Fair for “Best Dressed Chicken” her greatest accomplishment, she says the company just closed its angel investment round, which will give the company the capital to launch its newest product, DIY dog bandanas.

“We’re confident that our fans will love this new product,” said Ward, “and that’s just the beginning of Pet Krewe 2.0.”

Caroline Nabors Rosen Executive Director Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Formerly the executive director of the John Besh Foundation, Caroline Nabors Rosen was a natural choice to lead the re-launch of Tales of the Cocktail as a nonprofit, education- and grantsfocused organization.

Since stepping in in February, Rosen and her team have been working non-stop to establish the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Grants Program, which has already granted $250,000 to 11 recipients.

In July, the first revamped Tales of the Cocktail focused heavily on issues of inclusion and free education on a wide array of industry topics.

The foundation, however, is about far more than one event. Next up is “Daiquiri Season” in September, “Tales of the Toddy” in December, and “Tales on Tour” in spring 2019.

“The hospitality and spirits communities are made up of some of the most giving people in the world,” said Rosen.

“I am so extremely lucky to be able to give back to them. I love that my job is focused around educating, supporting and advancing these communities.”

Sherwood Collins

Michael J. Sawaya

It’s hard to imagine that New Orleans went as long as it did without a festival celebrating what may just be the tastiest thing ever created with fried dough, but that all ended in 2016 with the first annual Beignet Fest.

Following the inaugural event, Travel + Leisure magazine named Beignet Fest one of the premier fall festivals in the country.

Last year’s event drew over 12,000 attendees and this year’s is scheduled for Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Festival Grounds at New Orleans City Park.

Beignet Fest was created

by Sherwood Collins, who, along with his wife Amy, has two young boys — Wesley and Liam. Eight-year-old Liam is on the Autism spectrum and was the inspiration for the festival, which raises money through the Tres Doux (French for “very sweet”) Foundation for children with developmental delays.

“In Louisiana, autism is the most cited diagnosis on school IEP’s,” said Collins.

“We need more programs so I will continue to make it my job to raise as much money as I can.”

Following a national search, Michael J. Sawaya was chosen to take over all the facility operations and future land development for New Orleans’ convention center this past March.

For Sawaya, that meant a move from San Antonio, Texas, where he served for the past 15 years as the executive director of the city’s convention center, Alamodome, two theatres and two other sports facilities. Under his leadership, San Antonio’s $325 million convention center — the single largest project in the city’s history — was completed on time and within budget.

Sawaya’s plan for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is nothing less than to make it a “visionary project that will transform the New Orleans visitor economy and propel it to greater heights.”

“The immediate needs of our convention center are to build a new headquarters hotel and develop a mixed-use retail, residential and entertainment district that will be a new attraction that creates new demand for the city,” he said.

“Simultaneously, we will be renovating and modernizing our existing facilities and building a linear park. In three years, it will be a totally new experience.”

Founder, Beignet Fest Executive Director, Tres Doux Foundation

President/General Manager Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Wendy Rodrigue Magnus

Founder, George Rodrigue Life & Legacy Tour Wendy Rodrigue Magnus was married to famed artist George Rodrigue from 1997 until his death in 2013. During that time she served as the director and co-owner of the Rodrigue Studio and did all she could to promote what she calls her late husband’s “honest and open way of seeing the world.”

“With his art he raised millions of dollars for humanitarian and artsrelated causes,” she said, “and even more important, he gave of his time, particularly as a passionate advocate for the arts in education.”

Since Rodrigue’s death, Magnus (she is now married to her late husband’s friend and fellow artist, photographer and silversmith Douglas Magnus) has made it her mission to promote his legacy. In fall 2017, she began a statewide Life and Legacy Tour for the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and Louisiana A+ Schools. Within six months, she visited 25 schools and exposed Rodrigue’s art to thousands of students, parents and educators.

“My favorite thing,” she said, “is when I realize I’ve surprised people and made them think about George’s life and art in a new and illuminating way.”

April Dupré

Fitness & Wellness Expert, Footprints to Fitness Gentilly native April Dupré was a fitness and wellness professional for 15 years — and former Saintsation — before following her dream in 2014 to create a fitness community focused on diversity and inclusion.

Her company, Footprints to Fitness, creates experiences that cater to every age, gender and fitness level. Experiences include community fitness classes, Healthy Happy Hours, custom workplace wellness options, personal training and CPR training, Bridal Boot Camps, as well as various special events.

Last month the company rolled out Mats and Margaritas — a yoga event at La Casita Mexican restaurant.

The goal is to truly offer options for everyone that allow people to have fun and be healthier.

“Being a woman of color in an industry where most people don’t look like me inspires me to break barriers and change others’ perceptions,” she said.

“It’s a blessing when people share that they’re inspired to become healthier because they see someone living a positive lifestyle that looks like them.”

Zach Strief

Managing Partner Port Orleans Brewing Co. Play-by-Play Broadcaster New Orleans Saints, WWL radio “I knew I was getting close to the end of my playing career and I wanted to be a part of something that could become a part of all the things that make New Orleans great,” said former New Orleans Saints Offensive Tackle, Zach Strief.

“Mardi Gras, crawfish, fishing and family gathering have one thing in common…beer.”

In January, Strief became a managing partner at Port Orleans Brewing Co. The Tchoupitoulas Street brewery opened May 9, 2017.

Port Orleans currently offers six different beers, an IPA, lager, brown ale, pale ale, pilsner and a blonde ale named for New Orleans Saints Coach, Sean Payton, that was Strief’s doing.

“Sean gave me the biggest opportunity of my life,” noted Strief on the brewery’s web site. “The least I can do is give him a cold one with his name on it.”

Strief will now be mentioning Payton’s name often as the new play- byplay broadcaster (along with color commentator Deuce McAllister) on the Saints radio network. If they need a cold beer after the game, they will know where to go.

Back at the brewery, next up will be the release of another beer named for a member of the Saints family, Steve Gleason.

“It’s a New England-style IPA, which is extremely popular right now,” said Strief. “I think it’s going to be great for Port Orleans, but also a great fundraiser for Team Gleason.”

Cleveland Spears

President and CEO, Spears Group This month, Sept. 22 and 23, New Orleans’ Woldenberg Park will again play host to the National Fried Chicken Festival. Since its founding in 2016, the festival has attracted visitors from all 50 states to New Orleans, totaling 259,000 people.

In a state known for its never-ending list of festivals, after only two years the National Fried Chicken Festival holds the title of the largest food festival in Louisiana, and it wouldn’t exist without the hard work of public relations and marketing firm The Spears Group, founded by Cleveland Spears III. This year The Spears Group is celebrating its own milestone — 10 years in business serving a long list of clients from Ochsner Health System and Entergy to the NBA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as its own events including the Millenial Awards, Diner en Blanc and La Fete du Rose.

“We don’t sleep much at the Spears Group,” laughed Spears. “I have an amazing team and am so humbled that they believe in my dream. Together we can do anything.”

Falling for Festivals The Best of the Season

New Orleans Burlesque Festival Sept. 20-23 NewOrleansBurlesqueFest.com Admission: Ticket prices vary depending on individual shows ($20-$62) Location: Various venues including House of Blues and the Civic Theatre Best Bet: The “Belle of the Ball” show is the closing event and highlights dancers from around the world competing for the championship, which is voted on by previous winners and members of the audience.

Lagniappe: New Orleans’ own burlesque legend Rita “The Champagne Girl” Alexander will be at the festival signing autographs and meeting attendees.

NOLA On Tap Sept. 22 NOLAOnTap.org Admission: $5 (drink tickets not included), $30 VIP pass, children 12 and under free Location: City Park Festival Grounds Best Bet: Obviously, the beer.

But more specifically, there will be a number of lesser known beer varieties, including some homemade brews that festivalgoers might not get to try elsewhere.

Lagniappe: The Barktoberfest tent features many pup-

friendly activities including a dog costume contest, games, water, and even Pupular’s speed dating (to arrange future play dates between dogs).

Fried Chicken Fest Sept. 22-23 FriedChickenFestival.com Admission: Free except for the Moet Chicken & Champagne VIP Lounge Location: Woldenberg Riverfront Park Best Bet: If you love fried chicken but are equally devoted to your favorite college and pro football teams, visit the AT&T Football Fan Zone to enjoy your chicken while watching college games on Saturday and the Saints game on Sunday.

Lagniappe: If you would one day like to cook your own delicious fried chicken, visit the cooking demonstrations.

Art for Art’s Sake Oct. 5 MagazineStreet.com Admission: Free and open to the public Location: Various galleries on Magazine Street and in the Warehouse District Best Bet: If you like the idea of White Linen Night, but find the heat and crowds a bit stifling, give Art for Art’s Sake a shot. The weather is

usually cooler and the crowds are typically thinner because it’s held during college football season. New Orleans has some wonderful art galleries and the event is a nice excuse to visit them.

Lagniappe: Art for Art’s Sake is free, but the Contemporary Arts Center has its own party to go along with the event that is free to members and costs only $10 for non-members. Live music is a part of the festivities.

Treme Fall Fest Oct. 5-7 FaubourgTreme.wixsite.com/ TremeFest Admission: Free except for the patron party on Oct. 5, which is $125 at the door and $100 in advance.

Location: St. Augustine Church Best Bet: The street festival is on Oct. 6 with live music from a wide variety of artists, including John Boutte at 4:30, the Batiste Brothers at 1:05, and Dwayne Dopsie Zydeco at 6:00.

Lagniappe: For fans of gospel music, Oct. 7 features a Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a concert from noon to 3 p.m.

Beignet Fest Oct. 6 BeignetFest.com Admission: Free. Beverages

by Fritz Esker

and food is available for purchase inside.

Location: City Park’s Festival Grounds Best Bet: If your heart and arteries can handle it, try the absolutely sinful bananas Foster beignet from the Ruby Slipper’s booth. Another great option is the crawfish beignet from the Legacy Kitchen booth.

Lagniappe: The Beignet Fest prides itself on being an event for everyone. There are accommodations for guests with disabilities, as well as sensoryfriendly activities for children with developmental delays in the festival’s Kids Village.

Gentilly Fest: Oct. 12-14 GentillyFest.com Admission: Free Location: Pontchartrain Park Playground Best Bet: Saturday Oct. 13 will feature the Gentilly Fest 5K race in the morning, great music during the day (try the gospel tent!), and a fireworks show at night.

Lagniappe: The kids’ area features fun stuff like a New Orleans Fire Department truck, pony rides, and much more.

World War II Air, Sea and Land Festival Oct. 12-14 AirSeaLandFest.com

Admission: $17 general admission; $13 for military, students, WWII Museum Members, and senior citizens; free for WWII veterans and children 12 and under Location: New Orleans Lakefront airport Best Bet: See 25 of the rarest WWII aircraft in existence, including the B-29, P-51 and the B-25.

Lagniappe: Every year, attendees include WWII veterans. Last year, those veterans included Women’s Auxiliary Service pilots and Pearl Harbor survivors.

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival Oct. 12-14 JazzAndHeritage.org/Blues-Fest Admission: Free, except for the VIP experience Location: Lafayette Square Park Best Bet: World-renowned guitar slinger Jimmie Vaughn, who will be performing at Madison Square Garden with Eric Clapton before his trip to NOLA, will be making his debut at the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Lagniappe: The 93-year-old Baton Rouge pianist Henry Gray shows you’re never too old to jam in a show on Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m.

New Orleans Film Festival Oct. 17-25 NewOrleansFilmSociety.org Admission: Regular screenings $13 ($10 for New Orleans Film Society members), matinee screenings $10 ($7 for New Orleans Film Society members), all access pass $320 ($270 for New Orleans Film Society members) Location: The Prytania Theater, The Broad Theater, Cinebarre Canal Place, The New Orleans Advocate building Best Bet: The full lineup has not yet been disclosed at press time, but a few titles have been announced. The True Don Quixote is a Louisiana-shot film starring Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou) about a lonely man who loses his mind and sets off on a quest for love

and glory.

Lagniappe: The elegant opening party will be held at the expansive new ballroom in the recently renovated Jung Hotel on Canal Street.

NOLA Mac ’N’ Cheese Fest Oct. 20 NOLAMacNCheeseFest.com Admission: Free. Food and beverages are availble for purchase inside.

Location: Armstrong Park Best Bet: The official menu for this year’s fest is not out yet, but it’s a good idea to try some of the more creative mac ’n’ cheese dishes. Some at the 2017 fest included mac ’n cheese cupcakes, crawfish mac ’n’ cheese, and smoked brisket mac ’n’ cheese.

Lagniappe: If you’re thinking to yourself that there’s no reason for you to go to the Mac ’N’ Cheese Fest because you’re a vegan, think again! This year’s fest will have a vegan option available for guests.

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience Oct. 26-28 VoodooFestival.com Admission: $140 for a 3-day general admission ticket, $400 for a 3-day LOA VIP ticket, $1350 for a 3-day platinum ticket Location: City Park Best Bet: Hip-hop superstar Childish Gambino (a.k.a.

Donald Glover) has been a hot commodity this year with his incendiary “This is America” music video and his performance as Lando Calrissian in Solo. He’s one of the headliners at this year’s Voodoo Fest.

Lagniappe: On Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., the fest is holding Feast Under the Stars. It’s a 5-course meal on festival grounds as final preparations are made for the event. The food will be made by award-winning chef Aaron Sanchez and will feature winepairings and dessert.

Hell Yes Fest 1st 3 Weekends in November ComedyNOLA.com/Hell-Yes-Fest Admission: Prices will vary, but none will be over $12 Location: Multiple locations in the Marigny Best Bet: The lineup of performers has not been set yet, but past highlights have included Sarah Silverman and Nick Swardson.

Lagniappe: In past years, the comedy festival has been on a single weekend, but this year it will be spread out over three weekends to give it a feel similar to that of world-famous festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Boudin, Bourbon, and Beer Nov. 9 BoudinBourbonAndBeer.com Admission: Ticket prices not yet announced Location: Champions Square Best Bet: The event’s sponsor is Abita, and they will be featuring their favorite brews, as well as their seasonal favorites and some special cask selections.

Lagniappe: There will be more chefs attending than in any prior year, with over 70 participating. There will also be additional dessert stations available.

Oak Street Po Boy Festival Nov. 11 PoBoyFest.com Admission: Entrance to Oak Street is free, but a $5 wristband must be purchased in order to buy a poor boy.

Location: Oak Street on the river side of Carrollton Best Bet: The winner for best seafood poor boy in 2017 was Red Fish Grill’s BBQ oyster poor boy and the winner for best sausage poor boy was Bratz Y’all’s drunk pig poor boy.

Lagniappe: Poor boys aren’t the only things for sale at the Po Boy Fest. The Where Y’Arts Market will be returning this year for anyone looking to buy some quirky arts and crafts.

Treme Creole Gumbo Festival Nov. 17-18 JazzAndHeritage.org/TremeGumbo Admission: Free Location: Armstrong Par Best Bet: Cooking a good gumbo is a challenging, timeconsuming process. Check out the “gumbosium” to see cooking demonstrations and get tips from skilled chefs (and of course eat some gumbo, too).

Lagniappe: The Treme Creole Gumbo Festival is the only festival whose music lineup consists entirely of brass bands.

Celebration in the Oaks Nov. 23-Jan.1 (closed Nov. 26-29, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve) NewOrleansCityPark.com Admission: $9, free for children under 3 and Friends of City Park members Location: City Park Best Bet: Part of the fun of Celebration in the Oaks is going on the rides in Storyland. For $27, you get admission to Celebration in the Oaks and an unlimited ride band (single tickets for the train are $5 and single tickets for other rides are $4).

Lagniappe: Did you know it takes 8 months of preparation and a total of 558,350 LED bulbs to create Celebration in the Oaks’ dazzling light show?

NOLA Christmas Fest Dec. 22-31 NOLAChristmasFest.com Admission: $20, which includes all rides.

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Best Bet: Ice skating is not an activity New Orleanians get to try much, so the festival’s ice skating rink is worth a look for anyone adventurous enough to strap on some ice skates.

Lagniappe: Do you like watching curling during the Winter Olympics and wish you could try it in the Crescent City? This year at Christmas Fest, you can try your skill at the popular winter sport on a synthetic curling rink.

The Menu TABLE TALK . RESTAURANT INSIDER . FOOD . LAST CALL . DINING LISTINGS

jeffery johnston photo

Tuna Tostada at Zocalo

THE MENU . TABLE TALK

meet the chef Edgar Caro

Huachinago entree

Zocalo Mexican on Metarie Road

By Jay Forman

E

dgar Caro has made a career out of introducing New Orleans to the cuisines of South America and the Caribbean. His first restaurant, the forward-thinking Baru Tapas, brought Caribbean-inspired small plates to Magazine

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A native of Cartagena, Colombia, Edgar Caro has brought a world of flavor to the dining scene here in New Orleans. The principal force behind Baru Bistro & Tapas, Basin Seafood and Spirits, Brasa Churrasqueria and now Zócalo, Caro puts a high-end top spin on dishes native to countries across Latin America. To open a Mexican restaurant has been a long-simmering dream of his. “All the different regions in Mexico have so much to bring,” he says. “I want to keep going back there so I can bring more to Zocalo.”

Look for the menu at Zocalo to evolve as Caro pursues his passion.

Street alongside its lively cocktail menu. Later he opened the South American steakhouse Brasa Churrasqueria on Metairie Road with his business partner Antonio Mata. Now his latest venture is Zócalo, just a few steps down from

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Brasa, where he swings his focus spiked tartar sauce. There is a to the cuisine of Mexico. unique cauliflower taco whose Why would the Colombian-born surprisingly complex flavor comes chef look to take on Mexican food? courtesy of a peanut-y salsa macha The answer is simple – he loves and chicken chicharrons.

Entrees are envisioned as familyit. “Mexican has just always been one of those cuisines that I’ve style affairs. All come with houserespected as a chef and also one of made corn or flour tortillas. A good my favorite to eat,” says Caro. “I’ve example of this is the Huachinango, been wanting to do a restaurant a broad fillet of red snapper split like this for a long time.” down the middle, grilled and served Zócalo’s name is taken from on a board. The adobo rub lends Mexico City’s main public square. the fish both heat and a ruddy hue.

And like that cosmopolitan city, Roll up morsels with the provided Zocalo’s menu is far-reaching tortillas and jimica slaw for a bit of although its core returns often crunch, but watch out for bones. to the cuisine of Oaxaca, often My favorite entrée was the Carne regarded as the culinary heart Asada, flavorful skirt steak charred of Mexico. Caro and Mata trav- on the grill and served alongside eled there for research and were chipotle onions and avocado salad, immediately struck by the fare. a dish that is straightforward “Mexico City is just huge and has and satisfying. Anybody that’s so much going on. But once I went dined at Brasa knows that Caro to Oaxaca it is knows steak and when I felt, ah I’m it doesn’t disapin Mexico.” From point here. And that starting point, for the non-meat Zócalo, 2051 Metairie Road, Old Metairie, the inspiration has eaters out there he 252-9327. Dinner grown organically offers a carefully Tues.-Sun.; lunch outward. composed entrée Fri.-Sun; closed Mon.; Zócalo took of grilled Nopal Zocalonola.com cactus with artiover the space choke hearts. which formerly housed the long-running Vega Alongside the dinner menu you Tapas. The renovation opened it will find a robust mescal selection up considerably and the white- at the bar. “We wanted to focus washed walls painted with Aztec- on Mezcal as well as the flavors inspired art give the restaurant a that go hand-in-hand with the transportive feel. Colorful tiles and food,” Caro says. Zócalo recently clever planters suspended from expanded its hours to offer lunch the ceiling help complete the vibe. Friday through Sunday and look for Start with the Queso Fundido, a the menu to eventually expand as melting pot of Chihuahua and well as Caro explores the cuisine Asadero cheeses, studded with of Coastal Mexico and the Yucatan housemade chorizo verde and peninsula. • garnished with chopped green onion. It arrives bubbling and browned from the broiler alongside Mexican Home Cooking house-made flour tortillas. The Perched on a corner in the flautas are inspired by Mexican residential heart of Broadmoor street food, crisp cylinders filled you will find the tiny gem El Pavo with piquant Chicken Tinga and Real. Like Zócalo, El Pavo Real topped with cooling crema, crum- brings a level of authenticity to its bled queso fresco and a tomatillo cuisine that rises above the typical salsa. The requisite guacamole Tex-Mex fare common in New gets enlivened with fresh mango. Orleans. Recommended dishes The taco menu offers a strong include the Mole Poblano and the Pescado taco featuring beer-battered Enchiladas. As a bonus, Mexican fish, cabbage and a chipotle-pepper breakfast is served all day. my ne w orleans . co m

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THE MENU . restaurant insider

News From the Kitchen Catalino’s, Autonomy and Felix’s

By Robert Peyton

Churrasco

Catalino’s

Autonomy

Felix’s

Catalino’s is the first Guatemalan restaurant in New Orleans. In addition to tostadas and tamales, look for dishes influenced by indigenous ingredients and techniques, such as Kak’ik, a spicy turkey soup; Pepián, a chile-rich stew with mirliton, carrots, potatoes, meat and ground pumpkin seeds; and Jocón, a tomatillo-cilantro sauce similar to Mexican salsa verde. Catalino’s, 7724 Maple St., 518-6735; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 to 9, until 10 on Friday and Saturday, and until 8 on Sunday.

Autonomy, a new bakery and café, has opened in Covington. The pastries and breads are all made in-house, with the latter available for sandwiches that make up the bulk of the lunch and dinner menus.

Brunch options include “dirty rice” grits with a slow-cooked egg and bacon fritters with Comte dip. Owners Jeff Talbot and Saunders Conroy have extensive industry experience, and Conroy’s expertise with wine is clear from the interesting, eclectic list. Autonomy, 705 E. Boston St., Covington; 985-888-1669; 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, closed Tuesday.

Felix’s recently joined the Lakefront revival, taking over the structure built to house Brisbi’s. Felix’s is known for oysters, and they appear in multiple preparations at the new location, but the menu is larger than the original.

Fried, grilled and boiled seafood abound; other options include poor boys, gumbos, and crawfish étouffée, all served in a dining room with one of the best views in town. Felix’s Lakefront, 7400 Lakefront Dr., 304-4125; Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

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THE MENU . food

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styled by photographed by eugenia uhl

When Pho Meets Bahn The world of Vietnamese cuisine

BY Dale Curry

I

once lunched with Anthony Bourdain at the now-closed Pho Tau Bay restaurant on the West Bank. We each had a beer and a bowl of pho and discussed his latest book and our trips to Vietnam.

It was 20 years earlier that I had researched the exotic cuisine setting up shop in eastern New Orleans, first tasted the pungent beef noodle soup and explored the 5 a.m.

Saturday market stocked with vegetables I didn’t recognize.

It was just five years before meeting Bourdain that I finished reading “A Cook’s Tour,” which left no doubt in my mind that Vietnam was his favorite country so far.

So when I traveled there, a fellow food writer, my daughter and I struck out to find what appeared in the book to be his favorite restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. The name escapes me, but not the experience.

Motor scooters ran through the restaurant, and rice cakes encased in pottery were hurled through the air on their way to customers. Many didn’t make it, landing in broken pieces on the floor. But the food was the best.

Like Vietnam, New Orleans held a place in Bourdain’s heart.

When the host of CNN’s “Parts Unknown” was asked in a CNN interview to name the one U.S. city he thought people should experience for food, he said, “In America, there might be better gastronomic destinations . . . With the best restaurants in New York, you’ll find something similar

to it in Paris or Copenhagen or Chicago. But there is no place like New Orleans. So it’s a must-see city because there’s no explaining it, no describing it. You can’t compare it to anything. So, far and away, New Orleans.”

He considered both places to have a soul, returning often to New Orleans and including Pho Tau Bay in one of his television shows.

And now, with one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the United States, that cuisine has become a part of New Orleans. Its restaurants are everywhere, and some of us are cooking the light Asian food at home.

The most popular dishes are pho, the noodle soup, and bahn mi, the Vietnamese poor boy served on French bread, which, like us, they learned to make from the French, who occupied their country years ago. Many local restaurants of different styles serve the crusty French bread made at Dong Phong Bakery in eastern New Orleans.

With local Vietnamese hosting festivals in the true New Orleans spirit, we are further introduced to home cooking worthy of investigating. How fortunate we are to add this delicious and healthful way of dining to our favorite pastime. Like Bourdain, we find much of our lifestyle through food.

The attached recipe for pho bo gives you a choice - the easy way out or totally homemade.

Both are delicious.

RECIPE PHO BO (VIETNAMESE BEEF NOODLE SOUP)

Ingredients

sliced of raw meat on top.

4 28-ounce cans Pho Bo beef broth* or 4 quarts homemade pho broth**

Pour about 2 to 3 cups each

4 star anise

you like beef rare, serve it raw

1 bunch green onions, chopped

on the side, and let diners add

1 tablespoon beef-flavored pho soup base powder (Cot Pho Bo)

bowls.

2 14-ounce packages rice noodles, 1/8 “ wide

sriracha and bottled fish sauce

1 pound beef eye of round or sirloin tip, sliced very thin***

6 to 8.

very hot broth over all. The broth will cook the meat. If

it gradually to their individual 5. At the table, serve garnishes along with hoisin sauce, (nuoc nam) on the side. Serves

*Vietnamese beef broth for Garnishes Bean sprouts

pho and other Vietnamese ingredients can be purchased at Asian grocery stores, the

Jalapeno peppers, sliced

largest of which is Hong Kong,

Basil leaves, preferably Thai basil

which specializes in Vietnamese

Lime wedges

**To make homemade beef

Fresh cilantro

broth, combine in a stock pot 3

products in Gretna.

pounds lean meaty beef bones; Directions

1 large onion, cut into chunks; 6 thick slices fresh ginger; 2

1. Place beef broth in a large

lemongrass stalks, trimmed

pot over high heat. Add star

and sliced; 4 tablespoons fish

anise, green onions and spice

sauce; 8 star anise; 1 teaspoon

mix, and bring to a boil. Cover,

peppercorns; 2 teaspoon salt; 4

reduce heat to low and simmer

whole cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon

for 15 minutes.

sugar; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4

2. Meanwhile, prepare a platter

tablespoons pho beef-flavored

of garnishes - bean sprouts,

base such as Cot Pho Bo,

jalapeno peppers, basil and

additional to the recipe, and

lime wedges - for diners to add

4 quarts water. Bring to a boil.

to their bowls of pho.

Skim foam off top. Lower heat

3. Place rice noodles in a large

and simmer for 3 hours. Cool and

bowl. Pour boiling water over

strain. Makes 4 quarts.

noodles to cover, soak until

***Ask your butcher to slice beef

tender, about 15 minutes, and

almost paper-thin. Some stores

drain.

do not have equipment to slice

4. Prepare large individual

meat thin enough. You can

serving bowls with 1 to 1½

freeze meat and use a very sharp

cup of noodles, several sprigs

knife to slice your own

cilantro and several slices of

THE MENU . last call

With Good Reasons Bourbon House’s Voodoo Child

By Tim McNally

T

here are a load of good reasons why New Orleans has hosted the NFL’s Super Bowl so often, but the one reason that keeps coming forward is that we are a convenient town. All that any visitor could want, including one of the greatest stadiums on the planet, is within walking distance.

It’s not so talked about, but no doubt goes into the thinking process, that walking to the game involves go-cups. Okay, so the walk is short, but that does not mean it has to be the least bit unpleasant.

Walking along and enjoying adult beverages is a privilege New Orleanians expect and visitors enjoy to the maximum.

Then there’s the history and culture of a singular city. Unique in every way. All the more reason to refresh with a Voodoo Child cocktail while walking to the Dome to cheer the Saints during this, the opening month of a new football season. Bourbon House is right on the path from the French Quarter to the Superdome. They are in the spirit of all that New Orleans represents.

And they will still be so when New Orleans next hosts the Super Bowl in 2024. But why wait? Begin the celebration now.

RECIPE Voodoo Child

1.5 oz Hendrick’s Gin 1 oz Pamplemousse Liqueur 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice 2 dashes grapefruit bitters Top with Topo Chico (or seltzer water)

Combine all ingredients except the Topo Chico into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously, strain, and pour into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top with Topo Chico and garnish with a grapefruit peel.

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House, 144 Bourbon Street, 522-0111, Bourbonhouse.com.

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THE MENU . dining listings H= New Orleans Magazine award winner

Abita Springs Abita Brew Pub Gastropub 72011 Holly St., (985) 892-5837, AbitaBrewPub.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Better-than-expected pub food in its namesake eatery.“Tasteful” tours available for visitors. $$ Akers Middendorf’s Seafood Interstate 55, Exit 15, 30160 Hwy. 51 S., (985) 386-6666, MiddendorfsRestaurant.com. L, D Wed-Sun. Historic seafood destination along the shores of Lake Maurepas is world-famous for its thin-fried catfish fillets. Open since 1934, it’s a Sun. drive tradition. $$ Avondale

H Mosca’s Italian 4137 Hwy. 90 W., 4368950, MoscasRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat. Italian institution dishes out massive portions of great food, family-style. Good bets are the shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande. Cash only. $$$ Bywater H Pizza Delicious pizza 617 Piety St., 676-8482, PizzaDelicious.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Authentic New York-style thin crust pizza is the reason to come to this affordable restaurant , that also offers excellent salads sourced from small farms and homemade pasta dishes. Outdoor seating a plus. $ Carrollton Bourré AMERICAN 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 510-4040. L, D Tue-Sun.“Elevated” street food along with quality daiquiris and wings are the draw at this newcomer from the team behind Boucherie. $$ Breads on Oak Bakery/Breakfast 8640 Oak St., 324-8271, BreadsOnOak.com. B, L Mon.Sun. Artisan bakeshop tucked away near the levee on Oak St. serves breads, sandwiches, gluten-free options and is 100 percent plant based (all vegan). $ City Park Café NOMA AMERICAN 1 Collins Diboll Cir., NO Museum of Art, 482-1264, CafeNoma. com. L, (snacks) Tue-Sun. Sleek bar and café in the ground floor of museum offers a thoughtful array of snacks, sandwiches and small plates that are sure to enchant, with a kids’ menu to boot. $$ Morning Call Bakery/Breakfast 56 Dreyfous Dr., City Park, 885-4068, NewOrleansCityPark.com/in-the-park/ morning-call. 24 hours a day; cash-only.

Chicory coffee and beignets make this the quintessential New Orleans coffee shop. $ CBD/Warehouse District H Annunciation Louisianian Fare 1016 Annunciation St., 568-0245, AnnunciationRestaurant.com. D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Chef Steven Manning brings a refined sensibility to this refined Warehouse District oasis along with his famous fried oysters with melted brie. $$$ Balise Louisianian Fare 640 Carondelet St., 459-4449, BaliseNola.com. L Tue-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Chef Justin Devillier turns back the clock at this turn-of-the-century inspired 84

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$ = Average entrée price

$ = $5-10

bistro in the CBD. Carefully crafted fare fits well alongside the excellent cocktail and beer list. $$$

H BH Steak Steakhouse Harrah’s Casino, 8 Canal St., 533-6111, HarrahsNewOrleans. com. D daily. Acclaimed chef John Besh reinterprets the classic steakhouse with his signature contemporary Louisiana flair. $$$$$ H Borgne Seafood 601 Loyola Ave., 613-3860, BorgneRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Coastal Louisiana with an emphasis on Isleños cuisine (descendants of Canary Islanders who settled in St. Bernard Parish) is the focus of this high-volume destination adjacent to the Superdome. $$$ Café Adelaide Louisianian Fare Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CafeAdelaide.com. B, L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a power-lunch favorite for business-people and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$ Calcasieu Specialty Foods 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2188, CalcasieuRooms.com. For large and small gatherings, the catering menus feature modern Louisiana cooking and the Cajun cuisine for which chef Donald Link is justifiably famous.

Chophouse New Orleans Steakhouse 322 Magazine St., 522-7902, ChophouseNola.com. D daily. In addition to USDA prime grade aged steaks, Chophouse offers lobster, redfish and classic steakhouse sides. $$$

$$ = $11-15

$$$ = $16-20

$$$$ = $21-25

St., 528-9393, EmerilsRestaurants.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$ Gordon Biersch Gastropub 200 Poydras St., 552-2739, GordonBiersch.com. L, D daily.

Local outpost of this popular chain serves specialty brews made on-site and crowdpleasing lunch and dinner fare. $$

H Herbsaint Louisianian Fare 701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail before sampling chef Donald Link’s menu that melds contemporary bistro fare with classic Louisiana cuisine. The banana brown butter tart is a favorite dessert. $$$$$ Johnny Sanchez World 930 Poydras St., 304-6615, JohnnySanchezRestaurant. com. L, D daily. Contemporary Mexican mecca offering locally sourced produce accompanying the Bistec a la Parilla. Popular happy hour and downtown locale next to South Market District add to the appeal. $$$

H La Boca Steakhouse 870 Tchoupitoulas St., 525-8205, LaBocaSteaks.com. D Mon-Sat. This Argentine steakhouse specializes in cuts of meat along with pastas and wines. Specials include the provoleta appetizer and the Vacio flank steak. $$$

H Lüke World 333 St. Charles Ave., 3782840, LukeNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Germanic specialties and French bistro classics, house-made pâtés and plateaux of cold, fresh seafood. $$$

$$$$$ = $25 & up

Cajun destination. $$ Palace Café World 605 Canal St., 523-1661, PalaceCafe.com. B, L, D daily. Cassic New Orleans restaurant, the Dickie Brennan and Palace Cafe team evolve traditional Creol dishes. Enjoy specialty cocktails and small plates at the Black Duck Bar. $$$

H Pêche Seafood 800 Magazine St., 5221744, PecheRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Award-winning southern-inspired seafood destination by Chef Donald Link serves whole roasted Gulf fish from its massive, wood-burning oven, and an excellent raw bar. $$$ Q&C Hotel/Bar AMERICAN 344 Camp St., 587-9700, QandC.com. B, D daily, L Fri-Sun. Boutique hotel bar offering a small plates menu with tempting choices such as a Short Rib Poor Boy and Lobster Mac and Cheese to complement their sophisticated craft cocktails. $$

HRed Gravy Bakery/Breakfast 4125 Camp St., 561-8844, RedGravy.com. B, Br, L, Wed-Mon. Farm-to-table brunch restaurant offers a creative array of items such as Cannoli Pancakes and Skillet Cakes, as well as delectable sandwiches and more.

Homemade pastas and authentic Tuscan specialties round out the menu. $$ H Restaurant August AMERICAN 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, RestaurantAugust.com. L Fri, D daily. James Beard Award-winning menu is based on classical techniques of Louisiana cuisine and produce with a splash of European flavor set in an historic carriage warehouse. $$$$$

H Cochon Louisianian Fare 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CochonRestaurant.com. L, D, Mon-Sat. Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski feature Cajun and Southern cuisine. Boudin and other pork dishes reign supreme, along with Louisiana seafood and real moonshine Reservations recommended. $$

Manning’s AMERICAN 519 Fulton St., 5938118. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. A partnership between New Orleans’ First Family of Football and Harrah’s Casino, Manning’s offers sports bar fans a step up, with a menu that draws on both New Orleans and the Deep South. $$$

H Desi Vega’s Steakhouse Steakhouse

St., 571-9580, MerchantNewOrleans.com. B, L daily. Coffee, creative crêpes, sandwiches and more are served at this sleek and contemporary café on the ground floor of the Merchant Building. $

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Steakhouse Harrah’s Hotel, 525 Fulton St., 587-7099, RuthsChris.com. D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Filet mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this steak institution. There are also great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$

Morton’s The Steakhouse Steakhouse 365 Canal St., One Canal Place, 566-0221, Mortons.com/NewOrleans. D daily. Private elevator leads to the plush, wood-paneled environs of this local outpost of the famed Chicago steakhouse popular with politicians and celebrities. $$$$

Sac-A-Lait Seafood 1051 Annunciation St., 324-3658, Sac-A-LaitRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri. Cody and Sam Carroll’s shrine to Gulf Coast and Louisiana culinary heritage melds seafood, game, artisan produce, and craft libations in an ambitious menu that celebrates local and southern cuisine. $$$$

Mother’s Louisianian Fare 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, MothersRestaurant.net. B, L, D daily. Locals and tourists alike endure long lines to enjoy iconic dishes such as the Ferdi poor boy and Jerry’s jambalaya. Come for a late lunch to avoid the rush. $$

The Grill AMERICAN 540 Chartres St., 522-1800. B, L, D daily. A diner with local character staffed by local characters. $

628 St. Charles Ave., 523-7600, DesiVegaSteaks.com. L Mon-Fri, D Tue-Sat. USDA Prime steaks form the base of this menu, but Italian specialties and a smattering of locally inspired seafood dishes round out the appeal. $$$ Drago’s Louisianian Fare Hilton Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 584-3911, DragosRestaurant.com. L, D daily. This favorite specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented. Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

H Domenica Italian The Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 648-6020, DomenicaRestaurant.com. L, D daily.

Authentic, regional Italian cuisine. The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées features locally raised products. $$$$ Emeril’s Louisianian Fare 800 Tchoupitoulas

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H Merchant Bakery/Breakfast 800 Common

Mulate’s Louisianian Fare 201 Julia St., 5221492, Mulates.com. L, D daily. Live music and dancing add to the fun at this world-famous

Rock-N-Sake Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, RockNSake.com.

L Fri, D Tue-Sun, late night Fri-Sat. Fresh sushi and contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in an upbeat, casual setting. $$$

The Grill Room AMERICAN Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-6000, GrillRoomNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Modern American cuisine with a distinctive New Orleans flair, the adjacent Polo Club Lounge offers live music nightly.

Jazz Brunch on Sunday. $$$$$ Tommy’s Cuisine Italian 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-1103, TommysNewOrleans.com.

D daily. Classic Creole-Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this upscale eatery.

Appetizers include the namesake oysters Tommy, baked in the shell with Romano cheese, pancetta and roasted red pepper. $$$$$ Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar AMERICAN 1009 Poydras St., 309-6530, Walk-Ons. com. L, D, daily. Burger, sandwiches, wraps and more with a Louisiana twist are served at this sports bar near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. $$ Warehouse Grille AMERICAN 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, WarehouseGrille.com. L, D daily, Br Fri-Sat. Creative fare served in an art-filled environment. Try the lamb spring rolls. $$ Victory Gastropub 339 Baronne St., 522-8664, VictoryNola.com. D daily. Craft cocktails served by owner and acclaimed bartender Daniel Victory, as well as refined small plates and gourmet pizza. $$ Central City Café Reconcile Louisiana fare 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 568-1157, CafeReconcile. org. L Mon-Fri. Good food for a great cause, this nonprofit on the burgeoning OCH corridor helps train at-risk youth for careers in the food service industry. $$ Covington

Don’s Seafood seafood 126 Lake Dr., (985) 327-7111, DonsSeafoodOnline.com. L, D Daily. Popular neighborhood seafood joint offers an array of crowd-pleasing south Louisiana dishes, including char-broiled oysters and Zydeco shrimp. Kid’s Menu makes it a good choice for families. $$$ Darrow Café Burnside Louisianian Fare Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Hwy. 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. L daily, Br Sun. Historic plantation’s casual dining option features dishes such as seafood pasta, fried catfish, crawfish and shrimp, gumbo and red beans and rice. $$ Latil’s Landing Louisianian Fare Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Hwy. 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. D Wed-Sun. Nouvelle Louisiane cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$ Faubourg Marigny Feelings Cafe, Bar and Courtyard Lounge Louisianian Fare 535 Franklin Ave, 446-0040, FeelingsCafeBar.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri. The All New Feelings Marigny is a complete relaunch of the much beloved “Feelings Cafe”. Executive Chef Scott Maki has transformed the menu with an emphasis on contemporary Creole-Louisiana fare.$$$$ Langlois AMERICAN 1710 Pauger St., 934-1010, LangloisNola.com. L Fri-Sat, D Wed-Sun. *Reservations only Supper club and boutique cooking school in the Marigny

serves up culturally informed, farm-to-table fare with the added bonus of instruction.

Open kitchen and convivial atmosphere add up to a good time. $$$

H Mona’s Café World 504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros.The lentil soup and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

H Ruby Slipper Café Bakery/ Breakfast 2001 Burgundy St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$ The Marigny Brasserie AMERICAN 640 Frenchmen St., 945-4472, MarignyBrasserie. com. L, D daily. Chic neighborhood bistro with traditional dishes like fried green tomatoes and innovative cocktails such as the cucumber Collins. $$$ Faubourg St. John H Café Degas French 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635, CafeDegas.com. L, D Wed-Sat, Br Sun. Salad Niçoise, Hanger steak and frites are served in a lovely enclosed courtyard at this jewel of a French bistro. $$

Eastern places. $$ French Quarter Angeline AMERICAN 1032 Chartres St., 308-3106, AngelineNola.com. B Mon-Thu, D daily, Br Sat-Sun,. Modern southern with a fine dining focus is this bistro’s hallmark.

Southern Fried Quail and Duck Confit Ravoli represent the style. $$$ Acme Oyster House Louisianian Fare 724 Iberville St., 522-5973, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$

H Arnaud’s Louisianian Fare 813 Bienville St., 523-5433, ArnaudsRestaurant.com. D daily, Br Sun. Waiters in tuxedos prepare Café Brûlot tableside at this storied Creole grande dame; live jazz during Sun. brunch. $$$$$ Arnaud’s Remoulade Italian 309 Bourbon St., 523-0377, Remoulade.com. L, D daily.

Home of the eclectic menu of famous shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice and poor boys as well as specialty burgers, grilled allbeef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza. $$

H 1000 Figs World 3141 Ponce De Leon

Antoine’s Louisianian Fare 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, Antoines.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This pinnacle of haute cuisine and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller is New Orleans’ oldest restaurant. (Every item is à la carte, with an $11 minimum.) Private dining rooms available. $$$$$

St., 301-0848, 1000Figs.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Vegetarian-friendly offshoot of the Fat Falafel Food Truck offers a healthy farm-totable alternative to cookie-cutter Middle

Antoine’s Annex Specialty Foods 513 Royal St., 525-8045, Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex. Open daily. Serves French pastries,

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including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. Delivery available.

French Quarter offers an expansive menu of Creole favorites and specialty cocktails served with New Orleans flair. $$$

BB King’s Blues Club Barbecue 1104 Decatur St., 934-5464, BBKings.com/neworleans. L, D daily. New Orleans outpost of music club named for the famed blues musician with a menu loaded with BBQ and southern specialties. Live music and late hours are a big part of the fun. $$$

Deanie’s Seafood Seafood 841 Iberville St., 581-1316, Deanies.com. L, D daily.

Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$

Bayou Burger Burgers 503 Bourbon St., 529-4256, SportsBarNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Sports bar in the thick of Bourbon Street scene distinguishes its fare with choices like Crawfish Beignets and Gator Bites. $$

Bayona World 430 Dauphine St., 5254455, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic patio, weather permitting. $$$$$

620 Chartres St., 267-3500, DorisMetropolitan.com. L Fri-Sun, D daily. Innovative steakhouse plays with expectations and succeeds with modernist dishes like their Classified Cut and Beetroot Supreme. $$$$

Broussard’s French 819 Conti St., 581-3866, Broussards.com. D daily, Br Sun. Creole-French institution also offers beautiful courtyard seating. $$$$

El Gato Negro World 81 French Market Place, 525-9752, ElGatoNegroNola.com. L, D daily. Central Mexican cuisine along with hand-muddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$

Court of Two Sisters Louisianian Fare 613 Royal St., 522-7261, CourtOfTwoSisters. com. Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience. The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$ Criollo Louisianian Fare Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 681-4444, CriolloNola. com. B, L, D daily. Next to the famous Carousel Bar in the historic Monteleone Hotel, Criollo represents an amalgam of the various Louisiana cultures, with a contemporary twist. $$$ Crazy Lobster Seafood 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83, 569-3380, TheCrazyLobster.com. L, D daily. Boiled seafood and festive atmosphere come together at this seafood-centric destination overlooking the Mississippi River. Outdoor seating a plus. $$$ Creole Cookery Seafood 508 Toulouse St., Suite C110, 524-9632, NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. L, D daily. Crowd-pleasing destination in the 86

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BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Classic Creole dishes, such as redfish on the halfshell, and an Oyster Bar. Its extensive bourbon menu will please aficionados. $$$$ Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse Steakhouse 716 Iberville St., 522-2467, DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com. L Fri, D daily. Nationally recognized steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks and local seafood. Validated Parking next door. $$$$

Chartres House Italian 601 Chartres St., 586-8383, ChartresHouse.com. L, D daily. This iconic French Quarter bar serves terrific Mint Juleps and Gin Fizzes in its picturesque courtyard and balcony settings. Also famous for its fried green tomatoes and other local favorite dishes. $$$

Crescent City Steaks 85 Years Strong

H Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House Seafood 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111,

Bourbon House Seafood 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun. Local seafood, featured in both classic and contemporary dishes, is the focus of this New Orleans-centric destination. And yes, bourbon is offered as well. $$$

H Cane & Table Gastropub 1113 Decatur St., 581-1112, CaneAndTableNola.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Open late, this chefdriven rustic colonial cuisine with rum and “proto-Tiki” cocktails make this a fun place to gather. $$

restaurant spotlight

H Doris Metropolitan Steakhouse

Galatoire’s Louisianian Fare 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021, Galatoires.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Friday lunches are a New Orleans tradition at this world-famous French-Creole grand dame. Tradition counts for everything here, and the crabmeat Sardou is delicious. Note: Jackets required for dinner and all day Sun. $$$$$

H GW Fins Seafood 808 Bienville St., 581-FINS (3467), GWFins.com. D daily.

Owners Gary Wollerman and twice chef of the year Tenney Flynn provide dishes at their seasonal peak. On a quest for unique variety, menu is printed daily. $$$$$ Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak Steakhouse 215 Bourbon St., 335-3932, Galatoires33BarAndSteak.com. L Fri, D Sun-Thu. Steakhouse offshoot of the venerable Creole grande dame offers hand-crafted cocktails and classic steakhouse fare and inspired dishes.

Reservations accepted. $$$ Hard Rock Café AMERICAN 125 Bourbon St., 529-5617, HardRock.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Local outpost of this global brand serves burgers, café fare and drinks in their rock memorabilia-themed environs. $$ House of Blues Louisianian Fare 225 Decatur St., 310-4999, HouseOfBlues. com/NewOrleans. L, D daily. Good menu complements music in the main room.

World-famous Gospel Brunch every Sunday. Patio seating available. $$

When you consider that so many new restaurants fail within the first year, you have to wonder what the secret sauce is for restaurants with staying power. Such is the case with Crescent City Steaks, New Orleans’ oldest family owned steakhouse. It is still run by the family of Mr. John Vojkovich who opened the place in 1934. Maybe it’s just that great food and service never go out of style. After all, things haven’t actually changed that much since then, there’s the beautiful, tiled dining room and the prime, dry aged beef sizzling on the grill. The wine list boasts over 130 great wines and the Crescent City Martini, made by the Vojkovich’s with a Croatian liqueur, is still a favorite among patrons.

1001 N. Broad Street, 266-0573, Crescentcitysteaks.net.

Irene’s Cuisine Italian 539 St. Philip St., 529-8881. D Mon-Sat. Long waits at the lively piano bar are part of the appeal of

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this Creole-Italian favorite beloved by locals.

Try the oysters Irene and crabmeat gratin appetizers. $$$$

H Italian Barrel Italian 430 Barracks St., 569-0198, ItalianBarrel.com. L, D daily.

Northern Italian dishes like Braciola di Maiale as well as an exhaustive pasta menu tempt at this local favorite that also offers al fresco seating. $$$ Killer Poboys Louisianian Fare 811 Conti St., 252-6745, KillerPoboys.blogspot.com. L, D Wed-Mon. This quasi-popup operating out of the Erin Rose Bar serves some of the city’s best poor boys. $ K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen Louisianian Fare 416 Chartres St., 596-2530, ChefPaul. com/KPaul. L Thu-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Paul Prudhomme’s landmark restaurant helped introduce Cajun food to the nation. Lots of seasoning and bountiful offerings, along with reserved seating, make this a destination for locals and tourists alike. $$$$

H Kingfish Seafood 337 Charters St., 5985005, KingfishNewOrleans.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Regionally inspired seafood dishes with carefully sourced ingredients and southern influence is the focus at this chefdriven French Quarter establishment. $$$ Le Bayou Seafood 208 Bourbon St., 5254755, LeBayouRestaurant.com. L, D daily.

Blackened redfish and Shrimp Ya-Ya are a just a few of the choices at this seafoodcentric destination on Bourbon Street. $$$

H Marti’s French 1041 Dumaine St., 5225478, MartisNola.com. L Fri, D daily. Classic French cuisine, small plates and chilled seafood platters like Grand Plateau Fruits De Mer are the calling cards for this restaurant with elegant “Old World” feel. $$$ Muriel’s Jackson Square Italian 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Enjoy local classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-behaunted establishment. $$$$ Napoleon House Italian 500 Chartres St., 524-9752, NapoleonHouse.com. L Mon-Sat, D Tue-Sat. Originally built in 1797 as a respite for Napoleon, this family-owned Europeanstyle café serves local favorites gumbo, jambalaya and muffulettas. A Sazerac or Pimm’s Cup are perfect accompaniments. $$ NOLA Louisianian Fare 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, EmerilsRestaurants.com/NolaRestaurant. L Thu-Mon, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedar-plankroasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$ Oceana Grill Seafood 739 Conti St., 5256002, OceanaGrill.com. B, L, D daily. Gumbo, poor boys and barbecue shrimp are served at this kid-friendly seafood destination. $$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro Gastropub 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, OrleansGrapevine.com. D daily. Wine is the muse at this bistro, which offers vino by the flight, glass and bottle. A classic menu with an emphasis on local cuisine. $$$

H Patrick’s Bar Vin Gastropub 730 Bienville St., 200-3180, PatricksBarVin.com.

D daily. This oasis of a wine bar offers terrific selections by the bottle and glass. Small

plates are served as well. $$

served in an elegant courtyard. $$

Pier 424 Seafood 424 Bourbon St., 309-1574, Pier424SeafoodMarket.com. L, D daily.

Seafood-centric restaurant offers long menu of traditional New Orleans fare augmented by unusual twists like “Cajun-Boiled” Lobster. $$$

The Bombay Club Louisianian Fare Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., 577-2237, TheBombayClub.com. D daily. Popular martini bar with plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$

Port of Call Burgers 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120, PortOfCallNola.com. L, D daily.

It is all about the big, meaty burgers and giant baked potatoes in this popular bar/ restaurant – unless you’re cocktailing only, then it’s all about the Monsoons. $$

H Restaurant R’evolution Italian 777 Bienville St., 553-2277, RevolutionNola.com.

L Fri, D daily, Br Sun. An opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef John Folse with the cosmopolitan influence of chef Rick Tramonto. Chef de cuisine Jana Billiot and executive sous chef Gabriel Beard are in charge of day-to-day operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. $$$$$ Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill Italian 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, RedFishGrill.com. L, D daily. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with local favorites such as barbecue oysters, blackened redfish and double-chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$ Rib Room AMERICAN Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. B, D daily, L Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Old World elegance, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on Sundays a jazz brunch. $$$ Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant Louisianian Fare 301 Dauphine St., 586-0972, RichardFiskes.com. B, Bar Lunch daily. Just a few steps off of Bourbon Street is this relaxing bar featuring an innovative menu with dishes like Crawfish, Jalapeno-andBacon Mac and Cheese garnished with fried oysters. Live music a plus. $$$ Royal House Louisianian Fare 441 Royal St., 528-2601, RoyalHouseRestaurant.com. L, D daily. B Sat and Sun. Poor boys, jambalaya and shrimp Creole are some of the favorites served here. Weekend breakfast and an oyster bar add to the crowd-pleasing appeal. $$$ SoBou Louisianian Fare 310 Chartres St., 552-4095, SoBouNola.com. B, L, D daily.

There is something for everyone at this “Modern Creole Saloon.” Decidedly unstuffy with an emphasis on craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Everything from $1 pork cracklins to an extravagant foie gras burger on an accomplished yet eclectic menus. $$

H Tableau Louisianian Fare 616 S. Peter St., 934-3463, TableauFrenchQuarter.com. B Mon-Fri, L Mon-Sat, D daily, Brunch Sat-Sun. Gulf seafood such as Redfish Bienville and classic Creole brunch dishes like eggs Hussard are the highlights of this Dickie Brennan restaurant that shares space with Le Petite Théâtre. $$$ H The Bistreaux Louisianian Fare New Orleans Maison Dupuy Hotel, 1001 Toulouse St., 586-8000, MaisonDupuy.com/ dining.html. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Dishes ranging from the casual (truffle mac and cheese) to the upscale (tuna tasting trio) are

The Pelican Club AMERICAN 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, PelicanClub.com. D daily.

Serves an eclectic mix of hip food, from the seafood “martini” to clay-pot barbecued shrimp and a trio of duck. Three dining rooms available. $$$$$

H Tujague’s Louisianian Fare 823 Decatur St., 525-8676, TujaguesRestaurant.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. For more than 150 years this landmark restaurant has been offering Creole cuisine. Favorites include a nightly sixcourse table d’hôté menu featuring a unique beef brisket with Creole sauce. $$$$$ Garden District Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s AMERICAN 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sun. Shiny, contemporary bistro serves Cajun-fusion fare along with its signature decadent desserts. Good lunch value to boot. $$ District Donuts Sliders Brew AMERICAN 2209 Magazine Street, 570-6945, DonutsAndSliders.com. B, L, D daily. Creative sliders (hello, pork belly) and super-creative donuts (think root beer float) are the hallmarks of this next-generation café. $ Hoshun Restaurant Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1601 St. Charles Ave., 302-9716, HoshunRestaurant.com. L, D daily. A wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Private dining rooms available. $$

H Mr. John’s Steakhouse Steakhouse 2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7697, MrJohnsSteakhouse.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri-Sat. Wood paneling, white tile and USDA Prime Beef served sizzling in butter are the hallmarks of this classic New Orleans steakhouse. $$$

wine list) at this high-end Cajun and Creole restaurant that makes customer service a big part of the experience. $$$ Lakeview Harbor Burgers 911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887. L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the game at this restaurant. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $ Lakeview Pearl Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 6300 Canal St., 309-5711, LakeviewPearl. com. L, D Mon-Sat. A long list of specialty rolls rounds out the offerings of this AsianFusion restaurant. $$

H Mondo World 900 Harrison Ave., 2242633, MondoNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Chef Susan Spicer’s take on world cuisine. This place has a deserved reputation for good food and good times. $$$ Lower Garden District

H The Green Fork Vegan/Vegetarian 1400 Prytania St., 267-7672, GreenForkNola.com.

B, L Mon-Sat. Fresh juices, smoothies and vegetarian-friendly fare make The Green Fork a favorite for lovers of healthy food.

Catering is offered as well. $$ The Tasting Room Gastropub 1906 Magazine St., 581-3880, TTRNewOrleans. com. D Tue-Sun. Flights of wine and sophisticated small plates are the calling cards for this wine bar. $$ Voodoo BBQ Barbecue 1501 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com.

L, D daily. Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$ Metairie H Andrea’s Restaurant Italian 3100 19th St., 834-8583, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Osso buco and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. $$$ Acme Oyster House Louisianian Fare 3000 Veterans Blvd., 309-4056, AcmeOyster.com.

L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Austin’s Louisianian Fare 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 888-5533, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$

Gretna H Tan Dinh Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1705 Lafayette St., 361-8008. B, L, D daily.

Roasted quail and the beef pho rule at this Vietnamese outpost. $$ Harahan

H Oak Oven Italian 6625 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, 305-4039, OakOvenRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Wood-fired pizza and seasonal Italian cuisine with a locavore philosophy brings respite to the burbs. Family friendly with patio seating to boot. $$ Kenner H Fiesta Latina World 1924 Airline Drive, 469-5792, FiestaLatinaRestaurant.com. B, L, D daily. A big-screen TV normally shows a soccer match or MTV Latino at this home for authentic Central American food. Tacos include a charred carne asada. $$ Lakeview H Cava Louisianian Fare 789 Harrison Ave., 304-9034. D daily. Fine dining (and excellent

Boulevard American Bistro AMERICAN 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-2301. L, D daily. Classic American cuisine including steaks, chops and more is augmented by regional favorites like Boulevard Oysters at this Metairie bistro. $$$ café B AMERICAN 2700 Metairie Road, 9344700, cafeB.com. D daily, L Mon-Fri. Br Sun. Ralph Brennan offers New American bistro fare with a Louisiana twist at this familyfriendly neighborhood spot. $$$ Caffe! Caffe! AMERICAN 3547 N. Hullen St., 267-9190. B, L Mon-Sat. & 4301 Clearview Parkway, 885-4845. B, L daily; D Mon-Sat. CaffeCaffe.com Healthy, refreshing meal options, and gourmet coffee and espresso drinks create a tasteful retreat for Metairie

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diners at a reasonable price. $

specialty. $$$

Crabby Jack’s Louisianian Fare 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, CrabbyJacksNola.com. L Mon-Sat. Lunch outpost of Jacques-Imo’s. Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $

Voodoo BBQ Barbecue 2740 Severn Ave., 353-4227, VoodooBBQAndGrill.com. L, D daily. Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$

Deanie’s Seafood Seafood 1713 Lake Ave., 831-4141, Deanies.com. L, D daily.

Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried, is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$ Don’s Seafood seafood 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-1550, DonsSeafoodOnline.com. L, D Daily.

Metairie outpost of historic local seafood chain that dates from 1934. Features an array of Cajun and seafood classics like their original ‘Jacked Up’ Oysters and seafood platters. Don’t miss their happy hour specials. $$$ Drago’s Louisianian Fare 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, DragosRestaurant.com.

L, D Mon-Sat. This favorite specializes in charbroiled oysters, a dish they invented.

Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$ Heritage Grill AMERICAN 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 934-4900, HeritageGrillMetairie.com. L Mon-Fri. This lunch-only destination caters to the office crowd offers an express two-course lunch along with its regular menu. $$ Martin Wine Cellar AMERICAN 714 Elmeer Ave., 896-7300, MartinWineCellar.com.

Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, burgers, soups, salads and deli-style sandwiches. $ Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant Seafood 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, AustinsNo.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sandwiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

H Royal China Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 600 Veterans Blvd., 831-9633. L daily, D Tue-Sun. Popular and family-friendly Chinese restaurant is one of the few places around that serves dim sum. $$ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Steakhouse 3633 Veterans Blvd., 888-3600, RuthsChris.com. L Fri, D daily. Filet mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this steak institution, and great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$ Sucré Specialty Foods 3301 Veterans Blvd., 834-2277, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily.

Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts.

Catering available.

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Italian 4411 Chastant St., 885-2984, Metairie, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Snug Italian boîte packs them in, yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house

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restaurant spotlight Ruby Slipper’s Comfort Food

By Mirella Cameran

Mid-City

H Blue Dot Donuts Specialty Foods 4301 Canal St., 218-4866, BlueDotDonuts.com.

B, L Tue-Sun. The Bacon Maple Long John gets all the press, but returning customers are happy with the classics as well as twists like peanut butter and jelly.

H Café Minh Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 4139 Canal St., 482-6266, CafeMinh.com.

L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui and Cynthia Vutran bring fusion to Vietnamese cuisine with French accents and a contemporary flair. $$

H Crescent City Steaks Steakhouse 1001 N. Broad St., 821-3271, CrescentCitySteaks.com. L Tue-Fri & Sun, D Tue-Sun. One of the classic New Orleans steakhouses. Steaks, sides and drinks are what you get. $$$$ Five Happiness Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, FiveHappiness.com. L, D daily. This longtime Chinese favorite offers up an extensive menu including its beloved mu shu pork and house-baked duck. $$ Gracious Bakery + Café Bakery/Breakfast 1000 S. Jeff Davis Parkway, Suite 100, 301-3709, GraciousBakery.com. B, L daily.

Boutique bakery offers small-batch coffee, baked goods, individual desserts and sandwiches on breads made in-house.

Catering options available. $ Juan’s Flying Burrito World 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-9950, JuansFlyingBurrito.com. L, D daily. Hardcore tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $

H Katie’s Restaurant and Bar Louisianian Fare 3701 Iberville St., 488-6582, KatiesInMidCity.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Creative poor boys, local dishes such as gumbo and Sunday brunch make this a neighborhood favorite. $$

H Liuzza’s Italian 3636 Bienville St., 482-9120, Liuzzas.com. L, D daily. Classic neighborhood joint serves favorites like the “Frenchuletta,” stuffed artichokes and andouille gumbo. Kid’s menu offered. $$ H Mandina’s Louisianian Fare 3800 Canal St., 482-9179, MandinasRestaurant.com.

L, D daily. Though the ambiance is more upscale, the food and seafood dishes make dining here a New Orleans experience. $$

H Mona’s Café World 3901 Banks St., 482-7743. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros. The lentil soup and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

A Southern breakfast has to be the ultimate in comfort food. The excellent, creative execution of it has to be part of the success of the New Orleans based cafe Ruby Slipper, which has grown to 10 locations in the Gulf South in just 10 years. Peaches and Cream Stuffed French Toast, Funky Monkey Pancakes with banana, peanut butter chips and chocolate ganache and Eggs Boudin, a combination of eggs, boudin and poblano hollandaise are just some highlights from some recent monthly specials.

They join an already extensive menu served in most locations from 7 a.m. unitl mid-afternoon everyday of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mardi Gras days. No doubt Ruby Slipper is a wonderful taste of the city for visitors, but it’s the locals that keep coming back for more.

H MoPho Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 514 City Park Ave., 482-6845, MoPhoNola.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Vietnamese cuisine meets southern Louisiana in this upscale casual hybrid by chef Michael Gulotta. Mix-and-

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match pho and an interesting poor boy menu rounds out the appeal. $$$ Parkway Bakery and Tavern AMERICAN 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047, ParkwayPoorBoys. com. L, D Wed-Mon. Featured on national TV and having served poor boys to presidents, it stakes a claim to some of the best sandwiches in town. Their french fry version with gravy and cheese is a classic at a great price. $ Ralph’s On The Park Italian 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, RalphsOnThePark.com. Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D daily. A modern interior and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup, barbecue Gulf shrimp and good cocktails. $$$$

carnivore’s delight. $$$

easy reach. $$

experience with generous portions. $$$$$

Trèo Gastropub 3835 Tulane Ave., 304-4878, TreoNola.com. L Fri-Sat, D daily. Craft cocktail bar also serves a short but excellent small plates menu to accompany its artfully composed libations. $$

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House Seafood Multiple Locations, MrEdsRestaurants. com/oyster-bar. L, D daily. A seafood lover’s paradise offers an array of favorites like shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffée, blackened redfish and more. A raw bar featuring gulf oysters both charbroiled and raw. $$$

H Del Porto Ristorante Italian

Multiple Locations Byblos World Multiple Locations, ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cuisine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$

H Ruby Slipper Café Bakery/Breakfast 139

Café du Monde Bakery/Breakfast Multiple Locations, CafeDuMonde.com. This New Orleans institution has been serving fresh café au lait, rich hot chocolate and positively addictive beignets since 1862 in the French Market 24/7. $

S. Cortez St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe. net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

CC’s Coffee House Bakery/Breakfast Multiple locations in New Orleans, Metairie and Northshore, CCsCoffee.com.

Coffeehouse specializing in coffee, espresso drinks and pastries. $

H Taqueria Guerrero World 208 N. Carrollton Ave., 484-6959. B, L, D, Tue-Sat. Friendly staff and authentic Mexican cuisine make this affordable neighborhood restaurant a neighborhood favorite. BYOB $

Copeland’s Louisianian Fare Multiple Locations, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com.

L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$

H Toups’ Meatery Louisianian Fare 845 N.

Little Tokyo Asian Fusion/Pan Asian Multiple locations, LittleTokyoNola.com.

L, D daily. Multiple locations of this popular Japanese sushi and hibachi chain make sure that there’s always a specialty roll within

Carrollton Ave., 252-4999, ToupsMeatery. com. L, D Tue-Sat. Charcuterie, specialty cocktails and an exhaustive list of excellent à la carte sides make this restaurant a

Reginelli’s Pizzeria pizza Multiple Locations, Reginellis.com. L, D daily. Pizzas, pastas, salads, fat calzones and lofty focaccia sandwiches are at locations all over town. $$ Theo’s Pizza Multiple Locations, TheosPizza.com. L, D daily. The crackercrisp crust pizzas are complemented by a broad assortment of toppings with local ingredients at cheap prices. $$ Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill AMERICAN Multiple Locations, ZeaRestaurants.com.

L, D daily. Drawing from a wide range of worldly influences, this popular spot serves a variety of grilled items, appetizers, salads, side dishes, seafood, pasta and other entrées.

Catering services available. $$$ Northshore Acme Oyster House Louisianian Fare 1202 N. Highway 190, Covington, (985) 246-6155, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Dakota AMERICAN 629 N. Highway 190, (985) 892-3712, TheDakotaRestaurant.com. L Tue-Fri, D M on-Sat. A sophisticated dining

501 E. Boston St., (985) 875-1006, DelPortoRistorante.com. L, D Tue-Sat. One of the Northshore’s premier fine dining destinations serving Italian food that makes use of locally sourced meats and produce. $$$ Gallagher’s Grill Louisianian Fare 509 S. Tyler St., (985) 892-9992, GallaghersGrill. com. L, D Tue-Sat. Chef Pat Gallagher’s destination restaurant offers al fresco seating to accompany classically inspired New Orleans fare. Event catering offered. $$$ Riverbend H Ba Chi Canteen Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 7900 Maple St., 373-5628. L, D Mon-Sat. The kitchen plays fast and loose with Vietnamese fare at this eclectic outpost on Maple Street.

Try the caramelized pork “Baco”. $

H Boucherie Louisianian Fare 1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-5514, Boucherie-Nola. com. L Tue-Sat, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Serving contemporary Southern food with an international angle, chef Nathaniel Zimet offers excellent ingredients presented simply. $$ Brigtsen’s Louisianian Fare 723 Dante St., 861-7610, Brigtsens.com. D Tue-Sat. Chef Frank Brigtsen’s nationally famous Creole cuisine makes this cozy cottage a true foodie destination. $$$$$

HCarrollton Market AMERICAN 8132 Hampson St., 252-9928, CarrolltonMarket. com. L Sat-Sun, D Tue-Sat. Modern Southern

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cuisine manages to be both fun and refined at this tasteful boîte. $$$

H Chill Out Café Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 729 Burdette St., 872-9628. B, L daily, D Mon-Sat. Thai food and breakfast favorites like waffles and pancakes can both be had at this affordable college-friendly hangout. $

H Cowbell Burgers 8801 Oak St., 298-8689, Cowbell-Nola.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Burgers and homemade sauces on potato rolls are the specialty here, along with other favorites. $$ Upper 9th Ward St. Roch Market Louisianian Fare 2381 St. Claude Ave., 615-6541, StRochMarket.com.

B, L, D daily. Historic St. Claude Marketplace with open dining space houses a broad collection of independent eateries including craft cocktails and more. $$ Uptown Amici Italian 3218 Magazine St., 300-1250, AmiciNola.com. L, D daily. Coal-fired pizza, with an impressive list of authentic and Creole Italian specialties as well. $$

H Ancora pizza 4508 Freret St., 324-1636, AncoraPizza.com. D daily. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in an oven imported from Naples. The housemade charcuterie makes it a double-winner. $$

H Apolline Louisianian Fare 4729 Magazine St., 894-8881, ApollineRestaurant.com.

D Tue-Sun, Br Sat-Sun. Cozy gem serves a refined menu of French and Creole classics peppered with Southern influences. $$$ Audubon Clubhouse AMERICAN 6500 Magazine St., 212-5282, AudubonInstitute. org. B, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. A kid-friendly menu with local tweaks and a casually upscale sandwich and salad menu. $$ Bouligny Tavern Gastropub 3641 Magazine St., 891-1810, BoulignyTavern.com. D Mon-Sat. Carefully curated small plates, inventive cocktails and select wines are the focus of this stylish offshoot of John Harris’s nationally acclaimed Lilette. $$

H Café Abyssinia World 3511 Magazine

happy hours are a plus. $$$ Clancy’s Louisianian Fare 6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111, ClancysNewOrleans.com. L ThuFri, D Mon-Sat. Their Creole-inspired menu has been a favorite of locals for years. $$$ Commander’s Palace Louisianian Fare 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221, CommandersPalace.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. The grande dame is going strong under the auspices of James Beard Awardwinner chef Tory McPhail. Jazz Brunch is a great deal. $$$$

H Coquette French 2800 Magazine St., 265-0421, CoquetteNola.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sun. The food is French in inspiration and technique, with added imagination from the chefs. $$$ Dick and Jenny’s Louisianian Fare 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 894-9880, DickAndJennys.com. D Mon-Sat. A funky cottage serving Louisiana comfort food with flashes of innovation. $$$$ Domilise’s Louisianian Fare 5240 Annunciation St., 899-912. L, D Mon-Sat. Local institution and rite-of-passage for those wanting an initiation to the real New Orleans. Wonderful poor boys and a unique atmosphere make this a one-of-a-kind place. $ Frankie & Johnny’s Seafood 321 Arabella St., 243-1234, FrankieAndJohnnys.net. L, D daily. Serves fried and boiled seafood along with poor boys and daily lunch specials.

Kid-friendly. $$

H Gautreau’s Louisianian Fare 1728 Soniat St., 899-7397, GautreausRestaurant.com.

D Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with contemporary creations. $$$$$ Jacques-Imo’s Cafe Louisianian Fare 8324 Oak St., 861-0886, Jacques-Imos.com. D MonSat. Reinvented New Orleans cuisine served in a party atmosphere. The deep-fried roast beef poor boy is delicious. The lively bar scene offsets the long wait on weekends. $$$$

St., 894-6238. L, D daily. One of a just few authentic Ethiopian restaurants in the city, excellent injera and spicy vegetarian fare make this a local favorite. $$

Juan’s Flying Burrito 2018 Magazine St., 569-0000, JuansFlyingBurrito.com. L, D daily.

Hard-core tacos and massive burritos are served in an edgy atmosphere. $

Camellia Grill AMERICAN 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 309-2679. B, L, D daily. A venerable diner whose essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. Credit cards are now accepted. $

H Jung’s Golden Dragon Asian Fusion/ Pan Asian 3009 Magazine St., 891-8280,

Casamento’s Louisianian Fare 4330 Magazine St., 895-9761, CasamentosRestaurant.com. L Thu-Sat, D Thu-Sun. The family-owned restaurant has shucked oysters and fried seafood since 1919; closed during summer and for all major holidays. $$ Chiba Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Chiba-Nola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Contemporary restaurant features fresh, exotic fish from all over the world and fusion fare to go along with typical Japanese options. Extensive sake list and late night

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JungsChinese.com. L, D daily. This Chinese destination is a real find. One of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. $

H La Crêpe Nanou French 1410 Robert St., 899-2670, LaCrepeNanou.com. D daily, Br Sun. Classic French bistro fare, including terrific moules and decadent dessert crêpes, are served nightly at this neighborhood institution. $$$ La Petite Grocery French 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377, LaPetiteGrocery.com. L Tue-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Elegant dining in a convivial atmosphere. The menu is heavily French-inspired with an emphasis on technique. $$$ Lilette French 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636,

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LiletteRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded bistro. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

of the best roast beef poor boys in town. The gumbo, cheeseburger poor boy and other sandwiches are also winners. Also a great location to watch the game. $

H Magasin Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 4201

H The Company Burger Burgers 4600

Magazine St., 896-7611, MagasinCafe.com.

L, D Mon-Sat. Pho, banh mi and vegetarian options are offered at this attractive and budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant. Café sua da is available as well. $

Freret St., 267-0320, TheCompanyBurger. com. L, D daily. Custom-baked butterbrushed buns and fresh-ground beef patties make all the difference at this excellent burger hotspot. Draft beer and craft cocktails round out the appeal. $

Martin Wine Cellar AMERICAN 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle with cheeses, salads, sandwiches and snacks. $

H Panchita’s World 1434 S. Carrollton Ave., 281-4127. L, D daily. Authentic, budgetfriendly Mexican restaurant serves tamales, mole and offers free chips and salsa as well as sangria. $ Pascal’s Manale Italian 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, PascalsManale.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. A neighborhood favorite since 1913 and the place to go for the creation of barbecued shrimp. Its oyster bar serves freshly shucked Louisiana oysters and the Italian specialties and steaks are also solid. $$$$

H Patois World 6078 Laurel St., 895-9441, PatoisNola.com. L Fri, D Wed-Sat, Br Sun. French food, with influences from across the Mediterranean as well as the American South, all filtered through the talent of chef Aaron Burgau. Reservations recommended. $$$ Pizza Domenica pizza 4933 Magazine St., 301-4978, PizzaDomenica.com. L Fri-Sun, D daily. A pizza centric spinoff of the popular Restaurant Domenica brings Neapolitanstyle pies to Uptown. Excellent salads and charcuterie boards are offered as well. $$

H Ruby Slipper Café Bakery/Breakfast 200 Magazine St., 525-9355; 1005 Canal St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

H Shaya World 4213 Magazine St., 891-4213, ShayaRestaurant.com. L, D daily.

James Beard Award-winning menu pays homage to Israel at this contemporary Israeli hotspot. $$$ St. James Cheese Company Specialty Foods 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, StJamesCheese.com. Open daily. Specialty shop offers a selection of fine cheeses, wines, beers and related accouterments. Look for wine and cheese specials every Friday.

Sucré Specialty Foods 3025 Magazine St., 520-8311, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily & nightly. Open late weekends. Chocolates, pastry and gelato draw rave reviews at this dessert destination. Beautiful packaging makes this a great place to shop for gifts.

Catering available.

Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar AMERICAN 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, TraceysNola. com. L, D daily. Neighborhood bar with one

The Delachaise Gastropub 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, TheDelaichaise.com. D daily.

Cuisine elevated to the standards of the libations is the draw at this lively wine bar and gastropub. Food is grounded in French bistro fare with eclectic twists. $$ H Upperline AMERICAN 1413 Upperline St., 891-9822, Upperline.com. D Wed-Sun. Consummate hostess JoAnn Clevenger presents this nationally heralded favorite.

The oft-copied fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade originated here. $$$$ H Wayfare AMERICAN 4510 Freret St., 309-0069, WayfareNola.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Creative sandwiches and southerninspired small plates. $$ Ye Olde College Inn AMERICAN 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683, CollegeInn1933. com. D Tue-Sat. Serves up classic fare, albeit with a few upscale dishes peppering the menu. $$$ Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Italian 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$ Warehouse District Lucy’s World 710 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995, LucysRetiredSurfers.com. L, D daily. Island-themed oasis with a menu that cherry-picks tempting dishes from across the globe’s tropical latitudes. Popular for lunch, and the after-work crowds stay into the wee hours. $ West Bank Nine Roses Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1100 Stephen St., 366-7665, NineRosesResturant. com. L, D Sun-Tue, Thu-Sat. The extensive Vietnamese menu specializes in hot pots, noodles and dishes big enough for everyone to share. $$ West End Landry’s Seafood Seafood 8000 Lakeshore Drive, West End, 283-1010, LandrysSeafood. com. L, D daily. Kid-friendly and popular seafood spot serves of heaping platters of fried shrimp, Gulf oysters, catfish and more. $$

If you feel that a restaurant has been misplaced, please email Managing Editor Ashley McLellan at Ashley@MyNewOrleans.com

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Dining & Entertainment

ADVERTISING SECTION

Andrea's Restaurant

Austin's

Briquette

AndreasRestaurant.com 3100 19th St. at Ridgelake, Metairie 504-834-8583

AustinsNO.com 5101 West Esplanade Ave., Metairie 504-888-5533

BriquetteNOLA.com 701 South Peters, New Orleans

Capri Blu Bistro Piano Bar has the best pizza in town and offers a large selection of small plates from $7.50 and up. Amazing happy hour specials with a casual and elegant setting.

Austin's Restaurant has been known as Metairie's hot spot for steak, seafood and the Creole-Italian creations of Ed McIntyre and his culinary staff. Serving dinner Monday-Saturday, 5 pm 'till. Private rooms are available for luncheons, banquets, rehearsal dinners and corporate events.

Reservations recommended.

Cajun Cookery

The Court of Two Sisters

Dickie Brennan's

719 S. Peters, New Orleans 504-302-7496

CourtOfTwoSisters.com 613 Royal St., New Orleans 504-522-7261

FrenchQuarter-Dining.com

The newest addition to The Warehouse District, Cajun Cookery is the home of the perfect Cajun and Creole combination.

From po-boys to étouffée, Cajun Cookery is the place for New Orleans Cuisine. Check out happy hour from 2-4pm OR Weekend Brunch 7am-2pm.

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The Court of Two Sisters, known for its large dining courtyard, serves a lavish daily Jazz Brunch buffet, and now serves appetizers at the Carriageway Bar. Enjoy Blackened Alligator or BBQ Shrimp while sipping cocktails at the bar. At night, order la carte or the four-course dinner menu.

Reservations recommended.

Award-winning chef Robert Vasquez will create a coastal contemporary menu and will utilize a large charcoal grill to highlight fresh fish and seafood. There will also be handcrafted cocktails and well curated wine list as well as small plates perfect for sharing.

It’s important to take time to celebrate – even the small things in life. Dickie Brennan & Co.’s four restaurants – Palace Café, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Bourbon House and Tableau help make it easy. Book any event with 20 guests or less, and their chefs will work with you to create a special menu with additions like wine, beer, or cocktail pairings. Book now at FrenchQuarter-Dining.com.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Galatoire's 33

Gautreau's Restaurant

FiveHappiness.com 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans 504-482-3935

Galatoires33BarandSteak.com 215 Bourbon St., New Orleans 504-335-3932

GautreausRestaurant.com 1728 Soniat St., New Orleans 504-899-7397

At Five Happiness, the ambience and friendly staff will take you to a new level of dining experience. This award-winning restaurant always strives to achieve its best. Private party and banquet rooms are available.

Whether stopping in for a short visit or a comfortable stay, Galatoire's "33" Bar & Steak offers classic, hand-crafted cocktails and the finest wines and spirits, alongside USDA prime steaks from the dinner menu and lighter fare at Bar "33".

Nestled in a lush garden spot in an Uptown New Orleans neighborhood, Gautreau's courts its guests with distinctively elegant, yet approachable surroundings and a menu that is both inventive and down to earth.

Hoshun

Katie's

HoshunRestaurant.com 1601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 504-302-9171

KatiesInMidCity.com 3701 Iberville St., New Orleans 504-488-6582

Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar and Fishhouse

Chinese or Japanese? Can't decide?

Hoshun is your answer, offering an extensive menu from classic Chinese dishes to Japanese sushi and everything in between (like Vietnamese pho or pad Thai). Stick with one cuisine, or mix and match. Open daily until 2 a.m.

Katie's is known as one of New Orleans' favorite neighborhood restaurants. Serving daily specials and menu favorites like Katie's homemade crab cakes topped with lump crabmeat and remoulade. Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday and Sunday brunch.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Five Happiness

MrEdsRestaurants.com Mid-City, Metairie, French Quarter & St. Charles Now open in Mid-City at the corner of Carrollton and Bienville, Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar serves your choice of chargrilled, fried or raw oysters, as well as long time favorites such as Oyster Rockefeller and Bienville. Offering both a stand up oyster bar and cocktail bar, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy. Four unique locations; one great menu. NEW! 2nd French Quarter location OPENING SOON! my n e w or l e a n s . com

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Mr. Ed's Seafood and Italian

MySquad

New Orleans Creole Cookery

MrEdsRestaurants.com 1001 Live Oak, Metairie 504-838-0022 910 West Esplanade Ave., Kenner 504-463-3030

MySquad.org

NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com 510 Toulouse St., New Orleans 504-524-9632

Mr. Ed's has been a local favorite since 1989, offering home-style cooking, Italian cuisine, seafood favorites, and Mr. Ed's Famous Fried Chicken. Open MondaySaturday for lunch and dinner. Daily lunch specials and catering are available as well.

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MySquad is a New Orleans company expanding the proud dining and cocktail heritage of our great city in distinctive new ways. Explore and redeem magical, exclusive savings by downloading MySquad today!

Savor authentic Creole dishes prepared by chef John Trinh, formerly of Eleven 79. Delight in traditional dishes such as gumbo, shrimp Creole and crawfish etouffée, as well as an oyster happy hour Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and signature drinks in the historic French Quarter.

NOPSI Hotel

Pascal's Manale

The Pearl Room

NopsiHotel.com 317 Baronne St., New Orleans 844-439-1463

PascalsManale.com 1838 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans 504-895-4877

MrEdsRestaurants.com 2310 Hickory Ave, River Ridge 504-737-0604

NOPSI loves happy hour. That's why each of our bars - Public Service, underCURRENT and Above the Grid hosts happy hour 4-6pm daily. Join us for seasonal drink & appetizer specials.

Whether you're looking to mingle with the rooftop scene or get classy at our whiskey bar, we promise you the happiest of hours at NOPSI Hotel.

This famous restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1913. Pascal’s Manale is the origin of the well known Original Pascal’s Barbeque Shrimp. The old-time oyster and cocktail bars offer raw oysters on the half shell and all types of cocktails, as well as a great selection of fine wines. Fresh seafood, Italian dishes and delicious steaks are featured.

The Pearl Room at The Grotto is NOW OPEN in River Ridge, offering modern elegance and the delicious cuisine of Mr. Ed's Restaurant Group. Available for Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Luncheons, Corporate Parties and all of your Holiday Events from 50-250 guests.

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ADVERTISING SECTION

Ralph Brennan

Red Gravy

PoppysTimeOutSportsBar.com Spanish Plaza across from Harrah's Casino 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 80 504-247-9265

RalphBrennanCatering.com 504-539-5510

RedGravyCafe.com 125 Camp St., New Orleans 504-561-8844

Poppy's Time Out is the place with the hottest sports action. They have all the DirecTV packages on 21 huge screens, great food and 20 beers on tap. They are open seven days a week, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Catch the game with them.

Ralph Brennan Catering is known as New Orleans' premier caterer for groups from 100 to 1,200 people. With the ability to match your palate, theme and budget in your home, restaurant, or venue of your choice, they are dedicated to providing a seamless, professional and, above all, memorable experience.

Restaurant R'evolution

Riccobono's Peppermill

Royal House

RevolutionNola.com 777 Bienville St., New Orleans 504-553-2277

RiccobonosPeppermill.com 504-455-2266

RoyalHouseRestaurant.com 441 Royal St., New Orleans 504-528-2601

Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto present their imaginative reinterpretations of classic Creole cuisine in a spectacular setting that blends antique architectural details of grand French Quarter homes with contemporary accents. Serving Lunch Fridays, Dinner nightly, and Sunday Jazz Brunch.

The concept of the Peppermill was to bring classic New Orleans dishes as well as Riccobono family Italian recipes to the city in a comfortable, casual atmosphere.

Now, three generations later, that tradition continues to live on.

Royal House is a classic New Orleans restaurant and oyster bar in the French Quarter. From fresh-shucked to charbroiled, and Rockefeller to Royale, this is your destination for everything oyster!

Whether you’re a traveler to our great city or a New Orleans native, we’ve got the perfect place for you!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Poppy's Timeout Grill

Come to the CBD and try Chef de Cuisine Roseann’s Burnt Brioche French Toast.

Her Brioche Bread has been brulee’d for a sweet crunch topped with fresh fruit. Voted #1 Brunch AND #1 Italian in New Orleans Magazine and on Open Table! Open Wednesday-Monday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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SALA

Tommy's

SalaNola.com 124 Lake Marina Ave., New Orleans 504-513-2670

TommysNewOrleans.com 746 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans 504-581-1103

Enjoy breakfast with homemade Bloody Marys and Mimosas by the carafe on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 8 a.m.

Try Crab Cakes Benedict, Eggs Sardou or something sweet like Zeppole or French Toast. Weekdays open for lunch at 11 a.m., with happy hour 4 – 7 p.m. Dinner nightly with great seafood, steaks, and burgers, and late-night hours until midnight Thursday through Saturday. Closed Monday.

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True Italian Cuisine with touches of French Creole influence served proudly in the heart of the Warehouse District. Tommy’s Cuisine combines a quintessential New Orleans reverence for fine ingredients with artfully concocted combinations to create a world-class dining experience.

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro OrleansGrapevine.com 720 Orleans Ave., New Orleans 504-523-1930 Enjoy true New Orleans atmosphere in a beautiful, tropical courtyard. Orleans Grapevine serves high quality cuisine and one of the largest selections of wine by the bottle or by the glass. Don't miss the popular Bacon Happy Hour, where you'll enjoy free bacon with your cocktails and wine. 4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight daily.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Back to School

S

eptember may still be swimsuit weather, but summer vacation is sadly long over for most families in the metro area. Back into their morning routines of driving the kids to school, parents are focused less on the schedules of summer camps and more on fall extracurricular activities. As area schools welcome students back through their doors, many institutions are also planning for the years to come by hosting open houses and tours for parents already planning another year or two down the road.

Area schools have plenty to offer and take a variety of approaches to arts, academics, and learning environments. From all-boys and all-girls Catholic schools to art-integrated, co-ed charter schools, parents can prioritize their family values while resting assured a great education is a stone’s throw away. From primary schools to continuous K-12 institutions and high schools, institutions of learning for every age group are highlighted among the following offerings for local families.

Early Education / Primary School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is the oldest Episcopal school in New Orleans with over 60 years of experience in educating the mind, body, and spirit of young children. St. Andrew’s enrolls boys and girls 18 months through Grade 8, offering ten+ years of nurturing yet challenging education that focuses on the Decade of Childhood.

St. Andrew’s utilizes small classes to promote a challenging learning environment where students interact with teachers and grow spiritually, socially, and intellectually. A strong academic program, enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, includes Spanish, music, chapel, fine arts, athletics, and library skills. Student publications, dramatics, interscholastic sports, and community service round out St. Andrew’s program.

See their students and teachers in action at an upcoming Open House (October 25 for Cottage, November 15 for PK-Grade 4, December 6 for the Middle School Preview), or call for a personal tour. For more information, please visit the school’s website at saesnola.org/admissions.

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ADVERTISING SECTION

The mission of the Stuart Hall School for Boys is to live the words of Catholic educator, Janet Erskine Stuart, RSJC: “Education is formation, not just information.” Faculty and staff are dedicated to working with parents to help each child build a foundation for a life centered on a love for learning, a desire to help others, and a commitment to Gospel values.

Now in its 35th year, Stuart Hall School is the only school in the greater New Orleans area to offer a Catholic, independent, all-boy education in a traditional, elementary school configuration (PK37th). Faith, honor, leadership, and scholarship are the foundations upon which Stuart Hall builds future community leaders who have an unselfish commitment to the service of others. It truly is a school “Where Good Boys Become Great Men.” For more information on Stuart Hall School for Boys or to tour the campus, please call 504-861-5384 or visit stuarthall.org.

Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans is the only private French school in New Orleans that is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and State of Louisiana. Founded in 1998, the mission of the school is to provide a strong and distinctive education by combining the best of French and American academics.

Ecole Bilingue follows the curriculum of the French Education Nationale, considered to be one of the most rigorous educational systems in the world. Ecole Bilingue also offers a rich English language arts and American mathematics and social studies programs designed to balance out and complement the strength of the French curriculum. The school has a campus of three buildings

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off Magazine Street in Uptown New Orleans with students and teachers from the U.S. and around the world.

Classes are offered for children in preschool (18 months) through 8th grade. The student-to-teacher ratio is 8 to 1, allowing each student an opportunity to have personalized attention for a better, differentiated education. For more information on Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans, please visit ebnola.net. To schedule a tour, call 504-896-4500.

Trinity is a co-educational, Prekindergarten through Eighth Grade school. Their campus is located in the Garden District and offers a pleasant and stimulating learning environment for students and faculty. Trinity continues in the tradition of its predecessor school, Miss Edith Aiken’s Little School, and in that of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Trinity nurtures a child’s mind, body, and spirit through a fun and challenging program that offers the best in the academic disciplines, uses best practices, and is taught by a skillful, experienced, and loving faculty and staff. The School’s mission is to build confident, resilient upstanders on a foundation of academic excellence, moral responsibility, and faith, who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world. Characteristics of Trinity graduates include being an empathetic upstander, a reflective person, an ardent questioner, a fluent communicator, and a collaborative learner.

For more information or to schedule an individual tour, please visit trinitynola.org or call the Admission Office at 504-525-8661.

Open Houses for grades PK – 8 will take place at 9 a.m. on October 12, and 9 a.m. on January 11.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Continuous Education / K-12 Ursuline Academy is an all-girls Catholic school offering a diverse educational environment from Toddler 2 through 12th grade. Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Ursuline’s educational approach combines tradition and innovation and is validated by its dedication to the moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of each student. The Academy’s strong musical, visual, and performing arts are matched by the excellence of STEM, and Ursuline is the first all-girls school in Louisiana to implement a full K-12 engineering and computer science pathway program known as Project Lead The Way. High School Open House (Grades 8-12) will be Thursday, October 25 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Elementary Open House (Toddler 2-7) will be Friday, October 26 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Private tours are available by appointment. For more information, visit uanola.org or contact the Office of Admissions at 504-866-5292 or admissions@uanola.org.

Lusher Charter School, a National Blue Ribbon School in partnership with Tulane University, offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary, college-focused curriculum. Lusher students engage in a comprehensive program, enhancing critical, analytical, and creative thinking. Serving 1,800 students in its K-12 program, Lusher maintains two Uptown campuses, the Lower School on Willow Street, and the Middle and High schools on Freret Street.

Arts integration starts in the Lower School; many Lusher students continue artistic pursuits in high school Certificate of

Artistry programs. Students may choose an area of concentration in Humanities/Communications or Math/Science/Engineering.

Beginning with introductory Engineering classes in Lower School, STEM options expand to include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Science and AP courses in all sciences. A Learning Resource Center and state-of-the-art science laboratories support academic excellence.

Qualifying juniors and seniors earn college credit at Tulane.

Lusher’s numerous extracurricular offerings include 27 sports teams that operate with the support of Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who provided funding for Lusher’s Brees Family Field.

Call 504-862-5110 (Willow) or 504-304-3961 (Freret) to find out more about Lusher’s outstanding program.

Founded in 1867, the Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college prep school for girls, ages 1 through Grade 12.

The school is committed to values of faith, intellectual advancement, social awareness, the building of community, and personal growth.

As part of a network of 150+ Sacred Heart schools, its global exchange program allows students to visit other sister schools in the U. S. and abroad. With global exchange opportunities, thought leadership, service learning activities, a tech-forward campus, design thinking and more, Sacred Heart girls are truly inspired to go out and make change in the world.

Open House for Grades 5-12 is Wednesday, October 17 from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday Tours for Ages 1 – Grade 4 are October 16, October 23, October 30, November 6, and January 8 from 8:30 – 10 a.m.

For more info, call 504-269-1213 or visit ashrosary.org/openhouse.

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education. Through hard work and reflection, students develop a deep respect for God, their families, and all of God’s creation.

Teamwork and perseverance are found on and off the field on 11 athletic teams.

Visit their Open House, Thursday, October 11, 2018, 3 - 7 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment. For more information, visit mcacubs.com, call 504-288-7626, or email admissions@mcacubs.org.

Established in 1929, Metairie Park Country Day School is a coeducational, non-denominational, independent school where care and cultivation of each child, from Pre-K through Grade 12, come to life with exciting and innovative approaches to teaching. The use of advanced technology and expansive, rigorous curriculum opens the world to Country Day students, and faculty teaches them the importance of individual achievement through a depth of inquiry rather than a mere recitation of facts.

Visit an Admission Open House or email admissions@mpcds.com for a private tour. Upcoming Open Houses include Pre-K on October 25 at 6:30 p.m.; K/1/2 on January 10 at 8:30 a.m.; Grades 3/4/5 on January 15 at 8:30 a.m.; 6th-12th grades on November 14 at 6:30 p.m. and January 17 at 8:15 a.m.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School is a coeducational, independent college preparatory day school for students from 8 weeks through 12th grade. St. Martin’s curriculum and programs are designed to stimulate growth at the different stages in a child’s life. A rigorous curriculum, balanced with small class sizes, an emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and leadership, prepares students not only to thrive in excellent colleges, but also to lead meaningful and productive lives with knowledge and skills that enable success long after graduation. St. Martin’s is leading the way with a studentcentered innovation and design approach to education that is unlike any other in the region.

Learn more about St. Martin’s when you visit the beautiful 18-acre campus for a personal tour or attend the Open House on Saturday, October 20 at 9:30 a.m. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call the Admission Office at 504-736-9917. Visit St. Martin’s on the web at stmsaints.com.

High School The Mount Carmel Academy experience is filled with opportunities for each student to pursue her passions, uncover new talents, grow spiritually, and discover the person God created her to become. The challenging curriculum enables students to cultivate critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, weigh social and religious values, and prepare for higher education. A 1:1 MacBook program enhances instruction and offers powerful collaborative and in-class possibilities.

Small class sizes (average of 15) ensure each student receives individualized attention while developing meaningful connections with her teachers and peers.

As they navigate through a diverse selection of elective offerings and more than 50 extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to expand interests and become active participants in the community. Service to others is an integral part of a Mount Carmel 100

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For over fifty-five years, Archbishop Rummel High School has been educating young men who become tomorrow’s leaders. With the continued implementation of its multimillion-dollar Campus Renovation Plan, Archbishop Rummel provides young men, grades 8-12, with a faith-based Lasallian education while maintaining stateof-the-art facilities. Academically, the school sets high standards in its college preparation courses while also encouraging students to explore their individual interests. Unique to Archbishop Rummel are its pre-professional classes in biomedical sciences, engineering, and law studies. These courses give students opportunities to explore professional industries and develop relationships with Alumni.

“Touching hearts, Teaching Minds, and Cultivating Leaders” is not just Archbishop Rummel’s motto; it is the foundation by which its staff and stakeholders base their decisions and actions. The school invites prospective families to visit its campus and see the daily life of a Rummel Raider. To schedule a spend-a-day or tour, visit their website at RummelRaiders.com.

Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans’ most outstanding public charter school, has been preparing students for success through academic achievement since it was founded in 1957. In 2018, Franklin was ranked the No. 1 high school in Louisiana by U.S. News and World Report and in the top 100 best high schools in the country. Franklin has been repeatedly named a National Blue Ribbon School and recently won the National Green Ribbon Award.

The school has produced many Presidential and National Merit Scholars. The Franklin Class of 2018 boasts 193 graduates receiving 709 college acceptances in 38 states and six countries.

Benjamin Franklin High School is located at 2001 Leon C. Simon Drive in New Orleans. For more information on the school; admissions; and its academics, arts and athletic programs, visit bfhsla.com.

Health Resources Dr. Jason Parker is a pediatric dentist specializing in comprehensive children’s dental needs from age 1 to teens. Dr. Parker received the Louisiana Dental Association’s New Dentist Award in 2008 for his outstanding contribution of time and talent for the betterment of mankind.

He has served the LDA and NODA in many capacities including serving as a delegate at the House of Delegates Annual Legislative Session, on the NODA Conference Committee, on the LDA Council on Communications, and on the LDA Council on Governmental Affairs. He was appointed to the NODA Board of Governors and served as the second Vice President of NODA. Parker was bestowed the honor of 2004 New Dentist Award of Excellence by NODA. In the community, Dr. Parker has volunteered, organized, or helped raise money for events citywide for children’s dental health.

He also helped produce a post-Katrina documentary involving dentistry in New Orleans that he presented with Barbara Walters at the ADA Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

Dr. Parker offers three locations to serve you in Metairie, Covington, and Slidell. For booking and information, visit DocParker4Kids.com.

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Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Fall Getaways

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id a summer vacation pass you by this year? Or, perhaps you’re already itching for another getaway? Fall is arriving soon and brings its own brand of fun to the southern region. Every type of escape exists within reach, from quaint small towns in nearby Texas and Mississippi to fun festivals and events closer to home, or even an offseason, less-crowded rest on the sandy beaches of Florida. Treat yourself this season with a weekend getaway and be rewarded with historic tours, fresh local cuisines, cultural events, or just a few days of doing nothing in a luxurious home away from home. Surprise your spouse with a romantic getaway or gather up your friends and experience a new regional festival. You can’t go wrong with the following lineup of events and list of destinations just a short drive away.

Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana, established in 1714 and the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase, is a premiere Southern destination for families and friends. Natchitoches is a charming city full of culture, history, and mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine.

September 14-15 is the 16th Annual Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, featuring live music and numerous food vendors. Looking to show off your classic car? Come to the 12th Annual Natchitoches Car Show, September 28-29, in Historic Downtown. October 12-14 brings the 64th Annual Natchitoches Fall Tour of Homes, where you can go on enlightening Candlelight, Town, and Plantation Tours.

The 92nd Annual Christmas Festival of Lights arrives November 17 - January 6! Join festivalgoers for six weeks of live music shows, handcrafted lit set pieces, and over 300,000 Christmas lights in

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downtown Natchitoches. Other events include the Holiday Tour of Homes, arts and crafts shows, children’s activities, and fireworks every Saturday.

For more information call 1-800-259-1714 or visit natchitoches.com.

For the fourth year in a row, Algiers is excited to welcome the public for a free, family-friendly event, highlighting some of the best in local music, food, and fun. The 4th Annual Algiers Fest takes place Saturday, October 6, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Federal City, 2500 General Meyer Avenue.

Presented by the Algiers Development District, Algiers Development Corporation, and the Joint Development Committee, Algiers Fest welcomes a lineup of musicians that includes John Cleary with special guest Walter Wolfman Washington, Geno Delafose & French Rocking Boogie, The Hot 8 Brass Band, Little Freddie King, the Marine Corps Band, and Casme Barnes. Enjoy a variety of flavors and delicious foods from local food trucks. An array of children’s activities for kids of all ages will also be onsite.

For more information on this free, local festival, call 504-367-3331 or visit Facebook.com/AlgiersFest and like the page for the latest news.

Set on 1,500 acres of picturesque landscape in Braithwaite, Louisiana, Stella Plantation is just twenty miles from downtown New Orleans. Over two hundred years old, Stella Plantation stands out along the Mississippi River as an ideal location for any event or occasion.

With four venue spaces, Stella Plantation can host a variety of events. Oak Row offers an outdoor, oak-lined oasis, while the Harold

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Pavilion offers a permanent tented structure with air-conditioning and removable walls. The Carriage House is a brick structure perfect for covered ceremonies or events, and the Sugar Cane Stable features gorgeous exterior wood, two stunning window wings, and cypress farm tables.

Stella is not only a venue but a destination. Extend your stay at Stella by staying in any of the luxurious lodging options: The Main House or The Guest House. The Plantation is also booking its newly available “glamping” sites. Take full advantage of your stay by booking any of its seasonal or year-round activities such as pheasant shoots, hunting packages, crawfish farming, fishing, and many other activities. For more information, visit StellaPlantation.com.

The preservation of New Orleans’ history is passed down on front porches, through fervent pens of historians, and by those who spend their lives watching an imperfect city build and rebuild, all the while celebrating the eccentricities that make it unlike any other place.

Such is the work of Richard Campanella, a geographer with the Tulane School of Architecture and latest neighborhood curator of Where Y’Art’s rotating exhibition at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery.

Now showing, Urbanism & Eccentricities celebrates the history of a 300-year-old city as envisioned by its 23 Where Y’Art artists. Urbanism & Eccentricities and Urbanism & Eccentricities: Part Two serve as explorations of the urban and cultural fabric of New Orleans, depicting the history of a place drenched in multicultural influences.

Located in the Warehouse Arts District, three blocks from the French Quarter and a short stroll from the Convention Center, the 167-room Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery features art, a retail space with New

Orleans-made items, award-winning cuisine at Compere Lapin and Tout La, free Wi-Fi, and Provenance Hotels’ signature Pillow and Spiritual menus. Book online at old77hotel.com.

Florida Fall is the perfect time to head to the beach for Harvest Wine & Food Festival. Produced by Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), this lavish event provides attendees the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections while enjoying the beautiful beach town of WaterColor, Florida.

Labeled one of the premier fall wine events in the Southeast, Harvest Wine & Food Festival showcases over 400 wines paired with food stations designed to highlight the best in Gulf Coast fare. Each event during the three-day festival is tailored to fit the different tastes and preferences of wine and food aficionados, kicking off with three intimate Celebrity Winemaker Dinners on Thursday, October 25.

Friday’s Al Fresco Reserve Tasting provides patrons a selection of library wines featuring rare vintages not easily accessible to the average consumer, while Saturday’s Grand Tasting main event highlights harvest season at the beach. Large seafood, barbeque, and provisional stations manned by celebrity chefs and supplemented by the best restaurants along the Gulf Coast are combined with tasting stations featuring over 400 wines.

Visit HarvestWineandFood.com for information and to purchase tickets.

Experience the top-rated resort on Florida's Gulf Coast this fall.

The Florida Panhandle is one of the top coastal destinations in the country. Located in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle is the iconic

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Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, rated #1 Resort in Destin by U.S. News and World Report and universally recognized as the finest resort on the Emerald Coast.

Relax by soaking up the sun and splashing in the clear emerald waters or get moving with a multitude of exciting activities like YOLO boarding, kayaking, waverunners, parasailing and more. Sandestin offers endless complimentary amenities including daily bicycle rentals, access to tennis courts, fitness center, boogie boards and resort transportation.

Plus, enjoy special events this fall including Baytowne Wharf Art Walk, 32nd Annual Sandestin Triathlon, Passport to Fashion: Brunch & Bubbly, Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, college game day parties, Bubbly Baytowne and more. The days just don’t seem long enough to enjoy all the activities Sandestin has to offer.

To start planning your fall getaway and to save 30% or more, visit Sandestin.com/nom or call 833-775-4498.

Looking for fun this fall? Consider a trip to the beaches of South Walton and Destin, Florida. Vacation rental rates are discounted up to 30 percent during the fall months and the cooler temperatures and spectacular sunsets are lagniappe.

As an added bonus, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has created a fall foodie package. Available with stays of three nights or more, the Fall is for Foodies package includes a basket of locally produced products including honey, craft beer, spices and more as well as a $50 gift card to Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s-Destin. At LuLu’s, guests may enjoy her famous gumbo or take advantage of the breadth of allergy-free and

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Newman-Dailey Resort Properties gluten-free menu items. Newman-Dailey stays also include a virtual gift card good toward free activities and movie rentals during your stay.

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties features premier Destin, South Walton, and 30A vacation rental homes and condominiums. Call 1-800-225-7652 or visit DestinVacation.com.

Texas Visitors to McKinney, Texas, located just 30 miles north of Dallas, will feel they’ve been transported back in time when stepping into the city’s quaint and vibrant historic downtown square. The roughly

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120 mom and pop businesses located around the square include one-of-a-kind restaurants, specialty shops and boutiques, wineries, and a boutique hotel. The square’s centerpiece is the historic county courthouse, built in 1876 and now home to the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The building’s courtroom serves as the theater—its 430 seats providing an intimate atmosphere—and hosts performances from local acting troupes, comedians, and musicians to well-known recording artists.

Additionally, McKinney visitors can commune with nature on miles of trails at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Croatian-style Adriatica Village with restaurants, bell tower, and chapel, hear live music at multiple venues, and enjoy annual family-friendly events. During fall and winter months, visitors will enjoy Oktoberfest, Dinosaurs Live, Home for the Holidays and the Holiday Historic Home Tour.

McKinney’s mix of sights and activities makes it the perfect weekend destination any time of year. For more information, go to VisitMcKinney.com.

Mississippi Situated high on the bluffs above the Mississippi River, Vicksburg, Mississippi, serves as the “Key to the South” and prides itself on its perfect location as a midway point between Memphis and New Orleans.

If you are in search of the elusive sound of the Mississippi Delta Blues, you will find it in Vicksburg. Live Mississippi music from the Delta Blues to country and rock can be enjoyed at venues throughout

the city. Learn American history by visiting the site of the defining battle of America’s defining war at the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Enjoy the southern charm of Vicksburg by strolling the brick-paved streets of its historic downtown. Visit eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and various eateries featuring Southern specialties. Enjoy sweeping views of the mighty Mississippi River and some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable.

Relax—it all runs on river time! For more to see and do in Vicksburg, go to VisitVicksburg.com or call 1-800-221-3536.

Big Bay Lake is a one-of-a-kind planned community on Mississippi's largest private recreational lake. Located just outside of Hattiesburg, Big Bay Lake blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Home sites are available on the water starting at $100,000. Both the homes and home sites within this community provide unique opportunities to create the perfect home or weekend getaway.

It’s time to relax, unplug, make memories and create new traditions at Big Bay. Whether you are a boating or fishing enthusiast, or just a family who loves to make a big splash, Big Bay Lake is simply about the lure of the water. Come enjoy sun-kissed, fun-filled days at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life… “Big!” Big Bay Lake is only 90 minutes from New Orleans. Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY or visit bigbaylake.com.

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Le Petit Theatre

Arts & Culture

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outh Louisiana is rich in arts and unique cultural experiences.

New Orleans’ long, three-hundred-year history means the city has seen generations of multi-cultural families, wars and epidemics, and industry and entertainment of all kinds. All of that history has influenced the city we live in today and birthed the arts and entertainment that lure visitors from all over the world. Fall and spring are some of the city’s busiest times of year, which means a full lineup of events will take place in September and October.

From historic plantation tours to craft beer, live music, and theater, it’s easy to indulge yourself this fall in the diverse entertainment offerings of the season. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets now for a fun-filled fall spent enjoying local arts and culture with family and friends.

Historic Tours From October 1st through November 4th, historic St. Joseph Plantation offers its annual, sought-after “Mourning Tour,” which features the grieving and funeral customs and rituals of 18th- and 19th-century Creole Louisiana. The house will be “dressed in full deep mourning,” according to the old prescribed protocol of mourning.

On the weekends of October 6-7 and October 20-21, St. Joseph Plantation features live actors portraying some of St. Joseph’s

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long-ago residents and the mourning customs they followed. Both educational and entertaining, these live re-enactments include protrayals of Dr. Cazemir Bernard Mericq and Josephine Aime Ferry who lived at St. Joseph on separate occasions.

Regular tours are offered six days a week (closed on Wednesdays), and the guided mansion tour is one hour followed by a selfguided grounds tour. Photography of the interior is welcomed.

The ground floor and gift shop are handicap accessible. For more information on St. Joseph Plantation, tours, and private events, visit StJosephPlantation.com or call 225-265-4078.

Festival Fun One of the area’s most beloved non-profits, the Louisiana SPCA provides a variety of services and programs that work to eliminate animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, it is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state.

NOLA on Tap, sponsored by Port Orleans Brewing Company, is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and combines the community’s love for animals with craft beer, music, and food. In its 9th year as the region’s largest beer festival, NOLA on Tap will be held in City Park on Saturday, September 22, from 12-7 p.m. with special VIP admission at 11 a.m.

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Featuring live music by The Givers, Sexual Thunder, and Cha Wa and more than 400 local and national beers, NOLA on Tap is New Orleans’ official kick-off event to Oktoberfest. General admission is $5 and beer tickets start at only $1. For more information about NOLA on Tap or to purchase tickets visit nolaontap.org. Proceeds benefit the animals at the Louisiana SPCA.

Local Performances An iconic French Quarter location for theater and entertainment, Le Petit Theatre was established just over a century ago in 1916. Today, its legacy continues with exciting productions running year-round just steps from Jackson Square.

The 2018-2019 season premiers October 5, 2018 with Satchmo at the Waldorf, an extraordinary one-man, three-character play that journeys into the heart and mind of New Orleans’ beloved jazz legend, Louis Armstrong. In December the company stages its first-annual production of Charles Dickens’ heartwarming Victorian classic, A Christmas Carol, featuring young artists from the theatre’s newly launched Young Conservatory Program. Winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best New Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder opens its run January 18, 2018. In conjunction with the 33rd Annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival Le Petit presents the regional premiere of Baby Doll, based on Tennessee Williams’ one-act

play 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and the controversial 1956 film. Finally, Grammy-nominated piano virtuoso Mona Golabek will close the season with her inspirational show The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

For tickets and information, visit LePetitTheatre.com or call the box office at 504-522-2081 ext. 1.

New Orleans Opera Association is proud to celebrate its 76th season. The Association was formed in 1943, but the company and opera originally date back to April 22, 1796, and will turn 222 during the city's Tricentennial.

The 2018-2019 New Orleans Opera season includes Puccini's Turandot, a fairy tale fantasy; Rameau’s Pygmailion, a French Baroque evening where art comes to life; Mozart’s Abduction, an exciting comedy; Lera Auerbach’s The Blind, a unique immersive acapella opera, and Verdi’s Rigoletto, a popular fast-paced drama. New for this year is an expansion of the Opera Nouvelle series, which consists of exciting interactive events at Xavier University, Lusher Lion’s Gate Theater, Deutches Haus, The Jazz Museum, The Ogden & NOMA sculpture garden. NOOA is also presenting 19 “Opera on Tap” performances at Abita Brew Pub, Four Points Sheraton, and The Rusty Nail.

For more information contact 504-529-3000 or go to NewOrleansOpera.org.

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In 1920, women lived on average one year longer than men. Now, on average, men die almost five years earlier than women, according to the CDC. Men’s health awareness can mean many different things: It means raising awareness of making healthy lifestyle choices, making regular annual visits to the doctor, getting educated on heart disease or diabetes, starting general health conversations with their male friends and much more.

Humana believes it takes one person to spark an idea that can change lives, yet it takes many people to channel it into a movement.

To accomplish that, Humana invites everyone in the community to visit their new neighborhood location, where visitors are offered a series of health and wellness educational seminars hosted by local physicians and Humana’s own health educator. These wellness seminars are open to the public at no cost. Humana encourages everyone to share reminders with the men in their life about preventive care to help detect and decrease the risk of diseases.

To learn more about how you can take control of your health, please visit Humana’s neighborhood location at 747 Veterans Mem. Blvd, 70005 or call 504-840-0906

Men’s Health

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ure to Joseph Pilates’ original Reformer-based Contrology Method, but modernized with group practice and expanded state-of-the-art equipment, Club Pilates offers high-quality, life-changing training at a surprisingly affordable price. It’s more than just Reformers. Club Pilates teaches classes using TRX, Barre, ExoChair, Bosu ball, mats, rollers and more. Their certified instructors perform hundreds of hours of training to meet teacher standards and maximize your workout. Dynamic class sessions are available at a variety of levels and at convenient class times. The Club Pilates team believes that Pilates is the path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence and that being in control of your body helps you to be in control of your life. And best of all, you can start anytime. No matter your level of fitness, there’s a Pilates class for you. Book your own stress-free intro class for free at clubpilates.com/oldmetairie, or call 504-484-9650 for more information.

With innovative programs like “Integrative Medicine” and “Live Well with Cancer,” East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) is leading the way not only in outcomes but one-of-a-kind programs that are patient friendly and deliver patients through treatment with as little discomfort as possible while limiting the chance of recurrence or complications. Add to that singular treatments like Uronav, which provides physicians an MRI-guided method of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, and it’s easy to see why EJGH was ranked #1 in all of Louisiana by CareChex for both Medical Outcomes and Patient Safety.

Find out more about EJGH offerings at EJGH.org.

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According to Dr. Randall S. Juleff of La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center, varicose veins are much more than an aesthetics issue – they are signs of venous disease, which can jeopardize one’s health. Venous insufficiency is a chronic and often hereditary condition that affects 80 million Americans. When left untreated, it can cause leg swelling, chronic pain and cramps, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins and skin damage.

At La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center in Covington, Dr. Juleff works to resolve venous insufficiency problems with a non-invasive laser therapy called Endovenous Laser Ablation. Performed in a comfortable office setting under oral or IV sedation, the procedure requires no down time and, due to its medical nature, is covered by numerous insurance plans.

Dr. Juleff is triple-board-certified in Phlebology, General Surgery and Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery with nearly 20 years of experience in venous disorders. To offer easy access to all of the New Orleans metropolitan area, offices are located in both Covington (985892-2950) and Metairie (504-836-6000). For a consultation or more information, visit LaBellaVitaVein.com.

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, located in Lafourche Parish, recently announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art cancer facility. The new cancer facility will accommodate the growth the Center is experiencing, and will position Thibodaux Regional for the future of care, treatment, and support for those affected by cancer.

According to Greg Stock, Thibodaux Regional CEO, “The new Cancer Institute will provide the springboard for continued growth and development of cancer services—into the future. That future aligns with our vision and includes important innovations such as integrating wellness into the clinical aspects of cancer care.”

The $35 million, five-story building will provide nearly 100,000 square feet, allowing for growth of the hospital’s cancer program, and will include Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy/Infusion Area, Medical Oncology Clinic, Education Center, Wellness Services, Activity Center, Library, Diagnostics Center, Conference Center, Laboratory, Pharmacy, and a Chapel. Construction is expected to begin December 2018.

For more information on Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, visit Thibodaux.com.

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The second new treatment is Regenerative Medicine, which utilizes the patient’s own Pericytes to activate STEM cells to repair or correct defects or inflammatory conditions. Pericytes are harvested from vessels in abdominal fat in a relatively pain-free 30-minute procedure under local anesthesia. This patented process does not use drugs, enzymes or growth factors and does not manipulate the cells, and it isolates a higher number of active Pericyte healing cells than any other process available in the United States.

For information and scheduling at the Metairie, Marrero, and Covington offices, call 1-800-277-1265 or visit SouthernPainClinic.com.

Pain Management

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outhern Pain and Neurological is excited to offer two new state-of-the-art treatments to help patients avoid surgery and to return to as normal a quality of life as possible with minimally invasive techniques. The first procedure is Vertiflex, which is an indirect decompression system used to treat lumbar stenosis. FDA approved and covered by Medicare, this treatment is helpful for older patients with walking limitations due to pain. Clinical trials indicated 90 percent patient satisfaction through 60 months post-procedure evaluation.

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The CBD Store of New Orleans is the first storefront in New Orleans that specializes specifically in CBD products. Cannabidiol, or CBD, does not alter the cognitive state of patients, but it is useful in pain treatment because it stimulates the human body to produce endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters naturally found in the human body that help regulate many functions including appetite, mood, memory and pain sensation. Another important feature of cannabidiol pain treatment is that there do not appear to be any tolerance effects. Unlike many other pain relievers for which patients develop a tolerance and must therefore increase dosage, cannabidiol oil remains effective consistently. This makes it ideal for chronic pain sufferers who may be required to remain on the pain treatment for an indefinite period. So, if you’re ready for an all-natural alternative, then come to The CBD Store of New Orleans — where hemp makes you happy! For more information, call 504-702-8989 or visit the store at 3616 Magazine Street.

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ETC.

A Winning Experience at the New Orleans Fairgrounds The New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course has been a part of the cultural of New Orleans since 1872. As the third oldest continuously operating thoroughbred racetrack in the U.S., it has been the setting for racing history. It is also a well-loved location for social occasions, including the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Something less well known is that the Fair Grounds can cater corporate and private events, large and small. The space works just as well for a party for 700 as for 40, from The Clubhouse dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows to the 1872 Room, with access to the historic saddling ring and track rail. The food and beverage options match the best in the city for an experience to remember.

Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., 944-5515, Fairgroundsracecourse.com.

A Wonderment of Wine in WaterColor During the weekend of October 25-27 the Destin Charity Wine Auction will be the place where you can taste some of the world’s best wines at the one of the South’s most beautiful beach communities, WaterColor, Florida. All proceeds of the three day festival go towards helping children in need in Northwest Florida.

Over the weekend there’s the Celebrity Winemakers Dinners, the Al Fresco Reserve tasting with rare vintages and Grand Tasting with lavish culinary stations. Harvestwineandfood.com

By Mirella Cameran

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The Wrath of Gustav

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or as long as there are occasional ill winds, those who experienced it will remember September 2005, with Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Forgotten, but worthy of its own spot in the book of urban turmoil is Hurricane Gustav which happened during that same timeframe a decade ago in 2008.

Saturday, August 30 of that year we had had dinner in the Quarter.

Walking back to a friend’s home there was talk of a hurricane that could be heading our way, but nothing definite yet. Still, there was an eeriness in the Quarter.

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Because it was Labor Day weekend, the streets echoed with partying late into the evening.

Some of the frivolity had an edge that stirred thoughts if not of Sodom and Gomorrah, then at least Sodom.

At Jackson Square, television trucks from the various networks had moved in as though to witness a biblical-sized disaster. Their bright spotlights shined against the Presbytere. The breeze that night seemed like a prelude to a storm.

I arrived home in time to watch the extended TV hurricane

m yne w orl ea ns .com

coverage and to hear one local public official say, while sobbing, that this was going to be worse than Katrina and that there might only be two buildings left standing in the city.

At that moment I felt more sad than scared. In the three years since Katrina, so many of us had endured and rebuilt the city. We were reaching the point where our town was reclaiming its glory…now this. I thought about this company, Renaissance Publishing, which was born in the wake of Katrina, and which was doing better than could have

been expected, but now it might be coming to an end. Ours was not a recovery that could likely be repeated again so soon.

Even in the face of horror, I managed to doze off for a while.

Bob Breck, the TV meteorologist had a distinguished career guiding us through tropical events. But I will always remember him best for what he said, as I resumed my TV watching at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, August 31. The storm, according to Breck, had weakened overnight and had changed its path away from directly hitting New Orleans. We were going to survive.

Later that day, we headed to Baton Rouge, just as a precaution, and because we had family there.

Three years earlier Interstate-10 on the Sunday before Katrina had been so jammed that traffic creeped along from New Orleans to Lafayette. On this day, the road was traffic-free. We zoomed along on our own racecourse.

Ironically, Baton Rouge would get more tropical activity than New Orleans. The storm left the capital as a Category One and then limped along as a tropical depression.

Gustav had created havoc in the Caribbean and coastal Texas, but we got off easy. The TV trucks at Jackson Square were gone by the next day. All the city’s buildings were still standing. There would be no apocalypse, at least not then. Now we could return to telling Katrina stories.• ARTHUR NEAD Illustration