New Orleans Magazine April 2021

NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE APRIL 2021

OUTDOOR DINING

LOCAL MUSICIANS PIVOT

SENIOR LIVING

myneworleans.com $6.95

APRIL 2021

Contents

APRIL 2021

FEATURES

/ VOLUME 55 / NUMBER 7

62

30 Alfresco Fresh

Outdoor dining best bets

BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

46 The Show Must

(Not) Go On...

How are musicians coping?

BY RICH COLLINS

52

Better with Age Senior living for all

BY BETH D'ADDONO

46

ON THE COVER

Southern's chicken sandwich pop up at Zony Mash Beer Project. p. 30

20

Photograph by Emily Ferretti

STANDARDS 8

FROM THE EDITOR

22 CHRIS ROSE

Senior Moments

60 HOME ADVICE

Hattie Sparks Collins

12

JULIA STREET

24 PERSONA

Jay Hardesty

62 TABLE TALK

Thai Style

14

16

NEWS + NOTES

26 MODINE

Double-take Display

64 NOSH

Best of the Fest

28 VINTAGE 1867

66 CHEERS

Voodoo Brew

56 TRAVEL

Batter Up!

68 DINING GUIDE

Listings from

Around the City

Making Lemonade Radio Days

Top Things to Do, Read & Try

THE DISH

News from NOLA Kitchens

18 BAR TAB

Best Bars,

Drinks & More 20 STYLE

Sprucing for Spring

6

APRIL 2021

58 GROWING PAINS

None of that Jazz

88 STREETCAR

Jazz Fest Echoes

DIAL 12, D1

Watch the premiere of “Hemingway" on Mon., April 5 at 7pm and 9pm. The three-part documentary, by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, examines the visionary work and the turbulent life of Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest and most influential writers America has ever produced. And on Tue., April 13th join WYES for a virtual wine tasting and classic performances of the late producer, songwriter, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint.

Details at wyes.org.

FROM THE EDITOR

A

pril is usually an entertainment-filled month in New Orleans, from the music lover’s dream of back-to-back French Quarter Fest and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, to weekends filled with food festivals along the bayou and beyond, lazy Sunday brunches at sidewalk cafes and DIY picnics in the park.

While New Orleans is slowly starting to get back to normal as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and people are getting vaccinated, this spring will still not look exactly like it usually does, at least for music lovers and festival goers. Many of the beloved musicians we expect to see this time of year have been struggling to find a way to make a living and make music, while also staying safe.

We catch up with some notable names to find out how they are doing off the main stage, and what we can do to support them.

Fortunately, food lovers can still enjoy most of their spring favorites, as local restaurants have responded in a big way to the demand for outdoor dining, picnic pick-ups and to go orders so that customers can enjoy their favorite menu options at a safe distance.

We’ve done the leg work (lucky us!), and put together a tour of the best places to eat, drink and imbibe alfresco this month.

Have something you want to share with This month’s issue is truly packed with resources for New us? Email ashley@ Orleanians of all ages, from our feature outlining the top myneworleans.com. options for senior living no matter your or your loved ones' lifestyle or health needs, to shopping, outdoor activities and cocktail fun. We even have a make-at-home crawfish bread recipe for those jonesing for their Jazz Fest fix.

New Orleans’ spring is always rich with music, food and so much culture. And we know how to make the best out of a bad situation. This spring, we are all making lemonade, or perhaps better yet, lemon sno-balls, out of the lemons we are left with this April.

8

APRIL 2021

THERESA CASSAGNE PHOTO

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

9

10

APRIL 2021

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

11

JULIA STREET

W I TH P O Y DR AS THE P A RROT

Radio Days DEAR JULIA,

I grew up on the Alabama coast (Orange Beach) in the mid ‘50s. My parents managed a hotel (Gulf Gate Lodge) and all family members worked there. At night, I used an old Crosley radio to serenade me to sleep. I would listen to New Orleans when a station went to “clear channel” after a certain time each night. Each morning I awoke to the voice of the DJ (the spelling of [his name] was something like “Pla see Be Dac”) He spoke in an Acadian accent and was very humorous and entertaining. At around 6:00 a.m. a priest would come on and give a brief message and always closed with a prayer about seeking God each day at the break of day.

I wasn’t Catholic then, and it didn’t stick, but obviously it stuck in my inner soul to always remind me of a way to begin each day anew with a positive outlook.

I am now Catholic and married to a N’oluns girl and enjoy reading your magazine and especially yours and Poydras’ commentary on events of the special past of New Orleans. I am wondering if you could find anything on Pla See, the priest and that era of radio in town. Robert Patrick (Urbana, MD)

Robert, in the early days of radio the FCC designated certain stations to broadcast on the maximum of 50,000 watts and to be “clear channels.” That meant that no other station in the hinterland had the same frequency. That would eliminate interference so that the rural areas could have radio service.

Usually, the stations were identified with three call letters. In New Orleans it was WWL which was also the city’s first station. Each weekday morning the station had a For more of Julia, very popular program called the Dawnbusters. One of the show’s stars check out her was Pinky Vidacovich, a clarinetist, who also headed the show’s house monthly blog at band. Vidacovich was a comedian too. He effected a Cajun accent. One MyNewOrleans. com/Julia-Street of his characters was named “Placide Vidac,” and that is who you heard, Robert. Host Henry Dupre would be the straight man to Placide and his Cajun jokes. (Vidacovich also did commercials for Dr. Tichenor, a cure-all ointment, using the name Cajun Pete.) Dawnbusters lasted from 1937 to 1957. By that time radio was changing as the number of stations increased and the survivors had to establish a tighter niche. WWL would use its broadcast power to specialize in news, talk and sports. With the dazzle of TV, variety shows no longer worked on radio.

As for the priest, that was Rev. Louis J. Soniat. S.J. WWL was owned by Loyola, a Jesuit university. According to a 1943 program schedule located by Dominic Massa, a TV producer and media historian whose book is entitled “New Orleans Radio” (Arcadia Press), Soniat’s “Thought for the Day” was broadcast at 6:45 each morning directly from the university. The schedule identified the priest’s message as being directed toward giving listeners “spiritual assistance in meeting the problems of the day.”

From your comments Robert, the messages apparently worked.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS

Poydras is looking for something to do. Be sure to include your name and town. For the subject line use: Julia and Poydras Question julia@myneworleans.com

Associate Publisher Kate Henry EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Errol Laborde Editor Ashley McLellan Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot Contributing Writers Toya Boudy, Cheré Coen, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Jay Forman, John Kemp, Misty Mioltio, Liz Scott Monaghan, Andy Myer, Elizabeth Pearce, Eve Crawford Peyton, Chris Rose ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Kate Henry Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executives Meggie Schmidt, Rachel Webber

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Dugruise PRODUCTION

Designers Rosa Balaguer Arostegui, Meghan Sumrall CIRCULATION

Subscriptions Jessica Armand Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511

Executive Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Tiffani R. Amedeo NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 MyNewOrleans.com

For subscription information call (504) 828-1380 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 2021 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.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

13

NEWS+NOTES

BY FR ITZ E SKE R

TRY THIS

1 THE BROADSIDE

FROM THE FAT MAN TO MAHALIA: PAINTINGS BY JAMES MICHALOPOULOS

The New Orleans Jazz Museum will host an exhibition by acclaimed local artist James Michalopoulos from March 25 to October 10. It will span his entire career, from his recent paintings of street musicians to rarely seen works on loan from private collectors, including his original painting for the Jazz Fest poster of Louis Armstrong, which hasn’t been in Louisiana in over 10 years.

“James Michalopoulos’s paintings of the icons of New Orleans show his understanding of their characters and style: Mahalia Jackson losing herself in song, Allan Toussaint’s uncontained grin depict an appreciation and love for both the musicians as well as the music. This love extends to his portraits of the nameless musicians on the street or in the corners of the music clubs of the city. The exuberance of music making is what this exhibit is all about,” said exhibition curator, David Kunian.

The museum has also planned a series of talks with the artists, dates to be determined.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is located at 400 Esplanade Ave. It’s open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, visit their website at NOLAJazzMuseum.org.

If you’re bummed The Broad Theater temporarily suspended operations at its indoor movie theater, try The Broadside (located across Toulouse Street from the movie theater). It’s outdoors and hosts socially distanced film screenings and live music events, weather permitting.

Hot dogs, popcorn and a full bar are available. BroadsideNOLA.com.

2 ARTS DISTRICT OF NEW ORLEANS

The Arts District of New Orleans, a collection of art galleries on Julia and Camp Streets in the Warehouse District, is a great option for people looking to mix some outdoor and indoor activity.

The galleries are all an easy walk from each other, so you can hop in and out while seeing some lovely art. ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.com.

LISTEN TO THIS “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?” BY DUMPSTAPHUNK

On April 23, New Orleans funk band Dumpstaphunk will release their first full-length album in over seven years, titled "Where Do We Go From Here?." The album will have a political flavor to it that listeners can sample with the track “Justice 2020” on YouTube.

“I WANNA DO THAT! THE MAGIC OF MARDI GRAS MARCHING KREWES”

Are you still feeling sad there were no parades this year? We are, too. In the meantime, you can tide yourself over until parades hopefully return in 2022 with the new book “I Wanna Do That! The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes.”

Our city’s marching krewes are as diverse as the city itself, and the number of krewes has grown exponentially in the last decade. They vary in size, costume and theme, but they share a creativity and exuberance that helps makes Mardi Gras so special every year. Echo Olander and Yoni Goldstein, along with photographers Patrick Niddrie and Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee, sought to capture the essence of what makes these marchers and dancers so special. The 272-page book features over 200 full-color photographs of these krewes in action.

“I Wanna Do That!: The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes’ is a must-have book for Carnival aficionados,” wrote Doug MacCash of The Times-Picayune The New Orleans Advocate.

LAFITTE GREENWAY

Get out and enjoy New Orleans’ beautiful April weather before it turns into the summer’s mix of stifling heat and humidity (with some thunderstorms mixed in). The Lafitte Greenway is open from 6 a.m-10 p.m. seven days a week. It features a bicycle path, walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, all-purpose fields, tennis courts and an outdoor pool. There is also plenty of greenspace available for picnicking, sunbathing or lying on a blanket reading a good book.

The trail runs 2.6 miles and connects the French Quarter with the Bayou St. John/Mid-City area. Dogs are welcome, but leash laws are enforced.

Visit LafitteGreenway.org for information about fitness classes, art exhibitions, and other fun events along the greenway corridor.

14

APRIL 2021

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

15

THE DISH

BY MISTY MIL IO TO

WESTBANK WELCOMES NEW INDIAN RESTAURANT

Plant-based Perfection Coalesce Goods is a new plant-based dining concept that has recently opened at St. Roch Market. Texas chefs Alex Davis and Jasmine “Jas” Rogers have established a cult following in Louisiana for their creative, indulgent vegan fare by hosting local pop-ups that push the boundaries of plant-based foods. Their menu includes options like vegan boudin balls, "chick’n" and waffles; raw, plant-based cheesecake; and even doughnuts. Together, they aim to share flavors ingrained into their memory from grandma’s cooking, while nurturing their bodies with whole foods at the same time. 2381 St. Claude Ave., 344-4015, strochmarket.com, coalescegoodsfacebook.com/coalescegoods.

Local Indian cuisine pop-up, Thali Llama, has opened a permanent restaurant in Algiers called Plume. The fast-casual restaurant features regional Indian dishes from across the subcontinent.

Some of the most popular dishes include the Green Bean Thoran, Laal Maas and Chicken Kaathi Roll. “We began as a pop-up after we travelled around India in 2017; when we returned, we couldn’t find the dishes we loved on the existing Indian menus here,” said Merritt Coscia, co-owner, at Plume. “We have a two-walled mural in the restaurant painted

by Jamar Pierre depicting the places we’ve travelled in India. We opened the restaurant because the opportunity arose, and we chose the location because we’ve lived in this neighborhood for eight years and hoped to add to the limited dining options.

Our goal is to feature dishes not commonly found on other Indian menus, and to expand people’s conception of Indian cuisine.”

1113 Teche St., 381-4893, plumealgiers.com.

CHEF NINA COMPTON RETURNS TO THE SMALL SCREEN

Beloved local celebrity chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro returns to television this month as one of the all-star judges on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Season 18, which takes place in Portland, Oregon, will feature Compton as part of an elite rotating judging and dining panel of “Top Chef“ all-star winners, finalists and favorites. This season, a new batch of 15 talented executive chefs and restaurant owners, representing a cross section of kitchens and food around the country, vie for the coveted title of Top Chef.

Other chefs on the rotating judging and dining panel include Richard Blais, Gregory Gourdet and Dale Talde, with appearances by José Andrés, Massimo Bottura, Gabriel Rucker and Alice Waters. There will also be special appearances by “Portlandia” stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, who stop by the Top Chef Kitchen for a Quickfire Challenge. Catch Compton on the last three episodes, airing Thursday, June 17, June 24 and July 1 at 7 p.m. on Bravo. bravotv.com/top-chef.

CHEF DONALD LINK PARTNERS WITH FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES

The highly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans, which is scheduled to open in late spring, has announced a partnership with Louisiana native chef Donald Link for its signature restaurant and bar concept. The multiple James Beard Award-winning chef will introduce the concept on the hotel’s fifth floor in October. Located adjacent to the crescent-shaped infinity pool, the restaurant will offer award-winning food paired with panoramic views of the Mississippi River. 2 Canal St., 434-5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans.

16

APRIL 2021

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

17

BAR TAB

BY MISTY MIL IO TO

SUPPORTING BARTENDERS THROUGH MUSIC

Pop the cork Owner Skye LaTorre, a sommelier with more than 20 years of experience who began her career in New Orleans at Emeril’s Delmonico, has opened Pluck Wine Bar in the Warehouse District. The wine bar focuses on small, ethical producers, all offered in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The curated list of world-class wines and accompanying food menu are designed to start a conversation. Choose from artisanal snacks, cheeses, charcuterie boards and canned seafood, in addition to menu items from executive chef Heathcliffe Hailey (formerly of Mimi’s in the Marigny), such as grilled lollipop lamb chops and flambéed sambuca shrimp. Pluck also offers a marketplace with bottles and provisions to go, as well as the option to take a seat and enjoy a pairing from one of the 20-plus wines by the glass. “Wine is my absolute passion,” LaTorre said. “The truth is that there are just too many really great options in this world for us to ever have to slum it with anything less, so Pluck’s ambition is simply to serve a well-curated list of quality wines made by talented people in a wide range of styles and price points. First and foremost, we are here for this city, as well as the service industry and the global wine community, which makes the location of the Warehouse District the perfect place to serve our community.” 722 Girod St., Pluckwines.com.

Some of America’s favorite bartenders have shared curated playlists on Spotify, dubbed “6ourbon 7ime.”

The Bartender Playlist program is designed to highlight influential bartenders in a subtle but meaningful way. Each bartender pairs their favorite cocktail with their playlist so listeners can sip on a bespoke drink while tuning in. Upcoming playlists include those by Christine Kim (April 19), Chris Elford (May 10) and Shannon Michelle (May 24). Be sure to catch New Orleans bartender Joe Witkowski’s (of Bakery Bar) playlist, to be released Sept. 6. The best part?

Beam Suntory will donate $1 to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (up to $500) for each playlist follow on Spotify. Spotify.com.

NEW COCKTAIL BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

T. Cole Newton, the owner and proprietor of the beloved New Orleans bar Twelve Mile Limit, has written a new book titled “Cocktail Dive Bar: Real Drinks, Fake History, and Questionable Advice from New Orleans’s Twelve Mile Limit” ($25, Running Press Adult). The book, which will be released May 11 and is now available for pre-order on Amazon, combines classic and original recipes, cocktail lore and hard-won wisdom from Newton’s experience as a young bar owner in the Crescent City. An assortment of mini essays on a range of topics (such as why Maury Povich is the ideal role model for the service industry and how bar owners can work to be community allies) break up an alphabetical compendium of cocktail recipes. The book also contains graphic drawings by Bazil Zerinsky and Laura Sanders, an index of ingredients, infusion recipes and more. 500 S. Telemachus St., 488-8114, Twelvemilelimit.com.

18

APRIL 2021

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

19

Style

BY ANDY MY E R

For the organized wardrobe of your dreams, look no further than California Closets. Equipped with a range of products and spacesaving solutions from custom design to bins and boxes, you can easily transform clutter into a tranquil space.

California Closets, Californiaclosets.com.

Sprucing for Spring Making the most of spring cleaning

Perfect for hanging on the wall or gathering items in your entryway, KAZI (Swahili for employment) woven baskets are made from sisal fibers wound around thin bundles of sweet grass and secured into a tiny coil. Each piece is woven by a master craftsperson, intricately designed and perfected through a long tradition that has been passed through the hands of mothers to their daughters for centuries. Available at Sotre, Sotrecollection.com.

There’s nothing better in a kid’s room than a good-looking toy that doubles as a stash cubby. Crafted by Amish artisans from Baltic birch and solid North American maple, this play fridge has ample storage with two shelves and spacious bins for all of those tiny, miscellaneous toys; Nola Boards, Nolaboards.com.

These whimsical melamine catch-all trays add a happy burst of spring to any décor.

Instantly lift the mood and sprinkle throughout your home to use for keys, sunglasses or business cards. Available at Hazelnut, Hazelnutneworleans.com.

Fleur Home’s sculptural mirrors are hand-cut, made to order and customizable from color, to cut, to finish.

Available in a wide range of styles, the striking Audubon takes inspiration from the acanthus leaf with its feathery, organic edges. Fleur Home, Fleurhome.com.

The most effortless way to lighten up your space for spring?

Swap out pillows and throws.

Handloomed in Turkey from 100% Turkish Aegean cotton, these bright Capri striped throws are machine washable and get softer with each cycle. From Elysian by Emily Morrison, Elysianbyem.com.

20

APRIL 2021

Give that designated dirty clothes chair in the corner of the room a break and invest in an attractive hamper.

West Elm’s Omari Laundry Basket is so cute you may actually enjoy picking your clothes up off the floor and throwing them in the proper container. West Elm, Westelm.com.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

21

CHRIS ROSE

I’m told we’re examining the matter of senior living in this month’s issue of the magazine. But is “senior living” any different from other kinds of living?

I’ll answer that for you. Hell yes it is.

You know everything has changed when you wake up in the morning and with every slow step you take to the bathroom, it sounds like you’re stepping on a fresh bag of Lays potato chips. Creaking and crunching on the way to your morning constitutional, a symphony of old bones, tendons and ligaments.

I turned 60 last year. I’m not sure that officially qualifies me as “senior,” but it did qualify me for membership in the esteemed American Association of Retired People. (Actually, you can join once you turn 50. Who knew?)

I used to think you were “old” when you turned 65. That’s when people generally retire, right? It’s when you qualify for Social Security. That is, if there’s any Social Security left by the time I get there. For now, all I’ve got is social distancing.

But joining AARP is an eyeopening experience. Even if you still have the capacity to reason and think for yourself, you don’t have to anymore. They give you tips on the best health care providers and hospitals, the best diet and exercise tips, the best cell provider to sign up for, the best “senior friendly” communities to live out your sunset years. My in-box is flooded everyday with deals, discounts and discoveries.

They tell you where to travel, when to travel, how to travel and even why to travel. Hint: It keeps you active and vibrant. None of that recliner, remote, crossword puzzles and early to bed crap for these folks.

Live, you geezers. Rise up and LIVE! They offer tips on affordable exotic

22

APRIL 2021

sailboat or a permanent tan, a timeshare, a favorite fishing hole, a walk-in tub, a collection of commemorative coins, milestone anniversaries or even grandchildren. Yet. Hell, I’ve never even been to Branson.

But when I flash my AARP card at my local pharmacy – like a cop on the beat – I get a 10 percent discount on my prescriptions.

All the rewards of a life well lived.

There are drawbacks to all this, to be sure. Joining AARP is first of all, an admission. The process reminds me a lot of the recovery lifestyle: You have to admit something that you don’t want to admit. In this case, it’s not addiction. It’s that you’re getting old. Time is finally moving faster than you do. And with every day, week and month, I inch closer to COVID-19 waiting to rip my lungs out of my chest.

But this growing old-panic all seems like much ado about nothing.

To be clear, because of louche and reckless behavior in my younger and more vulnerable years, I never really expected to make it past 40.

I vowed to go down like rock stars, literary icons, Van Gogh, Mozart and Jesus. In my prime. And proud to die.

So every day is a new lease on life now. New fresh air to breathe. The main lesson I’ve learned through aging is this: You lose hair where you want it and you grow hair where you and sage for the ages, Jim Mora: don’t. Things could be worse. With “SAVINGS? Don’t talk about savings! age comes a modicum of wisdom, You kidding me? SAVINGS?” (Inside a wellspring of experience and an joke for you Saints fans.) assertive and intractable position But AARP’s magathat my opinions are zine is glossy and slick better than yours.

For more Chris Rose check out his and an enjoyable read, Some folks even hold blog "Me Again"on even if you can’t afford Tuesday mornings at the door open for me. myneworleans.com anything that’s adverSo you see, “senior tised in it. That’s why living” can be a gift. An sometimes, thumbing through the awakening of sorts. Because, once pages makes me feel like I have failed acknowledged, you realize it sure at getting old. Because I don’t have a beats the hell out of senior dying.

Senior Moments Aging gracefully

getaways, air travel, and fine dining options. That is, if these are in fact “options.” Because what they don’t really clarify is how to pay for all these exotic getaways, air travel and fine dining – despite the requisite 5 or 10 percent discount for AARP members. I guess I better get with the program. I must have skipped the part where part they offered tips on how to stretch your savings.

To paraphrase the words of the immortal former New Orleans coach

JASON RAISH ILLUSTRATION

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

23

PERSONA

BY KE L L Y MASSIC O T

Q: Do you have residents along your

JAY HARDESTY

N

o one thinks about New Orleans and says, “you know, they lack creativity.”

And this past year, in between a global pandemic and natural disasters, New Orleanians did their best to keep themselves entertained and keep the creative juices flowing throughout the city.

During one of the city’s creative efforts in response to the cancellation of Carnival 2021, and the emergence of the Krewe of House Floats, a house in the Bywater neighborhood erected in honor of a local celebrity – UPS driver Jason “Jay” Hardesty. Hardesty has become New Orleans and Instagram famous because of his popularity along his route both with the two and four-legged residents. Each Friday, Hardesty features a photo of himself and a dog in the neighborhood he sees while making his deliveries.

His warm smile and the adorable pups have made Hardesty famous.

This month we learn more about the man behind the #pupsofjay.

Q: Tell us more about yourself. I’m a born and raised New Orleanian, 32 years old and a Leo. And I attended De La Salle High School. I’ve been with UPS for 12 years and I’ve been driving for nine years. Three years ago, they moved me to a new route in the Marigny/Bywater.

24

APRIL 2021

Q: What is it about your delivery route and the four-legged inhabitants that inspired you? The route I was on before

had more families and the dogs weren’t friendly. You’d knock on the door and the dogs act like they want to kill you.

In my new route, there are no kids, so the dogs are less protective. You knock on the door now and they want to play, let you interact with them and you get to know them more.

Q: How did #pupsofjay come about?

One day I was walking along my route and a dog just came up to me and sat by my feet. I thought, let me take a picture real quick and I put it up on my Instagram. At the time, that photo got around 100 likes, which was a lot for me then. It happened to fall on a Friday, so I did it again the following Friday and it became a thing for the past three years.

route asking you to take pictures with their dogs? Is there a waiting list?

Everyone on my route knows who I am now, and they all want me to take a picture with their dogs. I just can’t do every single dog. I have the next seven weeks planned out, so if I take a picture with your dog, just know it’ll be a while before I get to post it.

Favorite pup of Jay? There were

two corgis on my route – Oy and Anabelle.

Oy always loved to play, and Anabelle was very shy, but before they moved, she started to warm up to me and let me pet her for the first time.

Favorite NOLA restaurant?

Port of Call

Favorite NOLA food? Po’Boys

memorable happened will taking a #pupsofjay photo? I should probably

stop telling this story, but a threeweek-old puppy peed on me once while I was taking a photo. He was very nervous and just kind of let it go and I had to walk around smelling like that for the rest of the day.

Q: The Krewe of House Floats became very popular this year, as Carnival was cancelled, and you were the subject of one of the House Floats on your neighborhood route this year. What was that like? I think it

was supposed to be a surprise, but I found out about it on a Sunday and then saw it on my route Monday morning. It was a little different, and unexpected, but it was really nice.

Someone a few months ago made a candle of me and I thought that was the top, but I guess somebody’s house is a little bigger.

Q: Did you expect the response and popularity that came along with your posts on Instagram? It really started

off just me taking pictures for those who followed me, but I told a writer on my route, Jamie Edinburgh, about my posts and she tweeted about me and what I was doing. And in that week, in just three days, I went from 1,000 followers to 70,000 followers on Instagram.

Q: Has anything crazy, funny and/or

TRUE CONFESSION?

I’ve only had two jobs my whole life - UPS and doorman/ cook at Fat Harry’s when I was 20 yrs. old

Q: Do you plan on continuing #pupsofjay for as long as you can? I don’t plan on leaving the neighborhood and it’s nothing for me to find a dog, take a picture and post it on Fridays.

It brings so much joy to people, so it would be kind of messed up of me to just stop, right? I haven’t thought about the future too much, but it’s a simple, fun thing that everyone likes.

Q

A

GREG MILES PHOTO

MODINE GUNCH

The Gunch family has been getting a reputation. Not good.

My mother-in-law, Ms. Larda, is very upset. Last month there was the mix-up, which was NOT her fault, at her Catholic ladies’ book club. She had recommended “River of Fire,” an inspirational book by a nun, and she had no idea it had the same title as a sizzling romance novel. Half the ladies read the romance novel “by accident,” and some of them were so scandalized they read it twice.

Before that, back at Carnival time, my sister-in-law Gloriosa turned her house on Carrollton Avenue into a Mardi Gras float house. She used a COVID theme, and hung a gigantic mask across the entire front, and put two enormous googly eyes up on the balcony, peering over the top of the mask.

But some people - maybe most people - mistook the mask for a corset, like the dance house girls wear in old westerns, and the googly eyes for giant boobs oozing over the top. This caused a few fender benders.

And people going by on the streetcar almost fell out the windows. Everybody started calling it “the boob house.”

Gloriosa’s husband’s mother, Ms. Sarcophaga, who lives next door, did not appreciate this. Every year she tastefully hangs out her tasteful flag from when she was Queen of some tasteful krewe or other, and this year hardly nobody noticed it. But she did hear somebody call her house “that house next to the boob house.”

After Mardi Gras, instead of the whole thing down, Gloriosa just pasted a couple of shamrocks on the googly eyes. But them pasties made it even worse.

Finally, Ms. Sarcophaga told her, in a loud voice, to take the googly eyes down entirely. She does, but she leaves the mask up. She decides to make an Easter scene with a giant carrot, and a bunny, and some huge Easter eggs.

The mask - which my mother-in-law Ms. Larda helped her make by sewing together a bunch of canvas drop cloths - was shaped like an upside-down triangle, which unfortunately helped give it that corset look.

Gloriosa rearranges it by folding in the top parts so it hangs straight down. That can be the carrot.

She just needs a bunny and the Easter eggs at ground level.

She has two big boxwood hedges growing by her front porch, right under the balcony. She rounds off their corners with hedge clippers. Next, she finds a

26

APRIL 2021

Double-Take Display Erecting a seasonal decor

couple of blue roof tarps in the garage and wraps the bushes to look like big round eggs next to the carrot.

She is inside figuring out how to create a bunny when Ms. Larda happens to drive past.

Well. She almost runs off the road.

She pulls over and calls me, hysterical.

“Modine! I ain’t got a dirty mind - but this erection here, which my own daughter got on display.... Please come over and tell her what this looks like.”

But before I get there, somebody - maybe a lot of somebodies - called up Gloriosa’s husband Proteus at his office. Somebody texted him a picture.

Now, he knows Gloriosa will be upset if he asks her to take it down, but he also knows what his mother will do if that carrot stays erect. Their

house will get another nickname, and he will never hear the end of it.

The thing is, Proteus has enough money to hire professional artists, and he could have done that back before Gloriosa made the Mardi Gras house float herself, but he was too cheap.

No time to count pennies now. He makes some phone calls. Then he goes home and tells Gloriosa that they are going to have a stupendous professional Easter decoration, the envy of Carrollton Avenue.

Next thing, a crew of real professional float artists turn up, and erect - I mean put up - three humongous bunnies that must have come off some Easter-themed floats in one of the major parades. Gloriosa loves them. More important, they block the view of the towering carrot.

I tell Ms. Larda we can hold up our heads again.

The “big boob house” was just a flash in the...

Never mind.

LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

27

VINTAGE

BY JO HN R . KE MP

St. Charles Hotel, Library of Congress, ca. 1867, Stereo

by Lilienthal's Photographic Establishment, New Orleans

1867

S

een here in this 1867 stereopticon slide made by New Orleans photographer Theodore Lilienthal is the luxurious old St. Charles Hotel that once dominated the entire 200 block of St. Charles Street (now Avenue). At the time, it ranked among the grandest hotels in the South and an important social and business gathering place for New Orleanians in the old American Sector above Canal Street. Actually, this was the second of three St. Charles Hotels to occupy this site.

The first St. Charles, constructed between 1835 and 1837 and designed by James Gallier and Charles Dakin, appeared complete with a Corinthian columned portico and roof capped by an immense columned dome and cupola. It was known throughout the country for its luxurious ballroom, plush guest rooms, dining rooms, auction exchange (including slaves), and saloon with a spiral staircase that ascended up to the dome where visitors got splendid views of the city and river. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the hotel in January 1851.

28

APRIL 2021

The second and larger St. Charles Hotel, seen here, rose from the ashes that same year. Like its predecessor, it continued as a popular gathering place for New Orleanians and visitors to the city. One such traveler, famed American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, was unimpressed by what he saw during his visit in 1853. In his 1856 book “A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States,” Olmstead wrote: “I was landed before the great Grecian portico of the stupendous, tasteless, ill-contrived and inconvenient St. Charles Hotel.”

During the Civil War, Union General Benjamin Butler seized hotel for his headquarters. In 1894, it, too, burned to the ground.

As to the third St. Charles Hotel, older New Orleanians will remember the one that opened in early 1896.

Unlike the first two, Thomas Sully designed the third and final hotel in what Tulane associate dean of architecture Richard Campanella described as the Italian Renaissance aesthetic style popular in the late 19th century. In 1959, the Sheraton Hotel chain purchased the hotel and renamed it the Sheraton-Charles. Six years later, the company sold it to a local developer who planned to demolish the building, which he did in 1974, and replace it with a high rise office and hotel complex. After his plans failed, Canadian developers built the current 53-story office-retail Place St. Charles on this historic site in the early 1980s.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

29

ALFRESCO FRESH

NEW ORLEANS HAS LONG ENJOYED A

Spring is the season for dining (all the way) out

tradition of outdoor dining, from crawfish-laden picnic tables to candlelit courtyards. Over the past year, many restaurants have responded to COVID-19 concerns by adding, expanding or beautifying outside seating to give patrons and staff extra breathing room.

As we settle into spring, there’s no better time to sample the abundant alfresco options in neighborhoods across the city. This list represents just a fraction of places where the outdoor ambience might cure your spring fever.

By Rebecca Friedman Photography by Emily Ferretti

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

31

MID-CITY

Acorn Acorn, the café from Dickie Brennan & Co., may be connected to the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park, but it’s not just for kids. A stunning contemporary terrace overlooking the park’s “Little Lake” makes Acorn an ideal spot for coffee, drinks or a meal – at any age. The breakfast burrito (served all day) and thin patty double burger are a good match for grown-up appetites, as is the selection of local beers. 15 Henry Thomas Dr., 218-5413, Acornnola.com

Blue Oak BBQ ----------------------------------------------------The covered outdoor patio at Blue Oak BBQ offers plenty of room to spread out and tuck into a heap of goodness. Start with the smoked wings (in flavors like buffalo inferno and kung pao) or cracklins before moving on to the melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, pulled pork, or a burger made from house-smoked ground brisket. In the non-BBQ arena, go for the fan favorite spicy fried chicken thigh sandwich and a side of Brussels sprouts. Wash it all down with a frozen drink of the day, then take a long nap. 900 N. Carrollton Ave., 822-2583, Blueoakbbq.com

32

APRIL 2021

Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering -------When the seafood mood hits, check out Clesi’s (located right next door to Trep’s), which serves up an array of seafood specialties in a welcoming outdoor area reminiscent of a backyard boil. Looking for crawfish and cold beer? They’ve got it. But over the course of its catering history, Clesi’s has also built up some intriguing twists on seafood standards like sambal chargrilled oysters and crawfish rangoon with red pepper jelly, along with classic pastas, gumbos and sandwiches. 4323 Bienville St., 909-0108, Clesicatering.com Parkway Bakery and Tavern ---------------------------------------------------Po-boys have always made great outside eats, and Parkway has embraced the alfresco push wholeheartedly by essentially creating an entire outdoor

Trep’s Trep’s came along at the right moment for outdoor dining. Built on the site of a former auto body shop of the same name, Trep’s aims to serve locals in a casual, primarily outdoor atmosphere. Big screen TV’s punctuate the various seating areas, which are spread out enough to allow plenty of space between parties. The menu ranges from cheeseburgers to cochon de lait on French bread to an excellent chopped salad with avocado ranch dressing. The kitchen also serves up roti tacos, including one filled with bang bang shrimp and crispy wonton strips, and another with spiced lamb. The relaxed, family-friendly vibe, along with a fully stocked bar, makes Trep’s a solid addition for neighborhood dining. 4327 Bienville St., 581-8900, Trepsnola.com

restaurant. Diners can set up at one of Parkway’s plethora of patio tables (tented for rainy days) to down one of the city’s best sandwiches. Hits are too many to count, from exquisitely fried shrimp (make it a surf and turf by adding roast beef and gravy) to hot sausage. Not in the mood for a po-boy? Try the Reuben on thick-cut rye. Add sweet potato fries or a bag of Zapp’s and a Barq’s for the ultimate repast. 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047, Parkwaypoorboys.com

Piece of Meat ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It’s hard to decide what is most tempting at Piece of Meat: the offerings behind the counter that showcase the butchering talents of proprietors Leighann Smith and Daniel Jackson or the menu items that showcase the kitchen team’s cooking chops. Fried egg rolls stuffed with house-made boudin and pepper jack and the thick-cut bologna sandwich with provolone, barbecue sauce and fried onions make a strong case for the latter. These can be enjoyed in Piece of Meat’s newly expanded outdoor dining area, with cozy wooden tables fit for feasting. “It has increased our curb appeal by 1,000 percent,” Smith said. “We never would have done it without being forced to.” Though the shop had originally announced plans to open a dine-in restaurant pre-pandemic, the owners have now repurposed that space to showcase a variety of local produce (including offerings from Downriver Market) and gourmet grocery items. 3301 Bienville St., 372-2289, Pieceofmeatbutcher.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

33

Zony Mash Beer Project Zony Mash is beautiful on the inside, a stunningly re-imagined microbrewerytake on the former Gem Theater. But its outdoor beer garden has been the center of the action lately, showcasing a rotation of popup eateries, as well as Zony Mash brews sold from the brewery’s tricked-out beer bus. As owner Adam Ritter said, “When the weather is nice, and it’s feeling right, it’s great.” Recent eats have included Zee’s Pizzeria and Doughtown’s Detroitstyle pies as well as Bub’s Burgers, Southerns (of fried chicken sandwich fame) and the culinary talents of Luncheon. Seasonal brews from Zony Mash and frequent live music performances round out the scene for relaxed outdoor dining and drinking with personality to spare (as evidenced by the recurring wrestling themed night). Ritter plans to keep things interesting by adding boiled crawfish, including some Viet-Cajun style, and continuing a popular challenge series of cooking competitions featuring local chefs.

3940 Thalia St., 766-8868, Zonymashbeer.com

34

APRIL 2021

UPTOWN La Petite Grocery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The original jewel in the restaurant crown of chef/owner Justin Devillier and partner/director of operations Mia Freiberger-Devillier, this corner bistro attracts locals and visitors alike. A tidy row of sidewalk tables provides an ideal setting for enjoying signature dishes like delicate blue crab beignets, standard-setting Gulf shrimp and grits or the LPG cheeseburger with handcut fries. A thoughtful menu of wines by the glass and happy hour offerings make La Petite Grocery a comfortably elegant outdoor destination – especially if the meal ends with butterscotch pudding. 4238 Magazine St., 891-3377, Lapetitegrocery.com Cavan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------While much of Cavan’s intrigue lies in its stately interior, the 19th century mansion also boasts a wraparound porch and umbrella-dotted patio that added some special touches during the pandemic. According to Robért LeBlanc, founder and creative director of hospitality group LeBlanc + Smith, “We added more shade and breezy fans to each table for cool comfort even on warm days and nights – providing our guests with the same level of high-quality hospitality and improved safety during the pandemic.” Menu specials change frequently, but the smash-style burger is a consistent crowd-pleaser, as are the truffle Caesar salad and poke tacos with salmon, avocado and seaweed salad. Whimsical desserts run the gamut from a s’mores pie with toasted marshmallow fluff to the sophisticated matcha colada featuring ginger compressed pineapple. 3607 Magazine St., 509-7655, Cavannola.com Del Fuego -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When the craving for Mexican strikes, Del Fuego offers two outdoor seating areas: a covered front porch and a colorful open-air patio in the rear. In either spot, sample a margarita made with Del Fuego’s homemade roasted orange triple sec and guacamole customized with toppings like crumbled bacon, roasted poblanos and pomegranate seeds. An enticing selection of well-crafted tacos, burritos and pozole rojo make excellent fresh-air options. 4518 Magazine St., 309-5797, Delfuegotaqueria.com La Boulangerie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This French bakery and café from Link Restaurant Group is routinely packed with folks from the neighborhood and beyond seeking flaky croissants, crusty loaves, savory quiche and house made ice creams.

Last fall, La Boulangerie unveiled a charming rear patio that allows customers to enjoy a cappuccino – and some of the city’s best avocado toast – away from the indoor crowd. 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, Laboulangerienola.com

Misa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This globally inspired spot on the corner of Magazine and Bordeaux Streets opened last fall in the location that formerly housed restaurant Bordeaux. The dining space is almost entirely outdoors but partially covered, making it suitable for all-weather dining. The menu draws heavily from across the Mediterranean (owner Tal Sharon also operates Tal’s Hummus across the street), with offerings including a salad topped with crispy chicken schnitzel, a grilled red tuna burger with herbed garlic tzatziki and a variety of house made pastas. 4734 Magazine St., 510-2791, Misanola.com Saba ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Over the past year, Saba has upgraded its outdoor space fronting Magazine Street to offer comfortably chic dining digs in any kind of weather through its mix of tented and open-air tables. This airy Uptown corner shines in the spring, as do dishes that show off the best of the season.

Pillowy pita and savory spreads (like the popular blue crab hummus) prepare the palate for heartier fare like matzah ball soup with slow cooked duck or latkes with cured salmon and caviar. Don’t miss the outstanding shakshuka at brunch – or the exquisite cocktails at any meal. 5757 Magazine St., 324-7770, Eatwithsaba.com The Columns ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When word got out in December 2019 that the historic Columns Hotel had a new owner (hotelier Jayson Seidman of the Drifter) and a renovation was in store, expectations were high. After all, the hotel’s gracious front porch has long been prime real estate for those seeking liquid respite from summer heat, Mardi Gras merrymakers and an unparalleled view of St. Charles Avenue. Now with a kitchen and bar overseen by Coquette chef Michael Stoltzfus, Columns is once again a food destination. The menu features shareable fare like vegetable crudité with seasonal accompaniments or a plate of Broadbent country ham with pimento cheese and shrimp chips. The burger is fortified by andouille, ricotta and pepper marmalade, and fried chicken cameos at brunch. Flanked by sprawling live oaks and stately mansions, Columns’ sophisticated porch and patio offer a uniquely New Orleans outdoor dining experience. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, Thecolumns.com The Chloe ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The outdoor space at this chic boutique hotel from LeBlanc + Smith is nearly as enchanting as the dreamy interior. Though the front patio faces St. Charles Avenue, hedges and greenery create a refuge perfectly suited to intimate meals and meetings. The menu from chef Todd Pulsinelli ranges from a seafood salad showcasing fresh shrimp and crab in a delicate ravigote to a hearty chicken katsu sandwich and Royal Red shrimp roll. At brunch, indulge in shrimp and grits or fried chicken and French toast. 4125 St. Charles Ave., 541-5500, Thechloenola.com

Picnic Perfect NOLA PopUp Picnic After months of quarantine, Ana Suarez took inspiration from an idea she saw in other cities and founded Nola PopUp Picnic, offering people a safe way to socialize by turning elaborate picnic fantasies into reality. “I loved having picnics with friends at the Fly,” said Suarez, who also teaches second graders in a local Spanish immersion program. “Why not turn that into a business?” Nola PopUp Picnic will set up a dreamy alfresco experience, from the “basic” package with rug, pillows and chic décor to options that include more extensive culinary, kid-friendly or romantic elements. Suarez also makes a point to support local businesses by offering food, wine and décor options from local vendors like Empanola, Faubourg Wines, The Floured Tin (for macarons) and CharCutie. While most customers choose a panoramic setting like Audubon Park, picnics can take place in your backyard or, in case of uncooperative weather, even the living room. Suarez’s next move? Incorporating crawfish. Nolapopuppicnic.com Picnic Provisions and Whiskey This uptown spot offers a range of to-go picnic basket meals featuring their signature fried chicken and biscuits, seafood or an EatFit-NOLA-approved package. Add-ons include a bottle of rosé or a bucket of Paradise Park lager.

All you need to bring is the blanket. 741 State St., 266-2810, Nolapicnic.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

35

The Delachaise Wine Bar ----------The Delachaise occupies a precious sliver of uptown real estate between Aline and Delachaise Streets, with its front patio embracing St. Charles Avenue. There, patrons can pass a pleasant evening sampling the kitchen’s ever-changing specials (like Oysters Delachaise, poached in absinthe cream, or house smoked salmon dip) or the much-loved goose fat pommes frites. Further uptown, sister restaurant Chais Delachaise on Maple Street offers ample outdoor seating as well. 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, Thedelachaise.com

36

APRIL 2021

St. James Cheese Company --------------------------------------------------------------St. James’ Prytania Street location has always attracted a crowd to its shaded outdoor tables. Enjoy the bounty of the cheese case in simple form with the Ploughman’s Lunch: a selection of cheeses paired with pate, bread and salad. Or take things to the next level with mozzarella, pesto and artisanal salami grilled to gooey perfection on ciabatta, or the brie de meaux nestled with French ham on a buttered baguette. The tasty manchego salad drizzles arugula, pears and almonds with house made quince vinaigrette. Feeling saucy? St. James offers wines by the glass as well as craft beer and cider. Happy hour brings beverage specials and a discounted cheese board.

For downtown days, St. James’ Warehouse District location also offers outdoor seating. 5004 Prytania St., 899-4737, Stjamescheese.com

Val’s ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When this Mexican spot from the team at CureCo (which also operates nearby Cure and French Quarter favorite Cane and Table) opened last summer, it brought the Freret neighborhood a welcome open-air dining option. The former gas station has been reimagined as a sprawling, casual gathering spot serving up tacos, ceviche, queso fundido and specials like the birria torta. The CureCo bar pedigree is evident in the cocktail and spirits list, which includes not only praiseworthy margaritas but also creative twists on classics like the mezcal negroni or Oaxacan old fashioned. 4632 Freret St., 356-0006, Valsnola.com

Bourrée at Boucherie Bourrée is a casual spinoff of parent restaurant Boucherie next door. Bourrée’s smokehouse offerings are best enjoyed in finger-licking relaxation at one of the beer garden’s purple picnic tables.

Wings, a house specialty, come in a range of preparations from jerk to sweet mango BBQ. Sandwiches feature housemade meats, like mouthwatering hot sausage, 12-hour roast beef or lemongrass pulled pork, as well as a BBQ shrimp and buffalo cauliflower. Meat pies and boudin balls scratch the Cajun itch, and fresh fruit daiquiris (another signature item) are a perfectly cooling accompaniment. 1510 South Carrollton Ave., 510-4040, Bourreenola.com

Lilette It’s hard to believe Lilette turns 20 this year. In a gift to patrons, Lilette has translated the charm of its intimate dining room to chic outdoor seating, placing tables along the sidewalk and sprucing up the cozy rear courtyard, a spot many patrons had never experienced. “People who have been coming here for a decade… had no idea what’s hiding in plain sight,” said general manager Jesse Martin.

The outdoor seating is only part of Lilette’s draw. The real attractions are chef/owner John Harris’ splurge-worthy Alaskan king crab claws and potato gnocchi accented with sage and brown butter. The daily crudo special is always top-notch, as are heartier options like hangar steak with marrowrich bordelaise. Bookend the outdoor meal with an expertly crafted Boulevardier and a dish of house-made ice cream.

3637 Magazine St., 895-1636, Liletterestaurant.com

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT/CBD Bearcat CBD --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Like its sister Bearcat uptown, Bearcat CBD offers a menu of wholesome goodness for “Good Cat” (e.g., the savory Ranchero with vegan black beans, cashew crema, ranchero sauce, pico and avocado) and “Bad Cat” (country fried steak on Texas toast) cravings. There is more on offer downtown, however, including a contemporary rear patio fit for the pages of Dwell magazine. According to general manager Michael Matthews, Bearcat’s outdoor space has been a work in progress since the restaurant opened in December 2019. A newly planted herb garden feeds the kitchen and bar, and hand-fabricated wooden bench seating strikes a stylish note. Though both locations are best known for breakfast and lunch, the CBD spot has recently introduced dinner service with a separate menu, allowing diners to enjoy cocktails and bites (like the delicate chicken liver pâté) in the glow of the light-strung courtyard. 845 Carondelet St., 766-7399, Bearcat845.com Cochon Butcher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many offerings at Cochon Butcher, like the beloved muffuletta, are easily portable. Now diners can enjoy those tasty dishes in a “parklet” area of umbrella-shaded tables. According to manager Jacques Couvillon, “We have a lot of people that will order takeout, and once they get here, they will see the outdoor dining and just bring their food right outside.” Menu highlights include Le Pig Mac – two pork patties with special sauce and more on a sesame bun – and the Moroccan-spiced lamb with tzatziki and chili oil on flatbread as well as killer key lime pie. Take a little Butcher magic home with a package of house made andouille or boudin from the counter. 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-7675, Cochonbutcher.com Rye & Pie Pizza Bar -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Rye and Pie’s generous corner patio begs to be enjoyed on a fine spring day (or evening). Woodfired pizzas range from the simple margherita to muffuletta-style (with house-made olive salad).

Pies are on the smaller side, so parties might sample a few. Salads and sandwiches round out the menu, as does a large selection of beer and, as the restaurant’s name suggests, rye whiskey.

404 Andrew Higgins Dr., 533-0016, Ryenpie.com

38

APRIL 2021

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar Oyster lovers are rejoicing over this new Warehouse District oasis opened by the team behind the nearby Rusty Nail and Uptown favorite Cooter Brown’s. Sidecar boasts abundant outdoor space – both an outdoor patio and upstairs balcony – in which to enjoy a carefully chosen selection of bivalves and other seafood specialties. The menu also features classic bar fare like burgers and cheese fries, as well as cocktails like frozen Disco Lemonade, amped with vodka and sake. 1114 Constance St., 381-5079, Sidecarnola.com

LAKEVIEW/ WEST END

The Blue Crab The Blue Crab harks back to the glory days of West End, when places like Bruning’s, Fitzgerald’s and Swanson’s served up hearty portions of boiled and fried seafood. When he opened the Blue Crab in 2013, owner Nick Asprodites sought to recapture some of that magic with the classic fare that has long lured diners to Lakeshore Drive.

With ample outdoor seating upstairs and down, diners can enjoy boiled crawfish, shrimp and grits, fried seafood platters, chargrilled oysters and more against the backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain. “I don’t have a walk-in freezer,” Asprodites said.

“Everything comes in every day – the freshest Louisiana seafood I can possibly get.” Outdoor tables are in high demand for sunset views during happy hour, and weekends bring music on the downstairs patio (weather permitting). “When the weather is really good, everybody wants to be out there,” Asprodites said. “It’s a beautiful view.” 7900 Lakeshore Drive, 284-2898, Thebluecrabnola.com

40

APRIL 2021

Junior’s on Harrison --------------------------------------Junior’s has built the outdoors into its business model by offering outdoor seating on an upstairs balcony and downstairs patio. They also have a multi-function window for to-go meals, ice cream ordering or beverage delivery.

In either case, check out the honey citrus shrimp tacos or the prime burger in addition to the kitchen’s inspired daily specials. 789 Harrison Ave., 766-6902, Juniorsonharrison.com

Celtica French Bakery This patisserie from the former owner of La Boulangerie brings a tasty slice of France to Lakeview. In addition to limited indoor seating, the bakery offers a charming row of bright yellow tables on a petite patio alongside the building, allowing customers to take their coffee and pastry outside.

Temptations include eclairs, financiers, sweet and savory croissants and danish. For heartier appetites, customers can customize sandwiches on a range of Celtica’s house made breads. 218 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 354-8548

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

41

TREMÉ Li’l Dizzy’s Café ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fans of this Tremé soul food stalwart rejoiced with the January announcement from the Baquet family that Li’l Dizzy’s, which had announced its closing in November, would reopen under the leadership of next generation owners Wayne Baquet Jr. and his wife Arkesha Baquet. Known for its buffet meals of crispy fried chicken (among the city’s best), red beans and rice, gumbo and a host of daily specials, the restaurant has moved from buffet service to counter service. Diners can unpack the same delicious meals at one of the sidewalk tables lining both sides of the corner restaurant. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 766-8687, Lildizzyscafe.net The Flagpole ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Though mainly beverage focused, the Flagpole makes the list for its tiny triangle footprint that is mostly patio situated along a dreamy stretch of Esplanade Avenue. In a nod to the owners’ heritage, the menu shows touches of Cuban flair like the cortadito enriched with evaporated milk and rich guava pastelitos, served warm. Sno-balls cover standard New Orleans flavors as well as specialties like raw mango, café con leche and guava. Frequently scheduled live music adds to the festivity. 2032 Esplanade Ave., Facebook and Instagram @Theflagpolenola

FAUBOURG MARIGNY/ BYWATER The Elysian Bar --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Elysian Bar, located in the Marigny’s Hotel Peter and Paul, has made headlines for stunning design and culinary dazzle ever since its 2018 opening.

Under the leadership of chef Alex Harrell, the kitchen puts out seasonal dishes that are equally at home on a table indoors or in the restaurant’s picturesque courtyard. Small plate highlights include a simple giardiniera of pickled local vegetables and the whipped ricotta with preserved mushrooms, herbs and pickled shallots. For something more substantial, try the roasted and confit chicken or Gulf fish special. Pair it with a spritz cocktail for optimal spring refreshment. 2317 Burgundy St., 356-6769, Theelysianbar.com

42

APRIL 2021

Garden Fresh Kitchen in the Garden Kitchen in the Garden in the New Orleans Botanical Garden hosts local chefs and culinary experts for a variety of dinners and food-focused experiences. In April, Kitchen in the Garden will welcome Frank Brigtsen and guest chefs for “Frank and Friends,” continue its global culinary series with Addis NOLA’s Ethiopian fare, explore healthful eats with Ochsner EatFit NOLA and host “Hors d’oeuvres, Cocktails and Garden Tales” in partnership with Sazerac House. Chef Pat White will also return for Wednesday Evenings in the Garden, with mojitos and socially distanced eats. Neworleanscitypark.com/botanicalgarden/kitchen-in-thegarden

Paradigm Gardens

This urban farm in the heart of New Orleans is also an event space, with a rustic outdoor kitchen that services both private functions and public events.

These might include fundraising dinners hosted by chefs from local restaurants, open-air concerts or plant sales featuring food for purchase.

Check the website for information on upcoming events.

1131 S. Rampart St., 344-9474, Paradigmgardensnola.com

Saint-Germain ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The homey charm that characterizes Saint-Germain’s petite dining room now extends to its back patio.

While the prix fixe tasting menu is only available inside (by reservation), outdoor seating is first-come, first-served and features the tasty delights of the bar menu. That menu changes frequently but may include options like tempura fried fish with tarragon tartar or a fried chicken sandwich with rouille and slaw. The thoughtful selection of cocktails and wines by the glass completes the experience. 3054 St. Claude Ave., 218-8729, Saintgermainnola.com Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos -----------------------------------------------------------Rosalita’s had developed a devoted following over the last couple of years as a pop-up before moving into the former home of Shake Shugary in late 2020.

Its new backyard is indeed an excellent venue for tacos – plus empanadas, tamales, enchiladas and more. The colorful outdoor space is roomy and partially covered, with additional tables shaded by umbrellas. Owners Laurie Casebonne and Ian Schnoebelen formerly owned the highly regarded Bywater restaurant Mariza and apply the same attention to culinary detail at Rosalita’s. Tacos are uniformly excellent, with options like fried fish and crema, lengua with pickled onion and radish and al pastor (pork) with pineapple salsa, but the whole menu merits exploring. Don’t miss the homemade passion fruit juice and watermelon lemonade.

3304 St. Claude Ave., 354-2468. Rosalitas-nola.com Galaxie --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Galaxie has been serving up tacos in this slick former service station since late 2019, and its inviting outdoor space now makes a very good dining room.

Galaxie imports corn from Oaxaca, grinding it in house for hand-pressed tortillas. These provides a delicious base for fillings like barbacoa, al pastor (sliced from its traditional vertical rotisserie), grilled shrimp and gulf drum. A large selection of mezcal and specialty cocktails make appealing accompaniments to any meal. 3060 St. Claude Ave., 827-1443, Galaxietacos.com Bratz Y’all! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some cuisines seem quite at home outdoors, German food among them. In the finest biergarten tradition, Bratz Y’all has been serving up crispy schnitzel and juicy wursts to Bywater diners since 2017. Try the signature Bavarian Brat, an oversized house-baked pretzel with Bavarian caraway brie dip or the sliced doner kebab on house baked pita. Pair it with one of the many German brews bottled or on tap. 617 Piety St., 301-3222, Bratzyall.com

FRENCH QUARTER Sylvain ------------------------------------------------------------One of the most atmospheric settings in the French Quarter is the moody courtyard at Sylvain. Day or night, it makes a worthy backdrop for consistently excellent Southern fare.

“Sylvain’s socially distant heated patio, featuring the second-oldest wall in the French Quarter, allows us to continue to create an excellent 21st century Southern hospitality experience – outside,” said Robért LeBlanc. Dig into the famous Sylvain burger, a wedge of cast iron cornbread with cane syrup butter, a fried chicken sandwich with house hot sauce and dill pickles or splurge on champagne and fries for the table. 625 Chartres St., 265-8123, Sylvainnola.com Tujague’s --------------------------------------------------Tujague’s big news in 2020 was its big move – just a few blocks up Decatur Street from its former home. In the new spot, the 160-plus-year-old eatery offers a courtyard packing loads of French Quarter charm but not loads of tables, making it a lovely option for socially distanced dining. Menu options include the restaurant’s signature five-course table d’hôte or a la carte ordering. Whatever you choose, consider the boiled beef brisket with creole horseradish sauce or the shrimp rémoulade, and for dessert, the grasshopper panna cotta, a nod to Tujague’s famous Grasshopper cocktail.

429 Decatur St., 525-8676, Tujaguesrestaurant.com

Napoleon House Napoleon House is a classic Quarter spot for outdoor dining. Though it became part of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in 2015, the 200-year-old institution has maintained its relaxed, history-soaked ambience.

Pimm’s Cup cocktails and muffulettas, served warm, are house favorites, but the menu also features a variety of New Orleans standards from poor boys to jambalaya and red beans and rice. Take a seat at one of the courtyard’s shaded iron tables and prepare to linger. 500 Chartres St., 524-9752, Napoleonhouse.com

IRISH CHANNEL/ LOWER GARDEN DISTRICT The Bower This airy spot from the owners of Tujague’s and Claret Wine & Cocktail Bar features a sleek, tented turf patio in which to enjoy The Bower’s elevated continental cuisine. Happy-hour options include charcuterie plates and whipped feta. On the regular menu, dig into the beef tartare with house hot mustard and crisp gnocchi fritto and house made pastas like cannelloni with Louisiana crawfish. The Bower also features an extensive list of wines by the glass. 1320 Magazine St., 582-9738, Thebowernola.com

El Cucuy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------According to owner Austin Lane, El Cucuy specializes in “unapologetic Mexican street food, not dolled up.” Offerings include tacos stuffed with fillings like tender carne asada or puerco pibil, as well as a range of tortas (Mexican street sandwiches) and fried churros dusted in cinnamon sugar. A full bar serves up a range of cocktails including a house margarita with Lunazul blanco tequila. The large side patio is accented by a colorful mural that captures El Cucuy’s metal/Mexican folklore/funky Irish Channel vibe as well as a covered area for rainy days. Said partner Jennifer O’Blenis, “We wanted it to be like our backyard.” 3507 Tchoupitoulas St., 897-5395, Elcucuynola.com Nola Pizza Co. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Outdoor pizza is definitely a spring thing. Nola Pizza Co., located inside the taproom at the Nola Brewing Company, serves up New-York-style pies and heroes that can be enjoyed at one of many picnic tables in front of the brewery. Pizza dough is made with water specially treated to match the magical composition of New York City tap water and is naturally leavened and fermented. Pies come in red, white and square, and heroes include crispy eggplant with mozzarella and pizza sauce, as well as meatball, provolone, broccoli rabe and vodka sauce. The beverage choice is easy: one of the stellar beers on tap from Nola Brewing Co. 3001 Tchoupitoulas St., 272-0618, Nolapizzaco.com

HARAHAN/ METAIRIE/ KENNER

New Orleans East Faubourg Brewery In November 2020, owner Gayle Benson announced that the iconic Dixie brand would be renamed Faubourg Brewing Company, a transition now reflected at the brand's New Orleans East brewery and taproom. Opened in January 2020, the 85,000-square-foot brewery also boasts an expansive, beautifully appointed outdoor “brew park” with plenty of seating as well as disc golf and bocce courts. From Friday through Sunday, Fete au Fete StrEATery cooks up a range of beerfriendly dishes like chargrilled oysters, fried chicken biscuits and a brisket burger. It’s a great, family-friendly spot for brunch or early dinner on a mild spring day. 3501 Jourdan Rd., 8674000, Dixiebeer. com

Rivershack Tavern ----------------------------------------------------------------------------There is something to be said for a sunny afternoon spent looking over the levee at the tops of passing shipping vessels. That is the view from the tables alongside Rivershack Tavern, the iconic River Road bar, eatery and self-proclaimed “Home of the Tacky Ashtray.” While outdoor diners will miss the chance to sit atop one of Rivershack’s quirky barstools perched on costumed legs, they will gain a breezy perch for enjoying Shack-a-tizers like fried green tomatoes and buffalo shrimp, a half-pound burger or a garbage fry poor boy stuffed with roast beef, fries, cheese, mushrooms and more. There’s also an impressive selection of draft beers. For outdoor dining in the roadhouse tradition, Rivershack Tavern is one-of-a-kind. 3449 River Road, 834-4938, Rivershacktavern.com Oak Oven ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Since opening in 2014, Oak Oven has supplied its Harahan neighbors with well-executed Italian favorites, from wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas to tender veal (piccata, marsala and parmigiana). Its well-covered patio seating offers an ideal spot for lunch or dinner, year-round.

Don’t sleep on the daily specials (including an ever-changing array of fish and seafood dishes) or desserts like homemade tiramisu, cannoli and crème brusciata. 6625 Jefferson Hwy., 305-4039, Oakoven.com Gendusa’s Italian Eatery ----------------------------------------------------On a corner lot in picturesque Rivertown sits the newest iteration of Gendusa’s. After a fire destroyed his former location down the street, owner Troy Gendusa moved his Italian eatery to the site of a former bakery. The spacious new spot has allowed Gendusa to set up plenty of well-appointed outdoor seating, including several tables on the restaurant’s covered porch.

In this pleasant atmosphere just a stone’s throw from the levee, diners can fill up on hearty Italian fare including massive meatballs, pizzas, chicken parmesan, Italian subs and muffulettas.

A rotating selection of desserts might include a classic tiramisu, traditional Italian cookies or delectable cakes. 325 Williams Blvd., 305-5305, Gendusasitalian.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

45

BY RICH COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIANNA MASSEY 46

APRIL 2021

ARRIONA “TANK” BALL

NEW ORLEANS’ BUSIEST MUSICAL AMBASSADORS FIND FRUSTRATION, INSPIRATION DURING PANDEMIC YEAR

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

47

‘SELF CARE’ For these New Orleans road warriors, the year away from stages began as a time to rest.

“I wasn’t mad to be off the road because we’ve been touring for years,” said Ball, whose last concert before the shutdown was a show in Madison, Wisconsin with the Revivalists, the New Orleans-based roots rock band. She had followed up the Jam Cruise with a trip to the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles and then a series of shows in Japan. It was a hectic schedule, to say the least.

“We would come home for two days and then we’d be back out on the road again,” she said. “So, it was a lot, and the break was much needed.”

Andrews, who has been touring the world extensively for nearly two decades, also initially enjoyed the down time. The former child prodigy said he performs somewhere between 150 to 200 shows in a normal year.

“I’ve been on the road nonstop since I was about 18 years old up until they shut us

TROMBONE SHORTY

A

fter a lavish musical introduction by her backing band, Tarriona “Tank” Ball - lead singer of Tank and the Bangas - playf u l ly d anced onto the stage to perform her song “Spaceships” to a rocking crowd.

Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say the fans were mildly heaving, swaying, rolling, pitching and/or “yawing,” since they were perched on the deck of a giant cruise ship.

The date was Jan. 9, 2020. The setting was a performance on an ocean liner hosting the 18th edition of Jam Cruise, a floating musical festival that features fleet-fingered talent from all over the world - often with plenty of New Orleanians represented.

Her hair blowing in the sea breeze and her colorful sleeves flying like flags, Ball looked radiant and ready to embark on a year full of dynamic live performances around the world.

But, a few weeks later, the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the itinerary for her and virtually all of her peers.

For the past 12 months, because of safety restrictions, musicians haven’t been doing much crowd surfing. Instead, they’ve essentially been trapped on a desert island as they wait for conditions to improve and live music to be possible again.

The wave of pandemic-related concert cancellations affected thousands of New Orleans artists, but for high-profile performers like Ball, bounce rapper Big Freedia and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews - all prominent ambassadors of New Orleans music - it required a huge course correction.

“It was hugely disruptive,” said Freedia, who contracted and recovered from coronavirus last year after a press trip to New York City. “That’s my income. Also, I love being on the road and seeing my fans during the year. It was a huge adjustment for me to be home all the time.”

MATHIEU BITTON PHOTO

48

APRIL 2021

down,” he said. “I spent my whole adult life building my career on tour. And this is the longest that I’ve been in the city since I was in high school.”

Andrews began 2020 with a performance at the College Football Playoff National Championship in New Orleans. He then performed in Havana, Cuba (on a bill that also included Tank and the Bangas) and at the Grammy Awards.

Later in the year, he was scheduled to co-headline a tour with the Roots, the hip hop group that’s also the house band for “The Tonight Show” - but instead he’s been home living with his mom, playing piano with his one-year-old nephew and trying to keep his chops up.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Andrews said the chance to connect with his family has definitely been one of the silver linings of the whole experience.

“We haven’t been able to have that strong, everyday relationship besides talking on the phone or FaceTime when I’m on tour,” he said. “So, to actually be able to be in town and hang out with my family is beautiful. Before, I’d come in and spend Christmas Day at home and then we’d be out until after New Year’s. So, to be able to wake up the day after Christmas is something that hasn’t really happened for me in a very long time. I want to soak it all in right now and hopefully it will be an inspiration to continue to work hard and go out and put this music in the world.”

Andrews said the time he’s spent with his young nephew, in particular, has been a highlight.

“He just turned one and I get to play piano for him and hang out,” he said. “My mom bought him a little small piano and he has fat cheeks, so she calls him ‘Fats’ like Fats Domino.

And if I was on the road, I wouldn’t have that relationship. So, I’m very blessed.”

MAKING MUSIC … CAREFULLY

PIANO ROLLS

After recharging their creative batteries, Ball and her band kept busy during the pandemic by creating new music and videos.

The pandemic may have put a stop to most live music performances in New Orleans - and around the world - but it also opened the door for some innovative new variations on the theme.

A case in point is Piano on a Truck, the brainchild of a New Orleans-based piano collector, restorer and tuner named Jacques Ferland who bolted a 1948 Knabe piano to the bed of his 1997 Ford F150 pickup truck in

Working in various home studios, they recorded and released the EP “Friend Goals,” featuring contributions from Grammywinner PJ Morton, Nigerian-American rapper Chika and an eclectic list of collaborators. A highlight is the track “Self Care,” which puts a silly spin on pandemic-induced social isolation.

The recording process was complicated because everyone in the group had to work on their own or in small groups and then use technology to bring it all together.

“We collaborated with all these people on all these zoom sessions and mixed the tracks remotely,” said Ball. “It was peaceful because we built home studios and we had some fun. In a way, you just feel more free. You can take a break and not feel so horrible like you’re wasting precious time and dollars.”

Andrews, meanwhile, has one completely finished album ready to release and enough new material to create at least one more.

It all depends on when the label wants to release it - which, of course, depends on when he can play live shows to support it.

Although Andrews owns Buckjump Studio in the Lower Garden District, recording during the pandemic required extra planning.

“We have too many people to do it at the same time in the studio,” he said. “It wouldn’t be safe. We had to break them up in sections: rhythm section, horns and singers. I want to be able to get back and do something in our full capacity as a group, but the most important thing is everyone is healthy.”

Big Freedia, meanwhile, had planned to spend a portion of 2020 on a major North American tour with pop star Kesha but instead came back to New Orleans to get creative. A new single, “Platinum,” just hit the streets and an entire EP will be released in May. She also starred in a glitzy promo video for Facebook that also featured, of all the people, the International Kazoo Players Association.

Notably, Freedia also used this time to pivot toward a new creative endeavor: hosting a regular cooking show for a live audience on an outdoor set in City Park. The show is streamed to viewers worldwide.

“With the pandemic, my tour with Kesha was postponed and

March 2020 and partnered with New Orleans’ best piano players to provide COVID-safe outdoor entertainment.

Pianists who have performed on the back of his truck include Rickie Monie, Oscar Rossignoli, Joshua Paxton, Joe Krown, David Torkanowsky and Alex Pianovich.

Ferland estimates he’s produced 150 shows at locations ranging from the sidewalk in front of Maple Leaf

Bar to quiet French Quarter Streets to the Touro Hospital entrance. He’s averaging four or five events a week and believes it’s going to become a permanent fixture.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I get to go to all the best parties and I hear a lot of great piano music. And it’s a new business that didn’t really exist before. At least not that I was aware of. So it’s keeping me in flight and I get to meet

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

49

all my other shows for the year, so cooking was a natural pivot,” she said. “I have been cooking my whole life, so for me, inviting people into my home (virtually) to cook with me was a fun distraction that we all needed.”

‘GET THIS THING UNDER CONTROL’ Freedia, Andrews and Ball understand the importance of getting the pandemic under control - and, in the meantime, helping the music community through this tough spell. All are lending their celebrity to causes.

“I just did something with Zatarain’s promoting porch parties, where you get to eat food and have fun from your porch,” said Ball, citing one example. “I believe that New Orleans [2020] had such a spike in COVID because right after Mardi Gras, everybody came here from everywhere. And we love to kiss, we love to hug, we love to entertain. And two weeks later, the city started getting crazy.”

Andrews, meanwhile, filmed a PSA for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, which is raising money for a relief fund to support Louisiana musicians who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Music brings so much joy to people and brings unity,” he said.

“And some of these musicians used to work every night. Some of them weren’t able to go on tour as much as I have. And I wanted to let them know that we all care and we’re all in this together.”

Looking ahead, Andrews said he’s most worried that there’s no true timeline of when life will actually get back to what it once was, if it ever does.

“I don’t think there’s going to be one day where the government or whoever it is making those decisions will tell us, ‘Oh, OK, we’re open,’ and then we can go do some shows,” he said. “I think it’s gonna be a gradual opening. We have to do our part and make sure that we don’t go out on Bourbon Street or wherever and be reckless. But I think if everybody plays their part, and we get this

a whole bunch of people I never would have met otherwise.”

Ferland thinks part of the appeal is that the piano is a familiar and comforting sound - especially in New Orleans - but hearing it played outside is unusual.

“You might hear it coming out of a window or something as you’re walking by a house,” he said. “But to actually hear it right on the street is not that common. Playing in the French Quarter is really cool because the streets are so small that it makes it like a little echo chamber.”

Of course, the only reason people are hearing outdoor piano at all is because

50

APRIL 2021

thing under control, I’m hopeful that everything else will fall in line.”

Ball, who remained upbeat throughout 2020, said she’s recently started to worry more about the future.

“There were certain things that happened in 2020 for me that were just quite freakin spectacular,” she said. “It’s 2021 that’s got me like, ‘Wait, what’s about to happen?’ What is the future of the musicians? How are we going to survive? Does anybody care about us? Before, I was taking a break. Now, I’m questioning.”

She’ll undoubtedly feel more optimistic once she gets back on stage.

“I just want everybody to know the songs and dance and have a great time, people getting fed on both ends: the crowd and yourself,” said Ball. “I know artists are itching to get back on stage and interact with people because we really become so much more human when we get on stage. It’s such an experience, you know? And it would be a shame if people lived the rest of their life without that feeling.”

Andrews agrees.

“That part is really weird for me, because I’ve been playing in front of people since I was about four starting in the second line parades,” he said. “It’s always been a connection between what we put out there and seeing people react in all those street parades up until what my career has become. At the beginning, I was able to write and do a bunch of music, but now that it’s a year later, it’s hard because there’s no inspiration. I can’t perform in front of people so it’s just not that spiritual connection right now.”

Notably, he even yearns for the less glamorous facets of road life..

“I miss waking up at five in the morning,” he said. “Catching a flight, jumping on my bus, seeing some of my band members that don’t live here. And I really miss the crowd and that energy.

When I’m on tour I’m representing New Orleans and I just miss being able to introduce people to that music and bring that love.”

Freedia, perhaps, sums up her feelings about getting back onstage the most succinctly: “Oh my god, it’s going to be explosive,” she said. “Get ready!"

Freland was in the right place at the right time - if anything about COVID-19 can be described as the “right time.”

“Very few people could do what I do,” he said. “And having a grand piano in the back of a truck is not an easy thing to pull off. The fact that I restore pianos and I tune pianos on a regular basis makes it easier for me, but I also have a right pickup truck with an eight foot bed. And I just have the exact right setup for it.”

Freland also has a house in the Lower Ninth Ward that he uses to store the roughly 30 pianos he currently owns. He’s able to back his truck up to the front porch, move

the railing out of the way and roll the piano inside for safekeeping.

Not that there’s much he can do to protect his restored instrument from the city’s tropical climate and infamously bad roads.

“The humidity here obviously wreaks havoc,” said Freland. “Every time I hit a bump, it’s going to throw at least one of the strings off.

So I’ll spend up to half an hour tweaking the piano before a show so that it sounds just right. And even then, sometimes it goes out of tune very quickly while the player is playing.

“So, it’s a rare thing. And, you know, if I didn’t tune the pianos myself, it would not be a very good experience for anybody.”

"

BIG FREEDIA

IT WAS A HUGE ADJUSTMENT FOR ME TO BE HOME ALL THE TIME.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

51

BETTER WITH AGE

BY BETH D'ADDONO

W

here you live matters, at every stage of your life.

With some 71.6 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. between the ages of 57-75 years old, the notion of downsizing as a way to free yourself from the daily chores of homeownership and enjoy the next chapter of

your life holds great appeal.

As more Boomers retired in 2020 than in years past - 3.2 million people as opposed to an average of 2 million annually since 2011, according to an analysis by Pew Research Center, figuring out what’s next makes sense.

Like so many important decisions in life, it’s best not to wait until there’s a crisis to consider the options.

For active, engaged healthy older adults, searching for a retirement or senior community is a lot like searching for a home at any stage of life.

52

APRIL 2021

Location matters. Do you want to live in a certain climate, within walking distance of services? Are you a country or city person? Is it important to stay close to family, maybe even close to your current neighborhood? If you travel, how close is the airport? Do you want a place that will offer more services as you need them? These are just a few considerations.

Since it takes about two years to go through this search process, according to Whereyoulivematters.org, a consumer outreach initiative by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), doing some research in advance will ensure a good fit.

Private communities that promote aging in place and a full continuum of care, covering the range of independent living, assisted living, memory care as needed and skilled nursing, offer a one-stop shopping option that has appeal for many. Finances are a big consideration, since many of these communities start in the $3,500 a month range for a one bedroom, with meals, housekeeping, and utilities included.

The monthly fee isn’t all to consider – some CCRCs require an entrance

fee, which can be in the $300,000 range and up, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, an industry research group. Nearly two-thirds of the communities charge an entry fee, according to AARP. Once residents move in, they are charged a monthly maintenance or service fee. Other continuing-care communities operate on a rental model with no up-front fee. Rent for an independent living unit is often $3,000 to $6,000 a month Working with your financial advisor to figure out your personal budget and how much of your financial resources you can devote on a long-term basis is critical to making the decision for where you live next.

What kind of lifestyle do you want?

Once you square away the nuts and bolts of what you want and can afford, it’s time to see what’s out there.

For younger, independent seniors, an active over-55 community might be a fit. Geared to active, healthy, sometimes newly retired adults, this option offers condo living situated near recreation like golf courses, parks or marinas, with plenty of social opportunities. You’d own your own unit and pay homeowners association fees, which takes care of maintenance. Some communities also cater to residents who want to rent and not own. There isn’t a continuum of care offered here, so it might not be your last stop, a consideration if you don’t want to move again.

For those who are healthy now but want to plan for a time when they might need more help down the road, a CCRC - Continuing Care Retirement Community is a popular choice. These communities are one-stop, aging in place with senior living options that range from independent living to assisted living, where personal needs and nursing care is offered as needed, as well as memory support for people with dementia and skilled nursing and rehab services, all on one campus.

The idea is, you’re home at any stage of life, without the need to move again.

he and his late wife Kel had known for years as new neighbors. “People are so friendly and warm,” he said. “I already feel very much at home.”

For Bennett, like for every New Orleanian, the quality of dining and food is paramount. It was a huge selling point that chef Jacques Saleun was the Lambeth House’s executive chef. The French-born chef is well known for classic French cuisine at his Metairie Restaurant Chateau du Lac. He joined the Lambeth House in 2019. Donald Richardson, who came onboard as food and beverage director in September, brings a background in country club and hotel food and beverage management to the table.

Like many CCRCs, the average age of residents at Lambeth House hovers around 80, with three distinct level of care onsite, 118 pet friendly independent living apartments and 61 assisted living units that are also licensed for nursing care. A memory care unit offers private rooms and a range of service. One-bedroom units start at $3,500 a month which includes meals, housekeeping transportation, the wellness center, the art studio, meditation garden and interfaith chapel staffed by a full-time chaplain.

“We have a lot of active seniors who live with us,” said Lambeth COO Jere Hales, who added that wellness includes 99.7 percent of the residents and staff vaccinated for COVID-19. “More than ever, we see people making a conscious lifestyle choice when they move in with us. They want to have options like biking and playing golf in the park. They want to travel, turn the key and not have to worry about a thing while they’re gone.”

HOW TO CHOOSE THE SENIOR LIVING SETTING THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

A MOVE UPTOWN For Dorian Bennett, who at 67 is the youngest resident at Lambeth House in Uptown New Orleans, culture and community made all the difference. Bennett recently sold both his real estate brokerage business and his long-time Marigny home. For him, the idea of moving into a place where residents shared his values, interests and background mattered.

Since Bennett is still working - doing what he loves - matchmaking sellers and buyers with their dream properties – he wanted a place with all the amenities of home without the hassle of maintenance and upkeep.

“I wasn’t thinking of this as retirement, more as where my next home would be,” said Bennett, a widower with lifelong ties to New Orleans. At his daughter Delia’s suggestion, he started thinking about downsizing, getting out from under the commitment required to maintain an historic home. He was familiar with Lambeth House because his mother-in-law had been a resident there. But he did his due diligence.

“I looked at a few places including one across the lake, but the idea of having to travel so far to get to New Orleans didn’t appeal to me,” he said.

Bennett is thrilled with his decision. A world traveler and serious art collector, the idea of living in a place that felt like a luxury hotel had great appeal.

“I love the library, the artwork throughout, the restaurant and dining is exceptional.” A large fitness and wellness center and swimming pool add more appeal. Although he’s already made friends, there are also people

STRONG TIES TO LOCAL CULTURE Vista Shores was originally a country club overlooking Bayou St. John close to City Park. Nine years ago it reopened as an upscale private assisted living community with the same bayou views and park access. Courtney Bartholomew has been executive director of the facility for eight years.

“We are locally owned and operated and our culture is all about family and New Orleans traditions,” she said. Vista Shores welcomes residents of every race, sexual orientation and religion, a point of pride that reflects the city’s diverse gumbo of cultures and backgrounds, she added.

The place is homey and pet-friendly, with a large wraparound porch for visiting, a bistro and restaurant where meals and snacks are served from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a lounge where cocktails and live music are the norm. “There’s no set time to eat, we have three chefs cooking homestyle New Orleans Creole cooking. It’s just like going to a restaurant every day,” she said.

Activities are many, from a walking club that heads to City Park regularly, and excursions like a trip to see the Floats in the Oaks during Mardi Gras to music therapy, computer lab, library and book clubs and outings to local cultural events. Art and photographs reflecting New Orleans traditions and culture set a welcoming tone that brings the community’s setting into sharp focus.

Resident’s monthly fee includes utilities and cable TV, with each unit equipped with its own heat and AC. There’s a daily well-being check, light housekeeping provided and help with coordinating health and therapy appointments. A complimentary shuttle service makes it easy to run errands and keep off-site appointments.

For family members, perhaps the most comforting feature is that when their loved one needs more help, the eyes and ears of the staff are engaged and monitoring the situation. As the need arises, personal care MYNEWORLEANS.COM

53

is an option and 24-hour nursing is standard. An onsite physical therapy practice is another benefit, so when the need arises, PT appointments are in the Vista Shores neighborhood.

The CCRC is laid out with independent and assisted living apartments intermingled on the first and second level, with the third floor devoted to memory care and more skilled nursing services. For residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, there is a separate kitchen and dining room on that floor, along with a veranda that overlooks the bayou and a special memory care garden on the grounds.

“One of the key selling points is you can come in as independent as you would like to live,” said Bartholomew.

“Basically, you’re here with us and become our family.”

SHINY AND NEW IN HARAHAN Operating a lifecare community during a pandemic has its challenges, but that hasn’t slowed Quality Senior Living Management down a bit. The Floridabased senior housing developer opened The Blake at Colonial Club in Harahan in December 2020. One of eight residences in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida built and managed by the Pensacola company, the Blake at Colonial Club is an example of the company’s mindful expansion in secondary markets that lack luxury senior living options.

“We target a very independent person as a resident,” said Caroline Barry, VP of communications and sales for QSL Management. The Harahan property, on Jefferson Highway on the site of a former golf country club, is minutes from Elmwood shopping and offers 118 independent living apartments that are also licensed for assisted living. Another 48 units are designated for residents with memory impairment. Pricing starts at $4,100 a month for one-bedroom apartments including

54

APRIL 2021

meals, utilities and most services. A coffee bar and piano bar and lounge are charged separately, both popular hubs for socialization and visits with family and friends.

The restaurant style dining program is a big selling point, with chef David Stassi, a New Orleans native with a background that includes executive chef and management jobs with restaurants including Nola Caye, and Luke and Warbucks for BRG Hospitality.

“All of our communities are designed as welcoming spaces for multi-generational family visits,” said Barry.

“Because we take care of so many things for our residents, they can enjoy their family as their family – your daughter is no longer a caregiver, she’s your daughter again.” Two landscaped courtyards extend visits to outdoors.

For residents in assisted living and memory care, technology plays an important role. The Blake at Colonial Club employees Vigil Health Solutions, an innovative call systems and resident monitoring solutions for senior living. Seniors in assisted living have a pendant call system that is monitored the nursing staff 24/7. “It might be something as simple as being unable to reach something on a top closet shelf,” she said. “We strive to answer every call in three minutes,” she said, noting that the industry average is 17 minutes.

In the units in the secure memory care area, motion sensors and detectors placed strategically around the bed, bathroom and doors give the staff vital information as to how their patient is moving around and if they need any help.

Technology and safety protocol is important to all residents, said Barry. “They want to be sure our WiFi speed is adequate for their needs,” she said. “When COVID first started, we wanted to be sure our residents could be in touch with their families. I was surprised that at least half of them had iPhones and already

Resources Whether you are helping your older family member in their search or planning for the future for yourself, a good place to begin your online search is WhereYouLiveMatters. com, a website with a comprehensive overview of senior living options.

Check out the “Exploration Guide” that provides in-depth information on the services provided within each level of senior living. Several checklists are also available for download to use as you visit different communities.

Other helpful sites include Seniorly.com, which offers a line up for retirement communities by location with estimated costs for each. Seniorlifestyle.com breaks things down by lifestyle options with a list of resources including financial planning and a printable guide to senior housing.

Professional services such as Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide network of highly trained senior care advisors, can help you and your family navigate. Locally, Germaine Simon heads up the New Orleans office, offering in-depth assessment of needs, analysis, recommendations and assistance with the selection process.

Simon, formerly director of services for the city of New Orleans, opened his Assisted Living Locators office in 2019, and provides a range of service along with compassionate guidance for older adults and families in transition.

knew all about FaceTime.” For those in memory care, something called a Never Too Late system is available, a wall-mounted touch screen pre-programmed with family contact info so residents can easily see and speak to their loved ones virtually.

A comprehensive safety plan for hurricanes, with the emphasis on keeping all systems operating so residents don’t have to evacuate, is a strong selling point, noted Barry. “Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our residents, no matter what stage of their life they are in.”

AGING ON YOUR TERMS BY DESIGN “Think of it as going on a cruise,” said Lisa Cini, president / CEO of Mosaic Design Studio and author of books including “BOOM: The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that you can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive” and “The Future is Here: Senior Living Re-imagined.” She has more than 25 years of experience in design and senior housing. “If you stay in your cabin and never leave it, you won’t have a great time. Social connections and activity is what keeps people engaged and happy as they get older.

Cini designs CCRCs that are neighborhoods with a range of housing options and interiors that improve quality of life. “People want choices, from cottages to apartments to residential rooms,” she said. “Then there’s the hospitality component, with restaurants, a country club, outdoor activities like pools and bocci courts, a spa and wellness center, offices for people that work there. We dabble in everything.”

Cini follows what she calls the “LOVE” method of design.

“L” is for lighting. “Aging eyes need 70 percent more light than 24-year-old eyes,” she said. “But building codes are built for young eyes.” Both interior and exterior lighting is crucial, she said “Parking

lights might be brightly lit for safety, but that light can bleed into bedrooms and disturb sleep. That’s where room darkening shades come in, along with inside spaces lit with amber night lights – which allows you to orient but not wake up, like blue lights do.”

“O” is optimizing the space both for storage and safety, a byproduct of downsizing from a home to an apartment. Using vertical space for storage, installing a heat lamp in the shower to help maintain a healthy body temperature, a hygiene forward raised bidet toilet seat and a combo toilet paper holder grab bar are a few popular adaptations geared to making things safe and simple.

“V” is visual, which speaks to lighting but also making sure there is contrast between materials. “If you can’t see where the edge of carpet end and wall starts, that’s a safety hazard,” she said. Designing large pictures windows inviting in the view is key as older people start spending more time inside. That natural light helps with circadian rhythms and sounder sleep.

“E” equals ease. “How can you make your life easier?” she asked. “Technology, like a ring doorbell that allows you to see who is at the door, or using Alexa as a reminder to take meds, can make a big difference.”

Touring multiple facilities at different times of the day and having a meal, talking to residents, is all part of your research, she added. Use all your senses. See, touch, and smell. Notice maintenance of common areas and apartments, how the residents interact with each other and staff.

Chat with residents to get feedback.

“We are all aging and changing.

Get the information and data you need to make good decisions when you aren’t under pressure,” said Cini. “By really doing your homework in advance, you can literally and figuratively move yourself from a place of fear to freedom.”

Having “The Talk” About Assisted Living The dreaded talk. You’ve noticed your dear elder’s quality of life slipping.

Mom might forget to take her meds, Dad might be getting shakier on his feet. Often times it falls to the adult children to step in, help with shopping, doctor’s appointments, assure that your parent is in a safe environment.

Which is a stressor for sure, noted the American Psychological Association’s 2007 Stress in America survey. Although both sons and daughters step up to help, women in the “sandwich generation,” ages 35-54, are most impacted, as they try to do it all – hold down a full-time job while caring for their own growing family and seeing about their aging parents.

If both of your parents are around, they may be at different stages of their aging development. One might have memory issues, the other not, one may be more health compromised than the other. And if they are still in the family home, with all of the demands on time, money and stamina that entails, the situation can become untenable.

Downsizing to a manageable independent living or assisted living apartment in a welcoming community may be perceived by your parents as threat to their independence. In fact, it allows them to age in place, have the care and community they need as they need it, and as importantly, allow their adult children to regain their relationship as son or daughter, instead of being a direct caregiver.

But how do you broach the subject? Vista Shores, a locally owned assisted living and memory care community in Bayou St. John, offers these tips to help the conversation along.

Be sympathetic. Change is never easy at any age. Sensitivity is key.

Look at the situation from their perspective. Your loved ones have spent their entire lives building memories in their home. Letting go of those memories and the home they’ve built can be difficult.

Be inclusive. The last thing you want to do is act like it’s a done deal, with your elder not figured into the decision. Bring up senior living as an option. If your relative has a trusted friend who has made the decision happily, bring them into the conversation. It is important your loved one feels their voice is being heard.

Be honest. It is okay to tell your loved one you’re worried about them.

In fact, they probably will appreciate the honesty. Explain the potential hazards of living alone and how senior living communities can provide assistance if something were to happen. Your goal is to support their independent living as long as possible, just in a setting that is more manageable as they age.

Be prepared. Your loved is going to have a lot of questions. For instance, many seniors are afraid that assisted living facilities are dreary places with not much to do. BY touring multiples facilities, they will see for themselves the kind of comfort and social engagement offered by communities like Vista Shores.

Visit different communities. Finding the right assisted living facility is incredibly important. Tour a range of properties to get a sense of what’s out there, from lifestyle options to health-related services and care.

Consider things like amenities, dining, staff, and the location of each facility when choosing a community. Finally, ask about credentials and affiliations. The Senior Living Certification Commission is a good place to reference, since it’s the gold standard for credentialing certification for the Assisted Living industry and if the community you’re interested is on their list, that’s a good sign.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

55

TRAVEL

B Y CHE R É CO E N

EXPLORE

Batter Up

Atlanta baseball and more It’s April, which means Major League baseball swings into high gear this month. In a perfect year, that is. At press time the baseball gods seemed to smiling down upon the nation’s less-than-active baseball stadiums. Despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this year fans may be watching 162 games for the 2021 season.

But, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s to be prepared for the unpredictable.

One good bet remains the Atlanta Braves, housed in a new stadium in one of the hottest entertainment districts in Atlanta, The Battery. Best of all, the city’s only a moderate drive away.

Take a stroll through Truist Park and check out its amenities outside the action happening on the field. There’s the statue honoring former Braves player Hank Aaron in the Monument Garden on the lower level. Atlantabased artist Ross Rossin captures Aaron as he hits the record-breaking 715th home run.

The stadium also includes the Braves Hall of Fame, the 11 retired jerseys and other honors and awards bestowed upon the team over the years.

Venture out into the Battery for a host of dining options, from sports bars to white tablecloth restaurants.

Entertainment venues run the gamut as well, from the The Coca-Cola Roxy, LIVE! at the Battery to escape rooms and virtual golf. For a list of establishments, visit Batteryatl.com.

STAY

Not far from baseball action in Buckhead, the new boutique Kimpton Sylvan Hotel opened in February in a former 1950s office building. Sporting a mid-century design scheme, the hotel offers 217 guest rooms, pool, lobby with plenty of hip seating areas and three indoor and outdoor dining and drinking concepts, including a rooftop lounge and the garden-inspired Willow Bar. Sylvan comes from the Latin “silva,” meaning forest, echoing the arboreal flavor of Atlanta. Guests will enjoy themes of trees throughout the property.

EAT

Truist Park is officially an Atlanta address, but it lies just south of the town of Marietta, which sports museums, theaters, a historic square and the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. For a variety of dining options in a cool restored warehouse, visit the Marietta Square Market and take your pick from 18 food venues, from Asian and Cuban to barbecue and Southern. Dining is available on-site or take yours to go and enjoy a picnic on the square, then stroll through downtown and visit its quaint boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops.

For something totally unique, a trip to the Marietta landmark “Big Chicken” is in order. Owners back in 1956 opened a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at the corner of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road but took the design to a whole new level. The franchise features a 56-foot-tall chicken rising from the top, its beak opening and closing and its eyes rolling around in its head. It’s the place for fast food in Marietta, but don’t be surprised if folks there use it for imparting directions.

DO

Take in a Braves game at Truist Park, one of the newest stadiums in the Major Leagues. Any day is a great day for baseball, but special events happen throughout the year. For instance, Braves Alumni Sundays begin at 11:30 a.m. where former Braves players sign autographs for an hour, and kids can run the bases at every Sunday home game. Fireworks conclude every Friday night home game and certain games offers giveaways, like posters and baseball caps. Best of all, the Braves host the 2021 MLB All-Star Game on July 13! For information and to purchase tickets, visit Mlb.com/braves.

56

APRIL 2021

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

57

GROWING PAINS

BY E VE C R AWFO R D PEYTON

None of That Jazz

Mourning a second season without my favorite festival

I was sad to miss Carnival season this year, sadder than I originally expected.

I normally wouldn’t call myself the world’s biggest fan of the whole thing; I tend to feel like the stress of traffic and parking and muscling through crowds isn’t worth it for the payoff of pounds of beads and cups and stuffed animals that clutter my living room until I finally move them up to the attic around St. Patrick’s Day. But somehow, without Mardi Gras on the menu, I was deeply nostalgic – if not for the throws and the crowds at least for the bands and the traditions.

The ethos of Carnival if not every aspect

58

APRIL 2021

of it. And yes, the house floats did a lot to capture that, but still, I found myself longing for a sunny Saturday along the Avenue, drinking an Abita and talking to the friends I only ever see at “our” spot along the route every single year.

Going a second year without Jazz Fest to help mark the official start of summer, though, is hitting me even harder. Of course canceling it last year was the right call (and God bless WWOZ for its “Festing in Place” programming) and of course it’s still the right call now.

But even if I’m not a Carnival diehard, I’ve always loved Jazz Fest. While many of my childhood memories of Carnival involve injuries – plastic spear in the eye, knocking a baby tooth out while climbing on to someone’s shoulders,

bag of beads to the head, toes seersucker sundress and a floppy trod on by marching bands – hat, slathered in sunscreen and most of my Jazz Fest memories eating Crawfish Monica. involve music, food, friends, and Not only am I sad that this family – spending my brother’s is not in my immediate future, last birthday before his death at but also I am forced to reckon the Fairgrounds with him, eating with just how long this has been crawfish bread in the Gospel Tent going on and how uncertain while waiting out a rainstorm; I am of when we will ever get spiking my strawberry lemonade back to “normal.” with smuggled-in vodka with There are, to be sure, bigger college friends who drove down problems than no Carnival and with me from Missouri; dancing no Jazz Fest. But with all the days with my dad to blurring together since For more Eve, Pau l Si mon check out her blog the pandemic started, songs; huddled “Joie d’Eve” on where a Saturday feels no Tuesday mornings at with my favorite myneworleans.com different than a Tuesday, aunt and uncle losing these seasonal under a blue tarp we were using markers are disorienting me as a makeshift umbrella during even further. a sudden cloudburst that disapWill there be Jazz Fest in the peared as quickly as it came; fall, for real this time? Maybe. eating a mango freeze to try All I know for sure is that to cool down while 36 weeks whenever they open up those pregnant with my daughter. gates, I’ll be there. In my sundress.

While I fully supported last Getting my feet filthy. Eating a year’s postponement and ultimate Patton’s combo plate. And not cancelation of Jazz Fest, I also taking a single second of any of fully believed that this year, it for granted, ever again. come April, you’d find me in a

JANE SANDERS ILLUSTRATION

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

59

HOME ADVICE

BY L E E CUTR O NE

ABOUT THE DESIGNER Hattie Sparks Collins began her career in retail as owner of the eponymous Hattie Sparks boutiques, then worked as a retail consultant helping mid-size stores expand their brick and mortar operations. After renovating several properties and helping friends with their homes, she made the shift to decorating in 2020 and enjoys the hunt for unique pieces.

HATTIE SPARKS COLLINS Creating calming spaces

M

ost people want peace and comfort where they live. Yet the current pandemic and the emphasis on staying home have further emphasized the desire to put the “OM” in “HOME.” “Instead of spending money on travel, entertainment and eating out, everyone is focusing on their [living] spaces,” said decorator Hattie Sparks Collins.

When creating a calming space, Collins uses a multi-sensory approach

60

APRIL 2021

that includes soothing colors, sink-in seating, soft-touch textiles and ambient lighting. For clients who want a neutral palette, she is a fan of Benjamin Moore’s “Maritime White,” as well as pale taupes and grays. For clients who want color, she advises lightening a color with white or creating a softer, dustier shade by adding gray. Lilac, dusty rose or green, and light pink terracotta are current favorites.

Selecting furniture, says Collins, should be a hands-on proposition.

If buying a sofa or chair online, she recommends visiting a local store to

try it out, if possible, and choosing one of several 1 types of filling: down cushions, a poly/down mix Pair a vintage that holds its shape while still having a feather feel, leather chair or a down alternative. While there are many faux with a loose leathers, she steers clients to vintage brown leather weave throw and a 20-24” pieces that are already broken in, have the patina of inch drink table age and can be repaired if needed. She recommends that has room accessorizing with footstools, vintage throws and for a drink, a book and a quilts, which she sources from Etsy.com and from scented candle. local retailers such as Merchant House.

“I mix pieces from large retailers with special 2 standout pieces that complement the client’s home Add a low and have a story behind them,” said Collins, who footstool rather collects quilts by Gee’s Bend, a collective of African than a matching American women quiltmakers in Gee’s Bend, Alabama. ottoman.

Layering of other textiles such as rugs and window 3 treatments adds to the visual and tactile coziness of a room and buffers noise. Collins suggests laying Forego a table a vintage patterned rug over a larger jute or sisal lamp and choose a floor rug, recommends velvet Roman shades for quiet lamp with a environments with a touch of luxury, and notes dimmer and a that the more drapery are lined the better the noise soft white bulb. reduction.

Because eliminating clutter makes a space feel calmer, Collins advises investing in storage items that are both attractive and functional. Lidded baskets and trunks are useful for corralling blankets, toys and other items, as are flip-top benches, banquettes and window seats with drawers or hidden compartments. Collins’ final suggestions for truly Zen surroundings with restorative benefits: scented candles and a Sonos speaker that can be programmed for a single room or the entire house.

GREG MILES PHOTOS

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

61

TABLE TALK

BY JAY FO R MAN

GRILLED PORK SHOULDER

Thai Style

Family inspired cooking at Budsi’s

B

udsi’s Authentic Thai, a vibrant and buzzy newcomer in the Marigny, steps into two niches simultaneously. It is both unfamiliar (with a distinctively singular regional Thai menu) and rooted in the pleasures of home (i.e. the cooking that owner Budsaba Mason grew up with). Launched by the wife and husband team of Budsaba and Jared Mason, Budsi’s got its start as a pop-up in a series of bars before striking a major chord at Pal’s Lounge. Patrons there swiftly developed fierce cravings for the complex and fiery fare which made few concessions to Americanized tastes. “We immediately went from selling about 25 plates a night to over 100,” Jared recalled. “It just exploded.” At the end of its pop-up run they had multiple cooks, runners and even front of house staff. “We were essentially a miniature restaurant at that point,” he said.

Such pop-up roots are not unusual; several area bars have served as proving grounds for eventual brick-and-mortar establishments. Budsi’s cuisine does set it apart. Sliders and tacos are no-brainer bar foods. “Mushroom Larb”…Who knew? In any case, the bar owners doubtlessly backed it – it takes a lot of IPA to smother the flames of raw Thai chili. And while you will find crowd pleasers like “Pad Thai “on the menu, the heart of it flows from Budsaba’s native Isaan. “Issan is essentially country cooking,” Jared explained of the inland region in the northeastern part of Thailand. “It is characterized by really fresh flavors – like fresh squeezed lime juice, herbs and mint. It is poorer than Bangkok, so the food is generally simpler, but the flavors are incredibly complex.” Assertive ingredients like a thick fermented fish sauce (different from the thin and clear nuoc mam) play a prominent role and ingredients like

62

APRIL 2021

vegetables are not cooked all the way through to emphasize the freshness. This approach contrasts with the more familiar “Night Market” style of Bangkok cuisine, where everything is cooked hot and fast on a wok. “This is the food that Budsaba’s family would serve guests,” Jared said, which pretty much sums it up: Home cooking.

A case in point is the “Waterfall Pork.” Marinated pork shoulder is grilled then sliced thin and sauteed with fresh lime juice, mint, red onions and red peppers muddled with a mortar and pestle. A surprise ingredient - baked raw rice that is crushed and added during cooking - lends an unfamiliar texture and nut-like complexity. The result ricochets across the palate and compels one to eat one bite after another.

Another characteristically Issan dish of “Somtam Papaya Salad” (served in the Upcounty iteration) draws its complexity from aforementioned fermented fish sauce and brined crab. If your taste leads you to soup, try the “Tom Kha,” where fragrant slices of galangal with tofu and oyster mushroom are laved in coconut milk scented with lemongrass and Kafir lime leaves.

If you are thinking, “Enough of this, where are my Drunken Noodles?” don’t fret – you can find this here as well. Just don’t be surprised by its use of skinny strands. “This is how you get them in Thailand – you’d never find a place there that uses wide noodles,” Jared said. “That’s always struck me as what was strange about the American version.” Dumplings are made by hand as well – a rare thing given the labor involved.

Desserts are simple – juicy cubed mango accompanied by sticky rice – and the food travels well overall for takeout and delivery – a big plus in these troubled times. Budsi’s Authentic Thai, 1760 N. Rampart St., The Marigny, 381-4636, Budsisthai. com, D Tues-Sun, Closed Mon.

ABOUT THE CHEF Jared Mason met his wife Budsaba while living abroad in Thailand and their restaurant seeks to bring their shared love of the cuisine back to New Orleans. It would be hard to overstate the central role than food played in Budsi’s life – a visit here captures the joy she feels when cooking for others. With a regional emphasis on Thai cuisine as well as a close network of expat purveyors, Budsi’s Thai’s menu is singular in its authenticity and homage to Thailand.

JEFFERY JOHNSTON PHOTOS

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

63

NOSH B Y JY L B E N S O N

Best of the Fest Recreating a Jazz Fest classic at home

With Jazzfest postponed until October (when crawfish season will be in the rearview) I offer this recipe so you can make it at home for your Festing in Place (WWOZ 90.7-FM and wwoz.org, April 22-25 and April 29-May 2, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily) experience.

Years ago, I spent days tinkering with the recipe that is now a dead ringer for the version Panaroma Foods (in Marksville) usually sells at Jazzfest in the spring. Figuring this out made me feel as though I had cracked the nuclear code. If I want my daughter to come home and invite all her friends, I need only to mention this is on the menu.

Happy Festing in Place!

SCAN

FOR THE LIVE VIDEO OF THIS RECIPE OR VISIT MYNEWORLEANS.COM/NOSH

64

APRIL 2021

CHEESY STUFFED CRAWFISH BREAD

1 Loaves may be cooked halfway, cooled, wrapped in foil, and frozen. Bring to room temperature, unwrap, and complete cooking to serve.

2 To transport the loaves (perhaps for a “Festing in Place” picnic) wrap each hot, just-baked loaf tightly in foil to keep it intact and retain ambient heat.

3 Shrimp may be substituted for the pre-cooked, peeled crawfish. If doing so use 1 ½ pounds peeled, raw shrimp (chop if large) and allow them to cook with the aromatic vegetables until they are fully pink.

Drain off some liquid if the mixture seems runny before proceeding.

Makes 12 Servings 4

tablespoons unsalted butter

2

cups finely chopped onion

1

cup finely chopped green bell pepper

2

tablespoons minced garlic

1

pound boiled, peeled Louisiana crawfish tails with fat (can also be made with shrimp or fresh pork sausage, see notes below)

1/3 cup very thinly sliced scallions chopped

green onions 1

(48-ounce) package frozen bread dough, such as Bridgeford (3 loaves), defrosted

1

1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

1

1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Tony Chachere’s More Spice, Less Salt seasoning OR salt and pepper to taste Louisiana hot sauce to taste (about ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon) melted unsalted butter for brushing 1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers soften, and the garlic is fragrant, about 8 minutes. Add the crawfish, scallions, Tony’s seasoning (or salt and pepper) and hot sauce.

Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Cover and set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. 3. Roll each defrosted loaf of bread dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 20 x 5-inch rectangle. If you would prefer to have six smaller finished loaves instead of three large ones, cut each rectangle in half to form two pieces that are 10 x 5-inch rectangles.

4. Divide the crawfish mixture evenly along the centers of each piece of dough. The mixture should be moist, not runny. Drain off some liquid if necessary.

5. Divide the cheeses evenly atop the crawfish mixture taking care to keep it centered on the dough. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal, fully enclosing the filing. Cut 2-inch slits on top of the filled dough to vent.

Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter. Bake until golden brown and the cheeses are bubbling from the slits in the dough, about 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.

6. Cool 10 minutes—if you can keep grabbing hands at bay for that long. Slice and serve warm.

SAM HANNA PHOTO . KIT WOHL STUDIO

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

65

CHEERS

B Y E L IZ ABE TH P E AR C E

Voodoo Brew A smoky bourbon concoction

1 Kimberly Patton Bragg created Keeper of the Crossroads for a New Orleans themed cocktail competition in Las Vegas. The drink honors the voodoo deity, Papa Legba. “I know he usually drinks rum,” admitted Bragg “but I figure he likes to switch it up.” Maurin, a bitter liquor, has a label featuring a fiendish devil.

Peaty Scotch adds a smoky incense aroma. Before the pandemic, Bragg graced the bar at Justine in the French Quarter. During the shutdown, she studied for and became an Executive American Whiskey Steward. She is eager to share this new knowledge with her guests, but also notes “Guests teach me something every day.” Being away from her bar has made her appreciate its pleasures. “I miss making people laugh...making people’s day better...I miss the people.” Hopefully, she will be mixing Keeper of the Crossroads and many other drinks for all of us soon.

PODCAST

LISTEN TO ELIZABETH’S PODCAST “DRINK & LEARN;” VISIT ELIZABETH-PEARCE.COM

66

APRIL 2021

Be sure to freeze the coupe glass, don’t just chill it with ice water. This ensures the entire glass is evenly chilled.

2 No atomizer?

Use the small plastic spray bottle from a toiletries travel kit, available at most drugstores

3 You might recognize the image of Maurin. It was very popular in the Belle Epoch and appears on many posters of the time.

KEEPER OF THE CROSSROADS

2 oz. Old Forester (or a similar high proof Bourbon) 1 oz. Maurin 1/4 oz. Maraschino 2 dash Peychaud Bitters Spritz of Laphroaig whisky Luxardo cherry for garnish

1. Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.

2. Add the Old Forester, Maurin, Maraschino and Peychaud Bitters to a mixing glass with ice.

3. Stir for 10 to 15 seconds until chilled.

4. Remove the glass from the freezer and spritz with Laphroaig.

5. Strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with the cherry.

EUGENIA UHL PHOTO

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

67

DINING GUIDE The Dining Guide is comprised of restaurants recently reviewed and visited by New Orleans Magazine.

The list will change regularly to provide information on others that are also worth noting and acknowledging.

Please check restaurant websites for up-to-date hours and locations. If you feel that a restaurant has been misplaced, please email Editor Ashley McLellan at Ashley@MyNewOrleans.com. $ = AVERAGE ENTRÉE PRICE

AMERICAN

Acorn City Park, $ AcornNola.com Audubon Clubhouse Uptown, $$ AudubonInstitute.org

$ = $5-10

$$ = $11-15

Ye Olde College Inn Carrollton, $$$ CollegeInn1933.com Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill Multiple Locations, $$$ ZeaRestaurants.com

$$$ = $16-20

$$$$ = $21-25

BURGERS

Bayou Burger French Quarter, $$ 5SportsBarNewOrleans.com

$$$$$ = $25 & UP

The Delachaise Uptown, $$ TheDelaichaise.com ITALIAN

ASIAN FUSION/PAN ASIAN

Port of Call French Quarter, $$ PortOfCallNola.com

Arnaud’s Remoulade French Quarter, $$ Remoulade.com

Boulevard American Bistro Multiple Locations, $$$ BoulevardBistro.com

Blue Giant Lower Garden District, $$ BlueGiantNOLA.com

The Company Burger Uptown, $ TheCompanyBurger.com

Chartres House French Quarter, $$$ ChartresHouse.com

Caffe! Caffe!

Metairie, $ CaffeCaffe.com

Hoshun Restaurant Uptown, $$ HoshunRestaurant.com

FRENCH

Café NOMA City Park, $ CafeNoma.com

Little Tokyo Multiple Locations, $$ LittleTokyoNola.com

Domenica CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ DomenicaRestaurant.com

Camellia Grill Riverbend, $ 309-2679

Lotus Bistro Lakeview, $$ LotusBistroNOLA.com

District Donuts Sliders Brew Multiple Locations, $ DonutsAndSliders.com

Magasin Uptown, $ MagasinCafe.com

Five Happiness Mid-City, $$ FiveHappiness.com

MoPho Mid-City, $$$ MoPhoNola.com

Martin Wine Cellar Multiple Locations, $ MartinWineCellar.com

Rock-N-Sake Multiple Locations, $$$ RockNSake.com

New Orleans Social House CBD/Warehouse District, $$ NOSocialHouse.com

Union Ramen Bar Lower Garden District, $$ UnionRamen.com

Parkway Bakery and Tavern Mid-City, $ ParkwayPoorBoys.com

BAKERY/BREAKFAST

Restaurant August CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ RestaurantAugust.com

Breads on Oak Carrollton, $ BreadsOnOak.com.

Café du Monde Multiple Locations, $ CafeDuMonde.com

Rib Room French Quarter, $$$ RibRoomNewOrleans.com

CC’s Coffee House Multiple Locations, $ CCsCoffee.com

The Grill Room CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ GrillRoomNewOrleans.com

Gracious Bakery + Café Multiple Locations, $ GraciousBakery.com

The Pelican Club French Quarter, $$$$$ PelicanClub.com Upperline Uptown, $$$$ Upperline.com

68

APRIL 2021

Ruby Slipper Café Multiple Locations, $$ TheRubySlipperCafe.net

Broussard’s French Quarter, $$$$ Broussards.com Café Degas Faubourg St. John, $$ CafeDegas.com Coquette Uptown, $$$ CoquetteNola.com Justine French Quarter, $$$ JustineNola.com La Crêpe Nanou Uptown, $$$ LaCrepeNanou.com La Petite Grocery Uptown, $$$ LaPetiteGrocery.com Lilette Uptown, $$$$$ LiletteRestaurant.com GASTROPUB

Bouligny Tavern Uptown, $$ BoulignyTavern.com Cane & Table French Quarter, $$ CaneAndTableNola.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro French Quarter, $$$ OrleansGrapevine.com Patrick’s Bar Vin French Quarter, $$ PatricksBarVin.com Sylvain French Quarter, $$$ SylvainNOLA.com

Gianna Restaurant CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ GiannaRestaurant.com Irene’s Cuisine French Quarter, $$$$ IrenesNola.com Josephine Estelle CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ JosephineEstelle.com

BLUE GIANT

The Americanized Chinese food that so many of us grew up with gets a reboot at this Lower Garden District hotspot. Here you will find classics like “Mandarin Chicken” and “Crispy Beef” prepared with heirloom ingredients and homemade sauces, reinventing the tastes of our childhoods. Be sure to try the “Dry Chili Chicken,” which will set your taste buds aflame while you compulsively scoop another portion. Blue Giant’s food also travels well in takeout containers, making it a tasty option for those looking to eat at home. Blue Giant, 1300 Magazine St., Lower Garden District, 582-9060, Bluegiantnola.com.

Liuzza’s Mid-City, $$ Liuzzas.com Muriel’s Jackson Square French Quarter, $$$$ Muriels.com Napoleon House French Quarter, $ NapoleonHouse.com Pascal’s Manale Uptown, $$$$ PascalsManale.com Red Gravy Uptown, $$ RedGravy.com Restaurant R’evolution French Quarter, $$$$$ RevolutionNola.com Tommy’s Cuisine CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ TommysNewOrleans.com Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Multiple Locations, $$$ VicentsItalianCuisine.com

GW FINS

This French Quarter palace of seafood arguably offers the city’s most diverse assortment of finfish, with selections like barracuda and tripletail rotating through as they plate up the best of what their vendors offer. They work closely with purveyors and put an emphasis on sustainability; their “Tempura Fins Wings” is a case in point. For this dish, reefdestroying lionfish are transformed into a tasty appetizer in an effort to manage this invasive species. GW Fins, 808 Bienville St., French Quarter, 581-3467, Gwfins.com.

LOUISIANA FARE

Acme Oyster House Multiple Locations, $$ AcmeOyster.com Antoine’s French Quarter, $$$$$ Antoines.com Arnaud’s French Quarter, $$$$$ ArnaudsRestaurant.com Austin’s Metairie, $$$ AustinsNo.com Boucherie Carrollton, $$ Boucherie-Nola.com Brennan’s French Quarter, $$$$ BrennansNewOrleans.com Brigtsen’s Riverbend, $$$$$ Brigtsens.com Café Reconcile Central City, $$ CafeReconcile.org Casamento’s Uptown, $$ CasamentosRestaurant.com Clancy’s Uptown, $$$ ClancysNewOrleans.com Cochon CBD/Warehouse District, $$ CochonRestaurant.com Copeland’s Multiple Locations, $$ CopelandsofNewOrleans. com Commander’s Palace Garden District, $$$$ CommandersPalace.com Court of Two Sisters French Quarter, $$$$$ CourtOfTwoSisters.com Crabby Jack’s Metairie, $ CrabbyJacksNola.com Criollo French Quarter, $$$ CriolloNola.com Dooky Chase Restaurant Treme, $$ DookyChaseRestaurant.com Drago’s Multiple Locations, $$$$ DragosRestaurant.com

Emeril’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ EmerilsRestaurants.com Galatoire’s French Quarter, $$$$$ Galatoires.com Gautreau’s Uptown, $$$$$ GautreausRestaurant.com Herbsaint CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ Herbsaint.com House of Blues French Quarter, $$ HouseOfBlues.com/ NewOrleans Jack Rose Garden District, $$$$ JackRoseRestaurant.com Katie’s Restaurant and Bar Mid-City, $$ KatiesInMidCity.com Mandina’s Mid-City, $$ MandinasRestaurant.com Mother’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$ MothersRestaurant.net Mulate’s CBD/Warehouse District, $$ Mulates.com NOLA French Quarter, $$$$$ EmerilsRestaurants.com/ Nola-Restaurant Palace Café CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ PalaceCafe.com Ralph’s On The Park Mid-City, $$$ RalphsOnThePark.com Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant French Quarter, $$$ RichardFiskes.com Royal House French Quarter, $$$ RoyalHouseRestaurant.com St. Roch Market Upper 9th Ward, $$ StRochMarket.com SoBou French Quarter, $$ SoBouNola.com

Tableau French Quarter, $$$ TableauFrenchQuarter.com

Le Bayou French Quarter, $$$ LeBayouRestaurant.com

Mr. John’s Steakhouse Uptown, $$$ MrJohnsSteakhouse.com

The Bistreaux French Quarter, $$ MaisonDupuy.com/dining

Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant Metairie, $$ AustinsNo.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Multiple Locations, $$$$$ RuthsChris.com

The Bombay Club French Quarter, $$$$ TheBombayClub.com Toups’ Meatery Mid-City, $$$ ToupsMeatery.com Tujague’s French Quarter, $$$$$ TujaguesRestaurant.com PIZZA

Pizza Delicious Bywater, $ PizzaDelicious.com Reginelli’s Pizzeria Multiple Locations, $$ Reginellis.com Theo’s Pizza Multiple Locations, $$ TheosPizza.com Pizza Domenica Multiple Locations, $$ PizzaDomenica.com SEAFOOD

Borgne CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ BorgneRestaurant.com Briquette CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ Briquette-Nola.com Deanie’s Seafood Multiple Locations,$$$ Deanies.com Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House French Quarter, $$$$ BourbonHouse.com Don’s Seafood Metairie, $$$ DonsSeafoodOnline.com Grand Isle Restaurant CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ GrandIsleRestaurant.com GW Fins French Quarter, $$$$$ GWFins.com Kingfish French Quarter, $$$ KingfishNewOrleans.com

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House Multiple Locations, $$$ MrEdsRestaurants.com/ oyster-bar New Orleans Creole Cookery French Quarter, $$$ NewOrleansCreoleCookery. com Oceana Grill French Quarter, $$ OceanaGrill.com Pêche CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ PecheRestaurant.com.

Pier 424 French Quarter, $$$ Pier424SeafoodMarket.com Red Fish Grill French Quarter, $$$ RedFishGrill.com Sac-A-Lait CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ Sac-A-LaitRestaurant.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s CBD/WarehouseDistrict, $$$$$ HarrahsNewOrleans.com WORLD

1000 Figs Faubourg St. John, $$ 1000Figs.com Barracuda, Uptown, $ EatBarracuda.com Bayona French Quarter, $$$$$ Bayona.com Bywater Brew Pub Bywater, $$$ BywaterBrewPub.com Compére Lapin CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$$ CompereLapin.com El Gato Negro Multiple Locations, $$ ElGatoNegroNola.com

SPECIALTY FOODS

Lucy’s CBD/Warehouse District, $ LucysRetiredSurfers.com

Antoine’s Annex French Quarter, $$$ Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex

Lüke CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ LukeNewOrleans.com

STEAKHOUSE

Mona’s Café Mid-City, $ MonasCafeAndDeli.com

Crescent City Steaks Mid-City, $$$$ CrescentCitySteaks.com Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse French Quarter, $$$$ DickieBrennansSteakhouse. com Doris Metropolitan French Quarter, $$$$ DorisMetropolitan.com Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak French Quarter, $$$ Galatoires33BarAndSteak. com La Boca CBD/Warehouse District, $$$ LaBocaSteaks.com

Patois Uptown,$$$ PatoisNola.com Saba Uptown, $$$ EatWithSaba.com Saffron NOLA, Uptown, $$$$$ SaffronNOLA.com Seaworthy CBD/Warehouse District, $$$$ SeaworthyNola.com Shaya Uptown, $$$ ShayaRestaurant.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

69

SPONSORED

Portofino Island Resort

Spring Happenings

S

pring is officially here, and compared to this time last year, there’s much more to do in and around New Orleans. From booking unique travel escapes like a beach weekend or luxurious resort getaway to dining out with loved ones, there are ways to soak up the good vibes and great weather that come with the season. Mix in a little fun with some charity, too—donating blood helps save lives and could lead to more antibody treatments for people with COVID-19. For fun, hit the links at a nearby golf course, set your kayak in glistening bay waters, or enjoy a glass of wine with a sunset and cool breeze.

Perhaps a mimosa-filled brunch is in order to celebrate birthdays, graduations, or even vaccinations. Spring is happening—make the most of it here in 2021.

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS & RESOURCES Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa Named one of America’s top historic hotels, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama, has been welcoming guests since 1847. Expect plenty of family activities, two beautifully renovated RTJ golf courses, and luxury accommodations perfect for couples, friends, or the entire family. With multiple glistening pools, a renewed 20,000 square foot spa, sandy beaches with available cabanas, and spectacular sunsets, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa offers countless incredible ways to spend relaxing days with loved ones.

70

APRIL 2021

Visiting golfers, see why the USGA selected the Grand for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in September. The B.Y.O.C. “Bring Your Own Clubs” Golf Package includes a deluxe room, two rounds of golf daily (one round for two people or two rounds for one person), and golf cart rental. For more details and Grand packages, visit grand1847.com.

Premier Island Management Group This spring, upgrade your remote working and learning environment with a getaway to Pensacola Beach, Florida, and the properties of Premier Island Management Group. Situated just a few hours outside of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Island National Seashore, this collection of vacation rentals includes beach homes, condos, and the acclaimed skyhomes of the Portofino Island Resort.

Northwest Florida’s premier beach vacation experience, Portofino Island offers families the perfect location to work, learn and play. Step away from your laptop and enjoy a kayak or paddleboard adventure in the sound. At recess surf the emerald green waters, or take a parasail ride. Whether you choose to leave your work behind or bring it with you, there’s a Premier Island property that will be the perfect home away from home for you and your family.

More than just another getaway, this will be the one your family remembers for a lifetime. Discover yours at PremierIsland.com or call 866-935-7741.

SPONSORED

& Grits, Bananas Foster Waffles, Chicken & Waffles, and the Brunchin’ Burger. Eye openers like bourbon milk punch and Briquette Bloody Marys add to the Sunday flavor. For more info, call the restaurant or follow it on Facebook.

Briquette is currently open for dinner Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. until close, and for brunch on Sundays, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Briquette is located at 701 S. Peters Street in the Warehouse District. Book your table today by calling the restaurant at 504-302-7496 or via OpenTable.

Clandestine Events & Experiences

Holiday Isle Properties Destin, Florida, offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in addition to exciting nightlife, abundant opportunities for family fun, and much more. Nobody knows this area as well as Holiday Isle Properties, whose exceptional rentals offer access to the softest, white sands, sparkling emerald waters, and breathtaking sunsets.

Located conveniently for vacationers along the Gulf Coast, the peninsula of Holiday Isle is prized property in the Destin area.

Bordered by Destin Harbor on the north shore and the Gulf of Mexico on the south shore, Holiday Isle is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, beach bums, and nature lovers. Holiday Isle Properties offers a distinct array of vacation homes, condominiums, and townhomes along these prized shores. From one-bedroom condos to five-bedroom beach homes and well properties to accommodate your boating needs, you’ll find the perfect memory-making locale with Holiday Isle Properties.

Holiday Isle Properties takes pride in its impeccable customer service, small-business atmosphere, and ability to offer the best prices around. To book your stay, visit holidayisle.net or call 800-837-5102.

Clandestine Events + Experiences Details matter—Clandestine’s Experience Planning Team takes care of all your travel and concierge details, even those that are unique and unexpected. As a boutique destination management business, Clandestine’s services cover local New Orleans hosted experiences as well as those outside of Louisiana with deep-rooted contacts across the US and far beyond.

The company specializes in private milestone celebrations such as destination weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions.

Examples have included family reunions in the Dominican Republic as well as Discovery Bay, Jamaica, a destination wedding weekend in Wine Country, a milestone birthday Mardi Gras celebration, and VIP experiences at the Indy500 and Kentucky Derby.

If you have an upcoming celebration and want it to be the experience of a lifetime, call Clandestine today at 504-766-3033 or visit clandestine-events.com.

New Orleans Creole Cookery Celebrate the arrival of spring this year with a return to New Orleans’ favorite traditions: weekend brunch and daily happy hour. Join friends and family in the heart of the French Quarter at New Orleans Creole Cookery, where you can enjoy the beautiful weather from its charming courtyard or settle into its traditional dining room.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant’s new weekend brunch features bottomless mimosas and rosé along with new brunch items.

Highlights include excellent Bloody Mary selections, shrimp and grits, crispy chicken and waffles, and signature Gator Hash.

New Orleans Creole Cookery is everything you love about New Orleans in a setting to fit every occasion. Famous for its authentic Creole fare and the time-honored classics such as Gumbo, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee, and Snapper Pontchartrain, the restaurant is also perfect for a quick snack or a leisurely weekend feast.

Learn more at NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. Call 504-524-9632 for reservations.

BLOOD DONATION & ANTIBODY TESTING The Blood Center For a limited time, The Blood Center is screening all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. This free service informs the donor if they carry the COVID-19 antibody, which has been used via plasma transfusions to help critically ill patients battling the coronavirus.

Scheduled donations are required to practice social distancing and insure a safe, stable blood supply. Results post three to five days after a completed blood donation. Following donation, donors need to visit TheBloodCenter.org and log into My Account for their results. Donors testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be eligible to donate COVID Convalescent Plasma (CCP).

“We’ve seen promising results from patients who’ve received CCP, but there’s only a few recovered patients eligible to give at this time,” says Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director for The Blood Center. “The scarcity of donors with the COVID antibody make this test extremely beneficial to patient care.”

Testing also provides statistics to the Louisiana Department of Health about what percentage of the population was exposed to COVID-19. To schedule your blood donation and help save lives, visit TheBloodCenter.org or call 1-800-86-BLOOD. •

New Orleans Creole Cookery

DINING OUT Briquette Welcome the spring season—and now Sunday brunch—with delicious food and wine shared together at Briquette, the celebrated seafood destination from restaurateur Anna Tusa, Owner of New Orleans Creole Cookery. With Briquette, Tusa puts seafood and contemporary coastal cuisine at the center of the dining experience. Briquette is also known locally for its enthusiasm for high quality, often hard-tofind wines and spirits and recently won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its discerning, expansive wine list.

Bubbly Briquette Brunch started in March and features bottomless mimosas and rosé along with specialties like Crawfish Hash, Shrimp MYNEWORLEANS.COM

71

SPONSORED

Cecelia Buras, Berkshire Hathaway

Real Estate Opportunities

O

f late, low interest rates and a year of cabin fever have inspired people across New Orleans and the Gulf South to upgrade their homes. Whether that means moving into a larger space, simplifying for retirement, buying a vacation home, exploring countryside properties, or renovating your current home, agents and banks are well positioned to help fulfill your upgrade dreams. Perhaps a rental is a better fit for you or your business—properties across the city are offering top-notch amenities to make life more convenient while you shed the responsibilities of being a property owner. Put real estate on your radar this month, and explore the variety of resources available to you for relocating or for improving your space. Quality agents, builders, home experts, communities, and lenders may be able to help see your vision through and enter a new chapter of life with a property or upgrade better suited to your current needs.

AGENTS, REALTORS & BROKERAGES Cecelia S. Buras, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Preferred Realtors Picture the following beautiful home for both relaxing and entertaining. First, walk into a large foyer with custom-made, impressive steel doors with insulated window panels that can swing open on those beautiful, breezy spring days. Enter into the large gourmet kitchen with its six-burner gas stove and extra-large pantry with butcher’s shelf and cabinets.

Downstairs, explore the master bedroom and separate bedroom.

Upstairs, in addition to two bedrooms with balconies, is a stocked game room complete with pool table, foosball table, and card table. Additionally, an exercise room and large open space is available for your own customization. As if this weren’t enough, the outdoors offers a large oasis with a pool, water fall, natural-gas fire pit, and seating area, along with an outdoor kitchen, patios, and surround sound.

For more information or a showing of this $1.56M property, call an agent who loves what she does, Cecelia S. Buras. Cecelia loves working with all types of buyers—first time, move up, relocation, and senior downsizing—and lists all types of residential properties. For more information, feel free to call or text at 504-583-2902 or call 504-799-1702.

72

APRIL 2021

Freret Realty When buying or selling a home, you want to feel comfortable at every turn. What can be an intimidating process need not be—a friendly, knowledgeable agent can make the experience smooth, efficient, and fun. Since 2019, Freret Realty has been a growing go-to source for finding a local agent that can help with your real estate needs, whether luxury property, flips, first time buyers, or property management.

The brokerage’s experienced agents live all across Greater New Orleans, ensuring an expert can help no matter where you’re looking for property, from the entire city of New Orleans to its surrounding parishes, including the North Shore.

“Some brokerages are stuffy and unapproachable,” says Kiley Martin, Partner/Broker. “That’s not us—our clients love our attitude and know-how and feel comfortable all through the buying/selling process,” he says.

Find a Realtor® you can trust and browse listings online at freretrealty.com or call 504-252-1366 for more information.

Glennda Bach, Latter & Blum REALTOR® With a real passion for connecting individuals and families with their future homes, Glennda Bach often hears phrases like, “We can see your love for this property,” when showing her curated list of wellresearched, potential properties to clients.

“I am driven by my passion and for what I can do for my clients,” says Glennda, who takes a thorough approach to her work on behalf of clients. In the top one percent of realtors in New Orleans, Glennda sold a record $18.4M in February of 2020, eventually totaling over $44M for the year. As a Diamond Award Winner and Top Producer, she enjoys working with people from all walks of life, from NBA and NFL players to professionals and community members of all kinds.

“Once I meet someone for the first time, I’m usually pretty good at knowing exactly what they are looking for, and I truly believe in fate,” she says.

For more information and to begin your next New Orleans home search, call Glennda at 504-583-2792. To view Latter & Blum listings, visit latter-blum.com.

Penny Stettinius, Latter & Blum The lure of Mississippi’s quiet countryside and quaint beach towns calls to many New Orleanians looking for weekend getaways or a change of pace. Meanwhile, the lure of New Orleans’ vibrant neighborhoods and unique cultural experiences inspires moves to new homes and different areas of the city. No matter your lifestyle, no matter your needs, Penny Stettinius is a Realtor you can trust. Licensed in both Louisiana and Mississippi, Penny has years of experience helping families and individuals find what works for them, whether their first or second home in the city or a large country property or waterfront home for retirement.

Penny is also an experienced seller, and working with the South’s largest real estate firm allows her the benefits of the latest technologies—her listings are immediately shared with hundreds of websites and thousands of Realtors across the globe.

To begin your new home search or discuss selling your current property, call Penny at 601-273-6565 or visit pennystettinius.latter-blum.com.

COMMUNITIES & DEVELOPMENTS Big Bay Lake Big Bay Lake is a one-of-a-kind planned community on one of Mississippi’s largest private recreational lakes. Located just outside of Hattiesburg, and only 90 minutes from New Orleans, Big Bay Lake blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Waterfront homesites are available for building custom homes and retreats starting at $70,000 and several resale homes are usually available for immediate purchase. Both the homes and homesites 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 Lake. 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

SPONSORED the lure of the water. Come enjoy sun-kissed, fun-filled days at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life…“Big!” Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY or visit bigbaylake.com.

1st Lake Commercial Properties, Inc. 1st Lake Commercial Properties, Inc. is your source for commercial property for lease in Greater New Orleans, offering a variety of commercial real estate rental options, including office space, retail rental space, warehouse space for lease, and self-storage units in Metairie and Kenner, Louisiana. The company’s extensive portfolio of commercial property in Kenner and Metairie includes office rental spaces designed to fit every need. 1st Lake also offers custom office space design consulting services. Its Metairie and Kenner office buildings offer an array of office sizes, from one-room office suites to 6,500 square feet.

All 1st Lake Commercial Properties offer on-site maintenance, ensuring your needs can be taken care of with immediate, professional support. All properties offer free and abundant parking for your employees and clients. Utilities and janitorial services are included with every commercial property for lease in Metairie and Kenner.

These convenient locations will cut down travel time to Downtown New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or wherever your business takes you.

For more information, visit 1stlake.com/commercial-properties or call 504-455-8644.

Lumina Apartments Set in vibrant and stylish Mid-City and just steps away from the Lafitte Greenway, Lumina Apartments offers luxurious and spacious living spaces with sleek, modern amenities. Both one- and two-bedroom floor plans feature high ceilings and contemporary finishes, with designer touches including vinyl plank floors, spacious walk-in closets, pendant lighting and granite countertops.

Got a roommate? The Lumina offers the space you need—huge bedrooms with walk-in closets and double-hung shelves and chefinspired kitchen with a custom designed table make Lumina your best choice for sharing costs without sacrificing space or style. Spread out even more by grabbing your laptop and heading to the posh clubroom, or work in the lounge with free Starbucks coffee. A resort-inspired pool and onsite 24-hour gym add to the luxury apartment allure.

With popular restaurants and shops just a short walk away, Lumina is nestled in the heart of a thriving and active community. For more information and to set up an in-person or virtual tour, visit LuminaMidCity.com or call 504-608-5778. The Lumina is currently offering one month free with a 13-month lease.

The Delaneaux Apartments All the luxury and amenities of Mid-City’s Lumina are now available in the Lower Garden District with The Delaneaux Apartments. This modern living community is designed to cater to your busy schedule and to ensure comfort, convenience and relaxation when you return home.

Chef-inspired kitchens feature sleek, stainless steel appliances and custom island dining tables, and each floor plan is accented with contemporary finishes that set these spaces above all the rest.

Amenities unique to The Delaneaux include a movie theater, a grand two-story clubroom and a resort-inspired pool, allowing residents to savor the rich history of their neighborhood whether inside their apartments or spending time with neighbors in communal spaces.

The elegance of these spaces combines the beauty, distinction, and originality that make New Orleans an exceptional place to live with modern comforts and exquisite touches that create an unrivaled residential experience. For more information or to sign up for the VIP waiting list, call 504-841-9900 or email delaneauxmgr@greystar.com today. The Delaneaux is currently offering one month free with a 13-month lease.

HOME RESOURCES Southern Refinishing Are you considering replacing your worn or stained old bathtub?

Restoring/refinishing is likely a better option. With traditional

replacement, the biggest issues often arise in removing the old tub. Parts of the bathroom tile, walls and floor must be torn away, and the location of the old plumbing is often incompatible with the new.

The cost of the new tub, new floor and wall materials, tiles, lumber, and labor can run into thousands of dollars and mean dirt, noise, and the hassle of days or weeks of work.

With the refinishing/restoration process from Southern Refinishing, your worn out fixtures and tile can be restored to their original luster—or even a new color—in less than a day, sparing you from the downtime and hassle of replacement. The process can save you up to 80 percent of the cost of replacement and give you the bathroom of your dreams.

A local, trusted company, Southern Refinishing has the equipment and expertise to work with any fixture. Get a customized quote today by calling 504-348-1770. Visit SouthernRefinishing.com for a gallery of projects and additional information.

Nordic Kitchens & Baths For nearly a quarter of a century, Nordic Kitchens & Baths has been a trusted, go-to source for New Orleans area homeowners and builders for highest quality products in kitchen and bath design. Originally founded in 1986 by a Norwegian master cabinetmaker and his stepson, the current owner, Nordic was one of the first manufacturers of European cabinetry in the city of New Orleans. Now in its 26th year, the company has evolved to focus on the overall design and furnishing of products for upscale kitchens and baths.

Nordic expanded its luxury products beyond cabinetry to also include appliances, plumbing fixtures, and more. The company thrives thanks to satisfied, repeat customers who seek the company’s expertise and quality-driven approach time and again. From cuttingedge cabinet finishes and countertop surfaces, to top of the line indoor and outdoor kitchen appliances and grills, Nordic Kitchens and Baths reliably supplies the latest offerings by industry leading brands.

Visit Nordic Kitchens and Baths at 1818 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie or online at NordicKitchens.com.

Titan Construction Titan Construction has been specializing in custom residential construction and renovations in Greater New Orleans for over 25 years.

In addition to its core staff of professionals, Titan Construction employs highly skilled and experienced subcontractors who provide superior quality work and enable Titan to offer reasonable, affordable pricing.

“We take building very seriously at Titan Construction. One of the most important things is understanding the clients’ expectations and then meeting those expectations throughout construction,” says Owner Stephen Fleishmann. The Titan team understands that a home is likely the largest investment someone will make in their lifetime. “‘Custom build’ isn’t just a catch phrase for us. It’s a promise that your home will be built with your needs and vision in mind—it will be the home you have always imagined and more,” says Fleishmann.

For more information, please call 504-454-5411or 504-913-3030, or visit titanconstruction.com. Follow current projects and view photos by following @titanconstructionnola on Instagram.

MORTGAGES & HOME LOANS Home Bank For over 112 years, families have trusted Home Bank with one of life’s biggest purchases. With a full line of mortgage and home loan options, Home Bank can help with your home needs, whether you’re a firsttime buyer, future home builder, or fixer-upper looking to renovate.

Plus, with options like Home Bank’s one-time close construction loan, homeowners can stay focused on getting into “home sweet home” and not on stacks of paperwork.

Stop by any Home Bank location and meet their experienced bankers or start a loan application or pre-approval online. Loan approval is subject to Home Bank credit and other criteria. Home Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #483958.

Call Home Bank at 504-378-3190 or visit them online at Home24Bank.com. •

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

73

SPONSORED

Retirement Planning & Senior Care

F

or many people, the circumstances of the last year brought into focus life priorities and finances. Often, the two are intertwined.

Planning for the future and having the ability to weather uncertainty have proven worthy goals, and there are resources aplenty for bolstering your financial security and being able to afford both the things you’ll want and the things you’ll need as you and your family grow older. Whether the pandemic has you caring for an older loved one in the home or thinking about your own retirement, now’s a good time to access the resources available that will help you make the most of your years and live well. Gain more confidence in your future security, and learn more from the following professionals about retirement savings, estate planning, financial protection, in-home care, and arrangements.

RETIREMENT SAVINGS & WEALTH MANAGEMENT The Pastor Financial Group Over 30 years in the industry, Wealth Manager Renée Pastor has helped numerous clients plan for and transition into successful retirement.

This year, Renée expanded that focus by adding Individual Participant 401(k) Management to The Pastor Financial Group’s specialized services and has been featured for her expertise on Kiplinger.com, MSN Money, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Investor’s Business Daily and FA Magazine. She is also named to the 2020 Forbes/Shook Top Women Wealth Advisors List.

Employers are increasingly making self-directed brokerage accounts available in their 401(k) plans as employees demand more investment options for their retirement. Employees, though, also want individualized advice and management for their 401(k) account since it’s often the largest asset that will allow them to retire comfortably.

“That’s where we come in,” says Renée. “We make the investment buys and sells for them inside of their account so that they don’t have to worry about investment choices as markets and economic conditions change.”

74

APRIL 2021

For information on how you can maximize your 401(k), visit thepastorgroup.com, email renee@thepastorgroup.com, or call 504-309-3994.

ESTATE PLANNING & ELDER LAW Sessions, Fishman & Nathan, LLC For over 60 years, Louisiana’s families have placed their trust in the skilled attorneys at Sessions, Fishman & Nathan, LLC to expertly address their Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs Planning needs. The firm has a proven record of results-oriented advocacy, but what makes it most successful is the team’s personal relationships, dedication, and connection with clients.

The Attorneys at Sessions, Fishman & Nathan have specialized training in elder law issues and work with you to personally craft an elder law planning strategy that suits your needs and goals. And, as experienced Louisiana estate planning and probate lawyers, the firm can develop an estate plan that will protect your interests and those of your loved ones.

Boasting four Board Certified Specialists, Sessions, Fishman & Nathan attorneys are industry leaders and some of the most respected estate planning and business lawyers in Louisiana. When you are ready to begin planning for your future and for your legacy, call the firm at 504-582-1500 or learn more atsessionsfishman.com.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is committed to its mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians and wants to help you avoid fraud. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and tax season. Adults 65 and older are often targeted because they are more likely to have savings and good credit.

SPONSORED Be suspicious whenever anyone asks you for money or for your personal, financial or health information. Keep in mind that scammers may pretend to be someone you know, like a relative. They may also claim they’re reaching out on behalf of your healthcare provider.

Before you respond to any requests to send money or share sensitive information, ask questions only the real person could answer to make sure it’s legit. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud or were approached by a scammer, report it by visiting or calling: Tips.FBI.Gov IC3.Gov 1-800 CALL FBI (225-5324) For more information on BCBSLA, visit bcbsla.com or call 1-800-495-2583.

IN-HOME & HOSPICE CARE Personal Homecare Services When you can’t be at home to care for your family member, you want peace of mind knowing that the person who is there will treat your loved one with the same level of care and concern that you would. At Personal Homecare Services, your family is their family. For over 22 years Personal Homecare Services has been Providing 24/7, in-home companion care. The company offers clients the ability to remain in the comfort of their own home with their personal memories and possessions while you regain the time and energy needed to experience being a real family again.

Personal Homecare Services is one of the first non-medical services specializing in live-in care and working in conjunction with doctors, healthcare providers, and hospices to provide continuous around-theclock care without the worry and expense of hourly services. They’ve built a solid reputation with word-of-mouth referral, evidence of the trust their clients have in their caretakers and services. Services include meal preparation, help with personal hygiene, medicinal reminders, light housekeeping, transportation to/from appointments, and companionship.

References are available upon request. To learn more, visit PersonalHomecare.net or call 877-336-8045.

Hospice Associates Founded in 2004, Hospice Associates is a local CMS-certified and ACHC-accredited provider founded on the belief that when a cure is no longer possible, individuals with life-limiting illness deserve an end-of-life care plan built on knowledge, compassion, and access to services designed to fit their specific needs. The interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, counselors, and other medical professionals at Hospice Associates are uniquely trained to provide physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support to patients and their families.

Hospice Associates offers four unique programs to meet patients’ needs in a variety of circumstances. The Pre-Hospice Program provides a palliative management plan for those who may need to later transition to hospice care. The Home Based Program provides hospice care in the home or at any site that meets necessary criteria for care.

For patients with greater needs, the Intravenous Therapy Program and Inpatient Hospice Program are also available.

Hospice Associates strives to meet the needs of patients for comfort and dignity with 100% satisfaction rates. For more information or to request admission into a program, call 504-457-2200 or visit HospiceAssociates.com.

Home Instead Now more than ever, aging adults see home as the safest place to be.

Fortunately for these adults and their families, Home Instead offers peace of mind with a dedicated staff of CAREGiversSM, essential workers who are fully trained to provide—in the home—the care and companionship your loved one deserves. In addition to offering CAREGivers, a homecare tablet has been added to improve protection and connection for seniors during isolation.

A local franchise owned by New Orleans native Lisa Rabito, Home Instead offers the added benefit of staff who understand New Orleans’ culture and hospitality. CAREGivers provide support through nonmedical services like meal preparation, transportation, personal

care, medication reminders, and more, while working in tandem when needed with healthcare providers, home health, and hospice.

CAREGivers are available from 12 hours a week to 24 hours a day. Aging adults no longer in the home can also request Home Instead services at the retirement community or nursing facility where they reside.

For more information, visit HomeInstead.com/339 or call 504-455-4911.

Dependable In-Home Care Aging in the home has always been the preferred choice for the elderly—now it is also one of the safest.

“Exposure to fewer people today is paramount,” says Joni Friedmann-Lagasse, Owner of Dependable In-Home Care. “That doesn’t mean you cannot safely bring in home care.”

An experienced, professional caregiver understands and uses universal precautions such as wearing a mask and washing hands, but it is the families who must be vigilant concerning others in the home, especially younger family members. Everyone should be observing these simple precautions.

With over 100,000 successful referrals over 50 years, Dependable InHome Care holds high standards for referring caregivers. It is the only nationally accredited caregiver registry in the region. They help you find the right caregiver who can provide everything from total care to basic supervision, help with daily activities, meal prep, transportation plus bathing, dressing, and mobility assistance.

For more information on the company’s vetted pool of nearly 100 experienced caregivers, visit dependablecare.net

PHARMACY & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Patio Drugs Patio Drugs has been servicing the community since 1958. Their fullservice community retail pharmacy offers both sterile and non-sterile compounding. Many seniors in the community benefit from the services that they offer in their long-term care pharmacy.

As the longest-operating pharmacy in Jefferson Parish, Patio Drugs has a unique awareness of what its customers need and have geared their services to address those needs. Free prescription delivery in the greater New Orleans area is offered. They offer unit dose medication cards as well as multi-dose drug packaging cards to assist patients with remaining adherent to their drug therapies and allowing them the independence to do so.

Other long-term care pharmacy services offered include medication administration records and Behavioral Health Medication Management services. The pharmacist team at Patio Drugs offers a comprehensive medication review with each patient to discuss any questions or concerns about medications, diet, and overall health. Their team will work collaboratively with your physician to ensure you are receiving the highest quality of care and the clearest understanding of your medication therapies.

PLANNING & ARRANGEMENTS Jacob Schoen & Son Jacob Schoen & Son has been providing pre-need and funeral services to families in Greater New Orleans for over 147 years. Whether you are looking for funeral, cremation, or memorial services, their mission is to offer a home, a comforting place to gather in remembrance and celebration of lives well lived.

The Schoen family and staff are committed to this vision and passionate about making sure your time with them is as memorable and uplifting as possible. They bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural and religious backgrounds. They pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and they guarantee to offer services that meet your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations.

Jacob Schoen & Son invites you to compare the value and see the difference. Stop by and visit their one-of-a-kind space located at 3827 Canal Street, call them at 504-267-2924 or visit them online. They are ready to discuss what innovative options they have available, and learn more about how they can help you or a loved one fulfill their wishes. •

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

75

SPONSORED

Stroke Awareness From certified primary stroke centers to rehabilitation centers, quality care is available in Louisiana.

Thibodaux Regional Rehabilitation Center For some stroke survivors, the road to recovery involves substantial rehabilitative therapy to regain basic functional independence. When making the choice between rehabilitation programs, it is important to choose a program that specializes in stroke rehabilitation. Thibodaux Regional Rehabilitation Center has an accredited Stroke Specialty Program, offering the most current rehabilitative treatments to stroke survivors close to home.

One such treatment is VitalStim Therapy, which has been shown to improve swallowing in patients when used in combination with traditional therapies. Together, VitalStim and traditional therapies allow therapists to accelerate strengthening, restore function and help the brain remap the swallowing process. Approved for the treatment of dysphagia by the FDA, VitalStim is a non-invasive external electrical stimulation therapy.

At Thibodaux Regional Rehabilitation Center, VitalStim-certified full-time Speech-Language Pathologists offer this safe and effective treatment to accelerate the recovery time from a restricted diet and help patients achieve sustained improvement and long term results.

For more information, please call Thibodaux Regional Rehabilitation Center at 985-493-4782.

Touro Every second counts, especially when having a stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. Stroke kills almost 130,000 people each year—that’s 1 out of every 20 deaths—according to the Centers for Disease Control. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Stroke, and remember the helpful acronym of “BE FAST:” Balance: Loss of balance Eyes: Blurred or double vision Face: Numbness or weakness in the face Arm: Numbness or weakness in arm or leg Speech: Difficulty Speaking Time = Brain: If symptoms occur suddenly, and you have severe dizziness or headaches, call 911 If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911.

Treatment is most effective when started immediately. Touro is a certified primary stroke center and provides immediate, life-saving care to stroke patients. Visit Touro.com to learn more.

Tulane Comprehensive Stroke Program The Tulane Stroke Program is recognized by the American Heart Association as being on the Gold Plus Elite Honor Roll, its highest designation for excellence in stroke care. Tulane is also the only Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Orleans Parish.

Its dedicated neuro intensive care unit is staffed 24/7/365 by board certified neurocritical care and stroke physicians with the knowledge and experience to treat the most complex and emergent neurological cases.

EMS routinely routes ambulances to Tulane for stroke and aneurysm patients to ensure the best chance of survival and recovery.

Tulane is the regional hub in a broad tele-health network that partners with numerous hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi, providing emergent evaluations through robotic video conferencing at distant hospital emergency rooms. Time is of the essence in diagnosing and treating stroke—these services are critical to initiating therapy quickly.

Dr. Justin Salerian is Director of Tulane’s Comprehensive Stroke Center.

For more information, go to tulaneneurosciences.com. • 76

APRIL 2021

Hearing & Eye Care

W

ith the roll-out of vaccines underway, we will someday soon be able to gather with friends and family and be more present in the world outside of the home. For people with hearing and eye problems, it’s possible that increased isolation may have disguised the severity of any issues. Being ready to safely hear live music, watch a movie with loved ones, and attend a child’s ball game or performance will be welcomed experiences for families in the near future. Make sure you can be fully present for these moments by checking on your hearing and eye health now.

Local resources are available with experts who specialize in hearing and balance and in eye care. From accessing digital hearing devices to the new advancements in cataract surgery, New Orleans residents have an abundance of care options pertaining to healthy ear and eye function.

TREATING HEARING LOSS & BALANCE DISORDERS CNC Hearing & Balance Center When you suffer from a persistent hearing and balance disorder, you can become isolated. If you can’t hear, you can’t engage in conversation. If you’re afraid of falling, you tend to stay home. The CNC Hearing and Balance Center, led by Neurotologist Moises Arriaga, can help you get your life back.

The CNC medical staff is uniquely qualified to provide a full hearing health evaluation and solutions that can make a real difference. CNC offers a wide array of treatment options from assistive devices to microsurgical hearing restoration, surgically implantable hearing devices, digital hearing device fittings and follow-up service, CochlearTM implants, hearing tests, and tinnitus evaluation and treatment.

Hearing loss can be an indication of a more serious condition and can even contribute to dementia and risk of falling. Take care of yourself or someone you love today. The CNC Hearing and Balance Center has offices in Marrero and Uptown New Orleans.

Call 504-934-8320 for an appointment or visit cnchearing.com.

IMPROVING VISION & TREATMENTS FOR DRY EYES Eyecare Associates Eyecare Associates physicians are excited about new cataract surgery technology now available for New Orleans area patients. The Catalys Precision Laser System is designed to make cataract surgery safer and more accurate, while new lens implant options—such as the latest in multifocal and extended focus intraocular lenses—provide patients with the best-corrected vision for both distance and near at the same time.

In addition to the new technology offered for cataract patients, Eyecare is excited to offer new treatments for dry eye sufferers. In addition to multiple new dry eye drops and tears now available, Eyecare offers treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction with LipiFlow treatment.

Optometrists at Eyecare Associates offer the latest options in daily wear contact lenses that are known for exceptional comfort and clear vision. Patients at Eyecare Associates have access to comprehensive routine and medical examinations as well as refractive surgery, glaucoma treatment, and retina services and procedures.

For more information, call 504-455-9825 or visit eyecareneworleans.com. •

A Special Section of New Orleans Magazine WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM & EVENTS GUIDE APRIL 2021

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS MY GRANDPARENTS’ WAR Sundays, April 4-25 at 7pm Combining key moments in history with compelling personal stories, the four-part series takes a fascinating journey into the past to understand the extraordinary impact of World War II on the families of four British actors. Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown, “Harry Potter” series), Mark Rylance (“Dunkirk,” “Bridge of Spies,” Masterpiece: Wolf Hall), Kristin Scott Thomas (“Darkest Hour,” “The English Patient”) and Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman,” “The Great Gatsby”) each host a one-hour journey into their respective family histories as they travel to historic locations.

HEMINGWAY Monday-Wednesday, April 5-7 at 7pm & 9pm The three-part, six-hour documentary film by award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, examine the visionary work and the turbulent life of Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest and most influential writers America has ever produced. Voice Actors include Jeff Daniels as Hemingway; Meryl Streep, Keri Russell, Mary-Louise Parker and Patricia Clarkson as Hemingway’s four wives. Peter Coyote narrates. Pictured (l-r): Ursula, Clarence, Ernest, Grace, and Marcelline Hemingway, October 1903 AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “American Oz” Monday, April 19 at 8pm Explore the life of L. Frank Baum, the man behind one of the most beloved, enduring and quintessential American classics. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900, has been reinterpreted through the generations in films, books and musicals. Picture: Portrait of L. Frank Baum, circa 1908

PHILLY D.A. Tuesdays, April 20-June 1 at 8pm Go inside the emotional, high stakes work that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and an ensemble of idealistic outsiders from different walks of life take on as they attempt a fundamental overhaul of an entrenched criminal justice system.

FRONTLINE “The Virus that Shook the World, Part 1” Monday, April 26 at 8pm “The Virus that Shook the World, Part 2” Tuesday, April 27 at 9pm Filmed around the world during the pandemic, using extensive personal video and local footage, see how people and countries responded to the virus, across cultures, race, faith and privilege.

D2

Join WYES for a virtual wine tasting and classic performances of the late producer, songwriter, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint.

Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30pm

$110-$145

WYES’ Peggy Scott Laborde will interview Toussaint’s friends and family including (pictured) Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux, Allen’s daughter, who will provide insights into the life of her legendary father.

Participants will enjoy three bottles of Spanish wine from Bodegas Familia Chavarri, the oldest winery in Rioja Alavesa founded in 1882. Plus, get the ultimate experience of a private virtual wine tasting event with vineyard owner, Javier Bayona, who will join in LIVE from Spain.

Coming Tuesday, May 18th — WYES GRAPE PERFORMANCES WITH NELL NOLAN.

WYES IS PROUD TO BE AN OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER OF THE ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL CRESCENT CITY CLASSIC!

SAVE THE DATE!

TASTE OF FAME FRIDAY, MAY 21

Enjoy a 3-hour virtual live cooking class lead by Chef Lidia Bastianich.

It’s another easy way to support WYES. As a charity runner, you can choose to race and raise funds for WYES. Charity runners commit to raising a minimum of $100 for their charity by April 5th.

Can’t make the race? Donate directly through our specific link. Register or Donate at: wyes.org/events.

$250 virtual attendance + meal kit *includes ingredients to create a 3-course, 4-person meal $150 virtual attendance only *deadline to order is Friday, April 23rd

For all event details and to purchase tickets, go to wyes.org/events.

1 THURSDAY

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT Missed an episode? Go to wyes.org/steppinout.

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 2/8) 9pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 3/8) 10pm JAMESTOWN (Pt. 3/8) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

2 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm INFORMED SOURCES 7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

10:30pm BEYOND THE CANVAS “The Greats” 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

3 SATURDAY 6pm LAWRENCE WELK: EASTER 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Freedom Tales”Actress S. Epatha Merkerson and television host Michael Strahan discover unexpected details about their families.

8pm JAZZ “A Masterpiece by Midnight” (1961-Present) (Pt. 10/10)

PREMIERE 7pm MY GRANDPARENTS' WAR “Helena Bonham Carter” (Pt. 1/4) Follow leading Hollywood actors as they re-trace the footsteps of their grandparents and learn how World War II changed the lives of their families and the world. In this episode, follow actress Helena Bonham Carter as she explores the heroism of both sets of her grandparents during WWII— her grandmother, an air warden and outspoken politician, and her grandfather, a diplomat who save hundreds from the Holocaust.

10pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Brandi Carlile” The Seattle singer/songwriter performs highlights from her critically lauded album By the Way, I Forgive You. 11pm THE KATE “Kandace Springs” (Pt. 5/6)

4 SUNDAY 4pm FOUR SONS AND ALL THEIR SONS: A PASSOVER TALE The documentary begins and ends at an actual Seder to explore four sons stories in art, words, and music, with interviewees from ages 17 to 70.

NEW SERIES 8pm MASTERPIECE “The Attack” (Pt. 1/8) A princess steals the heart of the president of the United States in an epic drama based on the World War II relationship of Franklin Roosevelt and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha. Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks,” “Sex and the City”) stars as Roosevelt, opposite Swedish star Sofia Helin (“The Bridge”) as the beautiful Martha, who flees the Nazis with her three young children and lives under Roosevelt’s protection. The eight-part series co-stars Tobias Santelmann as Crown Prince Olav and Harriet Sansom Harris as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

9pm MASTERPIECE “World on Fire” (Pt. 1/7)

9pm AMERICAN MASTERS “Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story” Explore the groundbreaking career of master trumpeter Doc Severinsen, from his three decades as the colorful bandleader to “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” to his relentless schedule of touring and performing into his nineties.

5pm JEWISH NEW ORLEANS explores the rich legacy and unique cultural expressions of Jewish life in the Crescent City.

6pm RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN EASTER Enjoy a spring journey through Spain, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy and Greece.

10pm JAMESTOWN, SEASON 3 (Pt. 3/8) 11pm PROFESSOR T “Murder by Number, Part 1” (Pt. 12/13)

7 WEDNESDAY

9 FRIDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm HEMINGWAY “The Blank Page: 19441961” (Pt. 3/3) Hemingway follows the Army as they advance through Europe.

Afterwards, he tries to start a life with Mary Welsh, but is beset with tragedies.

He publishes The Old Man and the Sea to acclaim but is overcome by his declining mental condition.

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

HIGHLIGHT 7pm HEMINGWAY “A Writer: 1899-1929” (Pt. 1/3) The three-part, six-hour documentary film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, examines the visionary work and the turbulent life of Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest and most influential writers America has ever produced. Interweaving his eventful biography — a life lived at the ultimately treacherous nexus of art, fame and celebrity — with carefully selected excerpts from his iconic short stories, novels and non-fiction, the series reveals the brilliant, ambitious, charismatic and complicated man behind the myth, and the art he created. In the first episode, Hemingway moves to Paris to write. He finds success with his second novel, A Farewell to Arms.

9pm HEMINGWAY “The Blank Page: 19441961” (Pt. 3/3) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

7pm HEMINGWAY “The Avatar: 1929-1944” (Pt. 2/3) Hemingway, having achieved a level of fame rarely seen in the literary world, settles in Key West with Pauline Pfeiffer but can’t stay put for long. He reports on the Spanish Civil War and begins a tempestuous romance with Martha Gellhorn.

8pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 4/8)

9pm HEMINGWAY “The Avatar: 1929-1944” (Pt. 2/3) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 9pm AMERICAN MASTERS “Oliver Sacks: His Own Life” explores the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller.

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

6 TUESDAY

11pm JEWISH NEW ORLEANS

8pm WASHINGTON WEEK

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT WYES’ weekly local restaurant, arts and entertainment discussion program recently celebrated its 35th anniversary! Each week host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde welcomes regular guests Poppy Tooker, Alan Smason, plus new roundtable visitors every week. Repeats Fridays at 11:00 p.m. Missed an episode? Go to wyes.org/ steppinout.

9pm HEMINGWAY “A Writer: 1899-1929” (Pt. 1/3)

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN Kara St. Cyr and Andre’ Moreau anchor the weekly award-winning show that focuses on the important issues in the state along with expert analysis of those issues.

9pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 5/8) 10pm JAMESTOWN (Pt. 4/8) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

5 MONDAY

10 SATURDAY 6pm LAWRENCE WELK: TRIBUTE TO JEROME KERN 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS 8pm BASEBALL “Our Game” (Pt. 1/9) looks at the origins of baseball in the 1840s and up to 1900. Ken Burns refutes the myth that Abner Doubleday invented baseball in Cooperstown and traces its roots instead to the earliest days of the nation.

10pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Janelle Monae” 11pm THE KATE “Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe” (Pt. 6/6)

11 SUNDAY 6pm NOVA “Saving Notre Dame”

D5

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

WEEKDAYS ON

8pm MASTERPIECE “The Throne” (Pt. 2/8) Crown Prince Olav and the king plan their escape. Meanwhile, Martha and the children take refuge with her Swedish royal relatives.

But the Nazis threaten the king if he harbors the crown princess.

9pm MASTERPIECE “World on Fire” (Pt. 2/7) 4PM ODD SQUAD Watch the Emmy-winning live-action series designed to help kids ages 5-8 learn math and problem solving skills.

10pm JAMESTOWN, SEASON 3 (Pt. 4/8) 11pm PROFESSOR T “Murder by Number, Part 2” (Pt. 13/13)

5:00am READY JET GO!

NOON SESAME STREET

12 MONDAY

5:30am ARTHUR

12:30PM ELINOR WONDERS WHY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

1:00PM HERO ELEMENTARY

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Las Vegas” (Hour 1 of 3) Highlights include a collection of magic memorabilia, ca. 1925, a Shearer Chest of Drawers, and an album of John Thomson photos. Which item’s value jumped from $15,000-$20,000 to $35,000-$45,000?

6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30AM WILD KRATTS 7:00AM HERO ELEMENTARY 7:30AM XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM 8AM CURIOUS GEORGE 8:30AM DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD 9:00AM DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD 9:30AM ELINOR WONDERS WHY 10:00AM SESAME STREET 10:30AM PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC 11:00AM DINOSAUR TRAIN 11:30AM CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG

D6

7pm MY GRANDPARENTS' WAR “Mark Rylance” (Pt. 2/4) Explore the story of actor Mark Rylance’s grandfather, a prisoner of war in Hong Kong during WWII.

1:30PM LET’S GO LUNA! 2:00PM NATURE CAT 2:30PM WILD KRATTS 3:00PM MOLLY OF DENALI 3:30PM XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM 4:00PM ODD SQUAD 4:30PM ARTHUR 5PM CAT IN THE HAT KNOW A LOT ABOUT THAT! 5:30PM PEG + CAT 6:00PM PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Meadow Brook Hall” (Hour 3 of 3) 9pm ALONG LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN 10pm INDEPENDENT LENS “Down a Dark Stairwell” Two communities navigate an uneven criminal justice system after an unarmed Black man is killed by a Chinese American police officer at a Brooklyn housing project.

7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “The New World” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces ancestors of actor John Lithgow and journalist Maria Hinojosa who thrived in North America long before the birth of the United States.

8pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE "Ruby Ridge" 9pm FRONTLINE “American Insurrection” In the aftermath of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, FRONTLINE and ProPublica team up again to examine how far-right groups were emboldened and encouraged by former President Trump and how individuals were radicalized and brought into the political landscape.

10pm I DANCED FOR THE ANGEL OF DEATH: THE EDITH EVA EGER STORY 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

14 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm NATURE “The Leopard Legacy” follow the story of a leopard mother as she raises her cubs near the Luangwa River in Zambia.

13 TUESDAY

8pm NOVA “Picture a Scientist” Women make up less than a quarter of STEM professionals in the United States, and numbers are even lower for women of color. But a growing group of researchers is exposing longstanding discrimination and making science more inclusive.

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

10pm NATURE “The Leopard Legacy”

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm LIVING IN THE NEW NORMAL WYES’ on-going series continues to look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our community focusing on topics ranging from health and education to the economy and cultural institutions. Watch the latest installment in the series. The program is produced and hosted by WYES Community Projects Producer and INFORMED SOURCES host Marcia Kavanaugh.

8pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 6/8)

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

17 SATURDAY 6pm LAWRENCE WELK: FARM SHOW 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “The New World” 8pm BASEBALL “Something Like A War” (Pt. 2/9) takes viewers through 1910 and introduces some of the game’s most celebrated and colorful characters, including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.

9pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 7/8)

10pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Billie Elish”

10pm JAMESTOWN (Pt. 5/8)

11pm MEET CARL JACKSON

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

16 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm INFORMED SOURCES 7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK

8pm MASTERPIECE “Crossing the Atlantic” (Pt. 3/8) While bombs fall on Crown Prince Olav (Tobias Santelmann pictured) and the king in London, Martha and the children are in the U.S., where President Roosevelt extends a special invitation.

Photo Credit: Julie Vrabelová 9pm MASTERPIECE “World on Fire” (Pt. 3/7) 10pm JAMESTOWN, SEASON 3 (Pt. 5/8) 11pm PROFESSOR T “Cuberdo” (Pt. 1/13)

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

9pm GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET “Beethoven in Beijing” Experience the international impact of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s historic 1973 trip to China, offering a story of cultural reversals and a glimpse into the worldwide future of classical music.

10:30pm BEYOND THE CANVAS “The Greats 2” honors five trailblazing women in the arts.

The legendary Dolly Parton, Julie Andrews and other creative females reveal how the road to success wasn’t just one they walked, but one they paved themselves.

NEW

Dunkirk and survived some of World War II’s most devastating battles.

19 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Louisville” (Hour 2 of 3)

18 SUNDAY 3pm LIFE FROM ABOVE Watch all four episodes back-to-back. The series tells the unique, intimate and astounding stories of our planet from a perspective that few ever see – from space. This extraordinary viewpoint reveals amazing events happening every day in both the natural and human worlds.

7pm MY GRANDPARENTS' WAR “Kristin Scott Thomas” (Pt. 3/4) Follow actress Kristin Scott Thomas as she pieces together a lost chapter of her family history, learning how her grandfather, a Royal Navy officer, saved thousands at

HIGHLIGHT 8pm AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “American Oz” explores the life of L. Frank Baum, the man behind one of the most beloved, enduring and quintessential American classics. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900, has been reinterpreted through the generations in films, books and musicals. Pictured: L. Frank Baum (center) surrounded by characters from The Fairylogue and Radio-Plays, a traveling multimedia Oz stage show. Circa 1908.

D7

SATURDAYS ON

10pm NEW ORLEANS AND THE MISSISSIPPI explores the unique relationship that exists between our city and the body of water on which it was founded.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | MARCH 2021

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

20 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Laughing on the Inside”

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

22 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

10AM KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS From James Beard Award-winners to a bumper crop of talented women at the helm of local restaurants, the series will share food and stories from chefs with roots in Creole New Orleans, Louisiana Cajun country, Italy, Vietnam and Latin America.

Recipes at kitchenqueensneworleans.org.

5:00AM MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD 5:30AM ARTHUR 6:00AM MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30AM WILD KRATTS 7:00AM GROWING A GREENER WORLD 7:30AM WOODSMITH SHOP 8:00AM AMERICAN WOODSHOP 8:30AM THIS OLD HOUSE

11:00AM LIDIA’S KITCHEN 11:30AM AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK’S ILLUSTRATED NOON COOK’S COUNTRY 12:30PM CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL’S MILK STREET 1:00PM MOVEABLE FEAST WITH FINE COOKING 1:30PM PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE

9:00AM ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

2:00PM SARA’S WEEKNIGHT MEALS

9:30AM KEVIN BELTON’S NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATIONS

2:30PM LES STROUD’S WILD HARVEST

10AM KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS 10:30AM CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME’S ALWAYS COOKING

D8

10pm NATURE “Sharks of Hawaii”

3:00PM NOVA 4:00PM NATURE 5:00PM ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm PHILLY D.A. (Pts. 1 & 2/8) Go inside the tumultuous first term of Philadelphia’s unapologetic D.A. Larry Krasner and his team of outsiders as they attempt to change the criminal justice system from the inside.

10pm SISTER 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8pm GRETA THUNBERG: A YEAR TO SAVE THE PLANET (Pts. 1-3) The three-part documentary series following teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg as she seeks to raise awareness of the accelerating climate change.

10pm JAMESTOWN, SEASON 3 (Pt. 6/8)

23 FRIDAY 21 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm NATURE “Sharks of Hawaii” Learn surprising facts about the sharks that call the warm waters near Hawaii’s islands their home. Meet the White Tip Reef shark, Whale shark, Tiger shark and more.

8pm NOVA “Beef Rescue” 9pm PBS NEWSHOUR PRESENTS CRITICAL CARE: AMERICA VS. THE WORLD Examine the highs and lows of America’s health care system, and travel to four other nations to see how they provide health coverage affordably and thoroughly, even in the face of the pandemic.

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm INFORMED SOURCES Now in its 37th year, the weekly series hosted

by Marcia Kavanaugh and produced

by Errol Laborde, gives an in-depth look into the important news of metro New Orleans and Louisiana. Repeats Sunday mornings at 9:30am.

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK

6pm SECRETS OF ROYAL TRAVEL “Secrets of the Royal Flight” (Pt. 2/2)

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

27 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

9pm GREAT PERFORMANCES “Romeo and Juliet” Experience a ballet of Shakespeare’s classic from choreographer Kenneth MacMillan performed by dancers from The Royal Ballet set to a score by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev filmed on atmospheric locations throughout Budapest.

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

24 SATURDAY 6pm LAWRENCE WELK: AMERICA AT PLAY 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Laughing on the Inside” 8pm BASEBALL “The Faith of 50 Million People” (Pt. 3/9) Examine the century’s second decade, which was dominated by the Black Sox scandal.

10pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “H.E.R.” 11pm HANK LOCKLIN: COUNTRY MUSIC’S TIMELESS TENOR recalls the unquestionable talent, unorthodox career path and notable contributions of prolific songwriter, Grammy-nominated recording artist and Grand Ole Opry star Hank Locklin.

25 SUNDAY 5pm SECRETS OF ROYAL TRAVEL “Secrets of the Royal Train” (Pt. 1/2)

7pm MY GRANDPARENTS' WAR “Carey Mulligan” (Pt. 4/4) Follow actress Carey Mulligan as she travels to Japan to learn about her grandfather’s experience as a British naval officer during World War II, including the kamikaze aircraft attack he survived, and the extent of the devastation he witnessed.

8pm MASTERPIECE “Fires Spread” (Pt. 4/8) Martha is pressured to exploit her friendship with the president, who defies isolationists to push the Lend-Lease act. Martha and the children get a surprise Christmas present.

9pm MASTERPIECE “World on Fire” (Pt. 4/7) 10pm JAMESTOWN, SEASON 3 (Pt. 6/8) 11pm PROFESSOR T “Ring of Fire” (Pt. 2/13)

26 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Wichita” 8pm FRONTLINE “The Virus that Shook the World” (Pt. 1/2) Filmed around the world during the pandemic, using extensive personal video and local footage, see how people and countries responded to the virus, across cultures, race, faith and privilege.

10pm THE UPTOWN THAT WAS

7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “On Broadway” Henry Louis Gates, Jr. investigates the family histories of Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Mandy Patinkin, discovering ancestors whose struggles laid the groundwork for their success.

8pm PHILLY D.A. (Pt. 3/8)

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE looks at the past week’s market and brings local and national investment professionals to you.

9pm FRONTLINE “The Virus that Shook the World” (Pt. 2/2) 10pm FAUCI: THE VIRUS HUNTER From his childhood in Brooklyn to present day, the documentary reveals his contributions to medicine throughout his extensive career which includes advising seven U.S. presidents against the world’s top virulent enemies and becoming a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic.

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

28 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm GRETA THUNBERG: A YEAR TO SAVE THE PLANET (Pt. 1) The three-part documentary series following teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg as she seeks to raise awareness of the accelerating climate change.

8pm NOVA “Fighting for Fertility”

D9

SUNDAYS ON

Cornwall and those he loves from an empowered George, Ross must play the political game on a journey that takes him to the nation’s capital and into new perils.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

10pm JAMESTOWN (Pt. 7/8) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

12:30PM LIDIA’S TABLE Lidia shares anecdotes and recipes from her childhood, when times were sometimes challenging, but happy and fulfilling.

5:00AM MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

10:00AM VARIOUS PROGRAMMING

5:30AM ARTHUR

11:00AM KEVIN BELTON’S NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATIONS

6AM MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30AM WILD KRATTS 7AM HERO ELEMENTARY 7:30AM XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM 8AM CURIOUS GEORGE 8:30AM LOUISIANA THE STATE WE’RE IN 9:00AM FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER 9:30AM INFORMED SOURCES

D10

DIAL 12 | January 2019

11:30AM KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS 12:00PM PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE 12:30PM LIDIA'S TABLE 1:00 PM RICK STEVE'S EUROPE 1:30PM FLY BROTHER WITH ERNEST WHITE II 2:00 - 5:00PM VARIOUS PROGRAMAMING

9pm HUMAN: THE WORLD WITHIN “React” (Pt. 1/6) Explore the incredible universe inside each and every one of us. An examination of diverse personal stories from around the world reveals how our lives, passions and goals are powered by the amazing systems that define our biology as a species. In this episode, discover how the technology of the brain and nervous system shape our experience of the world. Pictured: Magaly Rodriguez and her team attend to a victim inside the emergency rescue drill. Ciales, Puerto Rico Photo Credit: Juan O. Rodriguez

30 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm INFORMED SOURCES 7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

10pm GRETA THUNBERG: A YEAR TO SAVE THE PLANET (Pt. 1) 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 3” (Pt. 8/8) 9pm MASTERPIECE “Poldark, Season 4” (Pt. 1/8) It’s 1796, and to defend

9pm INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION A look back at 10 years of historic International Jazz Day concerts featuring dozens of music icons.

Watch unforgettable performances

by Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Hugh Masekela and many more. Pictured: Danilo Pérez, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride and Vinnie Colaiuta perform “St. James Infirmary Blues” at the United Nations in 2012.

11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

Lagniappe Business partnerships

I’m helping to give

someone that I’ll never meet the opportunity to be as successful as I’ve been.

Mailing Address P.O. Box 24026, New Orleans, LA 70184 Web Site wyes.org Questions or Comments info@wyes.org General (504) 486-5511 Membership (504) 831-1503

GPOA FOUNDATION

Programming Questions (504) 486-5511

PBS KIDS 24/7

WYES OFFICERS Chair Anne Redd

RICK STEVES TRAVEL SERIES

Vice-Chair Lori Savoie

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

WALL STREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

STEPPIN' OUT

SANDRA AND RUSS HERMAN MASTERPIECE

Ed Mapp believes that PBS opens new worlds for everyone. That’s why he’s included his PBS station as a gift in his will. If you are planning to include charitable interests in your plan, please consider making WYES part of your lasting legacy.

Find out how you can plan a gift Contact: Robin Cooper 504.486.5511

FINDING YOUR ROOTS

on 12.2 NATURE

NOVA

on 12.4

PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel & Live Stream is available during primetime, weekends and other out-of-school times when children and their caregivers are most likely to tune in. The channel is available on TV and as a live stream on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Video App for mobile and tablet devices.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | APRIL 2021

WYES’ quality programming and events are brought to you through the generous support of the following businesses and corporations.

To join our list of community-minded groups, contact Jim Tapley at (504) 837-8987, jtapley@wyes.org or Kerri Blache at (504) 483-8487, kblache@wyes.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION WYES Address 916 Navarre Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124

Secretary Richard Rodriguez Treasurer Tommy Westervelt President & Chief Executive Officer Allan Pizzato WYES TRUSTEES Len Aucoin Greg Bensel Ryan Berger Manny Blanco Karen Coaxum Michelle Dodenhoff Filippo Feoli Laurie Guillaume Renette Dejoie Hall Jennifer Heebe Benjamin Karp Rick Kirschman Bill Langenstein Marc Leunissen Jonathan C. McCall Sharon Perlis Paul Peyronnin Cleland Powell Mark Romig Susu Stall Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux Pierre B. Villere II Roger F. Villere, Jr.

D11

STREETCAR

BY E R R O L L ABO R DE

Jazz Fest Echoes The best from the Fest

H

ere is a description of what Roy Orbison looked like to me when he performed at the Jazz Fest in 1985: A stick.

A black stick on a stage, with a stick band behind it.

Oh, and the stage seemed to be about a half-mile away.

Orbison, who always dressed in black, drew a crowd. Those of us in the rear would have been better off staying home and listening to a record.

This is our second April without a Jazz Fest (though maybe in October) so we are just left with memories of the other times: Take Ernie K-Doe, for example. He remains my favorite New Orleans R&B performer of all time with his classic “’Taint It the Truth” still Number One on my personal Top Ten list. Besides his singing, K-Doe was known for his chatter, including the revelation he made one afternoon at the Jazz Fest. Never lacking self-esteem, K-Doe announced that he was “the best thing that ever happened to New Orleans.” I could not disagree, though some people would rank building the levee system and finding a cure for yellow fever as competitors. But we had to respect that K-Doe approached the stage wearing a crown and a cape.

Frankie Ford was from New Orleans too. His biggest hit was “Sea Cruise” which began with a ship bell clanging followed by a wishful journey.

Old man rhythm is in my shoes It’s no use to sittin’ and a singin’s the blues So be my guest, you got nothin’s to lose Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise?

80

APRIL 2021

It is a cliche among many performers to introduce one of their songs by saying, “it goes something like this.” Not Ford. Refreshingly, at the 2009 Jazz Fest, he announced his hit accordingly: “This next song does not go ‘something like this,’ it goes exactly like this.” Clang, clang.

Word usage hit a rough note when the band BeauSoleil was being introduced. The stage announcer, a D.J. for a local country music station who obviously did not know much about Cajun pride, introduced the group by saying, “and now for some real coon ass music.....” Michael Doucet, the band’s founder and star approached the microphone and icily responded.

“We are not coon ass; we are Acadian.” The crowd cheered. The D.J. retreated to a corner of the stage like a boxer staggering from a blow.

There are many great performers who have played the Jazz Fest but none who can claim to be the founder of a genre of American music, except for the late Bill Monroe. The mandolin player is credited with having created bluegrass. Derived from rockabilly, bluegrass sizzles with stringed instruments played so fast, especially Monroe’s mandolin, that they could be smokin’.

One Sunday, at the closing hour of the festival’s last day, he and his band, the Blue Grass Boys, who were dressed in suits, boots and Stetsons, were joyously singin’, pickin’ and cloggin’. The performance should have been preserved for the Smithsonian. Instead, the music was overlooked by the many Fest folks who walked past Monroe’s stage on the way to the Neville Brothers’ traditional closing performance.

Monroe played unfazed and even asked those few in the audience if they would like for him to come back one day. They cheered. But if there is a lesson to be learned from the Jazz Fest—never have to compete with the Nevilles.

ARTHUR NEAD ILLUSTRATION