New Orleans Magazine February 2018

february 2018

february 2018 / VOLUME 52 / NUMBER 4 Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Ashley McLellan Art Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Contributing Writers Mary Lou Eichhorn, Fritz Esker, Kathy Finn, Dawn Ruth Wilson, Brobson Lutz, M.D., Jason Berry, Carolyn Kolb, Chris Rose, Eve Crawford Peyton, Mike Griffith, Liz Scott Monaghan, Lee Cutrone, Dale Curry, Jay Forman, Tim McNally, Robert Peyton, Mirella Cameran Web Editor Kelly Massicot Staff Writers Topher Balfer, Kelly Massicot, Melanie Warner Spencer Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Sales Manager Kate Sanders Henry (504) 830-7216 / Kate@MyNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executive Claire Cummings, Jessica Marasco Account Executive Rachel Webber Director of Marketing and Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Whitney Weathers Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information call (504) 830-7264 Production Manager Jessica DeBold Production Designers Emily Andras, Demi Schaffer, Molly Tullier Traffic Coordinator Topher Balfer Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Distribution Manager John Holzer Administrative Assistant Mallary Matherne Subscriptions Manager Brittanie Bryant WYES DIAL 12 STAFF (504) 486-5511 Executive Editor Aislinn Hinyup Associate Editor Robin Cooper Art Director Jenny Hronek NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE Printed in USA A Publication of Renaissance Publishing 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 Subscriptions: (504) 830-7231 MyNewOrleans.com New Orleans Magazine (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rates: one year $19.95; Mexico, South America and Canada $48; Europe, Asia and Australia $75. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution of $40 or more to WYES-TV/Channel 12, $10.00 of which is used to offset the cost of publication. Also available electronically, on CD-ROM and on-line.

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

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Contents features

on the cover Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse’s Irish Coffee photo by marianna massey

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60

64

68

70

In The Heat Of The Moment

Polished & Pearl

Queens Of The Black Carnival

Heart Talk

Top Hospitals

Warm Drinks for a Hot Time

By mirella cameron

The Illinois clubs: where tradition still takes center stage

Blood pressure chronicles and the New Orleans connection

Patients’ picks of area facilities

By kelly parker

By Brobson Lutz M.D.

By Tim McNally

Valentine’s Day Jewelry

Compiled by Ashley McLellan

Contents d e p a r tm e nts

Local Color Chris Rose Where the River Rode 38

Modine Gunch The Weight is Over 40

Joie d’Eve Tourist Tips 42

Book Review This month’s best reads 44

50

In Tune Extraordinary Ability 46

Jazz Life

The Beat Marquee Entertainment calendar 22

The Purple Knights 48

Home Still Standing 50

Art Queen: An Exhibition 24

Persona Branford Marsalis 26

Biz Screen Credit 30

Education Measuring the Method 32

Chronicles The City Directory 34

The Menu Table Talk Pacific South 74

Restaurant Insider News From the Kitchens 76

Food

78

Parade Route Jambalaya 78

Last Call Ojen Cocktail 80

Dining Guide Plus restaurant spotlights 82

In Every Issue Inside How Irish Coffee Created a Stir 14

Speaking Out Editorial, plus a Mike Luckovich cartoon 16

Julia Street Questions and answers about our city 18

Try This Face Time 118

Streetcar Ash Wednesday 120

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DIAL 12, D1 Join WYES live on-air or online at wyes.org Mardi Gras night, Tuesday, February 13th, for the 22nd annual “Rex Ball and the Meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus” at 7:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. Highlights include features on the 2018 Queen and King of Carnival and a look back at Mardi Gras 50 and 100 years ago.

Peggy Scott Laborde hosts with commentary provided

by Errol Laborde.

inside

How Irish Coffee Created A Stir

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e were on a tour of Dublin, Ireland when the itinerary called for a stop at a local nightclub for Irish coffee. Since it was afternoon there were no performances yet; drinks however were flowing as our group scattered across several tables.

Here I digress to point out that while Irish coffee might seem like a natural for Dublin, according to the pre-Google story I once heard that is not the case. Shannon, Ireland is supposedly where the drink began, at that city’s airport during the early days of transoceanic flights from the U.S. The city was the first destination after crossing the Atlantic. Passengers were especially grateful to land in those early days because the propeller driven plans flew lower and practically bounced across the ocean. The planes were not as well pressurized back than so the flights were often frigid.

At the Shannon airport café hot coffee was a popular item among the disheveled passengers. Then someone got the idea to enhance the drink by adding Irish whiskey and a splash of whipped cream.

Americans began referring to the drink as Irish coffee. Among the state-siders passing through was a man who worked for the Buena Vista, a bar in San Francisco located near the waterfront. He brought the recipe home with him since San Francisco frequently

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had a chilly climate. It was a sensation. Thus Irish coffee, a drink associated with Dublin, owes its fame to Shannon and San Francisco, each located at the edge of an ocean.

Back to the Dublin nightclub.

The service staff there was very efficient and we were all sipping within moments. Most notable, however, was the club’s manager who was extraordinarily outgoing.

He would not have been faulted for ignoring another group of scruffy, self-fixated tourists, but we were more like long lost cousins. The coffee was good but the experience was even better.

(There is a drink that is indigenous to Dublin and it is made only a few blocks from where we were. It is served dark and has a bubbly head. Tourists gather around the Guinness brewery as though it is a shrine, which it is, in every pub throughout the world.)

Hot drinks are the subject of this issue including the Irish coffee shown on the cover. Truth is, Irish coffee is the ultimate hot drink.

No matter what the recipe says we learned something from our experience in Dublin. Cocktails always taste better with a warm personality on the side.

meet the sales staff

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

Jessica Marasco Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7220, JessicaM@myneworleans.com

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

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

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215, Colleen@myneworleans.com my n e w or l e a n s . com

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speaking out

On Being Number One Here As A Place To Go

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e would have felt proud of our city had it just been selected Number 1 in the nation; but to claim the top spot in the world is more than humility allows. Not that we think the designation is wrong, it is just that as locals we know where the rough spots are too. But then how can the designation be faulty when it is spoken by the New York Times?

In announcing its choices of the Top 52 Places in the World to visit in 2018, The Times’ website said this about New Orleans: There is no city in the world like New Orleans. Influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and indigenous peoples have made it the ultimate melting pot. And that diversity expresses itself in a multitude of ways that define New Orleans in the American imagination: music, food, language, and on 16

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and on. Though it’s been a long recovery from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans isn’t just back on its feet, it is as vibrant as ever — particularly impressive for a 300-year old.

As flattering as the statement is, there is also much to appreciate in a deeper sense. When New Orleans became part of the Union with the Louisiana Purchase, the national demographics changed. Within the country’s boundaries there was now a city whose citizens were not all white and Protestant. Here was a place with different shades of skin colors and a cacophony of languages. There were as many dialects as there were spices at the market, which was aromatic with scents that were brash and sweet.

New Orleans was the ultimate place for diversity long before the term became a cliché.

Whenever this city has been

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included in a list, it is usually near the bottom, unless the subject is crime for which our numbers soar.

Yet we hear about pickpockets in Paris and Rome and hooligans in London. These cities have lost none of their charm. The same greatness that attracts people to our city sometimes attracts those who we wish would go elsewhere.

(The greatness of truly good cities is not just in their historic attractions, but in their appeal as a refuge for those in need.)

New Orleans’s first-place ranking is especially impressive because most of the other locations are not cities but countries or regions. Number two is the nation of Colombia, for a long time a place to stay away from, but now newly freed of its narco-entrapmenet.

“Once off-limit attractions like the Pacific-coast rainforests and the rainbow-color river Cano Cristaoles

are now in every guidebook,” The Times says.

Among American cities only eighth place Cincinnati also makes the top-ten because of its flourishing artistic scene.

(Baltimore is 15th, two behind the Cambodian Coast and one ahead of Estonia.)

New Orleans obviously got an extra boost because of this being the Tri-Centennial year, so we cannot expect to hold the number one position forever, though any spot on the list speaks well for the city.

Yes we know about the potholes; flooding; race issues and those who exploit them. But we have also experienced those special moments when there is the scent of jasmine in the air, a passing parade and the melody of a distant calliope.

New Orleans number one, we might ask. What took the world so long to notice? •

AN ORIGINAL ©MIKE LUCKOVICH CARTOON FOR NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE

julia street

with poydras the parrot

by Schindler, Hardy and Laborde, turned up nothing about this Parisian artist. Could you please shed some light on this particular designer?

Yours truly, Lisa Krupa (New Orleans, LA)

Dear Julia, There is an endangered and bedraggled building that recently caught my eye on St. Bernard Avenue near Rocheblave. It has a vaguely Chinese look but its original lines are obscured by later additions, graffiti and the wire fencing that now enclose it.

Do you know anything about this most unusual structure? Was it originally a Chinese laundry?

Patrick Jones (New Orleans) The building is located at 2311 St. Bernard Avenue and sits in the middle of a triangular block bounded by Republic and Rocheblave streets. Although it’s somewhat hard to see in in its present state, the main and presumably original building’s roofline and rafter tails have a decidedly Oriental appearance.

In early 1927 developer Max Buchwald purchased from Lawrence Morris the triangular block bounded by St. Bernard Avenue, Republic and Rocheblave 18

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streets. According to the TimesPicayune of March 26, 1927, it was Buchwald’s intent to erect a store and a service station. It is unclear whether those plans came to fruition but some early gasoline stations sported pagoda-style roofs.

In mid-November 1933, restaurateur Peter Tardo opened at 2311 St. Bernard Avenue a short-lived restaurant known as Ming Toy Gardens. Despite its Chinese-inspired architecture and name, Ming Toy Gardens was an American-style barbecue restaurant, which lasted only a short time before the Blue Swan Food Emporium opened at that location. For decades in more recent memory, the building housed multiple businesses, which sold and repaired bicycles and lawnmowers.

Although I am reasonably sure the older building section with the pagoda roofline was erected around 1930, I found nothing which might have connected it with the local Chinese community.

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Instead, it seems more likely the style reflected a Western fascination with Oriental exotica that was prevalent in the 1920s and 30s. Only two years before Ming Toy Gardens opened, the motion picture “East is West” played in local theaters and starred actress Lupe Velez as protagonist Ming Toy. There was also a Ming Toy college sorority and the Ming Toy Shoppe, a ladies’ dress shop on Dante Street.

-----------------------------------------------------------------Greetings Julia and Poydras, My family and I recently had an opportunity to visit the Louisiana State Museum at the Presbytère, and enjoyed very much the permanent Carnival exhibit. We especially enjoyed the costume and jewelry designs. We were told many of the crown jewels were created in Paris prior to World War I by Robert D’Adrien.

A Google search, and our Carnival “reference” books written

Lisa, since you addressed the question to Poydras too I asked him if he could help with the answer. Unfortunately, to him, jewelry is just those beads that hang from parade route trees, Using the resources available to me, I was able to find only occasional cursory mentions of D’Adrien, longtime jeweler to the Mystic Krewe of Comus.

In the Times-Picayune’s February 16, 1947 issue, columnist Maude O’Bryan Ronstrom wrote of old line krewes’ crown jewels, and stated that jewels only for the Rex and Comus courts were “... made in Paris each year by a firm of worldwide renown.” According to Ronstrom, import duties for the court jewels were waived because they were created for public balls and parades.

An article appearing in the Dixie Roto newspaper supplement on February 12, 1956 and honoring the Carnival organization’s centennial year identified the D’Adrien family as the longtime jewelers to the Comus court. At that time the article appeared, Robert Renouard D’Adrien was in charge of his family’s jewelry business.

Have a question for julia?

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

The Beat MARQUEE . ART . PERSONA . BIZ . EDUCATION . HEALTH . CHRONICLES

greg miles photo

Jazz musician branford marsalis

THE beat . marquee

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

Family Gras

Harlem Globetrotters

Dead & Company

Endymion Extravaganza

On Feb 2-3, Metairie puts on its signature Mardi Gras event, Family Gras, on the Veterans Boulevard neutral ground across from Lakeside Shopping Center.

There’s an art market, plus a kids court with face painting and interactive games. There will also be live music and, of course, parades! Information, VisitJeffersonParish.com.

The world’s most famous exhibition basketball team returns to the Crescent City for one night only on February 17th at the Smoothie King Center. The Globetrotters combine athleticism, performance, and comedy into a delightful package for the whole family. You don’t have to be a sports fan to smile at the Globetrotters’ joyous spectacle. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com.

After their December show was postponed due to singer John Mayer’s emergency appendectomy, Dead & Company will play on February 24th at the Smoothie King Center. Featuring several original members of the Grateful Dead plus Mayer filling in on vocals, the show will feature many of the Grateful Dead’s classic songs and other musical improvisations. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com.

Do you like the pageantry of Endymion but not staking out a spot on the route hours or days in advance?

Buy a ticket to the Endymion Extravaganza and watch the floats roll into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 10th. Pop legend Rod Stewart will be providing live music. Information, Endymion.org.

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calendar Events, Exhibits & Performances

Jan. 1 - Feb. 25

Feb. 17

Prospect.4, Various Locations. Information, ProspectNewOrleans.org.

C.S. Lewis - The Most Reluctant Convert, Saenger Theater.

Information, SaengerNOLA.com.

Jan. 1-Jun. 30

Feb. 19

The Church in the Crescent: 300 Years of Catholicism in New Orleans, Old Ursuline Convent. Information, OldUrsulineConventMuseum. com.

St. Vincent, Civic Theater.

Information, CivicNOLA.com.

Feb. 20-25

The Color Purple, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com.

Jan. 30-Feb. 4

An American in Paris, Saenger Theater. Information, SaengerNOLA.com.

Feb. TBA

Tet Fest, Mary Queen of Vietnam Church.

Information, Facebook.com/ MaryQueenofVietnamChurch.

Feb. 22

From the Big Easy to the Big Apple Glass Orchestral Project, Orpheum Theater. Information, OrpheumNOLA.com.

Feb. 22

The Revolution w/ Support from DJ Soul Sister, Joy Theater.

Information, TheJoyTheater.com.

Feb. 2

John Prine, Orpheum Theater.

Information, OrpheumNOLA. com.

Feb. 23

Always…Patsy Cline, National WWII Museum. Information, NationalWW2Museum.org.

Feb. 3-4

Shen Yun, Mahalia Jackson Theater. Information, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com.

Feb. 24

Feb. 12

Feb. 24

Zulu Lundi Gras Festival, Woldenberg Park. Information, LundiGrasFestival.com.

Platinum Comedy Tour Featuring Mike Epps, UNO Lakefront Arena. Information, arena.uno.edu.

Gramatik, Joy Theater.

Information, TheJoyTheater.com.

Feb. 12

Orpheuscapade, Ernest Morial Convention Center.

Information, KreweOfOrpheus. com.

Feb. 24

Les Balletes de Monte Carlo in Romeo & Juliette, Mahalia Jackson Theater. Information, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com.

Feb. 16

Chinese Opera by the Houston Chinese Consulate, Harrah’s Casino Theater. Information, Caesars.com/harrahs-neworleans.

Feb. 27

Beth Hart, Civic Theater.

Information, CivicNOLA.com.

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THE beat . art

Art on display local exhibits New Orleans, the Founding Era

February 27 – May 27 The Historic New Orleans Collection In commemoration of the city’s 300th anniversary, this exhibit will provide an exploration of the city’s first few decades and its earliest inhabitants. hnoc. org/exhibitions/new-orleansfounding-era

Queen: An Exhibition Work from the collection of actress CCH Pounder

By Alexa Renée Harrison

W

ith a career spanning forty plus years, actress CCH Pounder is known for her strong female roles in television shows such as ER, The Shield, and Sons of Anarchy, as well as films including Avatar, Orphan, and Baghdad Café.

Most recently, Pounder has attracted local attention through her role as medical examiner Dr. Loretta Wade on NCIS: New Orleans. Did you know she’s also an art collector and an artist?

As part of the 2017-2018 Prospect.4: New Orleans international art exhibition, Xavier University of Louisiana is hosting “Queen: An Exhibition,” featuring works from the collection of CCH Pounder. The exhibit runs through February 26th and features works by such artists as Betye and Alison Saar, Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, Harmonia Rosales, Robert Pruitt, Xavier alumnus Steve Prince, and even several pieces by Pounder.

Pounder (whose collection in total includes about 500 pieces of art) and her late husband, had an art gallery in Los Angeles called the Pounder-Kone Art Space, the couple also founded the first contemporary art museum in Dakar, Senegal, Musee Boribana.

After a chance meeting with the president of Xavier, Pounder easily convinced Dr. C. Reynold Verret to share his university walls with her.

“It’s really a wonderful opportunity to expand 24

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one’s creativity with these students who would normally be with their mathematics and pharmaceutical classes,” Pounder said. “I know that art expands the brain’s creativity, and I’m so glad they get to experience it.”

The exhibit, which focuses on the strength of black females in all of its many forms, pays homage to those who Pounder believes truly run Africa: women. Curated by Sarah Clunis, Director of the Xavier University Art Gallery, the exhibition features forty pieces of Pounder’s collected works.

“There’s a beautiful piece by Alison Saar. It’s a head, and in the hair, there are all these instruments of beautification: a curling iron, mirrors, a plethora of things,” Pounder said.

“I find it really powerful in the sense that we spend so much time invested in these strands of hair in our heads.

The sculpture observes acceptance of all these instruments we harass ourselves with.”

As an artist, Pounder has found endless inspiration in the city of New Orleans, particularly enjoying photographing the chaotic weather. She’s currently in the process of setting up a second exhibit at Xavier, which will be much larger, and will remain on display until she’s no longer living in NOLA… which we hope never happens! •

Noontime Talk: Bror Anders Wikstrom: Bringing Fantasy to Carnival

February 7, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., New Orleans Museum of Art Join NOMA Curator Mel Buchanan for a discussion about the watercolor sketches of New Orleans’ Carnival floats and costumes by artist Bror Anders Wikstrom. noma. org/event/noontime-talkbror-anders-wikstrombringing-fantasy-carnivalcurator-mel-buchanan/ Friends of the Cabildo Films Series: Big Charity

February 28, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Old U.S. Mint’s 3rd Floor Performance Hall The Friends of Cabildo Film Series features some of the best films and documentaries that highlight New Orleans, including this screening of Big Charity: The Death of America’s Oldest Hospital. louisianastatemuseum.org/events/ friends-of-the-cabildo-filmsseries-big-charity

portrait by Anthony Rivera

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THE beat . persona

greg miles photo

Branford Marsalis Creating A Legacy

By John R. Kemp

F

amed jazz and classical saxophonist Branford Marsalis takes center stage March 6 not to perform but to receive the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission’s 2018 “Legacy Tribute” for his international acclaim as a musician and composer and for his work in creating the Musicians’ Village in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans.

Like most people watching Hurricane Katrina on television, Marsalis felt helpless seeing images of his hometown drown in the devastating floods that inundated over 80 percent of the city. Within days, he and his brothers Delfeayo and Jason along with his childhood friend Harry Connick Jr. flew to Jackson, Miss., where they met, rented a car and drove to New Orleans to find someway to help. A drive that normally takes three hours lasted over six hours. They arrived six days after the storm. The result was Musicians’ Village.

With the help of volunteers and financial benefactors from across the country, construction began in March 2006. The village now boasts over 70 single-family houses, duplexes for seniors, after school programs for children, and the 17,000-square-foot Ellis Marsalis Center for Music that includes a 170-seat performance space and recording studio where Branford now produces most of his new albums. For their work, Branford and Connick received the coveted 2012 Jefferson Award for Public Service.

For almost four decades, Marsalis has performed his

music around the world, moving easily from hot fleshy and funky jazz riffs to the precision of a “molto allegro” movement in a Haydn symphony. He has won three Grammys and directed NBC’s Tonight Show band. He also has played with, among numerous others, the New York Philharmonic, Grateful Dead, Sting, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and his brother Wynton. In addition to the stage, this icon of American jazz has taken his music into college and high school classrooms across the country.

Branford’s talent is in his DNA. He is a member of the illustrious New Orleans family of musicians that includes its patriarch jazz pianist and teacher Ellis Marsalis Jr., and mother, Dolores, herself a jazz singer, and brothers Delfeayo, Jason, and Wynton. In 2011, Branford, his father and brothers received the National Endowment for the Arts’ prestigious “Jazz Masters” award, the nation’s highest tribute to American jazz musicians.

In a recent interview from his home in Durham, North Carolina, Marsalis recalls his childhood years at NORD, his love of music, and growing up in the city that moves to syncopated rhythms.

Q: The first questions New Orleanians always ask: What neighborhood did you grow up in? When I was 12, we moved to New Orleans from Kenner. We lived on Hickory Street in Pigeon Town (Carrollton neighborhood).

Q: What activities did you participate in at NORD? We use to ride m y ne w orleans . com

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our bikes over to NORD and hang around the football team.

The coach let us practice with the team. I was never really good at sports, but I could have been if I gave up music. People don’t understand the intricacies of sports. In music, it’s the same thing. NORD established discipline and regiment. That helps you out in later life. The same is true for music.

Q: Although you studied music at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where did you learn to play New Orleans music? Learning how to play an instrument is different than playing music. I learned from my Dad how to be a musician.

In music you have to hear sound differently than other people.

You can’t teach that. I listened to such a variety of music all my life. In music, people talk about ‘analyzation,’ but in fact, the great composers were writing about what they heard, not what they learned.

Q: How did you and Harry Connick Jr. come up with the idea of Musicians’ Village? Watching Hurricane Katrina on television in North Carolina I was disappointed, upset and very angry.

Harry said he wanted to start a school, but I didn’t want to deal with the school board. Harry then said we had to connect with Habitat for Humanity and build houses for local musicians. He brought the idea to his manager and it took off from there. I, in my limited way, and he in his large way made it happen. You can stand on the sidelines and bitch about what happened, but we said this is what we are going to do. Six months later I heard the first birds come back and then the ice cream truck. It was unbelievable.

Why was preserving the musical heritage of New Orleans impor-

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tant to you? New Orleans is the only reason I’m a musician.

Growing up there makes a huge difference in how you hear and see the world. No other city has an Ellis Marsalis and a Doctor John. They don’t have the Fat Man or an Aaron Neville, or The Meters. I’ve been listening to the sounds of funk, jazz and classical music since I was five.

Growing up, I wanted to be with these great musicians whether they could read music or not. You have to hear the music to play it.

The purpose of a musician is to move people with your sound.

What does the NORDC award mean to you? It’s a great honor.

The city is a large part of my identity, so I’m happy to be a part of any organization that helps our citizens thrive.

Marsalis will receive the award on March 6 at the foundation’s Champion’s Gala. For additional information, visit NordFoundation.org. •

At a Glance Age: 57 Occupation: Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Teacher Born: New Orleans, Flint-Goodrich Hospital Education: Eleanor McMain Junior High, De La Salle High School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Southern University, Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Favorite Book: I don’t have one, but I’m reading Rhetoric

by Aristotle Favorite Movie: I don’t have one, but I enjoyed “Atomic Blonde” this year.

Favorite TV Show: “Game of Thrones” Favorite Food: Anything that is full of flavor and spice Favorite Restaurant: Mugaritz in Gipuzkoa, Spain

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THE beat . biz

Screen Credit Developer calls ‘action’ on new film studio

By Kathy Finn

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n its long-running competition with other states to attract new business and high-quality employment, Louisiana has used many types of job “bait.” Louisiana taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into business tax breaks, worker training and cash grants to encourage companies to create jobs in the state.

Through the years, though, a big question about the businesses that expanded or relocated into Louisiana often went unanswered: How many companies that chose to do business in Louisiana might have done so even if the state had not offered them incentives?

In the case of Louisiana’s tax credit program for the film and entertainment industry, an answer did become clear. The generous tax 30

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incentives, which the Legislature created in 2002, helped make Louisiana a hub for movie making almost overnight.

But after several years of accommodating movie stars and producers, it was obvious that the state was not getting a big enough employment bang for its incentive bucks. Lost tax revenue outweighed new business revenue, so lawmakers took an axe to the program. Very quickly after they capped the tax incentives, Louisiana’s movie business began to shrink.

Lawmakers continued to work toward a film industry program that would better serve the state, and recently, Louisiana Economic Development made an announcement: A well-known

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film producer has the go-ahead to open a substantial new studio in New Orleans.

Deep South Studios will become the first company to qualify for a new state program aimed at cultivating well-paying, permanent jobs in the motion picture, digital, music and theatrical industries.

The Qualified Entertainment Company program provides a tax credit on annual wages paid by entertainment companies that create full-time jobs for Louisiana residents. Qualifying companies receive a 15 percent credit against W2 wages for each new job that pays between $45,000 and $66,000 per year. For jobs paying more than $66,000, but less than $200,000, the credit rises to 20 percent.

The program seeks to improve

on a weakness of the old filmindustry tax credits that drew criticism for allowing financial benefits to flow out of the state.

The fact that Deep South Studios is poised to begin construction stems from the determination of its founder. The studio’s developer is film producer and New Orleans native Scott Niemeyer, whose growing string of successful films include the popular “Pitch Perfect” movies and a sequel to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

Niemeyer has been attempting to open a studio in the New Orleans area for about four years and faced hurdles as the Legislature shrank its original tax incentives, which caused potential investors in his studio to grow wary. But the producer persisted, with support

from people who saw promise in the project and sought alternative ways to make it financially viable.

In 2016, Niemeyer secured a commitment from the New Orleans Industrial Development Board to exempt most property taxes on the project through payments in lieu of taxes during the initial 10 years. The board later sweetened the agreement by reducing the studio’s total payments for the first 10 years by $1 million.

The state’s entertainment tax program helped Niemeyer clinch the deal, and he expects to complete the first three of 11 studio buildings, at a site along the Mississippi River in Algiers, within the next few months.

The complex of production and support space eventually will encompass 260,000 square feet, with a capital investment of $64 million.

Niemeyer sees his project as a “poster child” for Louisiana’s effort to build a long-term entertainment industry. “We hope to set an example for more entertainment businesses to create lasting, quality jobs and sustainable economic growth for the creative industries here in Louisiana,” he said in a press release. “Sustainable” is the key word in his statement.

One of the knocks against Louisiana’s original entertainment tax credit program, as that it did not produce nearly as many long-lasting jobs or even a fraction of the industry infrastructure that lawmakers had hoped for.

Instead, productions tended to hire Louisiana residents for lowerpaying, temporary positions, and once the local portion of a movie production wrapped up, the companies often left Louisiana to finish their films in Hollywood.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson believes the new tax credit program will encourage more entertainment employers to hire and invest locally to build a

permanent entertainment industry in the state. “We are providing a concrete way for in-state and out-of-state entertainment companies to accelerate their growth through meaningful, long-term investments and partnerships in Louisiana,” he said.

It will of course be a while before the state can measure the success of the new program, but judging by Niemeyer’s persistence in getting his studio off the ground, having a Louisiana native at the helm may help. •

A studio production film developments

A look at Deep South Studios

Hollywood producer Scott Niemeyer plans to build a complex of 11 buildings, encompassing about 260,000 square feet, at a site along the Mississippi River in Algiers.

He aims to complete the first three buildings, which will include film production and support space, within the next few months.

Investing in movies

Niemeyer is amassing about $64 million from investors to build Deep South Studios.

New Orleans agreed to assist the project by allowing payments in lieu of property taxes that could be valued at about $2.5 million over 10 years. The project also qualified for a new state program that provides tax credits to entertainment companies that create quality, permanent jobs.

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THE beat . education

Measuring the Method Montessori Schools Do It Their Way

By Dawn Ruth Wilson

S

now fell outside, startling most locals into slow motion, yet Audubon Charter School’s students continued with lesson plans, all carefully mapped out in self-directed notebooks.

Grant, a first grader, worked with a bead frame doing subtraction problems. A few feet away, Juliana, a third-grader, worked with a grammar box. She identified parts of speech in sentences by placing shapes above words: red circles over verbs, blue over adjectives and black triangles over nouns.

Grant and Juliana are different ages, progressing at different levels, but they occupy the same classroom with the same teacher and will do so until Juliana moves to fourth grade to join fifth graders. Merging similar ages and grade levels forms the core of the Montessori method developed in the early 20th Century by Italian educator Maria Montessori. The method acknowledges that same age children are not necessarily 32

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at the same stage of development.

At Audubon’s Broadway campus, for example, a teacher and instructional aide guide as many as three grades in one grouped classroom. The method adopts the collaborative atmosphere of the one-room schoolhouse in a creative way. No isolated desks arranged in straight rows of conformity are part of this campus.

Arts, dance and drama are also emphasized. After completing lessons in math and language arts on that snowy day in mid-December, Grant and Juliana’s classmates transformed into cowboy elves for a performance rehearsal.

Traditional schools and Montessori schools share commonalities, but they part ways in the amount of responsibility children carry. Students at Audubon have a “say so” in their learning, according to Latoye Brown, Chief Executive Officer.

“I think that is invaluable,” Brown

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said. “Who doesn’t feel empowered when they have a say so?”

Audubon got its start in 1981 when a group of teachers received approval from the Orleans Parish School Board to a develop a Montessori program. The school website says it was so popular that some parents camped out for two weeks to get in line for admissions.

In 1990, it also became a French school in cooperation with the French government. After Katrina, it became a charter school governed by the Board of French and Montessori Education, Inc. Rated an “A” school by the state, its popularity continues. Brown says 1,900 applicants are vying for fewer than 200 openings for the coming academic year.

Audubon will open a second K-8 school in Gentilly in fall 2018.

The expansion is partly fueled by about $2 million in grants from the Walton Family Foundation, the Charter School Growth Fund

and other benefactors. The Charter School Growth Fund provided a $500,000 grant for charter schools led by “people of color.”

Brown climbed to the upper echelons of school administration via an unsatisfying marketing career. At that juncture in life, education wasn’t even an option.

“I said it was the one profession I would never, never do,” she stated.

But after two years with Ford Motor Company in Memphis, she returned to New Orleans and became a school secretary. The rest of her story includes substitute teaching, teaching middle school, and obtaining two master’s degrees. A native-born lover of books, extended families and singing hymns, she says she got hooked on education when she fell in love with middle school students’ “funny brand” of sarcasm and childishness. That love sent her down a path of educating her “babies” for life. • greg miles photo

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33

THE beat . chronicles

The City Directory A New Orleans Essential Since 1805

by Carolyn Kolb

I

n 1805, Matthew Flourney, residing at #71 Rue de Bourbon, was paid $150 by the New Orleans City Council to produce “A Directory and a Census,” described as “a recapitulation of all the names of persons living in New Orleans.”

This first New Orleans city directory was followed by others up until today. These handy volumes appeared sporadically at first. By

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the 1830s, they came out almost every year, chronicling the names of residents, where they lived, what work they did, and including advertisements for various businesses, lists of companies and practitioners of marketable skills in all categories. Other information might be included in almanac style: Saints’ Days, a schedule of eclipses, military unit information, city infrastructure (ferries,

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carlines, levees.) early and late, visited the busiest Unlike the first government- portions and haunted the swamps sponsored directory, subsequent of the city in search of names.” ones were regularly done as a However, there were difficulties: business enterprise. Advertising “some suffered mortification in was sold, each copy had to be being taken for lightning rod purchased. This early advertising salesmen, newspaper reporters, might provide engravings showing club solicitors, tax assessors, buildings no longer standing sheriffs and the like, but all have today. Some volumes included done their duty.” pictures and biogCity directories raphies of notable are indispensable businessmen (who “1882 Soard’s New Orleans f o r g e n e a l o g y City Directory” advertiseprobably paid a fee researchers: you ment, Louisiana Research for the privilege.) can find where The directory Collection, Howard Tilton your ancestors lived Library. Tulane University: editor might include and what work they The Moresque Building, essays describing Camp and Poydras St., the did. Need to prove largest cast-iron building the city or discuss your residence in a in New Orleans, was a favorite subject. certain year (say, to John Adams Paxton, destroyed in a fire in 1897. collect damages in New Orleans direcan environmental tory publisher in the 1820s, was lawsuit settlement?) Check a a former resident of Philadelphia city directory (available at the where he had published directories New Orleans Public Library main between 1813 and 1818. branch.) In 1895, the city directory In his 1822 volume, Paxton was explained how the new street frank about his displeasure with numbering system worked (each New Orleans’s non-functioning block now had a designation in water system. Paxton had his own 100s.) system, featuring a floating pump City directories are fun to snoop on a vessel on the river, which he in. What happened to the madams proposed to demonstrate on the after Storyville closed in 1917? Lulu Fourth of July, 1822. That event White was selling soft drinks at was cancelled twice and Paxton’s Basin and Bienville and “Countess” pump never operated. The city’s Willie Piazza was renting rooms system, designed by architect on Basin Street in 1921.

Benjamin Latrobe, was up and If you were curious, the most running by 1823, three years after complete collection of city direcLatrobe’s death. tories in America is at the geneThe 1854 directory had a long alogy department of the Allen essay by Bennet Dowler, M.D. County Public Library, Fort Wayne, on the yellow fever epidemic of Indiana. In 1961, director Fred 1853. Dowler believed that native- Reynolds set up a deal with R.W. born residents (Creoles) could be Polk – then, as now, the main resistant to the disease, with one American city directory publisher limitation: “it is the resident city – so Polk’s leftover collection went Creole, not the country Creole, directly to Fort Wayne. that may hope for good health.”

Even in the day of Google and The directory of 1876 praised Wikipedia, it’s still nice to look the thoroughness of its employees: something up in a big fat book.

“Our canvassers have worked Try it! •

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35

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

craig mcdean photo

Benjamin Clementine will perform at One Eyed Jacks feb.

27th

LOCAL COLOR . CHRIS ROSE

Where The River Rode Around The Bend In St. James Parish

By Chris Rose

T

he best part about living in south Louisiana is how many times you fall in love. With people. With places. I have a couple new crushes. One is personal, not for the pages of a magazine. The other is St. James Parish.

In the same ways that Lafayette, Abita Springs, Grand Isle, Eunice, Sunset, Opelousas, St. Martinville and St. Francisville have stolen my heart over the past three decades of my blessed life here, so St. James has won my most recent ardor.

So close, yet so far away. In time and miles, St. James Parish is just an hour’s jaunt upriver from New Orleans, just beyond two of our other regional patriarchal parish patrons, St. John and St. Charles.

So many saints here. The churches, parishes and festivals that revere them. It’s a daunting almanac for mortal sinners like me.

But the distance not covered by a cartographer’s allowance between New Orleans and St. James is measured by the generally breathtaking, sometimes distressing photogenic landscapes that reveal 38

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themselves beyond each serpentine bend along the levee that buttresses the Old River Road as it wends its way slowly, stately, steadily from the city...North.

Antebellum plantations, both majestic and charmingly decayed; Gothic oaks draped in Spanish moss as if arranged by an account exec. for a Louisiana marketing brochure; wide open pastures of crops, the sugar cane thriving.

Rusted automobiles, boarded-up roadhouses, abandoned luncheonettes, peeling paint, overgrown service stations, and nostalgic mom-and-pop groceries and diners where the neon lights flicker to fade, but commerce marches on, smokers in the back lots conjuring the savory and beloved cased meats that are the foundation of the region’s epicurean identity – boudin, andouille, hogshead, crawfish, alligator, green onion.

There is sausage everywhere in St. James Parish. The weird thing is that you don’t see any pigs there.

I said to my companion: “Maybe they’re all dead now. I mean: Look

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at all this sausage!”

We ate good.

On the darker side of the journey upriver are the refineries, multinational corporate wastelands, lit up like surreal cosmic terrestrial cruise ships on the horizon, spewing dark, unearthly fumes, the aromas of gas and bagasse mixing a hopefully non-toxic stew. They look like petrochemical theme parks with their lights and towers and tubes and bustling activity and sudden flashes of … well, what are those flashes?

Hence the labels of the Chemical Corridor on the benign side, Cancer Alley on the malevolent. The Old River Road is an arranged marriage of blight and beauty. Nature and chemistry. Oil and water. Literally.

It’s the economy, stupid. Or the stupid economy. A deal with the devil, fingers crossed, paychecks cashed, olfactory assaults in factory towns. Conflicting and contradictory elements of life along the levee; the necessary and the noxious, symptoms and survival.

Though the Old River Road is the magic of the journey here, out

on the highways and two-lanes, the exit signs on the roadway conjure less the notion of municipalities and destinations than a poetic roll call of who might be the mythical sons and daughters of some faded Confederate gentry. Gonzales St. Amant. Edgard Lutcher. Gramercy Darrow. Sorrento Burnside. Paulina LaPlace.

They sound like characters from a Flannery O’Conner short story.

They are places. They are towns.

They are names. They are the ghosts of the Old River Road, lost in space and time. And a river runs through it.

In St. James Parish, there is no such thing as a stranger. In fact, the stranger you are, the quicker the arms of the community embrace you.

It really is the American idol at times, populated by the kinds of clichés that nobody locks their doors and everybody lends a hand and you’re never alone -- unless you want to be alone. But there’s no reason you ever will or want to be. Miles away, but still so close.

I guess I’ve developed a bromance with St. James. Wandering through the old cemetery behind St. Michael’s church, witnessing the incandescent bonfires on the levee on Christmas Eve, stocking up on a year’s worth of cased meats at Veron’s Supermarket, bunking down at the Poche Plantation, now a B&B, a much more hospitable and kinder property than in antebellum times, where snowbirds and seasonal workers encamp for winter.

Everyone my companion and I met on a recent trip upriver – everyone – invited us to their homes, introduced us to their families, gave us the “locals’ discount,” and generally made us feel like we were home. Home sweet sugar cane home. The lives of the Saints.

And a river runs through it. • Jason Raish Illustration

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39

LOCAL COLOR . modine gunch

T

he Eating Season is over.

It started at Halloween with trick-or-treats; swelled up through Thanksgiving and Christmas with turkey and oyster dressing and gumbo and pies and candy canes; and waddled into Mardi Gras with King Cakes and buckets of fried chicken.

So now we hit the reset button.

Lent.

In other places, the reset button comes at New Year’s, when people make resolutions. Not here. We got Carnival to eat through.

Pretty soon our stretch pants will be popping like balloons.

But if you got to lose weight, Lent is the time to do it. You don’t got just the scale to answer to.

You also got God. Of course, God is easier to cut deals with. He understands about Sunday not being technically a part of Lent, (so you can eat whatever you gave up) and about St. Pat’s Day (Irish coffee, corn beef and cabbage) and St. Joseph’s Day (any food that ends in ‘i.’)

But even though God understands all that, the scale don’t.

So you got to exercise.

Me and the other Gunch ladies talk about this every year on Ash Wednesday, while we sort the Mardi Gras beads to put in Ms. Larda’s attic. (Some day, somebody 40

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The Weight is Over A post-Carnival plan

By Modine Gunch

in the family will throw them in a parade, if Ms. Larda’s ceiling don’t fall in first.)

This year we make a pact.

Besides God and the scale, we will have each other to answer to. We will watch each other on our watches.

Each of us dropped enough hints to get a fancy smart watch for Christmas. This may not have been such a great idea. The watch got a emergency button which Ms. Larda pressed by accident and summoned the New Orleans police to her porta-potty on Mardi Gras Day. She don’t want to even TALK about that.

But now my sister-in-law Gloriosa figured out how we can use these watches to brag to each other that we “completed a workout.”

She shows us how to program them so we all get a text when one

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of us finishes a run or a yoga class or something energetic. Then we are all supposed to text encouraging things to that person. The watch gives us a choice of encouraging things to say, like “Wow,” “Boom,” or even “Shazam!” “Shazam!” is high praise from a watch.

It starts out good. I get shazams for leading my walking tours, which I also get paid for. My other sister-in-law Larva and Gloriosa are shazaming it out of the park. The watch don’t say exactly what they are doing, but they are doing it a lot. Even Ms. Larda gets a shazam a day, probably for walking her dog.

Then one night, I am in bed almost asleep, when my watch on the nightstand dings that Gloriosa has completed a workout.

At midnight. I start to send a “shazam,” but my better judgement kicks in. Gloriosa is a happily

married woman. Maybe she is particularly happy right now.

I don’t send no shazam.

The next night it happens again.

And again the next night. Finally, I call up Larva, and ask what she thinks. She thinks what I think.

And she ain’t sending no shazams neither. Some activities are their own reward.

We don’t mention it to Ms. Larda. We hope she is a deep sleeper. There are things a mother don’t need to hear about.

I start leaving my watch in the living room at night.

A week later, we are all at Gloriosa’s for a birthday party.

She serves diet ice cream. On Sunday. This must put Larva in a nasty mood, because she ups and says, “Gloriosa, according to my watch, you do a LOT of exercising (cough) late in the day.”

“Well, every night before I go to bed, I run up and down the stairs until I finish burning off that day’s calories. I notice I haven’t gotten no shazams from you,” Gloriosa says.

We don’t know what to say.

Ms. Larda does. “Take off the watch and slip on a negligee.

You’ll get better than a shazam,” she says.

The scale and God would understand. • LORI OSIECKI ILLUSTRATION

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41

LOCAL COLOR . JOIE D’EVE

Tourist Tips Top must-do activities for families.

By Eve Crawford Peyton

A

t least once a month someone asks me, via text or email or Facebook, what the must-do activities are for kids visiting New Orleans, and although I completely appreciate being thought of as someone who might have answers to that kind of question, the truth is that I am more or less a homebody who would be much better-suited to answer: “What true crime series should I binge-watch on Netflix?” or “What is your favorite pasta recipe?” or “How do you keep meringue topping from shrinking?” (Answers: “The Keepers,” spaghetti aglio e olio, and gelatin.)

But as someone who has kids

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and is passionate about New Orleans, I have some go-to answers ready: 1. Poor boys and cheese fries at R&O’s, followed by a walk on the levee.

2. The sculpture garden in City Park, followed by beignets at Morning Call 3. Sno-balls (preferably chocolate cream with condensed milk at Sal’s, fresh strawberry at Lou Lou’s, sour watermelon at Pandora’s, or anything at Hansen’s provided you’re willing to wait in line) 4. Riding the streetcar.

5. Brunch at Russell’s, followed by a drive out to the Point.

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I don’t get enough chances to 6. Depending on age, the play tourist in my own city with Children’s Museum or the World War II Museum my kids – our weekends are full 7. Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the of birthday parties, sleepovers, Americas, and/or the Insectarium dance classes, and homework 8. Brocato’s – but I’ve done all of the above 9. And obviously, if it’s the right activities in the past year, typitime of year, a parade or two cally with friends in from out of New Orleans is often not thought town, and I’ve found them all of as a family-friendly destina- to be enjoyable, inexpensive, tion, and although and sometimes even that certainly can be educational. true, there are plenty Excerpted from Eve I do wonder someCrawford Peyton’s of things to do that times, though, as I tell blog, Joie d’Eve, don’t involve Bourbon the tenth person in a which appears each Friday on Street or drive-thru row to do the sculpdaiquiris. (Most of MyNewOrleans.com ture garden-beignet combo, if I’m missing them do involve food, but hey, you’re on vaca- something simply by being too tion, right?) set in my ways. •

jane sanders illustration

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LOCAL COLOR . in tune

calendar must-see music

feb. 6

Marco Benevento tickles the ivories at Blue Nile. feb. 9

Maceo Parker funks up Tipitinas. really about what was coming from outside, and not what was coming from inside. I’m trying to understand what is going on around me by somehow creating characters,” he said.

On his last trip to the U.S., Clementine was issued a visa as an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability.”

He took this status and ran with it.

“Now, obviously, we live in a time where things are not so much in safe hands, and we’re being told, quite a lot of times, that there’s a surge of population of some people moving towards the West, for sometimes economic reasons, and other times for basic human rights. That sort of …added to the fact that I had a visa, called an alien Benjamin Clementine at One-Eyed visa, made it quite reasonable to

By Mike Griffith somehow make music concerning that issue…that’s the inspiration I got when I started writing.” ebruary is always a good month for music in New Orleans. The What really sets Clementine apart temperature generally starts to warm up a bit and Carnival kicks is his constant striving to move things into high gear. This year we have a series of outstanding forward. He gets bored quickly and performers coming through town throughout the month. One of the has no desire to stay in the same artistic mode for very highlights will be Benjamin Clementine’s performance at One Eyed Jacks on the 27th. Clementine has released two of long. With a quantum the great records of the last few years. His work combines leap in theatricality Playlist of intricate and personal poetry with a stunning vocal delivery. between the first and mentioned bands In October he released his sophomore album I Tell a Fly, available at: http:// second record we can which is a concept record that explores alienation from only imagine what is bit.ly/InTune2-18 both literal and metaphorical perspectives. in store for the third.

I spoke with Clementine about his process and the This is going to be an creation of this new record and he addressed his own sense of being unforgettable night of music, do an outsider. “So, that is forever going to be there, so this record was everything you can to attend. •

Extraordinary Ability

F

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myneworleans .com

feb. 10 & 12

Galactic celebrates Carnival at Tipitinas. feb. 11

Shovels and Rope brings the folk back to Tips. feb. 19

St. Vincent will shred The Civic. feb. 23

Diet Cig will rock the Hi-Ho. feb. 24

Dead and Company jam at the Smoothie King Center. feb. 24

Gramatik will groove the Joy. Dates are subject to change; email Mike@MyNewOrleans. com or contact him through Twitter @Minima.

craig mcdean photo

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45

LOCAL COLOR . book reviews

Eclipse Alley

by David Fulmer

The Louisiana Urban Gardener

Crescent City Books

by Kathryn Fontenot LSU Press

The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre

by Chris Dier The History Press

Chalmette High School history teacher Chris Dier explores a tumultuous chapter in the history of his home parish. While the subject matter is difficult, there are many lessons to be learned. The book recounts the days before the presidential election of 1868. Newly freed black men had gained the right to vote, and an angry mob gathered late one night to murder the freed people in an attempt to squash their votes. Though not widely reported at the time, the shameful and tragic event would impact the area and the larger south for decades.

Eclipse Alley is the sixth title in the Valentine St. Cyr mystery series by David Fulmer. Set in 1916 Storyville-era New Orleans, the murder of a prominent citizen near the Red Light District grips the town. It is up to detective St. Cyr and his ally in the police department to put the pieces of the puzzle, and the pieces of the corpse, together. Punctuated with plenty of jazz, whiskey, saucy strumpets and Storyville lore, Eclipse Alley provides a mysterious glimpse into a fictional New Orleans underworld that will have readers reading late into the night.

The beginning months of the new year mean planning for gardeners. The Louisiana Urban Gardener

by LSA AgCenter professor and extension associate Kathryn Fontenot provides essential information to help gardeners in challenging city environments. Tips specifically focused on our unique environment include: choosing the best location, soil preparation, managing pests, insects and weeds, and inspiration from some of the best gardens in the area. Fontenot’s guide will help guide your garden to a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season.

By Ashley McLellan, Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Ashley McLellan, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005

H = Did not finish

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HH = Sort of ok, but kind of meh

myneworleans .com

HHH = Enjoyable HHHH = Really, really liked it HHHHH = Loved it; a new favorite!

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47

LOCAL COLOR . jazz life

The Purple Knights “St. Aug” Marching Into Time

By Jason Berry

C

arnival season means marching bands, the parades providing a coveted slot from Louisiana schools and colleges, and foreign soil from Alabama to Michigan.

Few bands carry such precision and musical authority as the Seventh Ward Catholic boys’ high school, the St. Augustine Purple Knights, Marching 100. They are in such demand that the Krewe of Rex, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, cut a deal whereby the Purple Knights march in each parade, in alternating years, on Carnival Day. For Mardi Gras 2018, St. Aug goes with Zulu.

The repertoire of a marching band reflects the impact of popular music, anchored by certain standards. As the Marching 100 music director, Eddie Williams (class of ’87), explained: “We still play a lot of rhythm-and-blues; but we have to add new music to keep the 48

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interest of young people.”

Old school R&B in the 60 selections of the marching songbook include “Lil Liza Jane,” “Mardi Gras Mambo,” and “Hey Pocky Way.” “We have ‘St. Louis Blues,’ ‘March Gradioso’ and ‘Dem Basses,’” added Williams. But with many songs for a given parade, the selection has added rap and hip-hop favorites to stay with trends.

In adapting a pop song to a march, the arranger distills the melody, while converting guitar lines to woodwind passages.

Some songs leap from the charts into Carnival via parades or balls.

“You Can Cal Me Al,” from Paul Simon’s mega-selling Graceland has the melodic bounce and space for big horn charts to suit the formal balls.

“Earth, Wind and Fire did ‘In the Stone’ in 1979, which became a signature march for us,” continued

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Williams, of the decision by the late Edwin Hampton, the longtime music director, and Williams’s mentor.

“Mr. Hampton saw the direction of techno-beats and the beatbox that made things difficult for arrangers. You learn to adjust. We try to cover every generation’s style of music. We play ‘Victorious,’ a rock tune. A lot of rock tunes have more instrumentation and less technotype beats, or heavy guitars which make it for easier for an arranger.”

A sharper change in the generation since Williams attended St. Augustine is the decline in clarinetists. “On average, we carry eight sousaphones, sixteen trombones, eight baritone horns, nine mellophones, forty saxophones, three or four clarinets and one or two flutes.”

Why so few clarinets? “They don’t think it’s manly enough,” he sighed. “When I graduated from St. Aug we had eighteen saxophones,

sixteen clarinets and three flutes.”

What caused the change? “It was not just rap. College bands became more competitive – a bigger sound, more powerful the better.

Band directors saw that. Middle schools competed for a power sound. Band directors put males in the percussions and brass, young ladies on the woodwinds. That hurt us as at an all male program.

It makes it difficult doing concert music without woodwind.”

A linked problem, Williams said, is that Louisiana schools do not teach music with the same focus as many northern school districts, with individual classes on percussion, brass, and woodwinds. “We need that level of teaching,” he insisted.

In the meantime, as the St. Augustine Purple Knights suit up for Carnival, the Marching 100 carry a tradition with the flexibility it takes to roll with the hands of time. •

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49

LOCAL COLOR . home

Left: The dining room walls are Venetian plaster; a new construction table made from old wood is paired with Oly chairs, buffet is a Swedish antique; abalone chandelier by Oly.

Still Standing Designer Tanga Winstead rescues a 1910 bargeboard house

By Lee Cutrone

T

ime, neglect and hurricane Katrina conspired to make Tanga Winstead’s job of renovating a century–old bargeboard house – purchased just four months before Katrina - a tangled web. The attic was filled with soot that had become muddied with moisture and was seeping into the house. The slab of a 1930s addition was cracked.

When it rained, runoff from an adjacent church parking lot was washing away the earth surrounding the house. And those were just a few of the challenges she faced.

But for Winstead, saving something of historic worth outweighed the myriad problems.

“This was a labor of love,” said Winstead, a North Carolina native, who has lived 50

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myneworleans .com

in New Orleans for 23 years. “They don’t build houses like this anymore. She’s still standing and she’s come through it smelling like a rose.”

When Winstead purchased the bargeboard house (such houses are typically modest working class structures found near the Mississippi River because they are constructed of wood from dismantled barges), it neither looked nor lived like it does today. Built in 1910, it was originally a double with simple bones and no real architectural character.

In the 1930s, a neighborhood park was built across the street and the then-owners bumped out a corner of the house, laying a slab and using the small one-room space as a corner store, known as “The Sweet Shop.” Eventually, the store, which sold popsicles, gum, soft drinks and the like, was absorbed into one side of the double. By the time Winstead purchased the house in 2005, it was in serious need of repair. As an interior designer with a background in marketing, fashion and retail, she knew she could turn the house into something special. She converted it into a single that lives larger than its predecessor and spent more than a decade fine-tuning the details. She designed the remodel, some of the furnishings and even did some of the work herself.

Winstead updated the property with new plumbing, sewerage, and air conditioning, improved the attic, reinforced the slab under the 1930s addition, put in new sheetrock, replaced doors and windows and put up crown molding for architectural interest. “I basically rebuilt the house,” she said. She opened the flow of the house by enlarging passageways and changed the use of certain rooms. While the footprint and layout of the 1,500 square foot house remained the same, the breakfast room is situated where the kitchen was originally, for instance. The kitchen now occupies what was probably a porch addition.

Along the way, Winstead discovered things that told the story of the house. As she worked on walls, she found layers of cheesecloth that had been used to provide a smooth surface for wallpaper. When she uncovered the original bead-board ceiling of the kitchen, she decided to leave the original paint in its weathered state.

To stay true to the house’s age, she used Venetian plaster for some walls, faux finished Greg Miles photographs

ceilings, and replaced the concrete Left: The living room, at the entrance of the house, was once a candy and refreshment store called floor of the family room (once the The Sweet Shop; Winstead found the original ceiling beneath sheetrock during the renovation and left Sweet Shop) with Spanish porcelain the original paint; she added the concrete around the fireplace and the Spanish porcelain tile floors; tile. She also incorporated modern tiles from Stafford Stone & Tile, chandelier from Villa Vice; 110� extra-long Verellen sofa is paired with comforts and contemporary designs. a custom ordered hair on hide dining bench used as a cocktail ottoman for the sofa; a vintage print The key to marrying the old with the hangs over the fireplace. Top, right: A painting by Gigi Mills (from Gallery Orange) originally commisnew was the use of organic materials, sioned for a client, is a perfect fit for the brick fireplace in the dining room; the Swedish drop leaf which connected everything back to console (from Anne Koerner Antiques) beneath the painting opens and doubles as extra dining space. the modest bargeboard origins of the Bottom, right: Interior Designer Tanga Winstead in the breakfast room of her restored 19th century house. Though the kitchen has sleek bargeboard house; mirrored armoire and lacquered tables by Julian Chichester. stainless appliances, open shelving and a modernist light fixture, it doesn’t look out of place thanks to the the tiny master bath to create the impression of roomier proportions. rustic, indigenous quality of the sinker cypress selected for the shelves. The exceptions are the minimalist kitchen, where she opted for simple Winstead worked on making the most of the small space. She used open shelving instead of overhead cabinets, and the guest bath where large-scale furnishings such as armoires and a full-size slipper tub in she used a zero-entry glassed-in shower with the feel of a wet room. m y neworleans . com

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Winstead also filled the house with colors she loves, antiques she’s collected and designs by talented locals whom she’s come to know over the years. “I have a passion for history and for paying it forward,” said Winstead. “I want the next generation to learn about New Orleans and Louisiana and how people lived.” •

Top, left: Winstead created a bistro feel in the breakfast room with a mirrored wall, a custom metal and pleated leather banquette by Erica Larkin Gaudet and a pair of custom lacquered round tables by Julian Chichester; the custom art piece of metal and hand-cast glass is by Mitchell Gaudet; a circle motif is repeated in the armoire, the art work, the Oly chandelier and the shape of the tables. Bottom, left: Gold dupioni silk curtains envelope the guest bedroom; leather bed from Oly, gold starburst mirrors and mirrored dressing tables used as bedside tables, both from Julian Chichester (from Villa Vici); custom chandelier and bedside lamps by Paul Gruer. Top, right: A triptych of palm leaves acts like a window in the master bedroom; the iron bed and animal-footed console, and zebra benches are by Oly; Mario Villa lamp. Facing page: Top: Winstead turned the space at the rear of the house, originally a porch addition, into a spaceefficient kitchen; the angled ceiling inspired the awning stripe; open cypress shelves keep the rear wall from looking cramped; marble stick tile from Triton.

Bottom: Custom wallpaper with the look of wrought iron (from Mineheart) is paired with carerra marble subway tiles and bubble-patterned tiles on the floor; the sink, mounted on a repurposed lowboy found on the side of the road by Winstead’s father, repeats the shape of the slipper tub.

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In the Heat of the Moment C Warm Drinks for a Hot Time

arnival season can be quite chilly. Yes, even a winter season in New Orleans has been known to cast a cold, uncomfortable-to-thebone damp net over the festivities. Not enough to stop the party, of course, and never putting a chill in one’s heart, but there have been years when this outsized, outdoor festival in the colder months causes an outbreak of sweaters and heavy coats.

It is at those moments when both those throwing the party and those attending turn to warm, decidedly strong sustenance in the form of beverages and heavy culinary styles. Nothing better to stave off a dreary winter’s night, even if you are attending one of the great parties on the planet, than a hearty, warm gumbo and cocktails designed to provide a comforting toddy for the body. It’s the moveable feast concept of parade enthusiasts: locals and visitors committed to a unique celebration that ultimately is the prime definer of what New Orleans is all about.

Don’t suffer the damp, wet cold weather disagreeably. Rage against the conditions and enjoy something warm and pleasurable.

By Tim McNally Photographed by Marianna Massey

Hot Buttered Rum

1 small slice butter (soft) 1 teaspoon ​brown sugar 1 dash ​​ground cinnamon 1 dash ​ground nutmeg 1 dash ​ground allspice 1 splash vanilla extract 2 ounces ​​rum (dark) 5 ounces water (hot) 1. Place the butter, sugar, and spices into the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug.

2. Mix well or muddle. Pour in the rum and top it with hot water. stir and enjoy Tujague’s Restaurant 823 Decatur St., 525-8676, TujaguesRestaurant.com

Created by Paul Gustings Mixologist

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse’s Irish Coffee

2 oz Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey Strong coffee with Chicory A dollop of ginger whipped cream 1. Measure and pour the Irish whiskey into a heat insulated cup or mug, top with coffee and a spoonful of homemade whipped cream.

Homemade whipped cream: 1 cup heavy cream (try to find a high-quality cream that is pasteurized and not ultra-pasteurized, a local dairy is your best bet) 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger 1. Pour the cream into a well-chilled bowl and add the sugar and vanilla. Using an electric hand mixer or whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form – the cream will be just thick enough to hold its shape in soft billows. Now, sprinkle the powdered ginger over the cream and gently fold in spice using a rubber spatula. Can be made up to a day ahead. Make sure not to add the ginger before whipping or you will end up with a clumpy, odd textured cream (trust us on this one!)

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse 716 Iberville St. 522-2467 DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com

Cafe Creole

1.5 oz Cruzan Black Strap Rum 2 tsp Demerara Sugar Fresh hot black coffee Hand whipped cream 1. Preheat Irish coffee glass with hot water.

Discard hot water and add sugar to the glass. Add small amount of coffee and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add rum and fill with coffee. Hand whip heavy cream until frothy. Float cream atop drink. Enjoy Revel Cafe and Bar, 133 N. Carrollton Ave., 309-6122, RevelCafeandBar.com

Submitted

by Chris and Laura McMillian Proprietors at Revel

Café Brulot Diabolique

8 demitasse size servings: 2 sticks cinnamon 8 whole cloves slices of lemon peel 2 ½ teaspoons sugar 7 oz. brandy 1 oz. triple sec 1 oz. orange curacao 1 oz. kirschwasser 3 cups hot coffee 1. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, lemon peels, sugar and brandy in a fireproof saucepan (copper is a great choice) 2. Heat the brandy to hot but not boiling. Bring the saucepan to the table and carefully ignite mixer with a match. Use the ladle to stir and flames will “flare up” for up to 60 seconds.

3. Pour the hot coffee into the flaming brandy and then ladle into demitasse or small coffee cups Antoine’s Restaurant, 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, Antoines.com

This recipe was created by Jules Alciatore, 2nd generation proprietor, of Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans. At Antoine’s, Brulot is made tableside in a specially designed copper bowl and demitasse cups that were designed by Jules.

Glühwein: German Mulled Wine

2 lemons 2 medium oranges 10 whole cloves 5 cardamom pods 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups water 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks 2 (750-milliliter) bottles dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Beaujolais Nouveau 1/2 cup brandy Cheesecloth Butcher’s twine 1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons and oranges in wide strips, avoiding the white pith; place the zest in a large saucepan.

Juice the lemons and oranges and add the juice to the pan.

Place the cloves and cardamom in a small piece of cheesecloth, tie it tightly with butcher’s twine, and add the bundle to the saucepan.

2. Add the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks, place the pan over high heat, and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced by about one-third, about 20 minutes.

3. Add the red wine and brandy, stir to combine, and bring just to a simmer (don’t let it boil).

Remove from the heat and remove and discard the spice bundle before serving.

Elizabeth-pearce.com, 578-8280

Submitted by Elizabeth Pearce, author and cocktail tour guide extraordinaire

Polished &

& Pearl

From top left to right: Sterling silver petal and fresh water pearl ring from Symmetry Jewelers & Designers. Signature Scottie necklace in gold; signature Naomi ring in gold and irridescent Drusy; nail polish in Champagne Irridescent all from Kendra Scott. Tri-color sterling silver and gold plated triple strand petal necklace with cubic zirconia centers; sterling silver gold-plated petal earrings with cubic zirconia centers from Symmetry Jewelers & Designers. (top right) Signature Kriss bangle set in mixed metals from Kendra Scott. Kendra Scott, 5757 Magazine St., Unit C, 613-4227, KendraScott.com.

Symmetry Jewelers & Designers, 8138 Hampson St., 861-9925, SymmetryJewelers.com. by mirella cameron

photographed by theresa cassagne

Top left to right: Sweethearts wire bracelet, beaded spacer ring and sweetheart ring, beaded heart ear hoops, sweethearts bar necklace; all in sterling silver by Mignon Faget. Art Deco Swarovski crystal necklace with matching bracelet; Art Deco crystal cluster earrings with marquis drop, all from Yvonne La Fleur. Mignon Faget, 4300 Magazine St., 891-2374, MignonFaget.com. Yvonne La Fleur, 8131 Hampson St., 866-9666, YvonneLaFleur.com.

Queens “

Y

Of The Black Carnival

ou are part of Carnival history, that dates back to 1895; well over a hundred years,” said past President E.J. Roberts in his address to this year’s Original Illinois Club debs, pages and heralds during their September orientation. One of the eight young debs would be chosen as the club’s 117th queen.

From the signature waltz, the “Chicago Glide,” to the elaborate feathered headpieces donned by maids of the court, both the Original Illinois Club and Young Men Illinois Club serve as the groundbreakers in black Carnival, giving New Orleanians of color the initial invitation to partake in the traditions celebrated by white Carnival insiders.

Zulu is the most recognized black Carnival organization. However, the first queens and debutantes of color were presented by the Original Illinois Club (OIC), which later spun off the Young Men Illinois Club (YMI). The Original Illinois Club is the oldest African American Carnival organization in North America, rich in history, tradition and pageantry.

Interestingly, the narrative of the OIC began with a transplant from Tennessee. Wiley E. Knight set the stage for young women of color to be presented to society. Recognizing the need to introduce social graces and etiquette to young people of color, a cadre of Pullman porters on the notable Illinois Central Railroad, led by Knight formed The Illinois Club. In turn, Knight became one of the founding fathers of black middle-class society. According to the organization, the African American Pullman Porters were trailblazers in various areas,

The Illinois clubs: where tradition still takes center stage

by Kelly Parker

including the civil rights movement as it is known today. These gentlemen also formed the first trade union in the black community.

In 1894, Knight opened a studio on Cadiz Street, in which many children of prominent black families took part, and the rest, is history—as in Black Carnival History. Just 23 years after the debut of Rex royalty, the first Illinois Club ball was held. Both organizations amazingly continue to provide this stage for black Carnival royalty, 91 and 123 years respectfully, excluding only the years of war, the civil rights movement, and hurricane Katrina.

Like the Original Illinois Club, YMI does not hold a street parade, chiefly focusing on the formal societal debut of young African American women during the Carnival season.

‘When you think of African American organizations, you think of Zulu and NOMTOC. You think of a parading organization,” 2017 OIC Ball Captain, Gregory Perrault

Jr. said. “We aren’t a parading organization, and that was never the intention. Our focus was and is to present eligible young African American women to society. That’s what we prepare for. The ball is the highlight.”

Perrault, at 31 years old, is the youngest member of the OIC. He was recommended for membership by H. Kenneth Johnston, who at 82 years old, is the eldest member. Johnston, like the organization’s forefather, relocated to the Crescent City because of his career. The Birmingham, Alabama native and his family moved to New Orleans to pursue a position in education in 1967. He became a member of the OIC in 1974 and reigned as the club’s centennial king in 1995.

“When I joined, there were about 40 members, and in order to become a member, someone had to leave the city or die, and that person had to be recommended. “Johnston states. The club currently has 20 members, which includes locals, along with gentlemen from Shreveport, Grammercy and parts of Mississippi.

Top, left: OIC queen 1963; The 1920’s saw local people of color Top, right: YMI 1966 Queen take advantage of professional opportu(Dr) Karen Becnel Moore; Botnities that became available, and as a tom: OIC Club court 1927. result, many professional men became interested in joining the club. Over the years, as the black middle class grew, these clubs played an integral part of the fabric of the local black community. In the late 1920’s, it was reported that a dispute caused some OIC members to form what became the Young Men Illinois club. The newly formed group held its inaugural tableau in 1927.

According to YMI Ball Captain Lawrence Robinson there’s been nothing but admiration and respect between the two, despite the split. “By the time [of my joining] they had begun to recognize each other at each of the balls,” he said. “We call for the members of the OIC to toast at our balls, and vice versa.”

When he initially became a member, there were still members who were also part of the original group. “There were members of

REIGNING OVER ZULU Ever wonder what the view is like on Mardi Gras day, from atop a queen’s float? Linda Dixon-Rigsby knows. “I had beautiful weather. What a blessing,” she said, thinking back to 1991, when she reigned as Queen Zulu. Special, overwhelming, beautiful and magnificent are are the words that come to mind as she recalls her experience.

The New Orleans black community has celebrated Carnival queens since the late 1890’s, garnering a plethora of memories, legacies and achievements. It’s been documented by many historians that the first Zulu King ruled with a banana stalk scepter and a lard can crown. But what do we know about the inaugural queen? Her name was Mamie Williams. Louise Fortier was the first queen of the Original Illinois Club in 1895. Doris Gaynell Taylor was a 17-year-old, who lived in the 7th ward when she was crowned queen Illinois in 1936. She was the daughter of then President, O.C.W Taylor, co-founder of the Louisiana Weekly.

“She lived on Roman St, off St. Bernard Ave.” her daughter Marceline Donaldson recalled.

“Mother enjoyed the event, but I know she did it more so for her mother; my grandmother.”

Donaldson is now a Boston resident, but she has memorabilia from her mother’s reign, including photos from the queen’s tea, and the official ball photo, in which her mother’s gown and beautiful ermine-trimmed train are on full display. Not only was Doris the President’s daughter, but her mother, Marceline Bucksell Taylor was the organization’s modiste for decades.

These skilled dressmakers play a significant role in black Carnival; responsible for the exquisite creations that are so significant to the experience.

Thanks to celebrated modiste, the late Durelli Watts, TroyLynne Perrault got the opportunity of a lifetime. Perrault’s family owned

and operated the prominent day care center Perrault Kiddy Kollege, and the idea of Perrault reigning as queen of the Young Men Illinois in 1981 was Watts’, who served as the organization’s modiste. What made Perrault’s reign unique was that her family had no direct ties to the club at the time. “The whole experience was totally new to me,” she said. “I didn’t grow up in this environment where I went to balls, but I loved life and just went along with it. I remember the rehearsals, they were fabulous—as queen I didn’t have much to do, which was cool.”

Perrault’s reign would be shared with not only friends and family locally, but with CBS viewers across the country.

Reporter Christopher Glenn chronicled her journey as she prepared to be queen. “I remember when she was queen,” St. James Major High School classmate Theresa Haggerty said. “Everybody at school was so excited. I remember the camera crew and the excitement for her.”

Despite the attention, the spotlight and all the excitement, Perrault just saw the event as a new adventure and, as she said, “I just went with the flow.I was just living, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Royal Families To be a Carnival queen in New Orleans is not only an extraordinary feat, but also often a birthright. Numerous African American families have extensive lineages in carnival, and carnival royalty.

“I was designated to be queen in 1973,” says Belva Missore Pichon. “When a girl child is born, daughters of members are designated to be queen.

When I was a child, they would tell me things about it, but not until my teenage years did I really get excited about it. It hit me when I was about 13 or 14, then it had a different meaning;

Left: Lydia Glapion Days the Original Illinois Club that were in Queen Pandora I; Right: the Young Men Illinois when I joined,” 2004 YMI Queen Brittany Robinson said. “One of the members, Bagneris McBride I remember, we called him ‘Old Man Thomas’, he was about 87 at the time, so he was one of the original members of the IC.” Another dual member was Duplain Rhodes Jr., known as one of the city’s most distinguished black professionals, Rhodes also served as one of YMI’s founders. “My dad was born in 1899, so his legacy has gone on for a long time in the club.” Stephanie Rhodes Navarre said.

“Where the club was concerned, he was truly a long-standing member.”

“They wanted men of character and they were all men of character,” Dr. Karen Becnel Moore, said of the YMI. In 1966, Becnel Moore was the first queen of color to be presented in the Municipal Auditorium. “They wanted men of vision who had the same goals and mission and objectives. This was a chance for them to give back to the community by inviting young women to be introduced to society-and make [young ladies] aware of the fact that this was not just a party time. This was a chance for you to become aware of your society, and the people around you who were contributing to your growth and development.”

Early on, the choice for queen was based strictly on club member seniority. However, YMI later adjusted its protocol. Today, if a member wishes for young lady to be queen, he must submit her name and the year for which the family would like her to reign. The race to the crown and scepter usually begins once a female is born.

As Ball Captain, Robinson holds the key, or in this case, the list.

“I have a list right now,” he said, smiling. “I had two members who literally called me from the hospital when their daughters were having babies. And they said, I want year 2031… and I’m saying, is this crazy?” It’s not crazy, it’s tradition. Another tradition: YMI queens solely basking in the spotlight, as the group does not crown a King.

“That’s the way it’s always been,” Robinson said.

Both organizations take pride in bestowing elaborate presentations annually, with thoughtful detail and a captivating theme. Over the years, locations such as the Alario Center, The Morial Convention Center, the Orpheum Theater and the Municipal Auditorium helped set the stage for the balls, but neighborhood gymnasiums and halls served as the sites in which early royalty was celebrated.

“We were still not intergraded in the city, so places like Rosenwald Auditorium, that’s where they put the balls on,” H. Kenneth Johnston

Left: 2017 Nyx Goddess said. “Members didn’t know any different, Right: OIC Doris Taylor so those were the grandest places in the world. They had people who would come and decorate those places beautifully. That was the Municipal Auditorium for us.”

Of course, men now have the choice to join other multicultural organizations, as young women have more options in which to be presented to society. Despite the progress, the Illinois Clubs believe they are still necessary.

“I think the responsibility of the organization is more important than ever,” Johnston stated. “No matter what happens in society, identity remains a most important element. In saying that, no matter how things change, there will always be young ladies who will need to be formally presented. It’s very important for that vessel to remain in place for young black girls, provided by the black community. It will always be relevant.”

Lawrence Robinson believes there will be more members to continue the storied legacy. The group has 45 members and he’s confident the goal of 50 members will be met. “The Original Illinois Club and Young Men Illinois have only recently received the respect and recognition they deserve for their contributions to Carnival in New Orleans, and not just African American Carnival,” Mardi Gras expert and publisher of Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, Arthur Hardy said. “These organizations are essential to the celebration and their future looks even brighter than their past.” •

“

We aren’t a parading organization, and that was never the intention. Our focus was and is to present eligible young african american women to society. that’s what we prepare for. the ball is the highlight.”

with much more excitement.”

Pichon and her father, Joseph O. Missore Jr., reigned as Original Illinois Royalty in ‘73, and again as Zulu royalty in 1979.

Six descendants of OIC member (and YMI founding member) Duplain Rhodes Jr. were either Original Illinois or Young Men Illinois queens, and two of his great granddaughters are princesses in the 2018 YMI court. All three of YMI member Emile Bagneris III’s daughters (Brittany, Lauren and Jessica) reigned as queens. The family legacy will likely continue as Brittany’s adorable daughter, Lily (a prospective queen), makes her royal debut as a page in the 2018 court.

A Multi-Cultural Reign What many remember about Lundi Gras 2016 is the frigid temperature.

“Yes, it was cold that evening,” Lydia Glapion Days said. More significant than the weather was the fact that as Queen Pandora I, she was the first African American woman to reign as queen of an all-female, multi-cultural carnival organization in Jefferson Parish.

“I knew the stands were right there: after the turn from Severn (Avenue) back onto Vets (Veterans Memorial Blvd),” she recalled. “I was going to take my coat off. Being on the float…and everybody’s watching. And it’s so great to see little girls, especially black girls.

Every little girl dreams of being princess—or a queen. Some type of royalty.”

To say that Dr. Karen Bencel Moore is a pioneer, groundbreaking monarch is an understatement. In 1966, Becnel Moore was the first African American queen of color to be presented in the Municipal Auditorium. “51 years ago, I was blessed was to be queen of the Young Men Illinois club,” the now Xavier University Foreign Languages Professor said. “That was a very a historic moment in my life, but it was also a historic moment in the city of New Orleans; which also makes this

whole experience very unique.

It was the Sixties, and it was trailblazing and upstaging, as the civil rights movement was in full swing. There were many disadvantages and challenges that were being mounted on many different fronts. Some of them were widely publicized, but none of them were met particularly with a lot of grace by the majority population. But nevertheless, events happened, and progress was made.”

At age 19, Becnel Moore was at the center of culturally groundbreaking progress. “It was a beautiful, magnificent occasion,” she said, smiling. “A lot of planning and effort went into it. And it went on, the way it should have—without any problems. “ Black Carnival queens have stepped out of the spotlight, and into positions such as attorneys, judges, physicians and Presidential staffers. Before Desiree Glapion Rogers was White House Social Secretary for the Obama administration, she was Queen Zulu not once, but on two occasions.

Although Zenia Williams usually “protects and serves” along the parade route, during the 2017 season, she shelved her badge for a crown. As Goddess of the Krewe of Nyx, Williams, NOPD First District administrative supervisor Sergeant. was the first monarch of color crowned by the popular all female krewe. “I never saw myself represented as Mardi Gras royalty as a little girl,” Williams said. “I was at parades every year on St. Charles on Mardi Gras day, as I always saw myself in a supportive role, marching but never a queen.”

The love from her Nyx sisters was expected, but the adoration from parade goers was overwhelming. “To see the little black girl, I just blew them kisses and told them: ‘I love you.’” Williams said. “I saw myself standing out there. To see the reception from the city, from blacks and whites. It was phenomenal. It was the best feeling in the world.”

Heart Talk Blood pressure chronicles and the New Orleans connection

By Brobson Lutz M.D.

F

irst and foremost, the heart is a pump with an electrical system. It is the Sewerage and Water Board and the Department of Sanitation all rolled into one. High pressure surges propel blood containing oxygen, nutrients, and hormones from head to toe via thick-walled pipes or arteries. Veins and lymphatics are the lower pressure drainage canals responsible for recycling cellular wastes.

Structurally the heart is a four-chamber muscular pump. It is a variable pressure that responds to changing needs. If blood pressure is too low, various essential organs suffer by not getting needed oxygen and nutrients. On the other hand, if it takes a higher pressure to keep the blood moving, electrical and mechanical damages over time fuel premature

cardiovascular disasters.

Blood pressure readings are two-component numbers measured in millimeters of mercury.

Systolic pressure, the first and always higher number, represents the maximum pressure produced by the pulsating heart. The diastolic pressure is the lowest arterial pressure as the heart rests between beats. In the 1970s blood pressure treatment guidelines focused on elevated diastolic blood pressure. Since then, tides shifted.

How much pressure is too much? The numbers keep falling. Dateline New Orleans, November 2017. Dr. Paul Whelton, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, was the lead author on a team which toiled over more than 900 published papers to produce the new guidelines.

Dr. Whelton is the latest in a string of New Orleanians making seminal contributions in the field of hypertension. Dr. George Burch at Tulane pioneered research in venous hypertension and promoted better blood pressure taking techniques. He mentored Drs. Gilbert McMahon and Tom Giles.

Dr. McMahon trained 10 inner city students to take blood pressures one summer in the early 1970s. They fanned out, taking blood pressures of over 11,000 New Orleans housing development residents. They found an incredible amount of undiagnosed and undertreated hypertension.

Dr. McMahon studied essentially every new drug tested for hypertension over three decades. Dr. Giles was a recent president of the American Society of Hypertension and

Non-drug measures that decrease blood pressure Decrease salt intake (avoid chips, canned vegs, cold cuts, pizza to name a few) Decrease fatty foods (French fries, animal fats, ice cream) Increase dietary potassium (fish, raisins, prunes, bananas, beets, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, citrus) Weight loss if overweight Increase physical activity Cut down on alcohol intake Avoid tobacco smoke

Data to calculate risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years Age, sex, race Cholesterol values Systolic blood pressure Current or former cigarette smoker Diabetes Prior stroke or heart attack Peripheral vascular disease Current medications if any Website: https://tools.acc.org/ASCVDRisk-Estimator/

continues as a prolific researcher and medical journal contributor.

Another New Orleans pioneer still in the business is Dr. Gerald Berenson. In 1972, he founded the Bogalusa Heart Study to define pediatric cardiac risk factors including hypertension. Dr. Berenson started this study at LSU and moved it to Tulane. He is now in his 90s, back at LSU, and going strong.

Dr. Whelton and his collaborators under the mantles of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association were center stage last year. They redefined blood pressure categories and lowered the bar for diagnosing high blood pressure. Time for concern was lowered to 130/90 when before it was 140/90.

Headlines in medical news publications screamed “130/80 is the new 140/90”.

The new categories are elevated blood pressure, Stage 1 hypertension, and Stage 2 hypertension (see sidebar). They made recommenda-

tions on blood pressure taking techniques, including proper blood pressure cuff size, the importance of a relaxed environment, and home recordings that echoed what Drs. Burch, McMahon, and Giles had preached decades ago. White coat hypertension and masked hypertension are defined. Medication suggestions are updated.

Based on these new guidelines, experts calculated that the number of Americans with high blood pressure jumped from 72

to 103 million last November with the stroke of a pen. The number of men less than 45 years old with the diagnosis tripled while the number of women in this lower age range with high blood pressure doubled.

My first blush after reading these new recommendations was that Big Pharma must have been driving the bus. Actually, the new treatment guidelines do not recommend drug therapy for most of the 31 million folks who woke up last November with high blood pressure under the new numbers. For most, the new recommendations call for diet and lifestyle changes without drug treatment as listed in the sidebar. Only 4.2 million of the newly christened hypertensives would actually need to begin medication under the new guidelines.

Tons of compelling data show that elevated blood pressure is a defined risk factor for cardiovascular complications including heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, and aneurysm rupture. A systolic blood pressure elevation of just 20 points doubles the risk of cardiac complications. Hypertension is second only to cigarettes as a preventable factor related to cardiovascular disease.

In the absence of underlying cardiovascular disease, most persons even with Stage 1 hypertension will not need drug therapy.

The American College of Cardiology has an easy to use website that will calculate your 10-year risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It lets you follow your risk factors over times and will also show how much each specific intervention will lower that risk.

Back to the Sewerage and Water Board.

When their pumps failed, the city appointed a new director and the retirement board paid the piper. Persons who ignore elevated blood pressure, long known as the silent killer, can’t blame Mitch Landrieu and Cedric Grant. •

New high blood pressure definitions and recommendations Systolic BP

Diastolic BP

Blood pressure category

Is drug therapy indicated?

<120

and

<80

Normal blood pressure

No

120-129

and

<80

Elevated BP

No

130-139

or

80-89

Stage 1 hypertension

No unless cardiovascular risks are high

140-159

or

90-99

Stage 2 hypertension

Yes

>159

or

>99

Stage 2 hypertension

Yes

>180

or

>120

Hypertensive crisis

Yes

TOP HOSPITALS Patients’ picks of area facilities Compiled by Ashley McLellan

Here is our attempt to identify the best local hospitals, at least from the patients’ perspective.

There is only one source for patient evaluation of hospitals, and that’s Medicare. Using the agency’s data, we compiled a list of those hospitals within the region that when more than 100 patients were surveyed received a positive response from at least 50 percent when asked if they would “definitely recommend the hospital.”

Listed here are those top-rated Louisiana hospitals within a

New Orleans/Jefferson East Jefferson General Hospital 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4000, EJGH.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 73% Recommendation Percentage: 76%

100-mile radius of New Orleans, excluding Baton Rouge.

• “Patient Rating” stands for percentage of “Patients who gave their hospital a rating of 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest).” •“Recommendation Percentage” represents “Patients who reported that “Yes,” they would definitely recommend the hospital.”

For more information, visit Medicare.gov. List is limited to those hospitals that accept Medicare. Other hospitals may be worthy of consideration.

Ochsner Medical Center 1516 Jefferson Highway, 842-3000, Ochsner.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 74%

Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner LLC 180 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-8600, Ochsner.org/locations/ochsner-medicalcenter-kenner Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 69%

Touro Infirmary 1401 Foucher St., 897-7011, Touro.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 71% Tulane Medical Center 1415 Tulane Ave., 988-5263, TulaneHealthCare.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 72% University Medical Center 2000 Canal St., 903-3000, UMCNo.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 73% Recommendation Percentage: 76% West Jefferson Medical Center 1101 Medical Center Blvd., Marrero, 347-5511, WJMC.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 70% Regional Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital 42570 S. Airport Road, Hammond, (985) 510-6200, CPSH.org Acute Care Hospital Patient Rating: 85% Recommendation Percentage: 79% Lady of the Sea General Hospital 200 W. 134th Place, Cut Off, (985) 632-6401, LOSGH.org Critical Access Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 86% Recommendation Percentage: 88% Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center 1978 Industrial Blvd., Houma, (985) 873-2200, Ochsner.org/locations/ leonard-j-chabert-medical-center/ Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 84% Recommendation Percentage: 85%

Lakeview Regional Medical Center 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington, (985) 867-3800, LakeviewRegional.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 73% Recommendation Percentage: 74%

St. Charles Parish Hospital 1057 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, (985) 785-6242 (3644), StCh.net Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 78%

North Oaks Medical Center 15790 Paul Vega MD Drive, Hammond, (985) 345-2700, NorthOaks.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 64% Recommendation Percentage: 65%

St. Elizabeth Hospital 1125 W. Highway 30, Gonzales, (225) 647-5000, StEH.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 79% Recommendation Percentage: 80%

Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore, LLC 100 Medical Center Drive, Slidell, (985) 649-7070, Ochsner.org/locations/ ochsner-medical-center-north-shore Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 71% Recommendation Percentage: 71%

St. Tammany Parish Hospital 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-4000, STPH.org Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 80% Recommendation Percentage: 83%

Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital 4608 Highway 1, Raceland, (985) 537-6841, Ochsner.org/locations/ ochsner-st-anne Critical Access Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 79% Recommendation Percentage: 81% Our Lady of the Angels Hospital 433 Plaza St., Bougalusa, (985) 730-6700, OLOAH.org Critical Access Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 72% Recommendation Percentage: 67% Slidell Memorial Hospital 1001 Gause Blvd., Slidell, (985) 643-2200, SlidellMemorial.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 77% Recommendation Percentage: 78% St. Bernard Parish Hospital 8000 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 826-9500, SBPH.net Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 70% Recommendation Percentage: 66%

Southern Surgical Hospital 1700 W. Lindberg Drive, Slidell, (985) 641-0600, SSHLa.com Acute Care Hospital Patient Rating: 88% Recommendation Percentage: 87% Teche Regional Medical Center 1125 Marguerite St., Morgan City, (985) 384-2200, TecheRegional.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 69% Recommendation Percentage: 63% Terrebonne General Medical Center 8166 Main St., Houma, (985) 873-4141, TGMC.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 77% Recommendation Percentage: 75% Thibodaux Regional Medical Center 602 N. Acadia Road, Thibodaux, (985) 447-5500, Thibodaux.com Acute Care Hospital Provides Emergency Services Patient Rating: 82% Recommendation Percentage: 84%

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

jeffery johnston photo

Coriander Blackened Redfish at Curio

THE MENU . TABLE TALK

Cane Syrup Glazed Beef Short Rib

meet the chef Hayley Vanvleet

Pacific South West Coast meets New Orleans

By Jay Forman

T

he French Quarter is home to a great number of Creole establishments where you can find Trout Meuniere, Shrimp Etouffee and all that jazz. But now there is a new place that cuts against that popular grain by introducing a lighter, West Coast approach to New Orleans

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dishes, as well as widening its lens to draw in a broader range of international inflections.

Fittingly it is named Curio, helmed by Chef Hayley Vanvleet, and is one of the latest outposts by the rapidly expanding Creole Cuisine Concepts restaurant group.

Originally from Monmouth, Illinois, Hayley Vanvleet got early inspiration from the TV chef craze of the 90s and decided she wanted to be a chef cooking in New Orleans when she was just 16 years old. She attended Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and spent time out West before coming to New Orleans, where she learned about seafood and butchery after stints with the Link Restaurant Group. Creole Cuisine Concepts hired her to work at Kingfish and, recognizing her talent, later tapped her as executive chef of Curio. “I take a lighter approach to traditional New Orleans cuisine and I try to be a little eclectic as well,” she said of her style, describing Curio to a ‘T’.

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Curio occupies an enviable Fried Pork Ribs, which were perch on the corner of Royal and a standout dish at last year’s Bienville streets. Split over two Boudin, Bourbon and Beer event. levels, its ground floor boasts a The ribs are first hit with a dry classic penny-tile floor and a long, rub and are then braised on a bed lively bar brimming with activity. of onion, fennel frond, garlic and There is plenty of seating down star anise. Finally they are quickthere, but upstairs diners will find fried to order to create crispy, a more hushed, intimate dining indulgent exterior that yields to environment that leads out to off-the-bone goodness. Her Roast gallery seating as well, weather Duck and Black Eye Pea Gumbo permitting. It is a tale of two dining features popcorn rice and garners rooms, but unifying them both is additional depth of flavor from Vanvleet and her novel approach Poche’s andouille. Main courses to traditional New Orleans fare. (in addition to the redfish) include For Vanvleet, Curio is the a hearty cane-syrup Braised Short realization of a lifelong dream Rib over cheddar grits – delicious whose seeds were planted when on a cold evening. For something she helped to care for her sick lighter, her Steamed Whitewater grandmother. They would watch Mussels in a coconut-ginger broth Emeril together on over shaved fennel TV as she cooked salad has proven to for her grandmother, be a big mover as Curio, 301 Royal who in turn encourwell.

Street, French aged her to apply to Since opening, Quarter, 717-4198. L, culinary school. She response has been D Daily. Bruch Sat. & followed through on positive. “We’ve Sun. CurioNola.com. the advice and after had so much good graduating made her feedback,” she said. way to Seattle, where she soaked “When there are 1,200 restaurants up the region’s penchant for fresh, to choose from I’m just flattered farm-to-table, health-conscious that someone chose to take a seat fare. Soon after she came to in my place.”

New Orleans, bringing that ethos Curio is open seven days a week with her. and serves an early brunch on “For Curio I meshed that West weekends, and includes a happy Coast approach with New Orleans hour service with a curated bar cuisine. So a lighter approach but menu to match. • still with the New Orleans flavors and ingredients,” she explained.

A case in point is her Coriander Blackened Redfish, in which she cuts the traditional blackening seasoning with fresh-cracked coriander and serves it over a bed of honey-creamed mustard greens.

New Orleans Light “I top it with a jumbo lump crab Other restaurants that approach salad tossed in lemon juice and New Orleans cuisine with olive oil with capers, red onion a lighter sensibility include and blistered tomato. You get the Josephine Estelle in the Ace briny brightness and sweetness Hotel, informed by Chef Chris from the crab, lemon juice with Borges’s time spent in the Bay capers and a little spice from the Area. Kenton’s on Magazine redfish. It sounds like it is pretty Street also offers many interesting aggressive but all the flavors are twists including its Mini Fried well balanced,” she said.

Oyster Sandwich with bread and Recommended appetizers butter pickles and jalapeño aioli. include her terrific Candied

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THE MENU . restaurant insider

News From the Kitchen Iacovone, Poke-Chan, Paloma Cafe

By Robert Peyton

Seafood Lasagna with Fresh Saffron Pasta at Iacovone Kitchen

Iacovone Kitchen

Poke-Chan

Paloma Cafe

Bob Iacovone came to prominence as the executive chef at now-shuttered fine-dining restaurant Cuvee. His new venture, Iacovone Kitchen, is a small takeaway shop offering soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts, freshly made and refrigerated to reheat at home.

It’s a great place to grab a quick lunch, or for those of us who may not have time to prepare a top-notch meal at home. Iacovone Kitchen: 5033 Freret St., 533-9742,Tuesday-Saturday 11-7, Facebook. com/IacovoneKitchen.

Poke-Chan opened late last year, bringing the Hawaiian raw fish dish to St. Claude avenue. As at Poke Loa, the restaurant that brought the concept here, diners at Poke-Chan start by choosing a base of white or brown rice, salad greens or won ton chips, then one or more proteins, including Japanese-style fried chicken, salmon or vegetarian options such as tofu. Look for specials like Bun Bo Hue, the spicy Vietnamese soup. Poke-Chan: 2809 St. Claude Ave., 571-5446, Sunday-Thursday 11-10, Friday-Saturday 11-11, Poke-Chan.com.

The Bywater space that once housed Booty’s Street Food and Café Henri is now home to Paloma Café, where chefs Danny Alas and Justin Rodriguez serve Latin Americaninspired food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Upscale coffee outfit Revelator is behind the restaurant, and the coffee and tea selection is accordingly diverse. Paloma Café: 800 Louisa St.,304-3062; 8-6 Monday-Thursday (Bar until 9), 8-11 Friday-Saturday, Sunday 9-3, PalomaNola.com.

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THE MENU . food

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styled by photographed by eugenia uhl

Parade Route Jambalaya Sometimes slow-cooked can be better

BY Dale Curry

P

ersonally, I am not a crock pot cook. But I fully support working couples who find meals that slow-cook all day a wonderful way to bring dinner to a family at night and ease the load for themselves.

Even I find February to be the month for exception because serving a crowd during Carnival is no easy task. That is, if you put anything homemade on the table. A Mardi Gras favorite, jambalaya, can be cooked and served in the same slow-cook pot, and, what’s more, it stays warm while serving.

As most jambalaya cooks know, rice can be a problem.

Sometimes this distinctive south Louisiana dish turns out crunchy or mushy or both.

I have solved the problem with my traditional jambalaya by cooking Louisiana long-grain rice separately and gently folding it into the sauced meat and seafood when it is fully cooked. But slow cooker jambalaya is different. The key is using converted, or parboiled, rice such as Uncle Ben’s. Some people say converted rice is processed; others say cooks in rice-growing countries have used it for years. Regardless, even if you always use regular rice, it will make your life easier to use converted rice in the slow cooker version.

I was amazed to find that my crock pot version of jambalaya, shown here, was the best that I have

RECIPE Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Ingredients 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat 1 pound smoked sausage

ever cooked. Much research convinced me that the sauce must be highly seasoned in order to do the rice justice, and that a good amount of liquid is needed to keep the jambalaya moist. The latter is important to me because I’ve eaten way too many jambalayas that were dry.

Since I don’t live on a parade route but have friends who do, I find slow-cooked jambalaya a good choice to take along for a parade or on the big day. We like to cook briskets or pulled pork for the parties as well because the home-cooked items on the the table are the first things to go. For lunch, that is. But my annual choice of breakfast on Fat Tuesday is a piece of spicy Popeye’s fried chicken.

3 tablespoons canola oil plus more if needed 2 cups chicken broth, divided 1 medium onion, chopped 6 green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 14 ½-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1½ cups converted long-grain rice, uncooked 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley Directions 1. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and sausage into ¼-inch circles. Sprinkle chicken lightly with Creole seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet. Over high heat, brown chicken on all sides and place in a 12-cup

tips

slow cooker. Brown sausage on both sides, adding a

for using a slow cooker

little oil if needed, and place in slow cooker. Deglaze skillet with ½ cup of the broth and pour over shrimp

1. Fill pot between ½

and sausage.

to 2/3 full.

2. Trim fat on meat to avoid

2. In the same skillet, add another 1 or 2 tablespoons

greasiness.

oil and over medium heat, saute the white onions,

3. Brown meat on stovetop

to boost flavor.

4. Do not refrigerate food in

pot before or after cooking or timing to cook or reheat will be affected.

bell pepper and celery for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Add garlic and saute a minute more. Add mixture to slow cooker. Add tomatoes, seasonings and remaining broth and mix well. Cook on high for 3 hours.

2. Gently stir in rice, shrimp, parsley and green onion tops, and cook for 30 to 40 more minutes, stirring

5. Don’t peek while cooking.

every 15 minutes, or until rice is done. Fluff with a

Each peek adds 15-20 minutes in cooking time.

fork, if necessary. This can be kept warm over low heat. Serves a crowd.

THE MENU . last call

Ojen Cocktail An Uptown Carnival Tradition

By Tim McNally

T

his month, the festival that defines New Orleans unfolds in every corner of the metropolitan area, and with greater impact than anyone not from here could understand, until it is experienced. Carnival, which is in full swing right now, culminates in the amazing celebration of Mardi Gras. Truthfully, it is unexplainable. When you enjoy the entire spectrum of joyous celebrations, then you will understand how every person is impacted not just this month, but on every other day of any year. This year, the celebration will be even more manic as the entire city, including its residents and friends from around the world, commemorates 300 years since the founding of this truly unique place. In the heart of the festivities, the iconic Bombay Club, located within the Upper French Quarter, is not just a desired destination for fine dining and refreshments, but it honors Ojen (pronounced Oh -– HEN)}, a liqueur produced in Andalusia, Spain in the town of the same name, which for some still mysterious reason has been adopted by New Orleans cocktail connoisseurs, particularly during Carnival Season.

RECIPE OJEN COCKTAIL

2 ounces Legendre Ojen 7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters 1/2 ounce orgeat or simple syrup Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice. Pour Ojen over the ice and add four dashes of Peychaud’s bitters along with simple syrup, then swizzle. Fill with more crushed ice and top with three more dashes of Peychaud’s. Swizzle until the glass frosts.

Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice. Pour Ojen over the ice and add four dashes of Peychaud’s bitters, then swizzle.

Fill with more crushed ice and top with three more dashes of Peychaud’s. Swizzle until the glass frosts.

this cocktail comes with a band member trinket.

The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St., in the Prince Conti Hotel, 504-577-2237, BombayClubNewOrleans.com. As served at The Bombay Club, from Bar Manager - Blake Kaiser.

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

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

H Mosca’s Italian 4137 Hwy. 90 W., 4368950, MoscasRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat. Italian institution dishes out massive portions of great food, family-style. Good bets are the shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande. Cash only. $$$ Bywater H Pizza Delicious pizza 617 Piety St., 676-8482, PizzaDelicious.com. L, D Tue-Sun. Authentic New York-style thin crust pizza is the reason to come to this affordable restaurant , that also offers excellent salads sourced from small farms and homemade pasta dishes. Outdoor seating a plus. $

H Mariza Italian 2900 Charters St., 598-5700, MarizaNewOrleans.com. D Tue-Sat. An Italian-inspired restaurant by chef Ian Schnoebelen features a terrific raw bar, house-cured charcuterie and an array of refined adult beverages served in the industrial/contemporary setting on the ground floor of the Rice Mills lofts. $$$ Carrollton Bourré AMERICAN 1510 S. Carrollton Ave., 510-4040. L, D Tue-Sun.“Elevated” street food along with quality daiquiris and wings are the draw at this newcomer from the team behind Boucherie. $$ Breads on Oak Bakery/Breakfast 8640 Oak St., 324-8271, BreadsOnOak.com. B, L WedSun. Artisan bakeshop tucked away near the levee on Oak St. serves breads, sandwiches, gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. $ City Park Café NOMA AMERICAN 1 Collins Diboll Cir., NO Museum of Art, 482-1264, CafeNoma. com. L, (snacks) Tue-Sun. Sleek bar and café in the ground floor of museum offers a thoughtful array of snacks, sandwiches and small plates that are sure to enchant, with a kids’ menu to boot. $$ Morning Call Bakery/Breakfast 56 Dreyfous Dr., City Park, 885-4068, NewOrleansCityPark.com/in-the-park/ morning-call. 24 hours a day; cash-only.

Chicory coffee and beignets make this the quintessential New Orleans coffee shop. $ CBD/Warehouse District H Annunciation Louisianian Fare 1016 Annunciation St., 568-0245, AnnunciationRestaurant.com. D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Chef Steven Manning brings a refined 82

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$ = Average entrée price

$ = $5-10

sensibility to this refined Warehouse District oasis along with his famous fried oysters with melted brie. $$$ Balise Louisianian Fare 640 Carondelet St., 459-4449, BaliseNola.com. L Tue-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Chef Justin Devillier turns back the clock at this turn-of-the-century inspired bistro in the CBD. Carefully crafted fare fits well alongside the excellent cocktail and beer list. $$$

H BH Steak Steakhouse Harrah’s Casino, 8 Canal St., 533-6111, HarrahsNewOrleans. com. D daily. Acclaimed chef John Besh reinterprets the classic steakhouse with his signature contemporary Louisiana flair. $$$$$

$$ = $11-15

$$$ = $16-20

$$$$ = $21-25

Authentic, regional Italian cuisine. The menu of thin, lightly topped pizzas, artisanal salumi and cheese, and a carefully chosen selection of antipasti, pasta and entrées features locally raised products. $$$$ Emeril’s Louisianian Fare 800 Tchoupitoulas St., 528-9393, EmerilsRestaurants.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily. The flagship of superstar chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary empire, this landmark attracts pilgrims from all over the world. $$$$$ Gordon Biersch Gastropub 200 Poydras St., 552-2739, GordonBiersch.com. L, D daily.

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

H Borgne Seafood 601 Loyola Ave., 613-3860, BorgneRestaurant.com. L, D daily. Coastal Louisiana with an emphasis on Isleños cuisine (descendants of Canary Islanders who settled in St. Bernard Parish) is the focus of this high-volume destination adjacent to the Superdome. $$$

H Herbsaint Louisianian Fare 701 St. Charles Ave., 524-4114, Herbsaint.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail before sampling chef Donald Link’s menu that melds contemporary bistro fare with classic Louisiana cuisine. The banana brown butter tart is a favorite dessert. $$$$$

Café Adelaide Louisianian Fare Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305, CafeAdelaide.com. B, L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. This offering from the Commander’s Palace family of restaurants has become a power-lunch favorite for business-people and politicos. Also features the Swizzle Stick Bar. $$$$

Johnny Sanchez World 930 Poydras St., 304-6615, JohnnySanchezRestaurant. com. L, D daily. Contemporary Mexican mecca offering locally sourced produce accompanying the Bistec a la Parilla. Popular happy hour and downtown locale next to South Market District add to the appeal. $$$

Calcasieu Specialty Foods 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2188, CalcasieuRooms.com. For large and small gatherings, the catering menus feature modern Louisiana cooking and the Cajun cuisine for which chef Donald Link is justifiably famous.

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

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

H Lüke World 333 St. Charles Ave., 378-

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

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

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

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H La Boca Steakhouse

2840, LukeNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Germanic specialties and French bistro classics, house-made pâtés and plateaux of cold, fresh seafood. $$$ Manning’s AMERICAN 519 Fulton St., 5938118. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. A partnership between New Orleans’ First Family of Football and Harrah’s Casino, Manning’s offers sports bar fans a step up, with a menu that draws on both New Orleans and the Deep South. $$$

H Merchant Bakery/Breakfast 800 Common St., 571-9580, MerchantNewOrleans.com. B, L daily. Coffee, creative crêpes, sandwiches and more are served at this sleek and contemporary café on the ground floor of the Merchant Building. $ Morton’s The Steakhouse Steakhouse 365 Canal St., One Canal Place, 566-0221, Mortons.com/NewOrleans. D daily. Private elevator leads to the plush, wood-paneled environs of this local outpost of the famed Chicago steakhouse popular with politicians and celebrities. $$$$ Mother’s Louisianian Fare 401 Poydras St., 523-9656, MothersRestaurant.net. B, L, D daily. Locals and tourists alike endure long lines to enjoy iconic dishes such as the Ferdi poor boy and Jerry’s jambalaya. Come for a

$$$$$ = $25 & up

late lunch to avoid the rush. $$ Mulate’s Louisianian Fare 201 Julia St., 5221492, Mulates.com. L, D daily. Live music and dancing add to the fun at this world-famous Cajun destination. $$ Palace Café World 605 Canal St., 523-1661, PalaceCafe.com. B, L, D daily. Cassic New Orleans restaurant, the Dickie Brennan and Palace Cafe team evolve traditional Creol dishes. Enjoy specialty cocktails and small plates at the Black Duck Bar. $$$

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

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

Homemade pastas and authentic Tuscan specialties round out the menu. $$ H Restaurant August AMERICAN 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777, RestaurantAugust.com. L Fri, D daily. James Beard Award-winning menu is based on classical techniques of Louisiana cuisine and produce with a splash of European flavor set in an historic carriage warehouse. $$$$$ Rock-N-Sake Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 823 Fulton St., 581-7253, RockNSake.com.

L Fri, D Tue-Sun, late night Fri-Sat. Fresh sushi and contemporary takes on Japanese favorites in an upbeat, casual setting. $$$ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Steakhouse Harrah’s Hotel, 525 Fulton St., 587-7099, RuthsChris.com. D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Filet mignon, creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin are the most popular dishes at this steak institution. There are also great seafood choices and top-notch desserts. $$$$$ Sac-A-Lait Seafood 1051 Annunciation St., 324-3658, Sac-A-LaitRestaurant.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri. Cody and Sam Carroll’s shrine to Gulf Coast and Louisiana culinary heritage melds seafood, game, artisan produce, and craft libations in an ambitious menu that celebrates local and southern cuisine. $$$$ The Grill AMERICAN 540 Chartres St., 522-1800. B, L, D daily. A diner with local character staffed by local characters. $ The Grill Room AMERICAN Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-6000, GrillRoomNewOrleans.com. B, L, D daily,

Br Sun. Modern American cuisine with a distinctive New Orleans flair, the adjacent Polo Club Lounge offers live music nightly.

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

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

Appetizers include the namesake oysters Tommy, baked in the shell with Romano cheese, pancetta and roasted red pepper. $$$$$ Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar AMERICAN 1009 Poydras St., 309-6530, Walk-Ons. com. L, D, daily. Burger, sandwiches, wraps and more with a Louisiana twist are served at this sports bar near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. $$ Warehouse Grille AMERICAN 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, WarehouseGrille.com. L, D daily, Br Fri-Sat. Creative fare served in an art-filled environment. Try the lamb spring rolls. $$ Victory Gastropub 339 Baronne St., 522-8664, VictoryNola.com. D daily. Craft cocktails served by owner and acclaimed bartender Daniel Victory, as well as refined small plates and gourmet pizza. $$ Central City Café Reconcile Louisiana fare 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 568-1157, CafeReconcile. org. L Mon-Fri. Good food for a great cause, this nonprofit on the burgeoning OCH corridor helps train at-risk youth for careers in the food service industry. $$ Covington Don’s Seafood seafood 126 Lake Dr., (985) 327-7111, DonsSeafoodOnline.com. L, D Daily. Popular neighborhood seafood joint offers an array of crowd-pleasing south Louisiana dishes, including char-broiled oysters and Zydeco shrimp. Kid’s Menu makes it a good choice for families. $$$ Darrow Café Burnside Louisianian Fare Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Hwy. 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. L daily, Br Sun. Historic plantation’s casual dining option features dishes such as seafood pasta, fried catfish, crawfish and shrimp, gumbo and red beans and rice. $$ Latil’s Landing Louisianian Fare Houmas House Plantation, 40136 Hwy. 942, (225) 473-9380, HoumasHouse.com. D Wed-Sun. Nouvelle Louisiane cooking served in an opulent setting features dishes like rack of lamb and plume de veau. $$$$$ Faubourg Marigny Feelings Cafe, Bar and Courtyard Lounge Louisianian Fare 535 Franklin Ave, 446-0040, FeelingsCafeBar.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri. The All New Feelings Marigny is a complete relaunch of the much beloved “Feelings Cafe”. Executive Chef Scott Maki has transformed the menu with an emphasis on contemporary Creole-Louisiana fare.$$$$ Langlois AMERICAN 1710 Pauger St., 934-1010, LangloisNola.com. L Fri-Sat, D Wed-Sun. *Reservations only Supper club and boutique cooking school in the Marigny serves up culturally informed, farm-to-table fare with the added bonus of instruction.

Open kitchen and convivial atmosphere add

up to a good time. $$$

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

H Ruby Slipper Café Bakery/ Breakfast 2001 Burgundy St., 525-9355,

Classic Creole dishes, such as redfish on the halfshell, and an Oyster Bar. Its extensive bourbon menu will please aficionados. $$$$

southern specialties. Live music and late hours are a big part of the fun. $$$ Bayou Burger Burgers 503 Bourbon St., 529-4256, SportsBarNewOrleans.com. L, D daily. Sports bar in the thick of Bourbon Street scene distinguishes its fare with choices like Crawfish Beignets and Gator Bites. $$

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

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

The Marigny Brasserie AMERICAN 640 Frenchmen St., 945-4472, MarignyBrasserie. com. L, D daily. Chic neighborhood bistro with traditional dishes like fried green tomatoes and innovative cocktails such as the cucumber Collins. $$$

Bayona World 430 Dauphine St., 525-4455, Bayona.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef Susan Spicer’s nationally acclaimed cuisine is served in this 200-year-old cottage. Ask for a seat on the romantic patio, weather permitting. $$$$$

Faubourg St. John H Café Degas French 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635, CafeDegas.com. L, D Wed-Sat, Br Sun. Salad Niçoise, Hanger steak and frites are served in a lovely enclosed courtyard at this jewel of a French bistro. $$

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

H 1000 Figs World 3141 Ponce De Leon St., 301-0848, 1000Figs.com. L, D Tue-Sat. Vegetarian-friendly offshoot of the Fat Falafel Food Truck offers a healthy farm-totable alternative to cookie-cutter Middle Eastern places. $$ French Quarter Angeline AMERICAN 1032 Chartres St., 308-3106, AngelineNola.com. B Mon-Thu, D daily, Br Sat-Sun,. Modern southern with a fine dining focus is this bistro’s hallmark.

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

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

Home of the eclectic menu of famous shrimp Arnaud, red beans and rice and poor boys as well as specialty burgers, grilled allbeef hot dogs and thin-crust pizza. $$ Antoine’s Louisianian Fare 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, Antoines.com. L, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. This pinnacle of haute cuisine and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller is New Orleans’ oldest restaurant. (Every item is à la carte, with an $11 minimum.) Private dining rooms available. $$$$$ Antoine’s Annex Specialty Foods 513 Royal St., 525-8045, Antoines.com/AntoinesAnnex. Open daily. Serves French pastries, including individual baked Alaskas, ice cream and gelato, as well as panini, salads and coffee. Delivery available.

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

H Cane & Table Gastropub 1113 Decatur St., 581-1112, CaneAndTableNola.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Open late, this chefdriven rustic colonial cuisine with rum and “proto-Tiki” cocktails make this a fun place to gather. $$ Chartres House Italian 601 Chartres St., 586-8383, ChartresHouse.com. L, D daily.

This iconic French Quarter bar serves terrific Mint Juleps and Gin Fizzes in its picturesque courtyard and balcony settings. Also famous for its fried green tomatoes and other local favorite dishes. $$$ Court of Two Sisters Louisianian Fare 613 Royal St., 522-7261, CourtOfTwoSisters.com.

Br, D daily. The historic environs make for a memorable outdoor dining experience. The famous daily Jazz Brunch buffet and classic Creole dishes sweeten the deal. $$$$$ Criollo Louisianian Fare Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 681-4444, CriolloNola.com.

B, L, D daily. Next to the famous Carousel Bar in the historic Monteleone Hotel, Criollo represents an amalgam of the various Louisiana cultures, with a contemporary twist. $$$

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse Steakhouse 716 Iberville St., 522-2467, DickieBrennansSteakhouse.com. L Fri, D daily. Nationally recognized steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks and local seafood.

Validated Parking next door. $$$$

H Doris Metropolitan Steakhouse 620 Chartres St., 267-3500, DorisMetropolitan.com. L Fri-Sun, D daily. Innovative steakhouse plays with expectations and succeeds with modernist dishes like their Classified Cut and Beetroot Supreme. $$$$ El Gato Negro World 81 French Market Place, 525-9752, ElGatoNegroNola.com.

L, D daily. Central Mexican cuisine along with hand-muddled mojitos and margaritas made with freshly squeezed juice. A weekend breakfast menu is an additional plus. $$ Effervescence SMALL PLATES & CHAMPAGNE 1036 N Rampart St., French Quarter. 5097644. NolaBubbles.com. D Wed-Sun, L Sun, Closed Mon & Tues. Sophisticated small plates are the name of the game at this inspired French Quarter Champagne bar.

Plates are small in the tapas-style with a special focus on caviar and sharable bites.

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

H GW Fins Seafood 808 Bienville St., 581FINS (3467), GWFins.com. D daily. Owners Gary Wollerman and twice chef of the year Tenney Flynn provide dishes at their seasonal peak. On a quest for unique variety, menu is printed daily. $$$$$ Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak Steakhouse 215 Bourbon St., 335-3932, Galatoires33BarAndSteak.com. L Fri, D SunThu. Steakhouse offshoot of the venerable Creole grande dame offers hand-crafted cocktails and classic steakhouse fare and inspired dishes. Reservations accepted. $$$

Crazy Lobster Seafood 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83, 569-3380, TheCrazyLobster.com. L, D daily. Boiled seafood and festive atmosphere come together at this seafood-centric destination overlooking the Mississippi River. Outdoor seating a plus. $$$

Hard Rock Café AMERICAN 125 Bourbon St., 529-5617, HardRock.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Local outpost of this global brand serves burgers, café fare and drinks in their rock memorabilia-themed environs. $$

Creole Cookery Seafood 508 Toulouse St., Suite C110, 524-9632, NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com. L, D daily.

Crowd-pleasing destination in the French Quarter offers an expansive menu of Creole favorites and specialty cocktails served with New Orleans flair. $$$

House of Blues Louisianian Fare 225 Decatur St., 310-4999, HouseOfBlues. com/NewOrleans. L, D daily. Good menu complements music in the main room.

World-famous Gospel Brunch every Sunday.

Patio seating available. $$

Deanie’s Seafood Seafood 841 Iberville St., 581-1316, Deanies.com. L, D daily. Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$

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

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

H Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House Seafood 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111, BourbonHouse.com. B, L, D daily, Br Sun.

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

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as well as an exhaustive pasta menu tempt at this local favorite that also offers al fresco seating. $$$ Killer Poboys Louisianian Fare 811 Conti St., 252-6745, KillerPoboys.blogspot.com.

L, D Wed-Mon. This quasi-popup operating out of the Erin Rose Bar serves some of the city’s best poor boys. $ K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen Louisianian Fare 416 Chartres St., 596-2530, ChefPaul. com/KPaul. L Thu-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Paul Prudhomme’s landmark restaurant helped introduce Cajun food to the nation. Lots of seasoning and bountiful offerings, along with reserved seating, make this a destination for locals and tourists alike. $$$$

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

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

H Marti’s French 1041 Dumaine St., 522-5478, MartisNola.com. L Fri, D daily.

Classic French cuisine, small plates and chilled seafood platters like Grand Plateau Fruits De Mer are the calling cards for this restaurant with elegant “Old World” feel. $$$ Muriel’s Jackson Square Italian 801 Chartres St., 568-1885, Muriels.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Enjoy local classics while dining in the courtyard bar or any other room in this labyrinthine, rumored-to-behaunted establishment. $$$$ Napoleon House Italian 500 Chartres St., 524-9752, NapoleonHouse.com. L MonSat, D Tue-Sat. Originally built in 1797 as a respite for Napoleon, this family-owned European-style café serves local favorites gumbo, jambalaya and muffulettas.

A Sazerac or Pimm’s Cup are perfect accompaniments. $$ NOLA Louisianian Fare 534 St. Louis St., 522-6652, EmerilsRestaurants.com/NolaRestaurant. L Thu-Mon, D daily. Emeril’s more affordable eatery, featuring cedarplank-roasted redfish; private dining. $$$$$ Oceana Grill Seafood 739 Conti St., 525-6002, OceanaGrill.com. B, L, D daily.

Gumbo, poor boys and barbecue shrimp are served at this kid-friendly seafood destination. $$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro Gastropub 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, OrleansGrapevine.com. D daily. Wine is the muse at this bistro, which offers vino by the flight, glass and bottle. A classic menu with an emphasis on local cuisine. $$$

H Patrick’s Bar Vin Gastropub 730 Bienville St., 200-3180, PatricksBarVin. com. D daily. This oasis of a wine bar offers terrific selections by the bottle and glass.

Small plates are served as well. $$ Pier 424 Seafood 424 Bourbon St., 30984

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1574, Pier424SeafoodMarket.com. L, D daily. Seafood-centric restaurant offers long menu of traditional New Orleans fare augmented by unusual twists like “CajunBoiled” Lobster. $$$ Port of Call Burgers 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120, PortOfCallNola.com. L, D daily.

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

restaurant spotlight Nina Compton to Open Second Restaurant

By Mirella Cameran

H R’evolution Italian 777 Bienville St., 553-2277, RevolutionNola.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sun. An opulent place that combines the local flavors of chef John Folse with the cosmopolitan influence of chef Rick Tramonto. Chef de cuisine Chris Lusk and executive sous chef Erik Veney are in charge of day-to-day operations, which include house-made charcuterie, pastries, pastas and more. $$$$$ Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill Italian 115 Bourbon St., 598-1200, RedFishGrill. com. L, D daily. Chef Austin Kirzner cooks up a broad menu peppered with local favorites such as barbecue oysters, blackened redfish and double-chocolate bread pudding. $$$$$ Rib Room AMERICAN Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 529-7046, RibRoomNewOrleans.com. B, D daily, L Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Old World elegance, house classic cocktails and Anthony Spizale’s broad menu of prime rib, stunning seafood and on Sundays a jazz brunch. $$$ Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant Louisianian Fare 301 Dauphine St., 586-0972, RichardFiskes.com. B, Bar Lunch daily. Just a few steps off of Bourbon Street is this relaxing bar featuring an innovative menu with dishes like Crawfish, Jalapeno-and-Bacon Mac and Cheese garnished with fried oysters. Live music a plus. $$$ Royal House Louisianian Fare 441 Royal St., 528-2601, RoyalHouseRestaurant. com. L, D daily. B Sat and Sun. Poor boys, jambalaya and shrimp Creole are some of the favorites served here. Weekend breakfast and an oyster bar add to the crowd-pleasing appeal. $$$ SoBou Louisianian Fare 310 Chartres St., 552-4095, SoBouNola.com. B, L, D daily. There is something for everyone at this “Modern Creole Saloon.” Decidedly unstuffy with an emphasis on craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Everything from $1 pork cracklins to an extravagant foie gras burger on an accomplished yet eclectic menus. $$

H Tableau Louisianian Fare 616 S. Peter St., 934-3463, TableauFrenchQuarter.com.

B Mon-Fri, L Mon-Sat, D daily, Brunch SatSun. Gulf seafood such as Redfish Bienville and classic Creole brunch dishes like eggs Hussard are the highlights of this Dickie Brennan restaurant that shares space with Le Petite Théâtre. $$$

H The Bistreaux Louisianian Fare New Orleans Maison Dupuy Hotel, 1001 Toulouse St., 586-8000, MaisonDupuy. com/dining.html. B, L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Dishes ranging from the casual (truffle mac and cheese) to the upscale (tuna tasting

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After opening Compère Lapin in 2015, Chef Nina Compton earned rave reviews and a place as a finalist in the 2017 James Beard Awards “Best Chef South.” Compton is set to open a second restaurant near her home in the Bywater called Bywater American Bistro (BAB). The new venture will take over the space in the Rice Mills Loft building formerly occupied by Mariza restaurant. BAB will see Compere Lapin sous chef Levi Raines take the roles of Chef/Partner. While the menu is still in development, Compton said, “If I had to sum up Bywater American Bistro….it would be ingredientdriven cuisine with a bistro style of service. Levi and I are having a great time creating this menu and it’s coming along nicely; we look forward to opening soon.”

Bywater American Bistro, 2900 Chartres St.

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trio) are served in an elegant courtyard. $$ The Bombay Club Louisianian Fare Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St., 577-2237, TheBombayClub.com. D daily. Popular martini bar with plush British décor features live music during the week and late dinner and drinks on weekends. Nouveau Creole menu includes items such as Bombay drum. $$$$ The Pelican Club AMERICAN 312 Exchange Place, 523-1504, PelicanClub.com. D daily.

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

H Tujague’s Louisianian Fare 823 Decatur

D Wed-Sun, Br Sun. Time-honored Provençal cuisine rewards guests with a true farm-life experience, from house-made preserves, charcuterie, herbs, kitchen gardens and eggs cultivated on the property. $$$$$ Lakeview H Cava Louisianian Fare 789 Harrison Ave., 304-9034. D daily. Fine dining (and excellent wine list) at this high-end Cajun and Creole restaurant that makes customer service a big part of the experience. $$$ Lakeview Harbor Burgers 911 Harrison Ave., 486-4887. L, D daily. Burgers are the name of the game at this restaurant. Daily specials, pizza and steaks are offered as well. $

St., 525-8676, TujaguesRestaurant.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. For more than 150 years this landmark restaurant has been offering Creole cuisine. Favorites include a nightly sixcourse table d’hôté menu featuring a unique beef brisket with Creole sauce. $$$$$

Lakeview Pearl Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 6300 Canal St., 309-5711, LakeviewPearl. com. L, D Mon-Sat. A long list of specialty rolls rounds out the offerings of this AsianFusion restaurant. $$

Garden District Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s AMERICAN 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, CopelandsCheesecakeBistro.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sun. Shiny, contemporary bistro serves Cajun-fusion fare along with its signature decadent desserts. Good lunch value to boot. $$

2633, MondoNewOrleans.com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat, Br Sun. Chef Susan Spicer’s take on world cuisine. This place has a deserved reputation for good food and good times. $$$

District Donuts Sliders Brew AMERICAN 2209 Magazine Street, 570-6945, DonutsAndSliders.com. B, L, D daily. Creative sliders (hello, pork belly) and super-creative donuts (think root beer float) are the hallmarks of this next-generation café. $ Hoshun Restaurant Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1601 St. Charles Ave., 302-9716, HoshunRestaurant.com. L, D daily. A wide variety of Asian cuisines, primarily dishes culled from China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Private dining rooms available. $$

H Mr. John’s Steakhouse Steakhouse 2111 St. Charles Ave., 679-7697, MrJohnsSteakhouse.com. D Tue-Sat, L Fri-Sat. Wood paneling, white tile and USDA Prime Beef served sizzling in butter are the hallmarks of this classic New Orleans steakhouse. $$$ Gretna H Tan Dinh Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1705 Lafayette St., 361-8008. B, L, D daily.

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

H Oak Oven Italian 6625 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, 305-4039, OakOvenRestaurant.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Wood-fired pizza and seasonal Italian cuisine with a locavore philosophy brings respite to the burbs. Family friendly with patio seating to boot. $$ Kenner H Fiesta Latina World 1924 Airline Drive, 469-5792, FiestaLatinaRestaurant.com. B, L, D daily. A big-screen TV normally shows a soccer match or MTV Latino at this home for authentic Central American food. Tacos include a charred carne asada. $$ Lacombe H La Provence French 25020 Highway 190, (985) 626-7662, LaProvenceRestaurant.com.

H Mondo World 900 Harrison Ave., 224-

Lower Garden District

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

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

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

L, D daily. Diners are never too far from this homegrown barbecue chain that features an array of specialty sauces to accompany its smoked meats and seafood. $$ Metairie

H Andrea’s Restaurant Italian 3100 19th St., 834-8583, AndreasRestaurant.com. L Mon-Sat, D daily, Br Sun. Osso buco and homemade pastas in a setting that’s both elegant and intimate; off-premise catering. $$$ Acme Oyster House Louisianian Fare 3000 Veterans Blvd., 309-4056, AcmeOyster.com.

L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Austin’s Louisianian Fare 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., 888-5533, AustinsNo.com. D Mon-Sat. Mr. Ed’s upscale bistro serves contemporary Creole fare, including seafood and steaks. $$$ Boulevard American Bistro AMERICAN 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-2301. L, D daily. Classic American cuisine including steaks, chops and more is augmented by regional favorites like Boulevard Oysters at this Metairie bistro. $$$ café B AMERICAN 2700 Metairie Road, 9344700, cafeB.com. D daily, L Mon-Fri. Br Sun. Ralph Brennan offers New American bistro fare with a Louisiana twist at this family-

Mon-Sat. Snug Italian boîte packs them in, yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$

friendly neighborhood spot. $$$ Caffe! Caffe! AMERICAN 3547 N. Hullen St., 267-9190. B, L Mon-Sat. & 4301 Clearview Parkway, 885-4845. B, L daily; D Mon-Sat. CaffeCaffe.com Healthy, refreshing meal options, and gourmet coffee and espresso drinks create a tasteful retreat for Metairie diners at a reasonable price. $ Crabby Jack’s Louisianian Fare 428 Jefferson Highway, 833-2722, CrabbyJacksNola.com.

L Mon-Sat. Lunch outpost of Jacques-Imo’s.

Famous for its fried seafood and poor boys including fried green tomatoes and roasted duck. $ Deanie’s Seafood Seafood 1713 Lake Ave., 831-4141, Deanies.com. L, D daily. Louisiana seafood, baked, broiled, boiled and fried, is the name of the game. Try the barbecue shrimp or towering seafood platters. $$$

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

H Blue Dot Donuts Specialty Foods 4301 Canal St., 218-4866, BlueDotDonuts.com. B, L Tue-Sun. The Bacon Maple Long John gets all the press, but returning customers are happy with the classics as well as twists like peanut butter and jelly.

H Café Minh Asian Fusion/Pan Asian

Don’s Seafood seafood 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 889-1550, DonsSeafoodOnline.com. L, D Daily. Metairie outpost of historic local seafood chain that dates from 1934. Features an array of Cajun and seafood classics like their original ‘Jacked Up’ Oysters and seafood platters.

Don’t miss their happy hour specials. $$$ Drago’s Louisianian Fare 3232 N. Arnoult Road, 888-9254, DragosRestaurant.com.

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

Great deals on fresh lobster as well. $$$$

4139 Canal St., 482-6266, CafeMinh. com. L Mon-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Chef Minh Bui and Cynthia Vutran bring fusion to Vietnamese cuisine with French accents and a contemporary flair. $$

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

Heritage Grill AMERICAN 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 934-4900, HeritageGrillMetairie.com. L Mon-Fri. This lunch-only destination caters to the office crowd offers an express two-course lunch along with its regular menu. $$ Martin Wine Cellar AMERICAN 714 Elmeer Ave., 896-7300, MartinWineCellar.com. Wine by the glass or bottle to go with daily lunch specials, burgers, soups, salads and deli-style sandwiches. $ Mr. Ed’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant Seafood 1001 Live Oak St., 838-0022, AustinsNo.com. L, D Mon-Sat. Neighborhood restaurant specializes in seafood and Italian offerings such as stuffed eggplant and bell pepper. Fried seafood and sandwiches make it a good stop for lunch. $$

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

Gracious Bakery + Café Bakery/Breakfast 1000 S. Jeff Davis Parkway, Suite 100, 301-3709, GraciousBakery.com. B, L daily.

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

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

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

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

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

Sucré Specialty Foods 3301 Veterans Blvd., 834-2277, ShopSucre.com. Desserts daily.

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

H Mona’s Café World 3901 Banks St., 482-

Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Italian 4411 Chastant St., 885-2984, Metairie, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D

Park Ave., 482-6845, MoPhoNola.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Vietnamese cuisine meets southern Louisiana in this upscale casual

7743. L, D daily. Middle Eastern specialties such as baba ganuj, beef or chicken shawarma, falafel and gyros. The lentil soup and desserts, such as sticky sweet baklava, round out the menu. $

H MoPho Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 514 City

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hybrid by chef Michael Gulotta. Mix-andmatch pho and an interesting poor boy menu rounds out the appeal. $$$ Parkway Bakery and Tavern AMERICAN 538 Hagan Ave., 482-3047, ParkwayPoorBoys.com. L, D Wed-Mon. Featured on national TV and having served poor boys to presidents, it stakes a claim to some of the best sandwiches in town. Their french fry version with gravy and cheese is a classic at a great price. $ Ralph’s On The Park Italian 900 City Park Ave., 488-1000, RalphsOnThePark.com.

Br Sun, L Tue-Fri, D daily. A modern interior and contemporary Creole dishes such as City Park salad, turtle soup, barbecue Gulf shrimp and good cocktails. $$$$

H Ruby Slipper Café Bakery/ Breakfast 139 S. Cortez St., 525-9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.net. B, L daily, Br Sun. Homegrown chain specializes in breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes with unique local twists such as bananas Foster French toast and barbecue shrimp and grits. $$

H Taqueria Guerrero World 208 N. Carrollton Ave., 484-6959. B, L, D, Tue-Sat. Friendly staff and authentic Mexican cuisine make this affordable neighborhood restaurant a neighborhood favorite. BYOB $ H Toups’ Meatery Louisianian Fare 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 252-4999, ToupsMeatery. com. L, D Tue-Sat. Charcuterie, specialty cocktails and an exhaustive list of excellent à la carte sides make this restaurant a carnivore’s delight. $$$ Trèo Gastropub 3835 Tulane Ave., 3044878, TreoNola.com. L Fri-Sat, D daily.

Craft cocktail bar also serves a short but excellent small plates menu to accompany its artfully composed libations. $$ Multiple Locations Byblos World Multiple Locations, ByblosRestaurants.com. L, D daily. Upscale Middle Eastern cuisine featuring traditional seafood, lamb and vegetarian options. $$ Café du Monde Bakery/Breakfast Multiple Locations, CafeDuMonde.com. This New Orleans institution has been serving fresh café au lait, rich hot chocolate and positively addictive beignets since 1862 in the French Market 24/7. $ CC’s Coffee House Bakery/Breakfast Multiple locations in New Orleans, Metairie and Northshore, CCsCoffee. com. Coffeehouse specializing in coffee, espresso drinks and pastries. $ Copeland’s Louisianian Fare Multiple Locations, CopelandsofNewOrleans.com.

L, D daily, Br Sun. Al Copeland’s namesake chain includes favorites such as Shrimp Ducky. Popular for lunch. $$ Little Tokyo Asian Fusion/Pan Asian Multiple locations, LittleTokyoNola.com.

L, D daily. Multiple locations of this popular Japanese sushi and hibachi chain make sure that there’s always a specialty roll within easy reach. $$ Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House Seafood Multiple Locations, MrEdsRestaurants. com/oyster-bar. L, D daily. A seafood lover’s paradise offers an array of favorites like shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffée, blackened 86

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redfish and more. A raw bar featuring gulf oysters both charbroiled and raw. $$$ Reginelli’s Pizzeria pizza Multiple Locations, Reginellis.com. L, D daily.

Pizzas, pastas, salads, fat calzones and lofty focaccia sandwiches are at locations all over town. $$

restaurant spotlight Lunch with a View at Sala

By Mirella Cameran

Theo’s Pizza Multiple Locations, TheosPizza.com. L, D daily. The crackercrisp crust pizzas are complemented by a broad assortment of toppings with local ingredients at cheap prices. $$ Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill AMERICAN Multiple Locations, ZeaRestaurants.com.

L, D daily. Drawing from a wide range of worldly influences, this popular spot serves a variety of grilled items, appetizers, salads, side dishes, seafood, pasta and other entrées. Catering services available. $$$ Northshore Acme Oyster House Louisianian Fare 1202 N. Highway 190, Covington, (985) 2466155, AcmeOyster.com. L, D daily. Known as one of the best places to eat oysters. $$ Dakota AMERICAN 629 N. Highway 190, (985) 892-3712, TheDakotaRestaurant. com. L Tue-Fri, D M on-Sat. A sophisticated dining experience with generous portions. $$$$$

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

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

HCarrollton Market AMERICAN 8132 Hampson St., 252-9928, CarrolltonMarket. com. L Sat-Sun, D Tue-Sat. Modern Southern cuisine manages to be both fun and refined at this tasteful boîte. $$$

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

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Once you’ve discovered Sala Restaurant and Bar in the West End neighborhood, you’ll end up going back time and again. Its view of the marina and flexible menu make it ideal for cocktails and bites with friends, brunch with the family or a sophisticated dinner. Lunch is a new option starting at 11 a.m.,Tuesday through Friday, and like dinner, offers small and large plates, including a St. James Cheese Board and a Chargrilled Filet. The kids’ menu has classics to please and happy hour includes wines, beers and cocktails. You can tuck into the brunch menu on weekends, which features egg dishes, burgers and salads, as well as a mimosa carafe.

Sala Restaurant & Bar, 124 Lake Marina Ave., 513-2670, SalaNola.com.

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hangout. $

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

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

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

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

D Tue-Sun, Br Sat-Sun. Cozy gem serves a refined menu of French and Creole classics peppered with Southern influences. $$$ Audubon Clubhouse AMERICAN 6500 Magazine St., 212-5282, AudubonInstitute. org. B, L Tue-Sat, Br Sun. A kid-friendly menu with local tweaks and a casually upscale sandwich and salad menu. $$ Bouligny Tavern Gastropub 3641 Magazine

St., 891-1810, BoulignyTavern.com. D Mon-Sat. Carefully curated small plates, inventive cocktails and select wines are the focus of this stylish offshoot of John Harris’s nationally acclaimed Lilette. $$

H Café Abyssinia World 3511 Magazine St., 894-6238. L, D daily. One of a just few authentic Ethiopian restaurants in the city, excellent injera and spicy vegetarian fare make this a local favorite. $$ Camellia Grill AMERICAN 626 S. Carrollton Ave., 309-2679. B, L, D daily. A venerable diner whose essential character has remained intact and many of the original waiters have returned. Credit cards are now accepted. $ Casamento’s Louisianian Fare 4330 Magazine St., 895-9761, CasamentosRestaurant.com. L Thu-Sat, D Thu-Sun. The family-owned restaurant has shucked oysters and fried seafood since 1919; closed during summer and for all major holidays. $$ Chiba Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 8312 Oak St., 826-9119, Chiba-Nola.com. L Wed-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Contemporary restaurant features fresh, exotic fish from all over the world and fusion fare to go along with typical Japanese options. Extensive sake list and late night happy hours are a plus. $$$ Clancy’s Louisianian Fare 6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111, ClancysNewOrleans.com. L Thu-Fri, D Mon-Sat. Their Creole-inspired menu has been a favorite of locals for years.

$$$

contemporary creations. $$$$$

Commander’s Palace Louisianian Fare 1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221, CommandersPalace.com. L Mon-Fri, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. The grande dame is going strong under the auspices of James Beard Awardwinner chef Tory McPhail. Jazz Brunch is a great deal. $$$$

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

H Coquette French 2800 Magazine St.,

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

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

265-0421, CoquetteNola.com. L Fri, D daily, Br Sun. The food is French in inspiration and technique, with added imagination from the chefs. $$$ Dick and Jenny’s Louisianian Fare 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 894-9880, DickAndJennys.com. D Mon-Sat. A funky cottage serving Louisiana comfort food with flashes of innovation. $$$$

H Jung’s Golden Dragon Asian Fusion/ Pan Asian 3009 Magazine St., 891-8280, JungsChinese.com. L, D daily. This Chinese destination is a real find. One of the few local Chinese places that breaks the Americanized mold. $

H La Crêpe Nanou French 1410 Robert

Domilise’s Louisianian Fare 5240 Annunciation St., 899-912. L, D Mon-Sat. Local institution and rite-of-passage for those wanting an initiation to the real New Orleans. Wonderful poor boys and a unique atmosphere make this a one-of-a-kind place. $

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

Frankie & Johnny’s Seafood 321 Arabella St., 243-1234, FrankieAndJohnnys.net. L, D daily. Serves fried and boiled seafood along with poor boys and daily lunch specials.

Kid-friendly. $$

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

D Mon-Sat. Upscale destination serves refined interpretations of classics along with

Lilette French 3637 Magazine St., 895-1636, LiletteRestaurant.com. L Tue-Sat, D Mon-Sat. Chef John Harris’ innovative menu draws discerning diners to this highly regarded

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bistro. Desserts are wonderful as well. $$$$$

H Magasin Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 4201 Magazine St., 896-7611, MagasinCafe.com.

L, D Mon-Sat. Pho, banh mi and vegetarian options are offered at this attractive and budget-friendly Vietnamese restaurant. Café sua da is available as well. $ Martin Wine Cellar AMERICAN 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, MartinWine.com. Wine by the glass or bottle with cheeses, salads, sandwiches and snacks. $

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catering available.

Tracey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar AMERICAN 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, TraceysNola. com. L, D daily. Neighborhood bar with one of the best roast beef poor boys in town. The gumbo, cheeseburger poor boy and other sandwiches are also winners. Also a great location to watch the game. $

H The Company Burger Burgers 4600 Freret St., 267-0320, TheCompanyBurger.

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com. L, D daily. Custom-baked butterbrushed buns and fresh-ground beef patties make all the difference at this excellent burger hotspot. Draft beer and craft cocktails round out the appeal. $ The Delachaise Gastropub 3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858, TheDelaichaise.com. D daily.

Cuisine elevated to the standards of the libations is the draw at this lively wine bar and gastropub. Food is grounded in French bistro fare with eclectic twists. $$

restaurant spotlight Maple Street Patisserie’s European Touch

By Mirella Cameran

H Upperline AMERICAN 1413 Upperline St., 891-9822, Upperline.com. D Wed-Sun. Consummate hostess JoAnn Clevenger presents this nationally heralded favorite.

The oft-copied fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade originated here. $$$$ H Wayfare AMERICAN 4510 Freret St., 309-0069, WayfareNola.com. L, D daily, Br Sat-Sun. Creative sandwiches and southerninspired small plates. $$ Ye Olde College Inn AMERICAN 3000 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-3683, CollegeInn1933. com. D Tue-Sat. Serves up classic fare, albeit with a few upscale dishes peppering the menu. $$$ Vincent’s Italian Cuisine Italian 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313, VicentsItalianCuisine.com. L Tue-Fri, D Tue-Sun. Snug Italian boîte packs them in yet manages to remain intimate at the same time. The cannelloni is a house specialty. $$$ Warehouse District Briquette SEAFOOD 701 S Peters St., Warehouse District. 302-7496 BriquetteNola.com. D Daily. A historic molasses refinery is the setting for this Warehouse District spot that puts the focus on seafood.

Here you will find a wider array of options, like Alaskan Halibut, to go along with local redfish. Elaborate, globally inspired preparations make many dishes unique. $$$ Lucy’s World 710 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995, LucysRetiredSurfers.com. L, D daily. Island-themed oasis with a menu that cherry-picks tempting dishes from across the globe’s tropical latitudes. Popular for lunch, and the after-work crowds stay into the wee hours. $ West Bank Nine Roses Asian Fusion/Pan Asian 1100 Stephen St., 366-7665, NineRosesResturant. com. L, D Sun-Tue, Thu-Sat. The extensive Vietnamese menu specializes in hot pots, noodles and dishes big enough for everyone to share. $$ West End Landry’s Seafood Seafood 8000 Lakeshore Drive, West End, 283-1010, LandrysSeafood. com. L, D daily. Kid-friendly and popular seafood spot serves of heaping platters of fried shrimp, Gulf oysters, catfish and more. $$

“Let’s face it: a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people. It does for me.” So said Audrey Hepburn, and Maple Street Patisserie is just the kind of place Ms. Hepburn could nestle in a corner to enjoy some dark chocolate cake with rich Belgian icing.

Master Baker and Pastry Chef Ziggy Cichowski and Executive Chef Patricia-Ann Donohue are both technically trained chefs. Inspired by European bakeries they set up their Maple Street Patisserie in 2010 to offer an alternative to massproduced baked goods. Instead the duo uses recipes from Austria, Italy, Germany, France and Poland and the highest quality ingredients to create handcrafted European delicacies.

They also rise at dawn to bake fresh bread every day including Russian pumpernickel and rustic French baguettes. So pop in, it only takes one bite to taste the difference.

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

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7638 Maple St., 304-1526, CargoCollective.com/ MapleStreetPatisserie.

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Dining & Entertainment

ADVERTISING SECTION

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Arnaud's

Austin's

ArnaudsRestaurant.com 813 Bienville St., New Orleans 504-523-5433

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

In 2018, Arnaud’s Restaurant will celebrate one hundred years of delivering a quintessential New Orleans dining experience, from its original, historic location in the city’s most prized gem, the French Quarter.

Arnaud’s offers an unmatched New Orleans experience that celebrates the city’s culture with every sip and every bite.

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

Reservations recommended.

Broussard's

Café Adelaide

Crazy Lobster

Broussards.com 819 Rue Conti St., New Orleans 504-581-3866

CafeAdelaide.com 300 Poydras St., Warehouse District 504-595-3305

TheCrazyLobster.com 500 Port of New Orleans Pl., Suite 83 504-569-3380

In a city that joyously celebrates fine dining as an art form, Broussard’s has been a New Orleans fixture for nearly a century.

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ venerable French Quarter, Broussard’s offers chef Neal Swidler’s creative contemporary renditions of classic Creole cuisine in a timeless historic setting.

Everyone is eating, drinking and carrying on at Café Adelaide – little sister of Commander’s Palace, located in the Warehouse District. Chef Meg serves up playful, modern Creole in a beautiful, newly renovated space. Daily happier hour in the Swizzle Stick Bar.

Enjoy Riverside dining on the banks of the Mississippi River. Their signature dish is the Bounty of Sea, featuring a twopound Maine lobster, shrimp, crawfish, snow crab, clams, mussels, corn and potatoes.

Listen to the sounds of live music featuring the best entertainment straight off Frenchmen Street. Visit them after a long day at Jazz Fest.

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Briquette BriquetteNOLA.com 701 South Peters, New Orleans Chef Hosie Bourgeois, formerly of Beau Chene Country Club, delights tastebuds by providing some of the finest cuisine in the New Orleans area! There will also be handcrafted cocktails and well curated wine list as well as small plates perfect for sharing.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Crescent City Steakhouse

Effervescence

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

CrescentCitySteaks.com 1001 N. Broad St., New Orleans 504-821-3271

NolaBubbles.com 1036 N. Rampart St., New Orleans 504-509-7644

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

Crescent City Steakhouse is proud to serve seven generations of New Orleanians over the past 84 years serving only the finest aged prime beef cut in-house daily by Chef Benard. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, come see where the tourists meet the locals. Reservations Recommended.

Effervescence bubbles & bites is an elegant champagne bar with chef inspired sharing plates on the edge of the french quarter. We have beautiful courtyard seating and will soon be serving brunch on Sunday.

Five Happiness

Hoshun

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

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

Katie's

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

Chinese or Japanese? Can’t decide? Hoshun is your answer, offering an extensive menu from classic Chinese dishes to Japanese sushi and everything in between (like Vietnamese pho or pad Thai). Stick with one cuisine, or mix and match. Open daily until 2 a.m.

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

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Tommy's Cuisine

Fresh and delicious, “The Legend” features BBQ Shrimp with cochon de lait stuffed into New Orleans French bread.

Call to ask about daily special. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and don’t miss the bottomless mimosa Sunday brunch.

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Maple Street Patisserie 7638 Maple St., New Orleans 504-304-1526

Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar and Fishhouse

Mr. Ed's Seafood and Italian

MrEdsRestaurants.com Mid-City, Metairie, French Quarter & St. Charles

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

Now open in Mid-City at the corner of Carrollton and Bienville, Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar serves your choice of chargrilled, fried or raw oysters, as well as long time favorites such as Oyster Rockefeller and Bienville.

Offering both a stand up oyster bar and cocktail bar, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy. Four unique locations; one great menu.

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

New Orleans Creole Cookery

Pascal's Manale

Poppy's Time Out Grill

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

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

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

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

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

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, try our handmade macaroons. Stop by to enjoy all our handcrafted European breakfast pastries, dessert pastries, cakes and breads.

Conveniently located uptown on Maple Street, right off streetcar stop at St. Charles Ave and Broadway.

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

Catch the game with them.

ADVERTISING SECTION

Red Gravy

RalphBrennanCatering.com 504-539-5510

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

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

Chef de cuisine Roseann is warming hearts with her homemade Skillet Cake.

The Skillet Cake changes daily and could range from peanut-butter banana or chocolate chip. Voted #1 Brunch AND #1 Italian in New Orleans Magazine and on Open Table! Open Wednesday through Monday 8 a.m. To 2 p.m.

SALA

The Court of Two Sisters

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

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

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

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

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

Reservations recommended.

Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House 6262 Fleur de Lis Dr., New Orleans 504-300-1804 Rizzuto’s focuses on bringing you “Village Classics” that have been mainstays of our family for over half a century, as well as steak and chop specialties. With an exquisite wine list and specialty cocktail menu, your experience at Rizzuto’s will be nothing short of satisfied.

Tropical Isle/ Orleans Grapevine OrleansGrapevine.com 720 Orleans Ave., New Orleans 504-523-1930

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Ralph Brennan

Enjoy true New Orleans atmosphere in a beautiful, tropical courtyard. Orleans Grapevine serves high quality cuisine and one of the largest selections of wine by the bottle or by the glass. Don’t miss the popular Bacon Happy Hour, where you’ll enjoy free bacon with your cocktails and wine.

4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight daily.

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ADVERTISING SECTION

1. A Renee 824 Chartres St., New Orleans 504-418-1448

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A Renee Boutique, a French Quarter standout, carrying a Smoking Hot Fashion palette “For Women Who Dress to Kill”. This adorable boutique carries the most unique fashions and shoes with a lagniappe of personal stylist services to compliment your shopping experience.

From fashion rebel to career minded; youthful and mature; to funky and sexy. A. Renee Boutique is the store for all women who want to look astounding and feel amazing.

2. Auraluz ShopAuraluz.com 4408 Shores Dr., Metairie 504-888-3313

2.

LAMPE BERGER... the perfect Valentine's gift! It's both decorative and functional. Made in France for over 119 years, each Lampe Berger cleanses, purifies and fragrances the air with over 50 fragrances to choose from... all available at AURALUZ.

3. Belladonna BelladonnaDaySpa.com 2900 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-891-4393 Belladonna is back and better than ever! Shop our selection of boutique cosmetics and gifts like these vintage gold Cupid hoop earrings in our beautifully renovated space. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of relaxation with Belladonna gift cards for all spa treatments and products!

4. Condor

4.

Condor.com Condor Airlines is excited to announce its 2018 flight schedule with flights operating on Thursdays and Sundays from May 17, 2018, through September 30, 2018, from Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). Condor offers flights beyond Frankfurt to over 120 destinations across Europe at exceptional rates. Condor passengers can earn and redeem miles with the Lufthansa Miles and More frequent flyer program and Alaska Airlines' MileagePlan. In each of its three classes of service, Condor provides complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals and in-flight entertainment for all passengers.

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ADVERTISING SECTION

5.

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5. Corteo from Cirque du Soleil CirqueduSoleil.com/Corteo Corteo from Cirque du Soleil will be in New Orleans from March 2 to 4 at the Smoothie King Center.

For Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day treat your love. Life is made of unforgettable moments and Corteo is the celebration of them.

6. Cristy's Colllection CristyCali.com 504-407-5041 The Queen of Hearts Key design is served to be a reminder to leave your heart open, but also protect it and keep it guarded. Only you understand how to unlock the magic of your love.

7.

7. Etre Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center EtreCosmeticDerm.com 1224 St. Charles Ave. (Entrance across from Delmonico) 504-227-3873 Drs. Coleman and Donofrio specialize in non- and minimally-invasive cosmetic dermatologic procedures including facial injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, and cellulite reduction. Now offering a February Special for a syringe of lip filler and a bottle of Latisse for $625 ($150 savings). Call today for your free consultation!

8. HGM Fine Jewelers HgmJewelry.com 3617 Magazine St. (Inside Empire Antiques) 504-957-3409

8.

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Perfect as an engagement ring or wedding ring upgrade. This brilliant and lively 5.35ct European cut diamond solitaire set in platinum will make her so very happy! Price upon Request.

9. Jaci Blue JaciBlue.com 2111 Magazine St. 504-603-2929 Jaci Blue specializes in difficult to find bra sizes with bra fitting experts always available. Our number one selling bra, Matilda, has been recolored in flame just in time to liven up any Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans. Bra $69 sizes DD-JJ brief $32 sizes M-4X.

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10. Perlis Perlis.com 6070 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-895-8661 600 Decatur, French Quarter 504-523-6681 1281 N Causeway, Mandeville 985-674-1711 8366 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge 225-926-5909 The perfect early Valentine gift for men, ladies and children... the iconic Perlis crawfish logo Mardi Gras Rugby. Enjoy Carnival Seasons for years to come in a high quality rugby of 100% cotton jersey with twill collar and true rubber rugby buttons. my n e w or l e a n s . com

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11. Queork Queork.com 838 Chartres St., French Quarter 3005 Magazine St., Garden District 504-481-4910 The Holly Cork handbag will make your Valentine swoon! Detachable shoulder strap, two exterior pockets and 3 interior pockets. Cork is durable like leather as well as water and stain resistant, and incredibly lightweight.

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12. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Sandestin Wine Festival Weekend Getaway Sandestin.com/wine 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 888-886-0315 Uncork Fun in the Sun April 12-15 at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivalsâ&#x20AC;?! The 32nd Sandestin Wine Festival features wine dinners, grand wine tastings, food pairings, live music and a Sunday brunch. Save 25% on tickets and accommodations with code WINE18.

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13. The Woodhouse NOLA.WoodhouseSpas.com 4030 Canal St., New Orleans 504-482-NOLA Woodhouse Day Spa is an award winning, full service, luxury spa. A perfect treat for the Holidays, the journey begins in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Woodhouse Spa will immerse mind, body and spirit; you can enjoy first-class comfort and a beverage while indulging in your choice of over 70 rejuvenating spa treatments.

14. Trashy Diva TrashyDiva.com 2048 Magazine St. 504-299-8777 Make a glamorous statement in the vintage style Deco Robe by Trashy Diva Lingerie. Give the gift of stunning lingerie from Trashy Diva this Valentine's Day.

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ADVERTISING SECTION

Heart Health

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ust as healthy, strong muscles help us do our heavy lifting, the heart does plenty of heavy lifting on its own, which is why keeping it healthy and strong is key to a long, active life. This February, remember to show some love to your heart through exercise, eating healthier, or stopping smoking.

Even small changes can make a big difference. Don’t let Mardi Gras distract you from your resolutions for a healthier, happier you. Your heart will thank you, and so will those who look forward to making memories with you.

Improving Fitness Nola Pilates & Yoga/ Xtend Barre is one of Lakeview’s premier fitness studios. The studio’s extensive schedule features over 65 group classes per week, including Pilates Reformer, Tower, Mat, Yoga, MELT Method, TRX Suspension and Xtend Barre. One-on-one sessions are available in the private equipment studio seven days per week. Classes range in focus and intensity from open-level Pilates Mat and Yoga classes to muscle-sculpting, calorie-torching classes like TRX and Xtend Barre.

November 2017 marked the studio’s 10-year anniversary, and owner Kim Munoz fondly recalls opening its doors back in 2007, as small business owners worked tirelessly to revive their city following Hurricane Katrina.

“In our first years, we were grateful for the opportunity to offer the local community a positive outlet following such devastation,” explained Munoz.

“Ten years later, we look forward to continuing to serve the New Orleans community and helping you meet your goals, restore your mind, body, and spirit.”

Visit the studio online at NolaPilates.com to schedule your first session.

For more information, visit the website or call 504-483-8880.

Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) is a one-of-a-kind, group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength

Hospital Buzz

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hether you’re in Metairie, on the West Bank, or Uptown, quality healthcare is available within minutes. Greater New Orleans offers a number of award-winning hospitals and hospital systems for patients experiencing a wide range of health concerns. From cutting-edge cancer and pediatric care to exceptional new technologies, the services and expertise offered across the city are notable for both Louisiana residents and the entire Gulf South.

As Louisiana’s only MD Anderson affiliated hospital, East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) has access to the latest treatment protocols/ plans used by the cancer center voted #1 by US News and World Report.

But beyond that affiliation, EJGH’s outcomes and commitment to personalized care separate it from any other cancer center in the region.

State-of-the-art technologies allow the hospital to treat prostate, head and neck, breast, and other cancers in ways that are more successful and patient friendly than ever before.

EJGH’s Cancer Care Navigators give patients someone to turn to in setting appointments, understanding treatments/medicines, and helping the patient concentrate on only one thing: getting better. Most of all, the hospital’s oncology division is comprised of physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff who choose to work in the unique and ever-changing field of fighting cancer. These individuals thrive on helping people through their toughest challenge and seeing them beyond treatment to being cancer free. That commitment from EJGH’s team to each patient is the reason the hospital was voted the #1 hospital in Louisiana for Medical Outcomes.

Find out more about EJGH offerings at EJGH.org.

training that produces maximum calorie burn. Backed by science, the heart rate-monitored, high-intensity interval training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. During each 60-minute session, fitness coaches use a variety of equipment and methods such as treadmills, rowing machines, suspension training, and free weights to achieve the target Orange Zone heart rate for 12 minutes or more, which produces the Orange Effect, or “Afterburn.”

In December, OTF launched their More Life campaign, stemming from the belief that you deserve more from your workout. More than sweating away extra pounds, it should transform you from the inside out with technology to keep you on track and coaches that give you more tough love. You want more results, more confidence, more community, and more energy. The more you do at Orangetheory, the more you get out of life.

Orangetheory has three metro area locations—Uptown, Mid-City, and Mandeville—with more on the way. Try a free introductory class by signing up at OrangetheoryFitness.com.

Additional Health Resources Anyone looking for compassionate and dignified care for their terminally ill loved ones should take a look at the services offered by Canon Hospice.

The caring team at Canon is dedicated to a hospice ministry that helps patients and families accept terminal illness positively and resourcefully.

Their stated goal is to “allow our patients to live each day to the fullest and enjoy their time with family and friends.” With special expertise in pain management and symptom control, Canon Hospice designs individualized plans of care for each patient based on their unique needs. Home Based Services provide doctors, nurses, social workers, pastoral care, and volunteers.

For patients with more intensive symptom management needs, Canon has an Inpatient Hospice Unit. This unit provides 24-hour care in a homelike environment where patients are permitted to receive visits at any hour.

For more information, visit CanonHospice.com or call 504-818-2723. •

Touro is proud to introduce the UroNav fusion biopsy system, a cuttingedge option for diagnosing prostate cancer for many patients with elevated and/or rising PSA levels. The UroNav combines pre-biopsy images with ultrasound technology to better detect suspicious lesions, delineation of the prostate, and clear visualization of the biopsy needle.

The MRI and ultrasound images use electromagnetic tracking for a more targeted biopsy. A tiny navigation sensor is attached to an ultrasound probe, which generates a localized electromagnetic field to determine the location.

The UroNav also provides better post-biopsy review through visualization and recording in multiple 2D/3D views.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, and the UroNav is poised to become a new standard in prostate care,” says Touro Urologist Richard M. Vanlangendonck Jr., M.D. “The UroNav fusion biopsy system allows surgeons to achieve more accurate biopsies in the prostate in return providing more accurate diagnoses.”

Learn more about Touro’s cancer care at touro.com/cancer.

Children’s Pediatrics provides quality pediatric primary care to the children of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. As part of Children’s Hospital, the only free-standing hospital dedicated to pediatrics in the state of Louisiana, providing comprehensive healthcare for children is top priority.

With 13 locations and same day appointments available, the team of expert pediatricians are committed to caring for every child as their own.

Children’s Pediatrics’ commitment to the community extends beyond the medical care they provide. The pediatricians are continually involved in community activities aimed at promoting good health. Children’s Pediatrics’ goal is to not only care for children who are sick, but work to prevent unnecessary doctor visits by teaching parents and children how to stay healthy.

Whether its wellness check-ups, sick visits, or on-call coverage for afterhours illnesses, Children’s Pediatrics is caring for children at every stage. To learn more about Children’s Pediatrics, visit chnola.org/pediatrics. •

ADVERTISING SECTION America’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile, Alabama

Resorts, Casinos, & More Travel Destinations That Thrill

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e may only be two months into the year, but it’s not too soon to start planning your next adventure. Whether you’re looking to get away for Mardi Gras, take a romantic Valentine’s excursion, or plan for a springtime family vacation, now’s the time to peruse your options for a travel destination sure to delight. From chilling at a beachside or mountaintop resort to a thrilling night of blackjack and shows at a nearby casino, a variety of experiences abound just across the Louisiana border. Foodies, music lovers, and outdoors enthusiasts can all find an adventure close enough to New Orleans to limit travel time but far enough to feel like a world away from the routine of home.

Dream big, and think outside the box—plan a trip that will tease your senses, relax your mind, and thrill you with fun.

It’s spring travel season soon, and there’s no better beach escape than 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 balance of indulgence, natural beauty, and active adventure. Take a kayak or paddleboard adventure and surf the crystal blue waters, or fly under the sun as you parasail your day away. Be sure to reserve a spa day and get pampered in the comfort of 98

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your private suite or poolside. Enjoy a morning or sunset cruise and watch curious dolphins jump out of the water to say hello. Whether you want to enjoy the beach with family, children, a spouse or friends, guests of all ages will enjoy the properties of Premier Island.

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

Located in Northwest Florida, South Walton is continually recognized as a premier destination that boasts 26 miles of sugar-white sand, turquoise water, and 16 acclaimed beachside neighborhoods, each with its own personality and style.

Don’t miss out on the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K: Taste of the Race on March 2-4. The three-day event features food, fun, and plenty of racing.

Come relax and enjoy the Sandestin Wine Festival from April 12-15 with wine seminars, food pairings, and exquisite dinners from local restaurants.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an exciting event from April 26-29, where celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters, and entertainers all gather for a four-day celebration of wine.

Escape the busy scene for a weekend to enjoy the festivities and pull up a beach chair for a relaxing getaway in South Walton, Florida.

To learn more, go to VisitSouthWalton.com/Events.

ADVERTISING SECTION Beauty, history and adventure come together in Alabama, a place where each meal is a celebration, each town has a story, and each day brings new discoveries.

Home to America’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration, Mobile starts off each year with parades and pageantry. Soon after, as the weather warms, interest grows in Alabama’s 32 miles of sugar-white sands and turquoise waters. Perfect for family-friendly vacations, romantic getaways, and weekend trips with friends, the Gulf Coast offers oneof-a-kind experiences including scuba diving at the sunken ship Lulu and fishing off of the beautifully revamped Gulf State Pier.

Alabama is also perfect for adventurous road-trips with offthe-beaten-path treasures. Already famous for its BBQ, the state might surprise foodies as they discover culinary destinations such as fine dining at Highlands Bar & Grill and artisan ice cream at Big Spoon Creamery in Birmingham. Statewide, craft breweries feature award-winning brews and lively atmospheres. Music lovers enjoy the reenergized Muscle Shoals concert scene and large festivals like Birmingham’s Sloss Fest and Hangout in Gulf Shores.

For more vacation ideas and attractions, visit Alabama.travel.

Located just over an hour east of New Orleans, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort offers “The New Way” to celebrate February and Valentine’s Day. Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood offers a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Special with a four-course Dinner for Two for only $109, Dinner for Two plus a one-night hotel stay for $209, or the dinner, hotel stay, plus a dozen roses delivered to your room for $259 on February 14 or 15!

February 23-24, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding provides a unique interactive entertainment experience. One of the most successful

shows in off-Broadway history, guests will be treated with a traditional Italian wedding, including dinner at the reception. Tickets are $60 each.

Every Wednesday in February, guests can earn 500 Tier Points and receive a Scarlet Pearl Mardi Gras T-Shirt, and the Mardi Gras Mambo Free Slot Play Giveaway offers guests a chance to win Free Slot Play every Friday in February. From Friday, February 9 to Tuesday, February 13, guests can earn 750 Tier Points for a Scarlet Pearl Mardi Gras Bead and Bead Bag. For more information, promotional information, and to make reservations, visit ScarletPearlCasino.com.

As the longest established rental company on Sugar Mountain, Resort Real Estate and Rentals at Sugar Mountain operates over 150 properties that have been enjoyed by families and mountain vacationers for 35 years. Family operated, Resort Real Estate and Rentals makes each guest feel welcome and comfortable with options ranging from efficiencies to six-bedroom homes perfect for large groups looking to hit the slopes for a couple of days or a couple of weeks.

The tranquility and beauty of Sugar Mountain, North Carolina, is unsurpassed. Much like the company name, Sugar Mountain offers the three R's: relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation. When visiting Sugar Mountain, regardless of the season there is always something to keep you entertained and active. From their family to yours, “It’s just sweeter up here!”

Reserve your winter or spring rental at StaySugarMountain.com or by calling 800-438-4555. Winter Value Packages are available through March 31, 2018. •

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TRY THIS

Face Time Trying the Treatment

by KELLY MASSICOT

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y eyes were covered. I could hear Ellen moving around above my head. “Ready?” she says. And with a simple “OK,” I hear a zap and feel a faint sting, like that of a rubber band hitting my skin, on my cheek.

I was in the midst of my first Broadband Light, or BBL, treatment at Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery office. Dr. Barbara Bopp, her husband Dr. Felix Bopp and their team of physicians’ assistants, registered nurses, laser technicians, aestheticians and countless other team members have been a part of the Metairie community for 25 years.

After hearing about the BBL treatment from a friend, I knew it was my time to meet the Bopps. As a teenager, and in my early 20’s, I made the cardinal mistake of fake tanning. Not the type of tanning that stresses the importance of 118

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washing your hands to prevent staining; this was the UV light, bake yourself type of tanning.

That, coupled with countless festivals and other outdoor activities throughout my life, I knew my skin would be far from perfect.

When I first arrived, I was greeted by the extremely welcoming doctors and aesthetician Ellen Radle Harsha. They listened intently as I told them about my skin journey, as well as the toll rheumatoid arthritis has taken on my skin – the ups, downs, rollercoaster ride that it has been – even suggesting that “what I thought was a rash” reaction from treatments may actually be rosacea.

Before the procedure began, I received a Visia Facial assessment. This assessment studied my skin for six key areas: wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, red areas

m yne w orl eans .com

and porphyrins (which I later found out was the gross stuff on your face that essentially causes pimples). Though it said my skin age was a year younger than my actual age, I hit the nail on the head in regard to the sun damage under my skin’s surface. Though Ellen assured me that being in the bottom four percent wasn’t bad, I knew she was just trying to calm my minor panic attack. (However, I’m happy to report my pores are ideal, the texture is pretty good and my only wrinkles are under my eyes – go figure.)

The Visia assessment helped Ellen when it came time for the BBL treatment, a non-invasive procedure involving broadband light that doesn’t damage the outer surface of your skin and is incision-free.

Sciton, the company that created the laser, describes it as such:

“the broadband light technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photorejuvenation therapy.”

They go on to explain, “The light energy delivered by the BBL will gently heat up the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to generate new collagen.”

Ellen was able to take my Visia assessment results, see which parts of my skin needed to be targeted and adjust the laser as needed.

This treatment was no walk in the park, I won’t lie. The continuous hot zaps of laser across my face, though not at all a horrible pain, was not something that I would want to experience every day of my life. But after a few days, the results from just one treatment was worth the 45 minutes or so of being slightly uncomfortable. My face was a bit hot for a few hours, which I was told to expect, but that’s about it. Typically treatments like these cause my face to break out in an angry red color, but none of that happened with the BBL. Dr. Felix assured me that because of my age, this was only something I would need every year or so for maintenance. And I will definitely be taking him up on that advice.

Whether or not you want to dive in to a BBL treatment right away, booking a consultation can help assess where you are in your skin life and what is out there to help you prepare for the future.

I will definitely be “trying this” over and over again – with the OK from Dr. Bopp, of course.

BoppSkin.com • cheryl gerber photograph

cheryl gerber photo

ETC.

Audubon Charter Opens in Gentilly in 2018

cheryl gerber photo

The Audubon Charter School, currently based in Uptown New Orleans, will open a second and new school, Audubon Gentilly in the Fall of 2018.

Audubon Gentilly will combine the current Audubon Charterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Montessori and French immersion curricula into a new Montessori French Immersion model, the only program of its kind in the state.

The expansion is approved by the Orleans Parish Schools Board with open admission, prioritizing students residing in the OPSB Catchment Zone 5 area. Enrolling for PreK (3) - 2nd is open at EnrollNola.org and AudubonCharter.com.

Condor Airlines Doubles Summer Frankfurt flights Condor Airlines, founded in 1956, is Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest commercial airline and is challenging the U.S. domestic carriers when it comes to domestic and international flights. From May through September 2018, Condor will be offering twice weekly non-stop flights from New Orleans to Frankfurt. This follows the introduction in 2017 of a host of new direct flights from U.S. cities to European destinations. In addition to very competitive pricing, the airline offers other perks such as seat reservation, free first bag and a lowest price watch system. Condor.com

By Mirella Cameran

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by errol laborde

Ash Wednesday

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once worked in an office where on the day after Mardi Gras I noticed the two girls at the front desk each had made ashen crosses on the others’ forehead. At first I thought it was touching that they had gone to church where, by tradition, the priest would place the appropriate smudge to remind followers of the somber message that to dust we shall return.

By their giggles I sensed that the girls were not affected by the piety of the day, especially when I realized that

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both smoked and each has blessed the other with the char from their ash tray.

To me Ash Wednesday’s message is not as much about returning to dust but reclaiming reality, and there is a certain spirituality in that too. We in New Orleans are a blessed people to live in a place with European and Caribbean charm but with United States strength and amenities. Add to that a season when masking in the streets is encouraged; where we beg for baubles just for the sheer numbers; where

the litter sparkles with beads and where the rhythm is often that of our native music. Too much of this experienced all the time certainly might be sinful. Fortunately there is Ash Wednesday to remind us that a life of feasting needs moments of fasting.

There was a time when, according to tradition, the ashes smudged on by the priests on Good Friday came from burning the leftover palms from Palm Sunday.

Now the palms have been replaced by slivers and the

ash stash, I suspect, is down.

Life changes: Many of the old churches are closed; there are fewer priests. Yet we celebrate with more persistence and fervor than ever, all the more to remember the counterbalancing message. We are denied little in our lives. A smudge on Ash Wednesday could be a spiritual message or perhaps a splash of makeup that survived removal. Either way we need to find peace with our body and our soul.

Jazz Fest, after all, is never too far away. •

ARTHUR NEAD Illustration