NOM May

Dial 12, D1

Inside: Tune in to the 35th annual broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance to the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families and all those who have give their lives for our country. Watch the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT on Sunday, May 26 at 7pm & 8:30pm on WYES-TV, wyes.org/live and on the WYES and PBS Apps. For all WYES event and program details, go to wyes.org.

FROM THE EDITOR

There’s an old saying, or insult really, that used to be bandied about, “You fight like a girl,” meaning someone is weak and ineffective. Most of us have decided to retire that phrase, because, obviously, the fiercest fighters are, of course, women. History has shown us the leadership and tenacity of women as making the biggest changes from within the family or friend group to grassroots efforts and top leadership positions in business, STEM, entertainment and beyond. Just last year, we saw the mega success at the box office with “Barbie,” on stage and screen with Taylor Swift and now the groundbreaking, genre-busting latest album from Beyoncé (who also broke records on tour and with her documentary).

In New Orleans, we have no less impressive women leading the way to make change at all levels. Our annual Top Female Achievers class includes leaders who are fighting for representation for indigenous peoples in Louisiana, educating the youth of New Orleans with work skills and knowledge beyond a classroom, working to battle climate change impacts on our coastline, preserving our cultural traditions and much, much more. It’s an inspiring group of leaders who doing the work every day to make this city a better place.

We also highlight the unique businesses, boutiques, art galleries and shops helmed by female owners and creators. These are some (there are simply too many to highlight) of our go-to places for culture, art and local ideas (plus top-notch shopping).

As always, we have lots more, from our Persona profile of the New Orleans Opera’s new general and artistic director Lila Palmer, our Style roundup with items to turn a night at home into a relaxing spa experience, dining news, humor, travel, recipes and more. It’s a jam-packed issue that we hope will inspire and entertain.

As we uplift these local women and their continued efforts to make a difference in our community and beyond, I like this quote I found from The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, “If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” May we all have the perseverance of a mosquito in the ear of people and circumstances trying to hold us back.

Enjoy and keep on buzzing!

Send us a line!

Have something you want to share with us? Email ashley@ myneworleans.com

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Editors’ Picks

This month, find out what our editors choose as their favorites places to dine out, hang out and enjoy and see if your picks are on the list. From best places for sno-balls to favorite cafés, indie bookstores and more, we list our go-to stops and shops.

Blogs

Love movies, cinema and big (and small) screen entertainment? Check out our latest blog from Renaissance Publishing contributing writer Jeremy Marshall. Screen Time has all the latest buzz on local filming, shows and screenings, film festivals and much more.

Podcast

Catch up on “Beyond the Music,” featuring conversations with the artists, musicians and people behind the curtains that make Jazz Fest happen. Plus, we hear from readers and listeners from across New Orleans in your special thoughts and memories in a “love letter to Jazz Fest.”

NOSH

Catch this month’s NOSH Instagram exclusive. New Orleans Magazine visits the kitchen of Chef Ryan McDougall of plates restaurant & bar for a crowd-wowing cheesecake recipe, perfect for a fancy charcuterie board or a special weeknight treat. @ NewOrleansMag

Mayors and Muffulettas

Dear Julia,

Is it true that there was a mayor of New Orleans who just disappeared and was never found?

- Ralph Lucciam, New Orleans

Yes Ralph, sort of. I think you are referring to Charles Waterman who was the city’s 17th mayor serving from June 1856 to June 1858 when he was impeached for reasons that are still not totally clear. The Waterman family was fairly well known nationally including Charles. There is not much preserved from his administration except for a brothel license he signed in 1857 allowing a certain Emma Pickett, after having paid a tax, to operate her business regulating “Lewd and Abandoned Women.”

In 1860 Waterman suddenly disappeared. What happened is uncertain however his hat was eventually found near a ferry landing at the river. Speculation was that he may have committed suicide, though a body was never found. No other mayor has ever been removed from office. To the contrary since 1954 when the city charter allowed mayors to run for two successive terms every mayor has been elected twice.

Hey Julia,

In your April issue column, you have a brilliant answer to the question about which is proper, “poor boy” or “po-boy.” You are correct in a historical sense of course, but this raises a similar question about another New Orleans Sicilian-style sandwich that suffers from multiple spellings. You know what I mean. What do you say?

- Doug Ramford, Kenner

You are, of course, talking about the sandwich famous for its layers of olive salad and with sliced meats and cheeses. People always seem to get the fifth letter wrong. It is not muffAletta, or any other variation, but muffUletta.

Send us your questions!

Poydras is looking for something to do. Send your questions to julia@ myneworleans. com and be sure to include your name and information.

For the subject line use: Julia and Poydras Question.

According to Julia’s (ahem) rule the spelling with the U is correct because that is the version used by Central Grocery on Decatur Street in the Quarter where the sandwich was popularized. The store’s original owner created the sandwich by slicing a Sicilian bread loaf, that was topped with sesame seeds, called the muffuletta and then piled on meats, cheeses and olive salad in-between. The sandwich, which was often served warmed, was named after the bread loaf. There are several theories about the origins of the loaf's name, one being that the rounded bread resembled a mushroom. A nearby Sicilian store, Montalbano’s, created a similar sandwich though on a different bread. As the sandwich became more popular other stores probably tinkered with the name and altered the spelling. But we defer to the spelling used by the place of origin, Central Grocery. And if you haven’t been there lately you should. It is as close as the city has that suggests an authentic old-style Sicilian bakery.

Jerry Seinfeld

May 31

Comic legend Jerry Seinfeld brings his beloved standup comedy to the Saenger for one night only. SaengerNOLA.com

“Born With Teeth”

April 25-May 12

This comedy set in Elizabethan England follows young playwrights Kit Marlowe and William Shakespeare as they try to write a new play. The show will run at Le Petit Theatre. LePetitTheatre.com

Jazz Afterdark

May 2-5

The Orpheum is hosting a concert series for people who feel like they want a even more music in their lives after a day at Jazz Fest. Performers this year include Big Freedia and Grace Potter with Boyfriend. OrpheumNOLA.net

“Sister Act: The Musical”

May 3-19

Whoopi Goldberg’s 1992 blockbuster hits the stage at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts in a show that blends classic R&B and funk with a message of sisterhood and faith. RivertownTheaters.com

Hancock Whitney’s Zoo-To-Do

May 3

For more than 40 years, the Hancock Whitney’s Zoo-To-Do welcomes visitors to Audubon Zoo for an evening of cocktails, live music, animal encounters and auctions to support wildlife

conservation at the zoo. AudubonNatureInstitute.org

Jammin’ on Julia

May 4

The Arts District of New Orleans will host Jammin’ on Julia, an art walk through the galleries on Julia, Camp and Magazine streets, with select galleries also featuring live musical performances. ArtsDistrictNewOrleans. com

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” in Concert

May 10-May 11

Enjoy the film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” as you’ve never seen it beforewith the accompaniment of a full symphony orchestra at the Saenger Theater. SaengerNOLA.com

“Mrs. Doubtfire”

May 14-19

The classic 1993 comedy starring Robin Williams gets a musical makeover in this production at the Saenger Theatre that should be fun for the whole family. SaengerNOLA.com

New Orleans Greek Festival

May 24-26

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Bayou St. John hosts the 49th annual New Orleans Greek Festival. As always, the festival will treat visitors to an array of tasty Greek delicacies, Greek music and dancing, arts and crafts and cathedral tours. The New Orleans Track Club also hosts a 5K run/walk at the festival on May 25. gfno.com

The Eagles vs. Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert

May 25

Some of the region’s best bands (including The Mixed Nuts, After Party, and Sugar Shaker) will perform popular hits and B-sides from The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. JeffersonPAC.com

Symphony Book Fair

May 31-June 2

One of the Crescent City’s biggest used book sales is back for its 71st year. The event returns to UNO Lakefront Arena with all proceeds benefiting the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. LPOVolunteers. org/book-fair/annualbook-fair

Dwight Yoakam

May 9

Country star and actor Dwight Yoakam visits the Orpheum Theater for one night only. OrpheumNOLA.net

“Swing, Caesar, Swing! The Music of Nat King Cole”

May 10-12

Jazz crooner Caesar sings the classics of Nat King Cole as well as other beloved jazz standards at BB’s Stage Door Canteen in the National World War II Museum. NationalWW2Museum.org

New Orleans Ballet Theatre: “Dracula”

May 11-12

The Orpheum Theater hosts the New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s interpretation of Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel. OrpheumNOLA.net

Bayou Boogaloo

May 17-19

Bayou St. John hosts one of Mid-City’s premier events, Bayou Boogaloo. This year’s festival will offer all sorts of fun, including a crawfish eating contest and paddleboats on the bayou. This year’s music lineup includes acts like Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and Morning 40 Federation. TheBayouBoogaloo.com

CHERYL GERBER PHOTO

Happy Hour

Cure has extended happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays (now from 3-6 p.m.) and added a new late-night happy hour Sundays through Thursdays from 9:30-11 p.m. (in addition to its traditional happy hour from 4-6 p.m.). All happy hours feature a selection of $8 craft cocktails, beer and a shot, and a selection of house wines. Also, the bar’s new Monday Markdowns include oneounce pours (up to 25 pours per Monday) from a rotating selection of premium bottles. 4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357, curenola.com

Honor of Hospitality

The third annual North America’s 50 Best Bars awards has honored Jewel of the South with this year’s coveted Michter’s Art of Hospitality award. Recognizing the importance of hospitality in the bar experience, the award is voted on by all 270 members of the brand’s academy (who are asked to name the bar where they have received the single-best hospitality experience within the 18-month voting period). We’re chalking it up as another reason to visit Chris Hannah for an incredible cocktail. 1026 St. Louis St., 504-265-8816, jewelnola.com

Just Peachy

The Finnish Long Drink - a brand built on the heritage of the legendary Finnish alcohol category of long drinks - has released its first new flavor in more than four years. Originally released as a limitededition flavor last summer, the peach flavor has has now been added to the brand’s permanent portfolio (that also includes traditional, zero and strong varieties in citrus and cranberry flavors). Expect bright, fresh and fruity notes of peach - a drink that’s just perfect for springtime porch drinking. Available at Sidney’s Wine Cellar, 917 Decatur St., 504-524-6872, sidneyswinecellar.com, thelongdrink.com

Celebratory Cocktail

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center has unveiled its new “Rosie the Riveter” cocktail at Rosie’s on the Roof. While “The Riveter” has been a staple on the restaurant and bar’s menu since opening, the new Rosie the Riveter version (including gold rum, coconut rum, a hint of absinthe, saffroninfused essence, mango purée, tiki bitters, and a blend of grapefruit and lime juices) was developed after an internal cocktail competition. Served in a vintage 1.5-quart canteen, reminiscent of those carried by Rosie and her compatriots, the cocktail is meant to be shared between two guests. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Exhibition on Prohibition and Temperance

The New Orleans Museum of Art has opened a new decorative arts exhibition that looks at Prohibition in the American South. Now on view through Jan. 5, “Rebellious Spirits: Prohibition and Resistance in the South” features objects (such as Prohibition-era cocktail shakers, drinking glasses that demonstrate changes in historical drinking culture and Jugtown Liquor vessels, which were popular with Louisiana moonshiners) that explore the radical changes the Prohibition period instilled within American society. The exhibition also explores the religious, racial and economic tensions that stemmed from Prohibition and the ways that individuals circumvented restrictions. 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504-658-4100, noma.org

Double Gold-Medal Winner

Atelier Vie, the oldest continuously operating distillery in New Orleans and the oldest whiskey distillery in Louisiana, has released its 2024 Riz Louisiana Rice Whiskey Bottled in Bond. The spirit, which won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022, had been sold out - until now. To qualify as Bottled in Bond, the spirit must be distilled and bottled at the same distillery, aged a minimum of four years and bottled at exactly 100 proof. The new release is available at the distillery’s tasting room (by appointment) and at International Wine & Spirits. In other news, Atelier Vie’s Euphrosine Gin is now available at Costco. 1001 S. Broad St., 504-534-8590, ateliervie.com

DENNY CULBERT PHOTO

Brunch & Lunch

Justine - the French Quarter brasserie from husbandand-wife duo Justin and Mia Devillier - is now offering select daily brunch specials from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Choose from dishes like the Salad Maison with toasted pecans, grana and Champagne vinaigrette; a chevre tart with Kalamata olives and caramelized onions; baked crab mac with brie; or the Justine burger topped with Gruyère, arugula and sauce au poivre. 225 Chartres St., 504-218-8533, justinenola.com

Meanwhile, Beggars Banquet boasts weekend brunch with tasty menu items. Try the pear toast with sweet ricotta, roasted pears, hot honey and pecans; the Crabby Benny (poached eggs, fresh Gulf crabmeat and remoulade atop an English muffin with hollandaise sauce and potato hash); or the stuffed French toast with cream cheese and fresh strawberries. For something savory, try the kale Caesar salad with crispy chickpeas, chiliartichoke tapenade, parmesan, boquerones and cured egg yolk or the crispy chicken on grilled ciabatta with Key lime aioli, hot honey and Boston lettuce. 1330 Prytania St., 504-766-6711, beggarsbanquetneworleans.com

For those looking to wind down the week, visit The Bower in the Lower Garden District during the restaurant’s new lunch service on Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Choose from a variety of small plates (like spicy scallop arancini with red vinegar cucumbers and lemon crème fraîche), house-made pasta (like pappardelle Bolognese with pork, beef, parmesan, aged balsamic and truffle cultured cream) and entrées (like the chili fried soft shell crab sandwich with marinated tomato, hula pickle aioli, green onion and cilantro on a brioche bun). 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com

Sizzling Steakhouse

Chef Edgar Caro and partner Antonio Mata of the Caro Mata Group have opened Brasa South American Steakhouse in Canal Place. Open for lunch and dinner seven days per week, Brasa showcases dry-aged meats and the open-fire traditions of Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Appetizers include oysters a la Brasa, boquerones (marinated white anchovies), empanadas, short rib mac and cheese, and chorizo, plus caviar service and a seafood platter. Entrees include a 30-day aged Creekstone Farms black Angus hanger steak, Sakura Farms Wagyu picanha with fat cap and Heritage Green Circle smoked chicken. For larger parties, try the gaucho cut (a 30-day aged Coastal Plains 36-ounce Louisiana Wagyu Tomahawk steak). 365 Canal St., 504-371-5553, brasasteak.com

Renovating a Classic

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Copeland’s of New Orleans recently rebranded and renovated its Kenner location. The $1.3 million renovation on the 6,800-square-foot building included everything from restaurant aesthetics to culinary presentation with every surface being completely reworked. As part of the revitalization, Copeland’s Kenner also added two new private dining rooms with flexible layouts and screens for presentations. The restaurant also expanded its back-of-house kitchen to ensure seamless catering and dining services. 1319 W. Esplanade Ave., 504-617-9146, copelandsofneworleans.com/kenner-la

Alfresco Dining

Rosella, a new casual eatery in Mid-City helmed by Chef Tal Jones, offers small plates (such as a corn dog with Creole mustard, boudin balls and andouille croquettes), cheese and charcuterie boards, salads and entrees (like meatloaf and lasagna). Grab a spot on the patio and enjoy the selection of organic and biodynamic wines from small family producers across the globe. 139 S. Cortez St., 504-7666642, rosellamidcity.com

National Spotlight

Ayu Bakehouse, which recently received national recognition by Bon Appétit and TODAY, has released the Ayu Tasting Box for nationwide shipping. The inaugural box includes tasty pastries like coconut pandan custard-filled Kaya Buns, jalapeño cornbread cookies, coconut blueberry Ayu granola and the new cherry- and walnut-studded zucchini bread loaf (but contents will evolve seasonally). 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985, ayubakehouse.com

Workforce Development

Reconcile New Orleans has received a $4 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The single-largest gift in the nonprofit’s history will allow Reconcile to expand its youth-focused workforce development programming for local 16- to 24-year-olds who are seeking connection to educational and workforce opportunities. cafereconcile.org

Women in Hospitality

Les Dames d’Escoffier International New Orleans has awarded Sinnidra Taylor, founder of Codey’s Nola commissary kitchen and incubator, and Thuy Pham, owner of Nola Nite Market, with the 2024 Leading from the Heart Awards. The award honors women who have made a positive impact in hospitality, sustainability, food justice and/or public health. lesdamesnola.org

DENNY CULBERT PHOTO

JAMES COLLIER PHOTO

Style

BY ANDY MYER

Serenity Now

Quality time with family and celebratory brunches are lovely and cherished, but what mom really needs is some rest and relaxation. These small thoughts can go a long way in making the mother figure in your life feel special.

1. The newest addition to Porter Lyon’s home collection – three custom scented, hand-dipped incense sticks designed to guide you through your day with intention, each boasting a 45-minute burn time. Start the day with First Light’s refreshing blend, then Mantra for awareness and finish up with Moonlight’s soothing scent as a relaxing way to wind down and focus on a restful night. Available at Porter Lyons, porterlyons.com.

2. This pretty floral robe by The Cat’s Pajamas is made from luxe Pima cotton and is a lovely option as we head into the warmer months. The crisp, breathable fabric will keep you cool while the pattern feels dressy and more pampering than your average robe. Available at Sotre, sotrecollection.com.

3. Louie Louie’s richly flavored seltzers are inspired by New Orleans. Each can contain 5MG of both CBD and THC, making them a great replacement for your favorite alcoholic beverage creating a buildable, calming effect – without the hangover. Available at Louie Louie, drinklouielouie. com, Breaux Mart and many other local shops, bars and restaurants.

4. The power of a great pair of slippers is not to be understated. Shiraleah’s Amor pair have a super soft, lush texture with a supportive and sturdy rubber sole bottom. The pom pom adds an extra dose of playfulness. Available at Basics Underneath, basicsunderneath.com.

5. French Girl’s Rose Sea Polish is a hydrating scrub that works to gently exfoliate, detoxify and moisturize skin. With an essential oil blend free of synthetic fragrances, the combination of soft florals, sweet citrus and woodsy notes creates a calming and grounding aromatherapy experience at home. Available at Chouette, chouette-nola.com.

The New Orleans Opera PERSONA

Lila Palmer

New Orleans is a city of performers; performers who have a part of their closet - sometimes a whole closet - dedicated to costumes for a performance that between Carnival and festivals can sprout on any street corner at the drop of a musical note.

The New Orleans Opera has brought performances of a different kind to the city for more than 80 seasons now. Lila Palmer is set to begin her tenure as the new general and artistic director of the New Orleans Opera, bringing years of experience as a musician, a singer and a librettist (among many other titles) from the U.K. to the U.S.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background? I’ve bounced back and forth between England and the U.S. my whole life and have worn an entire wardrobe’s worth of hats on both sides of the pond. I’ve been blessed to experience our industry from many different angles: as a student and freelance musician in both countries, a cultural commentator on television and

radio in the U.K. and Europe, a nonprofit co-founder platforming new music for social justice in Boston, an arts communications consultant in Chicago, and an apprentice opera singer with English National Opera. After the ENO apprenticeship, I was recruited to join a new program, run by the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, to develop

new operas. Immediately after completing that program, I was offered my first commission as a librettist. While fielding those early commissions, I joined American Lyric Theater as a resident artist in New York City, which gave me the opportunity to work with a lot of very promising opera creatives who care about new repertoire, and I was then asked to serve as their managing director during the pandemic. These experiences generated a deep respect for both the clarity and emotional narrative of repertoire that has stood the test of time, and a vision for where the industry can go. I’m interested in bringing more inclusive stories to the stage, particularly those that aspire to the same level of excellence on their own terms as the pieces within our lyrical tradition.

Q: What are you most excited for in starting your new position? There’s such an incredibly rich musical heritage in this city, so much history, and the operatic tradition is one of wild creativity and innovation. I’m really excited to join the dots of that history with the present, collaborating with local heritage institutions and artists while continuing the tradition of imagining the future. I see the opera stage as a sort of magic mirror –one day, audiences can come and see life as it is, and another day they can see a fantasy brought to life. Both those views can bring inspiration and empathy and joy.

Q: What will your focus as you hit the ground running May 15? There are so many practical things to accomplish right off the bat! I must begin planning the 2025/26 season, start a capital campaign specifically to drive innovation and enable significant cultural partnerships, and meet regional leaders from the business, educa-

tion, arts, society, and political sectors. Above all, I intend to listen, assessing where we are and hearing what people need from us.

Q: What are you most looking forward to with moving to the city? I’ve traveled to New Orleans four times now, but each trip has been very opera-focused! My husband and I have two little boys under three and I’m very excited to explore with them. I’ve been reading them children’s books about the city, and as I was leaving for my most recent trip, my eldest said to me, parroting his favorite one: “Let’s move to New Orleans and have a great day.” I just about died. But in all seriousness, getting to explore through their eyes, their wonder and instinctive enthusiasm –that’s going to be so much fun.

Lagniappe

Favorite opera? "The Marriage of Figaro" - banging tunes and low-key revolutionary

Favorite type of food? My husband’s cooking, which is mostly French Festivals you’re looking forward to attending? My cousin Jordan John just took over as the lead singer of Tower of Power, so he’ll be at Jazz Fest this year. It’s going to be so fun to watch him do his thing, although brutally he’s on at the same time as Trombone Shorty – a nightmare! I’m excited that Terence Blanchard and Rhiannon Giddens are both appearing, as they’re both cross-genre creative luminaries who write opera. We’re arriving too late this year to be at the literary festival but next year I am excited to attend.

My teenage daughter Gladiola is in a really cranky mood. Supper don’t taste right, the house is too small, her brother is stupid, and the letter ‘c’ is an unnecessary consonant.

“What? Are you actually picking on the letter ‘c’?” I say, thinking I must have heard wrong.

“Yes! It makes the SAME sound as a ‘k,’” she says, looking outraged. “It’s a waste of a consonant.” Clearly she is furious about this.

I make the mistake of taking her serious. “Cat, corn, candy, church - what about church? That’s a ‘c’ plus ‘h’."

She ignores me. She is mad at ‘c’s.

“I’ll prove it!” she says. She picks up her phone and calls her grownup sister Gumdrop, who she must assume is an expert on ‘c’s. She puts the phone on speaker so we can both hear.

“Gumdrop!” she says. “What sound does the ‘c’ make?”

A pause. Then “Sshhh, ssshhhh, sshhhhhh,” from Gumdrop.

Well. I am waiting for Gladiola’s hair to burst into flames. “WHAT?!”

“Unless there’s lots of waves,” Gumdrop says. “Then it’s splash! Splash…”

“Not the sea! The ‘c’!" And Gladiola throws down her phone and stomps to her room. I have to pick it up and explain, “Your baby sister is nuts.”

Kids are getting weird these days. Even weirder than we were.

Two of my sister-in-law Gloriosa’s kids decided they wanted to change their names. That’s a thing they do

Constant Consonants

Teenage angst

now. I wish I had thought about that myself. Instead of Modine, I might have picked, oh I dunno - Kim Kardashian?

Now, you got to understand, on Gloriosa’s husband’s side of the family - the side with the money - they are very traditional about names, since they like everybody to believe they are Mardi Gras royalty.

Her husband’s name is Proteus. He is named after his father, Old Mr. Proteus, and her kids are Comus - he’s the oldest - and his little sister is Momus, and then there’s the baby, a little redhead named Flambeau.

Comus walks into the kitchen and tells Gloriosa he don’t want to be

Comus no more. Kids at school tease him, especially around Carnival time.

From henceforth onward, he wants to be called “Rex.”

Now, I don’t know what I would have done in Gloriosa’s situation. But she goes along with it, seeing as they don’t already have a dog by that name. And she says, “Okay, Rex.”

Then Momus comes in and says she wants to change her name to “Muses.”

Okay, again.

Flambeau stays Flambeau, thank God. She just learned how to pronounce it.

I hope this name-changing thing don’t spread through the family. I

can’t remember anybody’s names now - not even my own kids’. I have got to the point where I call them all “sweetie.”

Mainly because they get insulted when I call them the first name that comes to mind, which sometimes happens to be the cat’s name.

They like to use weird words anyway. Things ain’t cool, they are epic. Stuff like that.

Now, I didn’t do nothing like that when I was their age, because I believed in mortal sin. Everything was a mortal sin. That kept us out of trouble.

These kids obviously don’t believe in mortal sin no more.

Now, back I was a teenager, I had a figure like a mop handle, with hair to match. But if I so much as wore a two-piece bathing suit to go swimming, I hurried up and went to confession for indecent exposure. Because if I happened to drop dead before that, I would wind up Down Below for all eternity.

There were a lot of mortal sins to watch out for. The nuns at Celibacy Academy told us that we should never, never, ever sit on a young man’s lap. But if we had to, if the car was crowded and we were racing away from a tornado, say, then we had to be sure to put a phone book on his lap first.

Well, we don’t got phone books no more. So I got no idea how to decently race away from a tornado.

That’s one of the problems with the world now.

That and unnecessary consonants.

Cup of Ambition

Coffee culture

Dear Seattle,

As I write this, I have a suspicion you are enjoying your overcast morning – as we in New Orleans always do – with a hot cup of strong coffee.

That said, I imagine yours is a far different brew than mine. In fact, it strikes me how two places that are so similar can be so different.

The obvious geographical differences aside, I have always sensed a cross-continent kinship between Seattle and New Orleans. Both, for example, are known for their general dampness, even if yours mostly falls from above while ours is just as likely to rise up from beneath.

Both are also known for embracing – indeed, encouraging – weirdos, wackos and independent spirits of all description. Not coincidentally, both also boast robust art and music scenes.

True, Seattle is more well known in that regard for its role in the development of grunge music, but it also has a storied jazz scene. None other than New Orleans’ own Jelly Roll Morton spent considerable time in your Emerald City. He was even moved to write and record a rollicking footstomper called “Seattle Hunch,” which is really all the validity any city’s

jazz scene needs.

When it comes to coffee, however, the similarities are but skin-deep.

In Seattle, the bitter brew is undeniably big business, as attested by the presence of that hippie mermaid logo on seemingly every street corner

in the caffeinated world.

In New Orleans, however, coffee is something closer to life.

Ask anyone who remembers driving over the I-10 High Rise in those weeks after Hurricane Katrina decimated the city in 2005.

Back then, it was a wasteland, a surreal landscape of curbside refrigerators and mountains of debris piled along West End Boulevard. All anyone wanted was a sign, any sign, that the city was on its way back – that it even could come back.

Ask Mike

Have a question or a thought to share about New Orleans etiquette or tradition? I’d love to hear it. Email it to NewOrleansPlaybook@ gmail.com.

In their hearts, most locals knew the city would return, of course. New Orleans is as much a spirit as a physical place. There was no option. It would endure. But the very fact that powerful people were

motorists zooming overhead.

It smelled like recovery. It smelled like hope. It smelled like home. Powerful stuff, that.

But, then, New Orleans has a longer relationship with coffee than pretty much anywhere in North America.

It started centuries ago out of geographical convenience. Given its proximity to coffee-cultivating locales in the Caribbean and South America, the Port of New Orleans has been the de facto entry point for untold millions of pounds of coffee beans dating to the late 1700s.

Coffee culture was quick to take root. By one count, 1850s New Orleans boasted more than 500 coffee shops and exchanges, and was importing more than a half-million bags of coffee beans annually.

It wasn’t just an industry, though. For some, it meant freedom itself.

That famously included an enslaved woman named Rose Nicaud, who sold coffee every Sunday – a day off for slaves – from a pushcart in Jackson Square and, later, in the French Market.

By all accounts, Rose – whose specialties are said to have been café noir and café au lait – made uncommonly good coffee. By the 1840s, at just 28 years old, she had made enough from her pushcart enterprise to purchase her freedom.

Some 184 years later, the sale, purchase and consumption of café noir and café au lait at the French Market is part of the city’s daily ritual.

openly questioning the wisdom of rebuilding the city was nonetheless unnerving.

Then, just a few weeks after the storm, came confirmation. It came in the form of coffee.

Specifically, it came in the form of “the bridge smell” – the eyeopening aroma of roasting coffee emanating from the Folgers Coffee plant on Chef Menteur Highway near the Industrial Canal that has for decades tickled the senses of

So, yeah: In New Orleans, coffee is more than coffee. It is part of who we are.

Alas, this missive runs long – and here I have yet to get to the relative merits of chicory, café brûlot and our own collection of homegrown coffeehouses.

I eagerly await our next meeting so we can continue the discussion. I will make the coffee.

Sincerely, New Orleans

1875

Back in the late 19th century when Canal Street was the center of commercial life in New Orleans merchants competed to get their messages out to the public. None did it better than entrepreneur, businessman and promoter Joseph Belknap who built this public fountain, advertising marquee and water-driven entertainment center on the neutral ground at the corner of Camp and Canal streets. As seen in this 1875 stereopticon slide by New Orleans photographer S.T. Blessing, Belknap’s fountain was the epitome of Gilded Age ingenuity, showmanship and a visual banquet that stood on Canal Street for over two decades. The question remains, however, whatever happened to it?

The story begins in early 1870 when the City Council gave Belknap permission to build his fountain with the understanding it would revert to the city after three years. On Sept. 14, 1870, the Daily Picayune, the forerunner of today’s Times-Picayune, described Belknap’s plan: “The fountain which the Council has authorized Mr. Belknap to erect on the neutral ground on Canal Street, as the intersection of Camp and Chartres, is to be much larger and of a more ornamental and attractive design than is generally supposed. It is to consist of three basins of different dimensions, rising one above the other, in which are to be placed certain mechanical movements concealed from view, (under water) which, when acted upon by the water from the city works, will propel a number of fancy boats containing figures in action, also swans, etc., around the basins on the surface of the water. From the basins there will be fountain jets perpetually at play, and the centre jet will uphold a golden ball.”

The city also required Belknap to make periodic changes to the fountain’s mechanical devices “to sustain popular interest.” The Daily Picayune article went on to say the “fountain itself will be place in the centre of a beautiful octagonal pagoda, ten feet in diameter, and twenty-two feet high, constructed entirely of iron and glass, elegantly painted and decorated inside and out. The dome is to be surrounded by a gilded yacht, which will act as a weather vane, and is intended as a compliment to the Crescent City Yacht Club. The fountain is to be open at all times to public view, and after dark will be illuminated by numerous gas jects...An excellent feature of the fountain will be the two drinking fountains attached for the free use of the public.”

would reduce the amount of water needed to flush the city’s gutters, especially as the “sickly season” approached. A local court dismissed the injunction and Belknap was in business selling advertising to local merchants. Their ads were placed in the oval windows that surrounded the fountain.

A year later, Belknap made a few changes to the fountain’s interior works. According to the Daily Picayune, “In lieu of the upper basin there are now three or four water spouts issuing from the trunks of miniature elephants, surrounding a central figure of handsome design. Steamers, however, continue to ply the main basin as heretofore.”

Apparently, Belknap took poor care of his brainchild. In September 1873, when his three years were up, the city took possession of the “unsightly affair” and turned it over to another investor who promised to restore it to “a condition that will give our city just cause to feel proud of it.”

The Fountain, Canal Street (Belknap's Fountain), The Historic New Orleans Collection

On April 2, 1871, Belknap was ready to stage a formal opening for the fountain when the privately owned Crescent City Water Works slapped him and the city with an injunction to prevent the city from providing water to the fountain. The company claimed the flow of water to the fountain

By the 1890s, however, the fountain was back in the city’s hands. The City Council eventually gave it to the New Orleans Traction Company, operators of several streetcar lines on Canal Street. As streetcar operations expanded, the company needed space, and so in 1895 it donated the structure to City Park, which placed the then-called “iron pavilion” next to the gate and archway located at the City Park Avenue entrance. Not knowing quite what to do with it, park commissioners decided in April 1903 to divert money for building a pond to convert the domed pagoda into a “bird cage.” An April 1916 photograph shows the hollowed-out structure still standing at that same location. After that, no one seems to know what happened to the “iron pavilion,” not even current park officials. Some speculate it was moved to a nearby park island or destroyed by a hurricane. Perhaps it was scrapped for iron during World War I.

The mystery remains.

TOP FEMALE ACHIEVERS

By Beth D’Addono, Kelly Massicot, Kim Singletary

In a city full of gifted, hardworking, smart women, it says a lot that these women stand out from the crowd. Although they have very different missions, the common thread shared by these top achievers is doing the work, building consensus and believing in themselves along the way. Overnight success? That’s not a thing. It’s getting up every day and making it happen. Whether they are a force for environmental change, are passionate about social justice, provide education and career opportunities for young New Orleanians or lead the community as an entrepreneur with plenty of pluck, each of these women inspire.

PAMELA BLACKMON Preservation Hall Foundations Manager

According to the organization, The Preservation Hall Foundation was established in 2011 with the mission to “protect, preserve and perpetuate the musical and cultural traditions of New Orleans.”

For anyone that meets Pamela Blackmon for more than five minutes, they can tell that a connection between the Mississippi native and the musical Foundation was a match made by the universe - kismet. ¶ Originally from Ocean Springs, Blackmon says she could “feel the energy coming across the Mississippi Sound” pulling her to the Crescent City. When the 2010 oil spill ended Blackmon’s big box retail career, she took the opportunity to move to New Orleans and create Funk Baby. ¶ Funk Baby’s mission was to help the amazing musicians around the community succeed. Funk Baby filled a need to help artists in various capacities from financial help to full production, anything they needed support with while already wearing many hats as a performer. ¶ At a crossroads with Funk Baby, Blackmon started with Preservation Hall as a consultant for the business’s merchandise and shop. Now, six years later, Blackmon serves as the Preservation Hall Foundation’s programs manager. ¶ Since COVID-19, the role really has consisted of rebuilding what existed before the pandemic, engaging with the world in a new way through music education, community engagement, musical support and more. ¶ “The venue itself has a million shows, but the Foundation allows the creative side, the impactful side, to be pushed out into the community the way the musicians want it to,” said Blackmon. “It’s their legacy, it’s their story. Bringing that back to life has involved, you know, pushing up my sleeves, but being focused on what the musicians want.” ¶ One aspect is making sure our elder musicians are taken care of. Blackmon noted a shift in care for the elder artists during COVID. A focus is not only making sure the older musicians make it back into Preservation Hall, but using their knowledge and stories to help teach the new and younger generations. ¶ Though many out of town classes and kids come to the venue, the need to reach kids where they are and bring the music and learning to them has been a crucial part of Blackmon’s focus and the growth of the foundation. Blackmon and the foundation recently went into a school for the first time in four years. bringing musicians to Hynes Charter School in Lakeview. This program not only allows kids to have a new understanding and appreciation for music, but it also gives the elder musicians who live and breathe this life a chance to talk about and share it. ¶ In another aspect of community engagement, Blackmon also co-founded a Carnival marching krewe with DJ Soul Sister, the Krewe of King James Super Bad Sex Machine Strollers, as well as involvement in the inception of the Krewe Boheme parade. ¶ “I don’t know how I am here in this moment, but something in the sphere of New Orleans is saying ‘Let us use you.’ And that’s what I wanted. When I moved here I wanted to make sure that I was able to make an impact in the areas that need it the most.”

HEATHER HODGES

Director of Institutional Advancement, The Historic New Orleans Collection

Following a nationwide search, in December 2021, Columbus, Ohio-native Heather Hodges was chosen to fill a new position at The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC). As director of institutional advancement, Hodges aids the organization in raising awareness of its many facets, as well as growing engagement and financial support. ¶ “The biggest challenge we face in raising awareness is the complexity of this institution,” said Hodges. “Unlike many other museums, we’re also a research center, a publishing house, and we have a wide array of public programs. It can be a challenge getting all of that across. And then there’s also the fact that we don’t charge for admission. Many people don’t know that.” ¶ Over the past two years, Hodges has significantly beefed up THNOC’s media presence through print advertising, billboards, airport signage and TV ads, as well as worked to form partnerships with organizations like New Orleans & Company. ¶ Following THNOC’s mission to preserve and promote New Orleans culture, Hodges has also been working with Disney as the

global powerhouse conducted research for its upcoming new ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventures. Set to open this summer at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the ride is based on Disney’s 2009 animated film, “The Princess and The Frog,” set in New Orleans in the 1920s. ¶ “The Disney people made multiple visits here and we entered into a sustained conversation driven by their desire to give their park visitors an authentic sense of the city,” she said. “When they asked me to write their first-ever guest post on their blog about our work together that was really special.” ¶ Since coming to New Orleans to attend Tulane University Law School more than 20 years ago, Hodges said she has fallen for the city and is honored to give back to it in this role. ¶ “I believe THNOC, and all our museums and cultural institutions, play an indispensable role in coming together to celebrate our cultural heritage,” she said. “I have traveled all over the world and NOLA was always the place I came back to. I feel so fortunate to be in the city I love with colleagues who share a love of building community through culture.”

Every year, the Young Leadership Council announces a cohort of role models, a group of leaders assembled to help cultivate the next generation of New Orleans leadership. For 2024, Kimberly Davis Reyher is one of 10 leaders on that list. ¶ Surely it takes leadership to manage the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) team of 22 and work closely with a large board and advisory committee. Her job involves advocacy, government relations, experiential education and communications. She was also surprised to find conference planning on her docket, in her planning role for the biennial State of the Coast, the largest gathering in the state to discuss bold, science-based action to sustain the coast of Louisiana, its coastal communities, environment and economy. ¶ Beyond all the nuts and bolts of her big job, Davis Reyher is a brilliant consensus builder. Under her leadership, the organization has partnered with a diverse set of interests ranging from business and industry and national nonprofits to community fishing organizations and indigenous tribes. ¶ CRCL has recruited thousands of volunteers to plant hundreds of thousands of trees and marsh grasses and construct 8,000 feet of living shore oyster reefs with community partners. In partnership with New Orleans restaurants, more than 13 million pounds of oyster shells are recycled and used as artificial reefs. It’s part of a broader effort to return shells to the sea through “living shorelines” that help slow rising sea levels and erosion. ¶ Getting everybody a seat at the table, and assuring that diverse voices are heard, may just be her superpower. “We want to build relationships based on trust. You must listen and understand what’s important to your partners and honor that.” ¶ She understands how overwhelming big issues like coastal and climate crisis can be. “The issues we face are really complicated and simple at the same time,” she said. “We live on land that is sinking. That’s a natural process in a river delta. Our focus is taking actions that can help us safely live, work and play.” ¶ The state’s controversial $50 billion, 50-year plan for coastal restaurants includes restoration projects that would add or maintain 802 square miles of coastal land and wetland. “We are so lucky to have this big muddy river to work,” she said. “It built all this coastline in the first place. It’s both a challenge and a tool. The project that we are most focused on is reconnecting the river to its wetlands. Areas that used to be fresh water are now saltier, so that restoration will cause changes to where we harvest the most shrimp and oysters. Our coastline is worth saving. It is changing regardless. Status quo is not an option.”

KIMBERLY

REYHER

As a loud and proud voice for diversity, equity and inclusion in hospitality spaces, Lauren Darnell is taking the next step in her personal journey to make New Orleans a better place to work across all industries. ¶ With the formation of her consulting business, Porch and Okra Consulting, she can now apply the many lessons she’s learned through keen observation and assessment of an organization’s culture into varying industries. As executive director of the Made in New Orleans Foundation (MiNO) since it was formalized in 2018, her focus has been on scholarships, mentoring and business coaching for Black, indigenous and people of color in the restaurant and hospitality business. ¶ “At the industry level, we amplify the voices of professionals of color and provide support to hospitality companies that are seeking to eliminate bias in their organizations,” she explained. Inclusive mentorship and educational opportunities are directed to lead spaces that have historically been exclusive. Of the nine New Orleans chefs and hospitality professionals recognized as semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards, Darnell worked with four of them. ¶ Not surprisingly, her expertise is in demand by all kinds of policy makers, from Tales of the Cocktail to the James Beard Awards, where she served as a leadership judge, taking stock of each applicant’s social impact and approach to issues like food access and sustainability. ¶ “The clients I’m working with now are all doing amazing work but want to take a deeper dive around operationalizing equity and inclusivity,” said Darnell, who earned degrees in anthropology and women’s studies from UNO. Through interviews and participant observation, she assesses culture to see what’s working and what isn’t. ¶ For example, one recent client found that inclusive policies weren’t trickling down from management as they should to the rest of organization. “There was a formal and an informal culture that wasn’t aligning,” she said. As a third-party coach, she was brought in to observe and enable better communication between all parties. “It’s not like things were going terribly wrong. They were going OK. But a certain pattern emerged that might be affecting growth or creating high turnover. I’m there to coach and support them over that hurdle.” ¶ For Darnell, the thrill is to share what she’s learned with so many others. She’s casting a wider net for clients involved in policy making both in Louisiana and in DC. She sees her journey at MiNO as an organic evolution, now shifting to allow someone else to come in to manage programming while she pursues broader interests and ways to impact. ¶ “I’m looking to spend more time writing, doing research and assessments,” she said. “Creating change is yet another way to invest in the next generation. We want people to stay in New Orleans out of college, not leave.” Staying hopeful and positive, keeping others engaged civically and in community matters greatly to Darnell. “Small acts of kindness are a form of resistance. We can’t recognize someone else’s humanity unless we see our own.”

LAUREN DARNELL

MiNO/Porch and Okra Consulting

ALICE FRANZ GLENN

Executive Vice President, New Orleans & Company

Board President Elect, Association of Junior Leagues International

Houma native Alice Franz Glenn is a woman passionate about making positive change in the region she dearly loves. It’s a passion that’s led her to a diverse resume that has taken her from work in government campaigns, to fundraising for nonprofits, to founding her own strategic planning firm, to the position she proudly now holds, that of executive vice president at New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. ¶ “I am so lucky to have my values and personal interests aligned with my professional

career,” she said. “The hospitality and tourism industries are such a vital part of our economy here that I knew it would be where I could come and make a real impact.” ¶ The road to her job at New Orleans & Company included work for a longtime friend, Walt Leger, as his legislative assistant during his final term in office as a state representative. While continuing her consulting proactive, Glenn worked with Leger as he prepared for his next role as CEO of New Orleans & Company. She was then offered the chance to join him as executive vice president. ¶ “My job now is mostly strategy — it’s a lot of work in

JAS ROGERS

Event Production Manager, Contemporary Arts Center

government affairs and policy-related work as well as some internal operations,” she said, adding that New Orleans & Company is just getting started on strategic and vision planning work for the tourism industry and community at large. ¶ “The key focuses of our work have been many of the same as are facing the broader community,” she said. “Things like safety, infrastructure, connectivity and affordable housing.” ¶ Outside of her day job, Glenn’s volunteer work has focused primarily on women’s health and advancing the wellbeing of women. A past president of the Junior League of New Orleans (which celebrates 100 years in May), this month Glenn will officially start her reign as the board president of the Association of Junior Leagues International at the organization’s annual conference, which takes place in New Orleans from May 15-18. The

New Orleans is one of those cities that, if it wants you here and you’re meant to be here, everything will work out. And that’s exactly how the New Orleans chapter of Jas Rogers’ life has unfolded.

¶ The Houston native moved to the city officially in 2017 to continue helping a friend who had opened a pop-up. With a background in food and a degree in culinary management from the Art Institute of Houston, heading to a city with such a rich food background just made sense. ¶ Before getting into events, Rogers opened Coalesce Goods, a restaurant concept in St. Roch Market. ¶ “I wanted to find my grounding in what I wanted to do here in New Orleans, and Coalesce Goods was my gateway into finding that portal,” said Rogers. “I knew I wanted to help people, I wanted to figure out a way to connect to people and make them feel good about themselves.” ¶

Like many restaurants and hospitality ventures, Rogers and Coalesce Goods were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Following Ida, and the closure of Coalesce Goods, is when Rogers pivoted and began coordinating events for the Orpheum Theater. Wanting to lean more into community and nonprofit, Rogers reached out to the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and has been a part of the organization - and what Rogers refers

association boasts over 100,000 members in 300 different Junior Leagues spread across the United States and Canada. ¶ Glenn said she’s proud of the years she’s spent with the Junior League, specifically its work to eliminate the pink tax in 2019 — a bill that went into effect in 2022 that halted the taxation of diapers and feminine products. ¶ “It took us three attempts to get that passed,” she said. “And now we’re hoping that the third time will again be a charm with another bill aimed at providing period products to schools around the state.” ¶ While she’s worked in an array of fields and positions, Glenn said her main role has remained the same. ¶ “Strategy — this is what I do,” she said. “I love to connect the dots, whether it’s individuals to each other of people to resources or community. I really feel like this is my strength.”

to as keeping the culture alive – for over two years. ¶ The CAC has been a staple in the city for decades, giving a voice to local artists looking to display their work across various mediums from painting to performance art. In addition to the center’s rotating exhibits, a real focus is put on events for the community. ¶ Rogers’ role is making sure a CAC event is a success from start to finish and building relationships as a team from her clients to the staff that clean up afterward. ¶ In addition to her previous work and her current position with the CAC, Rogers founded SaucexDat. Started during her time in culinary school, while she was selling plates of food outside of her dorm room, SaucexDat is a rebrand of her former restaurant concept that breathed new life out of Hurricane Ida with both new and old recipes that stays true to her mission and purpose in life. At the end of 2022, Rogers even won her Very Local “Blind Kitchen” episode. ¶ And now, with her work with Turning Tables – an organization that advocates for equity in the hospitality industry in support for the Black and Brown communities around New Orleans – and bringing organizations like that into the CAC, Rogers is doing the work to bridge a gap in the art community and create space and events geared towards the Black community.

The largest indigenous tribe in the state of Louisiana, the United Houma Nation has a documented history that dates back to 1682. And yet, the tribe has never been granted federal recognition, a designation that would allow the 19,000 members access to certain federal benefits, protections and services. ¶ It’s a fact that has boggled the mind of Lora Ann Chaisson her entire life, and one she has been intent on changing since being elected principal chief of the United Houma Nation in 2022. ¶ “Our stories are the stories of this region,” said Chaisson. “The Houma founded the French Market as the trading post for the tribes in the Southeast. My grandfather was a vendor who sold vegetables, shrimp and oysters…What became known as Congo Square used to be our sacred grounds where we held traditional green corn ceremonies. The name for Baton Rouge came about because when the French explorers came, they saw a red stick that signified the boundary between our tribe and the Bayougoula.” ¶ In addition to serving on the Houma tribal council for 14 years, Chaisson is the alternate Southeast representative of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and was instrumental in bringing the organization's milestone 80th Annual Convention and Marketplace to New

Orleans in November 2023. During the convention, which drew more than 2,000 leaders from tribes across the nation, Chaisson spoke out about the Houmas’ need for federal recognition.

Not long after, she became the first United Houma Nation Chief to attend the annual Tribal Nations Summit at the White House. ¶ Chaisson has also served 11 years on the board of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, and this past February was appointed to her second term on the Native American Employment and Training Council by the secretary of labor. ¶ The work to represent and fight for her people never ends for Chaisson, who proudly served at the Houmas’ food booth at this year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival — a presence the tribe has maintained since the first festival — and is busy prepping for the United Houma Nation’s Powwow, set for June 15 and 16 at the Houma Civic Center. ¶ “My parents instilled in me that everyone is created equal and created for a purpose in life,” she said. “That is the thinking I bring to the tribe every day. My voice is not my voice any longer. As chief, I am bringing the voices of 19,000 people to the table. We are fighting for the people who fought for us and for the young ones not even born yet.”

LORA ANN CHAISSON

Principal Chief, United Houma Nation

KHERI BILLY

Chief Executive Officer, Café Reconcile New Orleans

Always, as her career has evolved, Kheri Billy sought the answer to one question. ¶ “What does it mean in this job to be of service to my community?”

¶ The Algiers native graduated from UNO with an accounting degree, armed with the skills to embrace granular details in collaboration with others. She was drawn to the nonprofit world, to make a difference by giving structure and support to the critical work of fundraising and development. Beyond crunching numbers and setting budgets, Billy can see the human application of what her job can render. ¶ Her career trajectory has prepared Billy perfectly for her role of CEO at Café Reconcile. As of February, that role

involves managing the nonprofit’s largest gift, a $4 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. ¶ Billy’s mission mind set began at Second Harvest. “I saw how their vision was critical for me to do a good job,” she recalled. Food insecurity stayed in the picture with a move to Daughters of Charity. “I was able to see how the poor nutrition affects people’s mental health and physical well-being.” She helped propel projects that included adding a pharmacy in Carrollton and a new location in New Orleans East. “I love the ability to direct money and resources to help get an important job done.” ¶ The mother of two decided to adapt to her kids' schedule as CFO at her older son’s high

school, De La Salle. “Working in education challenged everything I thought I knew,” she said. “Seeing knowledge and education in process every day was a final piece for me, to understand the resources it took to be sure all the students stayed in school.” ¶ Billy took the CFO job at Café Reconcile in 2018 when the organization was struggling both financially and operationally. “We were fiscally in bad shape. The program needed to be revamped and revitalized.” While the restaurant and catering divisions, under the stewardship of Chef Martha Wiggins since 2021, are vital to the mission, it’s the programming and training that is Café Reconcile’s beating heart.

¶ Fusing operations and administration with hospitality creates a unique space, said Billy, who became CEO in April 2023. “We are one organization with one mission.” ¶ Forced to slow things down during the pandemic, Billy

and her team of women leaders implemented a strategic three-year plan to deepen student engagement and programming. ¶ Café Reconcile works with 120 young adults every year, ages 16-24, providing workforce development and training, and equipping them with tools to achieve their potential, as they learn both job and life skills. “Some come to us strong, just in need of structure. Just because a child turns 18, that doesn’t mean they don’t need support. ¶ While there are many success stories, not every student succeeds. “That’s hard. We get close to our young people. We want them to succeed. When they backtrack, it’s hard. It’s not easy living in New Orleans, where poverty is loud and you must manage broken systems. We constantly recalibrate.

I’m a big dreamer. I believe in the success of our mission with all my heart.”

n the city where jazz was born, the New Orleans Jazz Museum plays an integral part in keeping the history and culture of the city, its music and its origins alive and well both locally and beyond. ¶ Celebrating the music and its roots, the museum not only hosts a performance space, but also houses interactive exhibits and research facilities, while offering multigenerational educational programming for children, universities and adults all with the mission of promoting jazz as integral to world history. ¶ Taslya Mejia is the international relations manager for the museum and continues the promotional mission through her work and ongoing outreach efforts. The Honduras-born, New York-raised New Orleans transplant has been in the city since 2002 dedicating her time to the community. She began volunteer work with the local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, eventually being hired as an executive assistant there before turning her sites to the local branch of Telemundo. Telemundo serendipitously brought Mejia and the current director of the museum Greg Lambousy together during an interview. Lambousy would later call Mejia after the start of the pandemic to ask her to join the team at the museum.

¶ Four years later, Mejia has developed educational programs and exchanges that have pushed international boarders from Costa Rica to Serbia - including providing musicians for French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as sending musicians to France to perform at the Presidential Palace. Being at the museum also gives Mejia the opportunity to celebrate her culture. She notes that during Hispanic Heritage Month there are weekly performances supporting the Latino community and featuring Latino bands. ¶ Mejia’s main mission in her work and beyond is creating opportunities in her community and following in the footsteps of the work she saw her mother do for years. ¶ “Everyone talks about diversity, inclusion, equity and all, but you can say a lot,” said Mejia. “It takes someone to go out and do the work to really create those opportunities for others.” ¶ She notes New Orleans being a community where your dreams can come true and give you the chance to be who you want to be, so creating opportunities for others and mentoring women is her way of giving back to a city that gave her so much.

TASLYA MEJIA International Relations Manager, New Orleans Jazz Museum

New Orleans is a place of creativity and community - a combination that is evident in the vast array of women-owned businesses that call the Crescent City home. While there are almost too many to name, here’s a roundup of some of our favorites.

By Misty Milioto || Photography by Kat Kimball

ACCESSORIES

Bella Umbrella

Jodell Egbert, owner at Bella Umbrella, began collecting vintage umbrellas in 1998, and, by 2002, she had amassed a collection of more than 300 umbrellas dating from the 1920s-’60s. She decided to open the shop as a way to rent the vintage umbrellas to brides across the country. “It turned out that I was the only person in the world doing this,” she said. “Currently, I have about 700 one-of-a-kind vintage umbrellas to rent out for any given weekend.”

Since opening Bella Umbrella, Egbert also has turned her obsession into making her own line of umbrellas. “Sometimes I am making umbrellas for movie productions,

and sometimes I have requests for a large quantity of second line umbrellas,” she said. “I believe I am the only woman-owned business in the world that makes and manufactures umbrellas.” Additionally, Bella Umbrella carries everything from high-tech wind umbrellas to feminine parasols from a number of high-end brands. 2036 Magazine St., 504-302-1036, bellaumbrella.com

Porter Lyons

When Ashley Porter, CEO and creative director at Porter Lyons, first started sewing alligator belts and discovered the intricacies of their bones, she felt a natural evolution to dive into the world of jewelry design and casting. She began crafting jewelry from the small confines of her apartment on St. Charles Avenue and opened Porter Lyons in 2012. “Porter Lyons’s flagship boutique is a testament to the marriage of aesthetics and ambiance,” she said.

Porter Lyons curates a collection that transcends the ordinary - everything from custom pieces and engagement rings with nontraditional settings to bejeweled scarabs with intricately opening wings and whimsical skeleton hand charms. There’s also a piercing studio with flat-back earrings sold as singles. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Muse series, celebrating remarkable women who inspire us and countless others,” Porter said. “Our inaugural muse, Tank Ball from Tank and the Bangas, has inspired a limited-edition piece, the Goddess Wing Necklace.” Porter Lyons also recently expanded into the home and lifestyle space with a line of signature incense sticks crafted with natural essential oils. 623 Royal St., 504-585-0348, porterlyons.com

Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom

Art & Eyes || Starr Hagenbring

Nomita Joshi-Gupta

ART

Gallery Orange

Tracy Gielbert opened Gallery Orange in 2012 to fill the need for well-priced, high-quality art. “I have only ever carried original art, and I have always tried to carry emerging artists who had good-priced, quality work made with integrity,” she said. At any given time, Gielbert represents about 20 artists, mostly local or Southern artists and mostly women, such as Gretchen Weller Howard, Debo Groover and Anna Kincaide.

As a woman business owner, Gielbert believes honesty is the best policy. “[I aim] to give the client what they want and try to give them a good shopping experience and hope they become returning clients for many years to come.” 819 Royal St., 504-875-4006, gallery-orange.com

ESOM Art

Tracey and Tony Mose opened ESOM Art on Magazine Street in 2009 after realizing that they needed self-representation in New Orleans.

“The uniqueness of the gallery and art experience can be contributed to the vast portfolio of our work,” Tracey said. “We are prolific in our creativity and act quickly on ideas. There are always a variety of pieces available from digital collage on mirror, mixed media on aluminum, figurative work, abstracts and realism.”

Swing by ESOM Art’s Magazine

Street location May 11 for the Champagne Stroll. 3935 Magazine St., 811 Royal St., 225-202-6405, esomart.com

Union Gallery

Jamie Koch and Anastasia Apostolos opened Union Gallery in April 2023 when a commercial lease opportunity along Royal Street’s gallery

row opened up. “After spending the past decade immersed in the New Orleans art world, I pivoted to working remotely, but I yearned for the personal connections I made in the traditional brick-and-mortar art collecting experience,” Koch said. “I came home to Royal Street to join my friend of nearly a decade in opening a gallery of our own.”

Porter Lyons || Ashley Porter

The two friends curate a diverse collection of artwork such as paintings, three-dimensional mixed media and wearable art jewelry. During their first year, Koch and Apostolos hosted nearly 35 artists. Today, their roster of local female artists include Jane Talton, Gogo Borgerding, Rachaela DiRosaria, Linda Moss, Amanda Morris and Nonney Oddlokken. “[We are] driven by the ethos that art is for everyone, and [we have] a curatorial mission to showcase contemporary artworks that are cool enough to collect and classic enough to keep,” Apostolos said. 831 Royal St., 504-333-0690, union.gallery

BRIDAL

Bliss Bridal

After shopping for her own wedding gown, Katie Yellin decided to open Bliss Bridal to offer affordable, quality gowns - and in a store environment where brides could be proud of where they said yes to the dress. “I found that the options in my area at the time were either a high-end, luxury

Honeypot Boutique || Brooke Walker + Morgan Davis

Bella Umbrella || Jodell Egbert

boutique or a lower-price, self-help store,” she said. “I decided it didn’t have to be one or the other.”

At Bliss Bridal, Yellin and her team of stylists offer a luxury experience through kindness, warmth and genuine care for helping brides find their perfect gown (from the likes of Justin Alexander and Allure Bridals). “We make sure each silhouette and style is available to try on in a range of sizes, and our inventory ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 - so we work to be inclusive with our price point,” she said. “Recently we launched a bridal gift shop complete with event attire and fun merchandise for the bride.” The shop also offers accessories like jewelry and veils, and in-store alterations. 3624 Magazine St., 504-592-7507, beablissbride. com/new-orleans

CAFÉ

Le Petit Bleu

Le Petit Bleu has visitors saying “Oh, la la!” in the Garden District. Located next to the iconic Commander’s Palace, the chic little crêperie, café and marché is the latest endeavor by co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan. Chef Meg Bickford’s menu offerings include breakfast, lunch and early dinner options (think crêpes, salads, soups, desserts and more), in addition to a full coffee bar, cocktails and wine. Select items can also be ordered in advance for pickup or delivery.

Le Petit Bleu is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. 1427 Washington Ave., 504-207-1343, commanderspalace.com.

FASHION Anthology

When Beth Altenbernd, Kristy Kernan, Lori Virdure-Bracy and Morgan Hanson formed a creative bond in 2020, they set out to find a shared space where they could support one another and the community. In 2022, they opened Anthology - a collective vintage studio and shop that focuses on apparel, accessories and lifestyle goods.

“Our shop highlights each of our perspectives - a vintage shop anchored in the timeless approach of being better together,” Virdure-Bracy said. “Anthology supports

other women by providing an evolving space and wardrobe that enriches creative self-expression and meaningful connection.” 1516 Magazine St., 913-526-2808, @ anthology.neworleans

Art & Eyes

Starr Hagenbring opened Art & Eyes on Magazine Street in 2011 to offer unbelievable customer service and more than 4,000 frames—all from more than 40 independent eyewear brands (many that are womenowned or women-designed). As an artist herself, Hagenbring created the store’s large chandelier made from drinking glasses and eyeglasses, and she designs and creates the textile art sold at the shop. “I have worked in many mediums, but, for the last 20 years, I have been working in fiber,” she said. “For the last year, I’ve been doing a lot of message pieces—specifically dealing with climate change.”

Be sure to catch a special trunk show with Lapima May 10-11. “It is perfect for Mother’s Day weekend because the brand is luscious and beautiful, and, if you don’t wear opticals, the sunglasses are irresistible,” Hagenbring said. May 11 also is the date for this year’s Champagne Stroll, and Art & Eyes will be offering Champagne and bites during the store’s extended hours. 3708 Magazine St., 504-891-4494, artandeyesneworleansla.com

Honeypot Boutique

Brooke Walker, founder and buyer at Honeypot Boutique, opened in March 2023 after a successful popup. She brought on her friend, Morgan Davis, as director of visual merchandising and marketing, and the duo now offers a positive and inclusive shopping experience for a variety of body types. “Right now, we carry sizes XS-3XL,” Walker said. “We would love to expand into carrying clothing items designed around accessibility for differently abled consumers, like shirts with magnetic closures or other adaptable pieces.”

Honeypot Boutique also carries shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. Walker and Davis source their offerings from a variety of local and wholesale vendors, many of them women- or BIPOC-owned, such as No Less Than, Bailey Rose, Blue Blush and Mimosa. 5419 Magazine St., 504-581-8748, shophoneypotboutique.com

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Dress for Success

Dress for Success, a nonprofit founded by Nancy Lublin in 1996, aims to help women achieve economic independence. In 1999, Hope Encalade began the New Orleans chapter after she started suiting women with donated professional clothes out of the trunk of her car.

“Since then, the organization has evolved from a humble initiative to a thriving force for change, uplifting women to achieve their full potential,” said Lori Byargeon, executive director of Dress for Success New Orleans. “At the core of [our] mission is the understanding that empowering women goes beyond clothing. It’s about building self-esteem, fostering skills and creating a supportive community.”

Dress for Success New Orleans also offers financial education with Capital One, confidence and self-care workshops with ULTA Beauty, Digital Skills Ready with the AARP Foundation and many other career development programs, mentorship and networking opportunities.

Consider donating to Dress for Success on May 7 during GiveNOLA Day. Also be sure to catch the stockroom sale June 20-22, when Dress for Success New Orleans will offer a selection of dresses, shoes, accessories and more—with nothing priced over $25. All women’s sizes will be available from 0 to 28. 1700 Josephine St. Ste. 101, 891-4337, neworleans.dressforsuccess.org

Lekha

Trishala Bhansali, founder and designer at Lekha, worked in fashion in New York for more than a decade. However, she felt a strong pull to return to New Orleans and find more fulfillment in her career. “At the time, there were so many exciting brands emerging here across varying industries,” she said. “That momentum and creative energy gave me the motivation to quit my job, move home and start my company.”

Bhansali designs all of her own prints and silhouettes in collaboration with Indian artisans. In addition to womenswear, Lekha carries children’s and unisex clothing, home linens, bags, shawls and small jewelry. “Each Lekha piece is handmade using upcycled, handloomed or antique fabric,” she said. “We partner predominantly with rural workshops that are female-owned or nonprofit, and all wages are determined by the artisans.” Be on the lookout for

two popups in the shop for Mothers Day. 2111 Magazine St., 504-582-9467, shoplekha.com

Nola Couture

Cecile Tanguis, owner and CEO at Nola Couture, first opened her business in 2006 to offer beautifully crafted, New Orleans-inspired products in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “Each item tells a story, whether it’s through the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras or the elegant motifs of our historic architecture,” she said. “We also make the majority of our products here in New Orleans.”

Nola Couture offers a bevy of items ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel to accessories, home goods and gifts. “While we primarily focus on our in-house designs, we also curate a small selection of [women-owned] brands that align with our aesthetic [such as Home Malone, BAGGU and Bonfolk Socks]. We also collaborate with

several local artisans on our own products that showcase the talent and creativity within our community.” 3308 Magazine St., 504-319-5959, nolacouture.com

HOME GOODS

Chouette

New Orleans newcomer Amanda Cordner opened Chouette in October 2023 as a way to be involved with the local community. “Part of putting down roots here meant investing back in this city that [my husband and I] love so much,” she said. “Opening a business was a way to do that.”

Chouette specializes in European home goods and carries nearly 50 brands from around the world, including the United States, and 60 percent of those brands are owned by women. “From EXAU Olive Oil, created by a Black woman from Texas, to Les Pensionnaires, started by a

young female designer from Lyon, we carry some of the most interesting and dynamic female-owned brands around,” Cordner said. 1152 Magazine St., Ste. 10, 504-354-9306, chouette-nola.com

Maisonette

Virginia Dunn first started selling hand-knotted rugs to architects and designers in January 2006, and she opened Maisonette in 2016. Now, in addition to rugs, Maisonette offers a highly curated selection of fine European linens; accessories for bed, bath and table; nightwear and fine lingerie; and personal care products.

Maisonette carries more than 100 brands, and most of them are women-owned (such as Haute Home Linens, Bunny Bradley Designs and Lili Alessandra). “Ultimately, I want my customers to have a beautiful experience shopping for beautiful home goods,” Dunn said. On May 19, catch Maisonette at the Dining

Lekha || Trishala Bhansali

by Design event at the BeauregardKeyes House, and, on June 30, at the “Elbows Off the Table & Napkin in Your Lap Crafter-Noon” event at The Rink & Garden District Book Shop. 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 13, 504-437-1850, maisonetteshop.com

Merchant House

When Rosa Dunlap found a vacant Lower Garden District warehouse, she jumped at the chance to open Merchant House. By the fall of 2019, she had a full-time retail shop and a guild of independent, passionate and creative vendors. “Today, our corner of Magazine Street is still thriving on the idea of community,” she said. “In our newly expanded space, it’s the ultimate destination for vintage lovers and home design aesthetes.”

Over the years, more than 50 small brands and businesses have shared space in the modern antique shop. The assortment of goods includes vintage furniture, décor, lighting, art, plants, floral, vintage and designer apparel, and antique and contemporary jewelry. “Our current mix hosts a blend of tenured merchants, contemporary local artists, creative studios and locally produced homewares like candles and woodcraft,” Dunlap said. “Most of the merchants are women-led entities (such as Bayleaf & Besom, Caravan Finds, Voyage and myself).” Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming drops. 1150 Magazine St., 504-233-2240, merchanthouse.co

NOLA Boards

Mandy Simpson opened NOLA Boards by pure accident in 2014 after her husband made a cutting board for a friend. The duo started designing and creating boards to sell at markets, and demand continued to grow.

NOLA Boards offers an array of gifts - mostly made by New Orleans or Louisiana artisans and artists - for just about anyone and any occasion. “We are a New Orleans-themed culinary gift shop at our roots and carry items related to the kitchen, dining room

and home bar,” Simpson said. “We [also] make custom butcher block kitchen countertops and islands. Some extras we like to provide are free gift wrapping, custom engraving on our boards and helping customers curate unique gift baskets. We also have opened The Honey Bar inside the store, which is a collection of honeys from around Louisiana.” Upcoming events at NOLA Boards include Champagne Stroll (May 11), Sours and Daisies: A Cocktail Class (May 14) and a Cheese & Charcuterie Workshop (May 16). 4228 Magazine St., 504-256-0030, nolaboards.com

Le Petit Bleu

Chouette || Amanda Cordner

Ti Adelaide Martin + Lally Brennan

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Junior League of New Orleans

Junior League of New Orleans recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and is the 12th largest Junior League in the world. Entirely led by volunteers, the organization has grown from 10 founders to now more than 1,700 members. JLNO’s mission is to advance women’s leadership for community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. “Historically, programs and projects have focused on developing the potential of women, promoting healthy families and communities, and helping to rebuild after natural disasters,” said Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn, president of JLNO.

During recent years, JLNO has donated more than 25,000 volunteer hours annually, partnering with area businesses and nonprofits, and a network of 290 Junior Leagues around the world.

“The Junior League also serves the community through an annual Community Assistance Fund, which can provide up to $20,000 per grantee to nonprofits that seek to advance the well-being of women,” Cangelosi Llewellyn said. “In honor of our Centennial, the Junior League is committed to awarding a total of $100,000 in 2024. [Meanwhile,] the JLNO Scholarship Opportunity helps women obtain degrees or certificates necessary for joining the workforce or for advancement within their careers.”

Upcoming events include the Association of Junior League’s International Annual Conference (May 15-18) and the Centennial Gala at the Orpheum Theater (May 31). 4319 Carondelet St., 891-5845, jlno.org

Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom

Nomita Joshi-Gupta, who opened Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom on Magazine Street in 2008, said that her business is a community of locals, tourists and, most importantly, her fellow merchants. “Being on Magazine Street is a cherished and rewarding experience,” she said. “The merchants support and refer each other so that we can all survive what is a fast-disappearing personal shopping experience.”

During the pandemic, Joshi-Gupta acquired the property next to Spruce and recently opened Nomita Joshi Interior Design Studio & Gallery. “My studio is not only a workspace but also a gallery that showcases my brand of Indian Modernism,” she said. “The studio and concept apartment are meant to inspire clients.” The gallery features international furniture vendors as well as local artists - all leaning toward Indian Modernism. 2043 Magazine St., 504-2650946, spruceshowroom.com, nomitajoshi.com

Palm Orleans

Beetle Hillery and Hillery Gazzaniga, cousins and owners of Palm Orleans, offer home textiles and wall coverings that embody the spirit of New Orleans and Palm Beach, Florida. The shop, which opened in 2016 and sells directly to the trade, features thoughtfully researched and designed patterns that begin with a series of hand-painted components. “Additionally, most of our patterns are hand-screen printed,” Beetle said. “We value this Old World craft and think it adds an unmistakable charm.”

Palm Orleans works with and supports other local businesses as often as possible. “Stay tuned for Palm Orleans x Chairish,” Beetle said. “We enlisted the help of our neighbor and talented upholsterer, Michelle Moylan McLennan at Spring & Twine.” 820 Olga St., 504-473-3425, palmorleans.com

The Pattern Collective

As an interior designer, Brittany Ellis began discovering smaller, independent fabric and wallpaper designers who lacked the same online and showroom presence as major brands. She opened The Pattern Collective as a way to fill the gap. “We are dedicated to showcasing independent, up-and-coming artists and designers as a collective so that their designs are more easily accessible,” she said.

Ellis curates a collection of independent

textile designs for wallpaper, fabric and pillows from nearly 100 designers from around the world—many who are women— including local designers Annie Moran and Ashley Lasseigne. She also recently moved into a new location on Metairie Road to make room for a larger product offering and showroom space. 3230 Metairie Road, 504-302-0910, thepatterncollective.com

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Botanical Nail and Skin Studio

A NOLA born and bred spa studio, Botanical Nail and Skin Studio offers everything from massages and facials to sugaring wax treatments and high-performing skincare and botanical apothecary products. When owner and founder Donica Johns opened the studio in July 2021 - in the midst of the pandemic - it was because she felt a strong pull to create something deeply personal and meaningful.

Johns fully embraces the idea that wellness is for everybody, and, as such, Botanical Nail and Skin Studio is a body-positive, agingpositive, gender-inclusive, and judgment-free beauty and wellness space. In addition to carrying her own skincare line, Natural Mixologist, Johns also carries Dermalogica, Image and TAHNYC (all led by women founders). “Here, diversity isn’t just embraced - it’s the cornerstone of our existence,” she said. Be sure to catch Botanical Nail and Skin Studio at Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo (May 17-19) in the hosted VIP area for bodywork massages. 541 S. Rendon St., 504-233-2009, botanicalnailandskinstudio.com

Freedom Apothecary

Morrisa Jenkins, founder of Freedom Apothecary, finds it important to support women-owned brands in the clean beauty and wellness space. “It has been a top priority to empower them with opportunities and help expand their reach,” she said. “I also want to create a community where everyone feels welcomed, cared for and seen.”

Now approaching five years in business, Jenkins said it has been an intense yet rewarding journey. “It’s a significant milestone in the retail industry,” she said. “We will keep hosting in-store events and activations, while also preparing for a magical celebration and collaboration with other women-owned brands this July.” 1900 Magazine St., 504-3815920, freedomapothecary.com

Spyre Center

Diana Fisher, Deborah Peters and Kendall Winingder, sisters and co-owners of Spyre Center, first dreamt of opening a health center in 2019. “New Orleans has a community around food, music and festivals, but we felt like it was lacking in the holistic health and wellness arena,” Peters said.

Spyre features 14 offices rented out to health practitioners offering a range of health modalities (including two pelvic floor physical therapists), a health center with nearly 50 fitness classes per week (such as prenatal yoga, strength training, Pilates and cardio classes), a heated saltwater pool and hot/cold plunges, an infrared sauna, a meditative dry float and a café. Both memberships and packages are available, plus discounted community classes and events. An upcoming women’s talk with Maxine Hamilton on May 9 will focus on navigating divorce from a spiritual perspective. 1772 Prytania St., 504-900-0980, spyrecenter.com

Vibrant Market

Lauren Trostorff, founder of Vibrant Market, opened the lifestyle wellness company in early 2018 to fulfill her passion for biohacking, holistic health and skincare. “We are a one-stop shop for living your cleanest, most healthy life,” she said. “There are a lot of different categories of products

and services in one place.”

Vibrant Market also offers vetted supplements; pantry items; makeup; skin, body and hair care products; a matcha and tonic bar; sustainable clothing and accessories; and a spa with facials, massage, full-body red light and vibration therapy, lymphatic drainage, cold and hot plunge, sauna,

and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields therapy. Vibrant Market carries nearly 70 brands, including local and women-owned brands. Be sure to check out the monthly events, ranging from masterclasses to acupuncture and skincare workshops. 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419, thevibrantmarket.com

Vibrant Market || Lauren Trostorff

The Kentucky Derby

Horses, Bourbon and the Great Outdoors

The countdown to this year’s Kentucky Derby began exactly 150 days before the Running of the Roses on May 4. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the famous horse race and Louisville is going all out.

And that’s not the only anniversary Kentucky is celebrating this year. It’s the 25th year of the Bourbon Trail and the 100th anniversary of Kentucky State Parks. Which seems to sum up the Bluegrass State well.

“When people think of Kentucky, they think of bourbon, horses and the great outdoors,” said Kristie Wooldridge, director of communications for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

So whether you visit for the Kentucky Derby, celebrating the great American spirit on the Bourbon Trail or just enjoying bluegrass nature, we have you covered.

Stay

For those who wish to stay close to Derby action, the historic Brown Hotel in the heart of downtown Louisville combines Old-World charm with modern amenities. Sip an old fashioned in the massive and

elegant lobby dating to the 1920s before embarking on Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail, its many museums— the Louisville Slugger Museum was such a wonderful surprise!—and restaurants, many of which incorporate bourbon in their dishes.

Shelby County lies only 30 minutes east of the city and offers a more affordable alternative to Louisville during busy Derby days. Try the swanky Bottled in Bond loft or Saddlebred Suites upscale loft, both located in historic downtown Shelbyville in the heart of the Bourbon Trail and an easy drive to both Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course in Lexington.

Visit

Of course, Churchill Downs is a world-renown racetrack which every first Saturday in May hosts the Kentucky Derby and everyone with an affection for bluegrass will sing “My Old Kentucky Home.” But the historic track also houses a museum, gift shop and restaurant that’s open throughout the year and offers guided tours of the facility outside of race days. Recently, the museum has enjoyed an expansion with new interactive displays, such as being able to ride a racehorse, and an emotional and beautifully filmed surround film detailing the racetrack’s long history.

Only three-year-old thoroughbreds participate in the Kentucky Derby, but those veteran racehorses too old to race may enjoy the good life at the end of their days at the Old Friends thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown. For instance, Silver Charm, age 30 and the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner, is one of 175 former champions living at the farm. Visitors may meet Silver Charm, the horse whose lifetime winnings amounted to nearly $7 million, and take a tour of the property.

Bourbon

The Kentucky Bluegrass Region, where bluegrass grown with limestone nutrients helped produce some of the strongest racehorses in history, also provides the perfect ingredients for bourbon. Elijah Craig realized that the waters of Royal Spring in his middle Kentucky home helped make delicious alcohol, but aging the liquid in charred oak barrels added a unique caramel flavor. Thus, bourbon as we know it today was born and Craig, the “Father of Bourbon,” founded Georgetown. Many distilleries exist in this town east of Frankfort, known as the “Birthplace of Bourbon,” with Limestone Farms distillery opening this month.

Get outside

The Kentucky state park system includes 45 parks and historic sites and one interstate park so there’s lots to choose from, from the mountains and hollows of eastern Kentucky to the Carter County region, which has the state’s highest concentration of caves. Several parks include lakes, rivers and waterfalls, the perfect spots to cool off when temperatures rise. For more information about Kentucky state parks, visit parks. ky.gov.

Brown Hotel

Team Burkhardt

Keeping cool this summer

As the temperatures heat up and residents of New Orleans and surrounding areas turn their attention to cooling down, taking steps to ensure that your home cooling system is energy efficient is important.

Father and son John and Jason Burkhardt and Chad Gremillon, all of Burkhardt Air Conditioning, Heating Electrical & Generators, outline the basics for getting the best return on your investment.

First and foremost, Team Burkhardt recommends regular DIY and professional maintenance. Homeowners should check their AC filters monthly and change them when necessary. The working life of a filter depends on the type of filter and on factors such as whether there are pets in the home or a lot of foot traffic. Routine professional maintenance generally means an annual appointment for cleaning, checking that the system is working correctly and inspecting the ductwork. If there are issues with your air conditioning, your AC service company can do a more in-depth

evaluation of the system and handle repairs and improvements.

1 Check filters monthly, change them regularly and have annual maintenance by your AC service company.

2 Find out what your AC provider’s annual “inspection” includes. Burkhardt’s includes maintenance.

Improvements run the gamut from rebalancing air flow and sealing leaks in your existing system to upgrading your equipment. Team Burkhardt recommends AC grills with adjustable louvers so “you can move air where you want it to go.” Another easy fix for clients who want to cool a particular area of the house without adding another unit is a ductless mini-split HVAC unit. A ductless unit is efficient due to its ability to operate independently from the home’s main system to cool or heat certain spaces at different temperatures.

3 Have ductwork inspected annually.

phone. The ability to raise the temperature when you leave and cool the house before returning is both a comfort feature and a money-saving perk. Two-stage systems and dehumidifiers are also energy savers. A two-stage AC system can run in a low stage most of the time and only goes into the second full capacity stage when necessary. And a whole house dehumidifier lowers the humidity in the air, which makes the air feel crisper and cooler and enables you to raise your thermostat to a higher setting while still maintaining your comfort level.

“Ductless units are good for garages, bonus rooms, and master bedrooms,” said Team Burkhardt. Adding an additional return air duct and grill can also help an AC system work more efficiently. Newer state of the art systems deliver energy efficiency, convenience and add to the value of your home.

“If you have a 12- to 15-year old system, you may want to think about upgrades,” said Team Burkhardt.

Options include Wi-Fi thermostats, which can be programmed on a schedule and operated from your

“A clean, properly operating system with a sealed duct system is the key to efficiency,” said Team Burkhardt.

About the Expert Burkhardt Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Generators is a family owned and operated business serving the North and South Shores. Started by John and Kathy Burkhardt 35 years ago, Burkhardt AC today includes the Burkhardts’ two sons Jason and Joshua.

Jason Burkhardt and Chad Gremillon

Travel, I know, is important. It broadens your perspectives. It encourages empathy and connections across cultures. It builds resilience and allows you to embrace the unexpected and the unfamiliar.

And yet, even knowing all of this, I am travel-averse, a combination of my inborn introverted, routineoriented personality and my years of living in New Orleans and slowly determining that I am not really fit to live anywhere else. I generally enjoy traveling in retrospect, after I am home, when I am reflecting on the experience, but travel is often stressful and not particularly enjoyable for me in the moment.

We hadn’t taken a family vacation since pre-COVID, though, so for spring break, my daughters and I traveled to Seattle to visit one of my college friends and take several college tours. (Don’t ask me how we are already touring colleges when my eldest is clearly a tiny baby who was literally just born, but here we are.)

I loved Seattle. It was so beautiful – the water, the mountains, the cherry blossoms, the tulips! It was so clean – with trash cans and recycling bins on every corner (and not overflowing) and mandatory composting. It was full of delicious food and excellent coffee – we had pizza and fish and chips and Thai noodles and sushi and burgers and gelato and tacos and bagels, all of which were delicious. It was easy to navigate, with reliable and efficient public transportation that

Blog

For more Eve, check out her blog “Joie d’Eve” on Tuesday mornings at myneworleans.com

My Seattle Sojourn

The Emerald City was a lovely place to visit, but I’m happiest here at home.

had clearly communicated routes and schedules.

And we did all the touristy things. My experience of growing up in a tourist city usually makes me reluctant to go all-in on the typical “must do” activities; I’ve been to New York City but not the Statue of Liberty, Chicago but not the Sears Tower, Los Angeles but not the Hollywood sign. I’ve had so many people drunkenly ask me how to get to Bourbon Street

(usually while hopelessly lost and nowhere near the French Quarter), and I never want to be that clueless or that stereotypical. But in Seattle, with my kids in tow, I decided to get over myself and just embrace it, so we did Pike Place Market, Discovery Park, Alki Beach, and the first Starbucks. I even bit the bullet and did the Space Needle, where my kids leaned against the glass doing Instagram poses and I had to calm my nerves with a $20

cocktail called the Mai Tai in the Sky. And it was actually … really fun. All of it was really, really fun. I enjoyed my entire trip, with the exception of the red-eye flight that we took home, from 11:10 p.m. Pacific time to 5:40 a.m. Central time, where both of my kids slept fitfully on my lap/shoulders as I listened to true crime podcasts in the middle seat, my eyes bleary and sandy, my feet freezing.

My perspectives were definitely broadened by the trip. Seattle is, objectively speaking, a better city than New Orleans. It seems easier to live there. They don’t have frequent boil orders or get eight texts a week about neutral ground parking. Their homes are well-insulated (unlike ours) and not sinking into the swamp (like ours). Their public school system is excellent and easy to understand. They don’t have termite swarms or stinging caterpillars falling from trees.

But my ultimate perspective, which is that I don’t really want to live anywhere else, is unchanged. I need sunshine and mild winters. I prefer hurricanes to earthquakes. And the “Seattle Freeze” (the term my friends taught me for the standoffishness of locals) is really not my scene; I try to talk to absolutely everyone I meet, often with complete disregard for whether what I’m discussing is even appropriate for a wider audience. While I loved spending time with my friends, the only new friend I made in Seattle was a New Orleans native selling andouille from a food truck (he grew up in the Lower Nine and went to Sarah T. Reed; his daughter went to Ben Franklin around the same time I did).

As the plane touched down in the early morning hours and I stretched my legs and walked out into the blissfully humid spring morning, all I could think was, “There’s no place like home.”

Caviar Dreams

Pigeon and Whale brings luxury seafood uptown

f New Orleans is swimming in an abundance of anything, other than potholes, it’s seafood restaurants. From oyster bars to po-boy shops and crawfish shacks, it might seem to some as though there’s nothing new under the sun. Surely, a new seafood spot couldn’t bring something novel to town, right? John Michael Rowland, owner of the recently opened Pigeon and Whale, begs to differ.

IRowland, a local restaurant veteran who cut his fish bones as the general manager at Superior Seafood and then as a part owner of Station 6, learned on his many travels with paramour (and Pigeon’s pastry chef) Winnie Rubin, that there was a certain opening in the New Orleans seafood scene for something a bit different.

“Through our travels we saw some things that New Orleans didn’t have, especially when it came

to East and West coast oysters, which you can’t find that much of here, and we both love them a lot,” says Rowland. “And after that, there came a lot of other things. There’s a lobster roll, a good grilled octopus...you just don’t find those much in New Orleans. One of the underlying ideas of this entire project, in everything that we do, is to have fun. Whether it’s the way things are plated, the names of the drinks, a playful dessert or design, our octopus toilet paper holders, everything was, ‘let’s have fun with what we’re doing and not lose sight of the hospitality.’ We leave people with this ‘wow’...and that starts from when you open the door with the mermaid handle to when you leave with a smile on your face.”

Going by Rowland’s description, you might think that Pigeon and Whale is heavy on sea shanty kitsch and less on elevated cuisine, and you’d be only half-right. Pigeon and Whale aims high with its offerings, and succeeds with aplomb. Starting

with oysters, you’ll find a bounty of exotic bivalves from the Gulf as well as from both coasts of the country, from Prince Edward Island to Rhode Island, Washington, Massachusetts and more, with names New Orleanians might find exotic or amusing: Honeymoon, Mookie Blue, Pickering, Baywater Sweets, and, naturally, Murder Point, all presented on a bed of crushed ice with both traditional cocktail sauce as well as two kinds of mignonette (don’t sleep on the spicy one).

And then there is the caviar menu. It offers a selection of seven varieties, and while all are carefully curated and available in a price range veering from friendly (smoked trout) to the serious special occasion splurge (Albino Almas Sterlet), it’s their over-the-top presentation that truly sets this place apart. Your choice arrives nestled on a bed of ice and seaweed inside a huge golden clam shell, accompanied by all the standard accoutrements: chopped egg, créme fraîche, shallots and

Lobster Roll

chives, lying on another gold plate, as do the traditional caviar vessels of blinis and, if you prefer, Lays potato chips. Even the utensils are gold, placed lovingly on your table inside a golden swan. It’s enough to make King Midas blush, if not whip out his phone for the foodiegram. “It’s a show,” says Rubin. “We really try to make people feel special when they order it. It takes two or three of us to bring it out with all the little side dishes.” Rowland concurs. “We felt like we needed to go big with it, to make this grand gesture that we understand you’re making an expensive purchase, and we want to make sure we’re doing our part to make the experience worth that as well,” he says.

The rest of the menu is divided into small and large “opportunities.” “We call them ‘opportunities’ because it’s an opportunity to share,” says Rowland. Executed deftly by head chef Jeremy Latimer (also the chef at Station 6), must-try starters include chargrilled mussels with parmesan and brown butter, garlicky grilled octopus, eggplant doughnuts with baba ganoush aioli, and a creamy taramasalata, a traditional Greek dip fashioned here from carp roe and served with giardiniera, olives, and grilled sourdough courtesy of Ayu Bakehouse. Ayu also crafts the brioche bun for Pigeon’s lobster roll. Piled high with Maine lobster and drizzled with

tarragon butter, it is without a doubt the single best version of that dish to be found in the Crescent City. Also noteworthy is the swordfish schnitzel, an intriguingly original version of the German classic that you’ll find here sliced in half, pounded flat and stuffed with prosciutto before it’s breaded and gently fried.

Dessert is where Pigeon kicks the whimsy into high gear. Courtesy of Rubin, every sweet treat in the place seems to have a cheeky title and even more fanciful presentation. Most notably, “Bathtub Dreams” features a milk chocolate Nutella mousse with Oreo crumbles served in a pink porcelain bathtub with a white chocolate yellow duckie and a whale tail shortbread that’s as delightful as it is delicious. But the real pièce de résistance is “When Life Gives You Lemons,” which arrives looking as though your server literally dropped a pair of citrus fruits on your table as a prank. Don’t be fooled, though. Upon cutting in with your dessert spoon, you’ll find that Rubin has masqueraded a decadent lemon cheesecake mousse inside a white chocolate shell dyed yellow and fashioned to look as realistic as possible. According to Rubin, “People say the craziest things back, like, ‘Can I eat it? Is this real? What did I order?!’ And I secretly love all of that.”

About the Owner

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, John Michael Rowland attended Tulane for undergraduate as well as business school before jumping into the deep end of the New Orleans restaurant scene in 2012, when he helped open and served as the general manager of Superior Seafood. “I was actually on that project for two years of construction and was able to cut my teeth and learn a lot about how to build a restaurant from the ground up,” he says. “It was basically like restaurant college, in a lot of ways.”

While he’s also a part owner at Station 6, Rowland got a gentle push from Rubin to turn his dream into a reality. The two began to conceive Pigeon and Whale, which opened on Freret Street last summer. Rowland’s true goal with the new eatery is to give you a kind of selective amnesia. “When you sit here, you don’t remember that you’re on Freret Street,” he explains. “You’re wherever your mind wants to take you.”

About the Pastry Chef

Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Winnie Rubin grew up with a deep love of the culinary arts, watching the Food Network with her father and exploring New York’s vast restaurant scene. Ultimately, that led to Rubin’s decision to study baking and pastry at the Institute of Culinary Education not long after getting her undergraduate degree, which in turn led her to working for FoodCorps in Mississippi. After that, a move to New Orleans seemed inevitable, which she did in 2014, soon thereafter working at Willa Jean and crafting custom wedding cakes on the side, before helping Rowland conceive and open Pigeon and Whale.

Peche

Local diners might have been thrown for a loop when the heralded sultan of swine, Chef Donald Link, decided to open a seafoodcentric eatery as his new project way back in 2013. In the hands of Executive Chef Ryan Prewitt, Peche Seafood Grill has become one of the city’s most popular and lively spots over the past decade. It’s easy to see why: From stunningly simple crudos to an everrotating, carefully curated list of oysters, the raw bar never disappoints, and neither do the offerings roasted over the restaurant’s open hearth, particularly the whole grilled fish topped with herby salsa verde, which stands unrivaled in the Big Easy, and that’s saying a lot!

Seaworthy

If high-end local seafood is your bread and butter, you’d be daft to overlook Seaworthy, which opened in 2016 as a collaboration between the Ace Hotel and the Grand Banks oyster bar. Obviously, Seaworthy offers a bevy of bivalves, all wild caught from local waters, as well as ceviches, crudos, and chilled shrimp and lobster cocktails, in addition to hot fare like shrimp and grits, seared scallops with speckled butterbeans, and an elevated take on fish and chips. But it’s the traditional seafood tower that’s the true showstopper here, a massive, three-tiered citadel of lobster, shrimp, and oysters that will make you feel like no less than the Walrus in Alice in Wonderland. When it comes to seafood splurges, Seaworthy has you covered, and then some.

NOSH

BY JYL BENSON / PHOTO BY SAM HANNA

Say Cheese!

An impressive celebratory dessert any time

In my home, Manchego, a cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of Manchega sheep and aged for 60 days to two years, is used as some homes use cheddar or American cheese. We use it on burgers and sandwiches, in salads, or when we need a quick gratinée. When unexpected company shows up, we plunk a hunk of Manchego on a cheeseboard with some nuts, olives and whatever crackers, bread or crostini happen to be around. The buttery, nutty flavor quickly becomes a favorite to those previously unfamiliar with it and it is a safe choice for those intolerant of the glucose in cow’s milk cheeses. Locally, the most economical place to find Manchego is Costco, followed by Trader Joe’s. Consider making this a household staple. This recipe will become a fallback in my kitchen. You’re welcome.

Back to the recipe.

Whether you happen to have Manchego in the refrigerator or not, if you are entertaining for Mother’s Day or want to make something special for someone this quick, easy, impressive dessert will do the deed. It comes together in moments in a stand mixer and then bakes up into a dramatic puffed creation in about 35 minutes without the messy, annoying water bath most cheesecakes require. You should make it a day or two in advance (another plus) then chill it thoroughly before serving either cold or at room temperature, ideally with small glasses of sherry. The brightness of the lemon zest cuts through the richness of the Manchego and the cream cheese custard and the vague smokiness of sherry is the perfect counterpoint. Resist the urge to serve this with a sauce, fruit, or whipped cream. You don’t need it.

To make this sugar-free and/or gluten-free substitute equal measures of either Swerve granular or Splenda Magic Baker for the table sugar and a gluten-free baking blend, such as Pillsbury Best Gluten Free Baking Blend, for the flour. You will not get the same dramatic puffy browning as you would with the mainstream products, but it is still creamy and delicious.

Basque Style Manchego Cheesecake

Recipe from Chef Ryan McDougall, plates restaurant & bar

Makes 1 9-inch cheesecake, serving 8-10

2 pounds cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup shredded Manchego

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sugar, in all (see NOTE, above)

¼ teaspoon salt

Zest of 1 lemon

6 eggs + 1 yolk

2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF degrees.

2. Cut a 13-inch piece of parchment paper and smoosh it into a ball. Unrumple the ball and press the parchment into the bottom and the sides of the springform pan. This will contribute to the color and textural differences you want in the final product.

3. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, Manchego, vanilla, cream, 1 3/4 cups sugar, salt, and lemon zest on medium speed until smooth.

4. With the mixer running, drop in one egg at a time waiting until the egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the yolk.

5. Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour, taking care not to overmix.

6. Spray the parchment-lined pan with nonstick cooking spray. Dust the greased parchment with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, reserving a teaspoon or two to dust the top of the cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and gently tap to smooth the surface. Lightly dust the top of the cheesecake with the remaining sugar.

7. Place the pan on a lined baking sheet and place in the center of the preheated oven.

8. Bake for 35 minutes or until set. The top will have a caramelized or “burnt” appearance – this is ideal.

9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for an hour (the cheesecake will fall slightly). Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely before slicing.

10. Enjoy the applause.

Home Grown

Louisiana flavors in a glass

Alexa Bowler’s “Chicory Manhattan” features Louisiana flavors: chicory, sweet potato and sugarcane. It joins a “Viet-Cajun Margarita” and “Acadiana Daisy” on Emeril’s new agriculturallyinspired cocktail menu. Bowler worked closely with the kitchen on her recipes. “Making something cohesive with our menu was important,” she said. New visitors to Emeril’s will be delighted by its recently added wine bar. “The wine bar gives guests more options,” she said. “They can order à la carte without a three-hour dinner commitment.” Emeril’s may top many tourists’ lists, but Bowler’s bar is an even split of visitors and locals. “We strive to be an iconic example of Southern hospitality for visitors, but also for people who live upstairs,” she said. “This is a neighborhood bar. I have lots of regulars and I know their orders.” Her favorite part of the updated back bar? “I love the ladder! I’m 5’ 2” on a good day!”

BY ELIZABETH PEARCE / PHOTO BY EUGENIA UHL

Podcast

Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com

Chicory Manhattan

1 ¾ ounce Rye & Sons

rye whiskey (or another high-proof rye)

¾ ounce Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur

½ ounce El Guapo

Sweet Potato Syrup...

6 dashes El Guapo

Chicory Pecan Bitters

1 barspoon Steen’s cane vinegar

Garnish: Luxardo cherry or marshmallow

1

Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur is made in Mississippi by Cathead Distillery. It’s worth seeking out but can be subbed with an amaro like Averna.

2

The sweet potato syrup and bitters are made by El Guapo in New Orleans and are crucial to the flavor of the drink. Steen’s cane vinegar is made using Louisiana cane sugar. Its distinct flavor is hard to replicate but a nice balsamic vinegar can be used in a pinch.

3

Bowler creates a dehydrated sweet potato swirl as a garnish but the home bartender can use a marshmallow or cherry.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Show Mom how much she means with a little something special.

Sorrenteaux sorrenteaux.com

143 Allen Toussaint Blvd.

504-510-2611

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and we’re certain that an Elevated Artisan Charcuterie Board from Sorrenteaux is the perfect gift to surprise & delight the special mom in your life. Please visit our website to preorder your board today!

Wellington & Co. wcjewelry.com

504-525-4855

Grant your loved one the gift of glimmer with these emerald-cut diamond Hoop Earrings in 18kt.

Boudreaux’s Jewelers boudreauxsjewelers.com

504-831-2602

This year, get Mom this stunning Ruby and diamond bracelet set in white gold, $12,995

The Windsor Court thewindsorcourt.com

Shower Mom in relaxation with an elegant escape this spring. Pamper her with a trip to the spa and take a dip in the newly renovated pool. Sip on an afternoon tea fit for a queen in Le Salon and finish the evening sipping cocktails in The Polo Club. Make Mom's spring one to remember at The Windsor Court.

Lakeside Shopping Center lakesideshopping.com

3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.

504-835-8000

Garden Party Station Necklace, $564 & Iris Dangles, $98 from Mignon Faget at Lakeside Shopping Center.

Perlis Clothing perlis.com

800-725-6070

6070 Magazine St., New Orleans

8366 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge

Mom will love the elegant woven design with delicate knot detail of the Shiraleah’s Sonya Mini Hobo sure to turn heads on the beach this summer.

Sazerac House sazerachouse.com

101 Magazine St

504-910-0100

Elevate your cocktail hour with these Mignon Faget Rocks Glasses by local designer Mignon Faget featuring details and halo in 22k gold and illustrations by Kate Lacour. Hand wash only. Set of 4, $85.

Southern Vacation Destinations

Summertime turns our thoughts to sun and sand. Lucky for you, some of the finest beaches and travel destinations are right outside our front door. So let’s take a trip or a dip at these incredible locales.

Scarlet Pearl Casino

If you want a world-class experience for your next travel destination, look no further than Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. Treat yourself to modern amenities in the 300-room all glass tower, featuring breathtaking design, superior service, and bathrooms that feel more like a spa.

Enjoy the warm seaside air at the Lava Links Golf Club, 18 holes surrounded by lush gardens, refreshing waterfalls, and an erupting volcano! And when the sun is at its highest, cool off with a refreshing artisan ice pop from Pop Brothers, offering flavors the whole family will enjoy! The combination of vibrant elements and entertaining music offers a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable day on the course.

With luxurious accommodations and an extensive selection of games Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort is your number one travel destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Please contact 888-752-9772 for details and pricing.

Big Bay Lake

Big Bay Lake, a one-of-a-kind planned community on one of Mississippi’s largest private recreational lakes, is the perfect solution for those looking to live the “Lake Life” 24/7. Located only 90 minutes from New Orleans, Big Bay Lake’s waterfront and water-view homesites range in price, starting at $50,000, and include several resale homes available for immediate purchase. This is not a short-term rental property but a lasting community providing unique opportunities to create the perfect home or weekend getaway to relax and unplug. Whether you are a boating aficionado, fishing enthusiast, or just a family who loves to make a big  splash, come enjoy fun-filled days and star-kissed nights at Big Bay Lake, where the little things make life…“Big!”

Call for a boat tour today at 877-4BIG-BAY or visit  bigbaylake.com

Big Cypress Lodge

With rustic elegant accommodations like treehouse suites, Big  Cypress Lodge provides the ultimate place to stay in the heart of downtown Memphis. Whether you’re visiting for the history, delicious food, or a mix of the musical blues, you’ll be near all the events and entertainment. At the end of the day, retreat to a nature lover’s paradise overlooking Bass Pro Shops inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid.

Enjoy a fully immersive experience for the entire family with world-class restaurants, a unique deep sea-themed bowling alley, aquariums, and one of the country’s tallest free-standing elevators, the Sky High Ride, which takes you on a journey to the top of the Memphis Pyramid to observe sweeping views of downtown Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi River.

To learn more about all the exciting offerings at Big Cypress Lodge and to plan your next adventure into the heart of Memphis, TN, one of America’s most historic cities, please visit big-cypress.com

Visit MS

Spring Break is rapidly approaching, and our thoughts turn to sun and sand. Luckily, Coastal Mississippi is an incredible place to spend Spring Break with luxurious beaches, world-class casinos, and fun-filled adventures for the entire family.

Explore unique locales like Paradise Pier at Margaritaville, which offers beachside boardwalk thrills; Mississippi Aquarium, featuring more than 200 species of animals and 50 species of native plants; or Ocean Adventures Marine Park, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel in a reef or steal a kiss from a sea lion! For a more educational excursion, check out the TrainTastic Railroad Museum or the Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

You can even book a passport to adventure with a Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass! So, spend this Spring Break in Coastal Mississippi and discover a new way to play!

To learn more, visit gulfcoast.org.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

Here at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, you can reunite with nature. Enjoy relaxing views of the sugar white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico or walk or bike our 28 miles of trails through 6,150 acres covering nine ecosystems.

The Lodge is highlighted by 350 guest rooms and suites; 4 dining outlets overlooking the Gulf, live music, a beachside infinity pool, and 40,000 sq ft of event space.

The Lodge is a resilient environmentally friendly coastal development where sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus. To learn more, please visit Lodgeatgulfstatepark.com  or call us at 251-540-400. •

Tune in to the 35th annual broadcast of America’s national night of remembrance to the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families and all those who have give their lives for our country.

Sunday, May 26 at 7pm & 8:30pm

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Capital Concerts

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Watch all WYES programs on WYES-TV and stream on wyes.org/live and on the free WYES and PBS Apps

MASTERPIECE “MaryLand”

Sundays, May 5 – 19 at 8pm

Sisters Becca (Suranne Jones,“Gentleman Jack,” “Vigil”) and Rosaline (Eve Best, (“House of the Dragon,” “Nurse Jackie”) find themselves thrown together by the sudden death of their mother. They come to find out that she was living an entirely secret life on the Isle of Man. As the sisters travel through the early days of grief and discover their mother’s secrets, they meet their mother’s quirky friend Cathy (Stockard Channing, “The Good Wife,” “The West Wing”) who seems to know more about their mother than they do. Photo Credit: ITV Plc

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER: 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Monday, May 6 at 9pm; Wednesday, May 8 at 10pm; Saturday, May 11 at 4:30pm; Tuesday, May 28 at 8pm

This half-hour discussion program looks back at the legacy of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, known locally as the World’s Fair. Guests will share memories of how the centennial fair transformed the Mississippi Riverfront and discuss the highs and lows of this New Orleans celebration providing memories that are cherished to this day.

Host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde will reminisce with guests including Petr Spurney, the president and CEO of the 1984 Louisiana World's Exposition, Mark Romig, who served as Director of Protocol and Guest Relations at the Fair, and Deacon John Moore, who performed regularly. Following the special, viewers can watch the 2003 documentary A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER.

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Audra McDonald at the London Palladium”

Friday, May 17 at 9pm

Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald performs a repertoire of classic Broadway songs, including “I Am What I Am,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Summertime,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” at this concert recorded from the London Palladium. She is accompanied by the 40-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra led by musical director Andy Einhorn. Photo Credit: PBS

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT 2024

Sunday, May 26 at 7pm & 8:30pm

America’s national night of remembrance returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast taking us back to the real meaning of Memorial Day through personal stories and tributes interwoven with musical performances. The television event brings us together as one family of Americans to honor the service of generations of our men and women in uniform, our military families, and pay tribute to all those who have given their lives for our country. Photo Credit: Capital Concerts

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert”

Friday, May 31 at 9pm

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, the special features an all-star cast at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, including Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace and Patrick Wilson, with additional surprise appearances by Rita Moreno and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Enjoy blockbuster performances from “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” “The Sound of Music,” and more. Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

TUESDAY, MAY 7

Funds raised during Give NOLA Day help support WYES' awardwinning local documentaries, cooking shows, and other quality local programming, plus provide outreach into the community.

Find out what your Art, Jewelry, Fine Books, Silver and more are worth during...

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 | 10AM-1PM

WYES | 916 NAVARRE AVE.

$45 — 2 items to be evaluated by an expert + seminars + wine/light bites

Support WYES at any amount during GiveNOLA Day at givenola.org/wyes or by scanning the QR Code.

THANK YOU!

$100 VIP —includes front of line with 2 evaluations + seminars + wine/light bites

$20 Friend of ANTIQUES SHOWCASE—no item appraised + seminars + wine/light bites

* Anyone who enters the building MUST have a ticket. No children allowed.

Tickets & more details at wyes.org

WYES IS UPGRADING ITS TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE RECEPTION AND BETTER SERVE OUR VIEWERS.

COMINGSOON!

Stay tuned for details about when you’ll need to rescan your TV or viewing device to continue watching WYES. It only takes a minute, but you’ll need to do it to continue watching WYES. Learn more at wyes.org and follow WYES on Facebook (@wyes.neworleans) and Instagram (@wyestv).

This June and July WYES continues its community seating wine pairing dinners.

We have a few seats remaining at each restaurant. Be sure to grab your seat before the dinners sells out.

Dinner prices vary from $110-$275 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30pm.

Thank you to this season’s participating restaurants.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

$115

CHEF BRIAN LANDRY

FIRST COURSE

PICKLED SHRIMP AND CORN FLAKES

Grilled Corn Flakes, Grape Tomatoes, Jalapeño, Cilantro

2018 Trimbach

Gewurztraminer Alsace, France

SECOND COURSE

SUMMER SQUASH SALAD

Lemon Vinaigrette, Red Onions, Parmesan, Herbs

2020 Château de Ségriès, Côtes du Rhônes Rouge

Rhône Valley, France

THIRD COURSE

BONE-IN SHORT RIB

Potato Galette, Blue Cheese

2019 Blason d’Issan Margaux Bordeaux, France

FOURTH COURSE

STRAWBERRY FIELD

Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream, Strawberry Balsamic Compote, Candied Basil

June’s Rosé (Zweigelt) Austria

Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

$135

CHEF BOBBI MILLER

FIRST COURSE

GARLIC BUTTER POACHED

SHRIMP AND GRITS

Les Glories, Crémant de Loire Rose

SECOND COURSE

SCALLOP CRUDO

Citrus and Chili

J de Villebois Sauvignon

Blanc, Vin de Loire 2021

THIRD COURSE

CRISPY FRIED DUCK LEG

Cauliflower Puree, Frisée Salad, Blackberry Gastrique

Copain Tous Ensemble

Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2021

FOURTH COURSE

LAMB LOLLIPOPS

Pomegranate Tabbouleh, Goat Cheese Crema

Jean Luc Colombo

“Les Fees Brunes”

Croze-Hermitage 2019

FIFTH COURSE

FRESH FRUIT AND PASTRY

CREAM TARTLET

Chateau Laribotte

Sauternes 2019

Community Coffee Breakfast Blend

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

$125

CHEF KNUT MJELDE

FIRST COURSE

CREOLE TOMATO SOUP

Anne Amie ‘Amrita’ Sparkling Yamhill-Carlton NV

SECOND COURSE

CITY PARK SALAD

Baby Red Oak, Romaine, Granny Smith Apples, Stilton Blue Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Creamy Vinaigrette

Melanie Pfister ‘Tradition’ Pinot Gris Alsace 2015

THIRD COURSE

BRAISED SHORT RIB

Chive Whipped Potatoes, Sautéed Spring Peppers and Onions

K Vintner’s ’The Hidden’ Syrah Walla Walla 2014

FOURTH COURSE

BLACKOUT DOBERGE

Devil’s Sponge Cake and Chocolate Filling, Rich Chocolate Ganache, Vanilla Creme Anglaise

Quinta do Noval LBV Port 2016

Community Coffee D&B Espresso Roast

THURSDAY, JULY 18

$150

CHEF ARVINDER VILKHU

FIRST COURSE

MASALA FISH CROQUETTES

Ginger Tomato

Remoulade Dip

SECOND COURSE

SERVED BUTTERNUT

SQUASH

Spiced Hung Yogurt, Tamarind Pepper Chimi Churi

NV Brut, Haute Cabrière, “Pierre Jourdan,”

Méthode Cap Classique, Franschhoek, South Africa

THIRD COURSE

TRUDY CARLSON

AMRITSARI SHRIMP

Malabar Tomato Chutney

2021 Grüner Veltliner, Nastl, “Klassik,”

Niederösterreich, Austria

FOURTH COURSE

ARRANGEMENTS BEEF

BRISKET CURRY

Served with Upma Eggplant Hyderabad

Saag Paneer (Spinach and Housemade Cheese)

Plain Naan, Garlic Naan, Chili Cheese Naan

2019 Malbec, Vista

Flores Estate, Reserve, La Consulta, Uco Valley, Argentina

FIFTH COURSE

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

CAKE AND BERRIES

Community Coffee

Café Special

TUESDAY, JULY 30

$275

CHEF RICHARD HUGHES

WELCOME COCKTAIL

FIRST COURSE

GAZPACHO WITH SCALLOP CEVICHE

Piper Sonoma Brut Rose NV

SECOND COURSE

YELLOWFIN TUNA & FOIE GRAS

TORCHON & PADDLEFISH CAVIAR

Banquette, Chives, Balsamic Reduction

Schlosskellerei Gruner Veltliner

Gobelsburger 2022

THIRD COURSE

AVOCADO & LOBSTER SALAD

Green Goddess Dressing, Chives, Little Gem, Radicchio

Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2022

FOURTH COURSE

SEARED GULF SWORDFISH

Pineapple Crab Chimichurri, Shoe Peg Corn

Maque Choux, Fingerling Potatoes, Swiss Chard

Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Rouge

‘Les Baronnes’ 2019

INTERMEZZO

FROZEN WATERMELON AND COCONUT RUM SHOT

FIFTH COURSE

SEARED USDA PRIME TENDERLOIN

Creamed Spinach Stuffed Heirloom Tomato, Mache, Fried Onion Rings, Truffle Bordelaise

Chateau Saint Georges, Saint Georges Saint Emilion 2018

SIXTH COURSE

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Lavender Ice Cream, Hazelnut Tuille

Terrassous Rivesaltes, Hors d’Age 12 Year

Wines provided by: Wines Unlimited

Community Coffee Café Special

AUCTION SPONSOR:

AUCTION CO-CHAIRS:

Dreda and Conor Lutkewitte

Get ready to bid at wyes.org on jewelry, art, staycations, vacations, sporting events, home goodies, dining experiences, spa treatments, concert tickets, family fun and more!

THURSDAY, MAY 2-THURSDAY, MAY 9

AT WYES.ORG

3-Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings Valued at $5,000

Private Dinner for 6

Whiskey Tasting for 12

Winner Receives a Choice of 8-Day European River Voyage on Viking® Cruise Line for Two

Chef’s Dinner for 4 with Wine Pairing

Signed by Both Garland Robinette and Jimmy Buffett

VIP Experience

Symmetry Jewelers & Designers

Ella Barlow

Ochsner Health Patron Party

7pm-11pm Patron $500 Jr. Patron (ages 21-40) $225 Gala

8pm-11pm

Gala $200 Junior Gala (ages 21-40) $100

Tickets on sale now wyes.org/events

504-486-5511

Thursday, May 9 WYES Studios 916 Navarre Avenue, New Orleans Cuisine by The Windsor Court Open Bar Online Auction

Live Music by Entertainment Sponsor: Erin and JP Hymel

Presenting Sponsor:

Margaritaville Sponsor:

Patron Party Sponsor:

Entertainment Sponsor: Erin & JP Hymel

Dance Floor Sponsor: Paulette & Frank Stewart

Invitation Sponsor: Tia and Jimmy Roddy

"Changes in Latitudes Changes in Attitudes"

Sponsors:

First Horizon

Gallo Mechanical

Hancock Whitney

IMTT

Gerri and Murray Valene

Gala Co-Chairs & Sponsor Executives (back row l-r): Douglas & Alicia Higginbotham; Lisa Romano & Vincent Giardina, Vice-President and President respectively of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust; Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux; (front row l-r):

1 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Season of the Osprey”

8pm

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE “Together” (Pt. 5/6)

9pm

NOVA “Making North America: Human” (Pt. 3/3)

10pm

LEGENDS OF NEW ORLEANS: THE MUSIC OF ALLEN TOUSSAINT, DR. JOHN & THE NEVILLE BROTHERS features performances from the 2000 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Produced by Cilista Eberle and Michael Murphy and presented in conjunction with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation Archive. Photo Credit: Todd Van Hoosear/ Wikimedia Commons

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

2 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 5 “The Underdog” (Pt. 2/8)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES “Murder on the Ballarat Train” (Pt. 2/13) The series is based on the novels of Australian author Kerry Greenwood. Miss Fisher sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920's Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit.

10pm

CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 13 (Pt. 7/8)

11pm

POETRY IN AMERICA

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

3 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm

FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Now Hear This, Season 5” ‘The Composer is Yoo’ Experience the challenges and rewards of host Scott Yoo composing a piece of music for the first time.

10pm

ELTON JOHN AND BERNIE TAUPIN: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE FOR POPULAR SONG

4 SATURDAY

3pm

IRMA: MY LIFE IN MUSIC

4:30pm

GOING BACK TO NEW ORLEANS: THE DEACON JOHN FILM

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Salute to the Ladies”

7pm

LEGENDS OF NEW ORLEANS: THE MUSIC OF ALLEN TOUSSAINT, DR. JOHN & THE NEVILLE BROTHERS

8pm

UP FROM THE STREETS - NEW ORLEANS: THE CITY OF MUSIC

Grammy Award-winning musician Terence Blanchard serves as executive producer and is featured along with interviews with Harry Connick Jr., Sting, Big Freedia, Robert Plant, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and many more.

10pm

MYSTERY OF PURPLE ROSE: SAGA OF CREOLE JAZZ PIONEERS Violinist, orchestra leader and music publisher Armand J. Piron and his orchestra are featured in this WYES special.

10:30pm

LOVE LETTERS: SAMANTHA FISH LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS New Orleans-based guitarist and singer Samantha Fish performs a little rock, country, funk and bluegrass.

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Duran Duran”

5 SUNDAY

7pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 13 (Pt. 8/8)

8pm

MASTERPIECE “MaryLand” (Pt. 1/3)

Sisters Becca (Suranne Jones,“Gentleman Jack,” “Vigil”) and Rosaline (Eve Best, (“House of the Dragon,” “Nurse Jackie”) find themselves thrown together by the sudden death of their mother. They come to find out that she was living an entirely secret life on the Isle of Man. As the sisters travel through the early days of grief and discover their mother’s secrets, they meet their mother’s quirky friend Cathy (Stockard Channing, “The Good Wife,” “The West Wing”) who seems to know more about their mother than they do.

Photo Credit: ITV Plc HIGHLIGHT

WEEKDAYS ON

11am

ELINOR WONDERS WHY

This animated series for preschoolers aims to encourage children to follow their curiosity, ask questions when they don't understand and find answers using science inquiry skills. The main character Elinor, the most observant and curious bunny rabbit in Animal Town, introduces kids ages 3-5 to science, nature and community through adventures with her friends.

5am ARTHUR

5:30am

ODD SQUAD

6am MOLLY OF DENALI

6:30am

ALMA’S WAY

7am

LYLA IN THE LOOP

7:30am WILD KRATTS

8am

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

8:30am

ROSIE’S RULES

9am

SESAME STREET

9:30am

WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!

9pm

MASTERPIECE “Guilt, Season 3” ‘You Can Take the Boy Out of Leith’ (Pt. 2/4) Max and Jake seek refuge with a face from the past in the Highlands, but Teddy is on their trail. Scotland’s national bank is being sold and Maggie sees an opportunity. Photo Credit: Expectation, Happy Tramp North, BBC, and MASTERPIECE

10pm

THE PARIS MURDERS “Crossed Destinies” (Pt. 3/12) In French with English subtitles.

11pm

OUR HOUSE (Pt. 3/4)

6 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens” (Hour 2/3)

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Charleston” (Hour 1/3)

Reminisce with host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde in this 2003 WYES documentary.

10:30pm

INDEPENDENT LENS “Space: The Longest Goodbye” NASA's goal to send astronauts to Mars would require a three-year absence from Earth, during which communication in real time would be impossible due to the immense distance. Meet the psychologists whose job is to keep astronauts mentally stable in outer space, as they are caught between their dream of reaching new frontiers and the basic human need to stay connected to home.

7 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Buried Secrets”

8pm

THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL “Texas” (Pt. 3/4) Actor, dancer and singer, Dulé Hill, discovers artists fighting for representation of their communities.

9pm

FRONTLINE

10pm

10am

DONKEY HODIE

10:30am

PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC

11am

ELINOR WONDERS WHY

11:30am NATURE CAT NOON CURIOUS GEORGE

12:30pm

XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET

MUSEUM

1pm

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

1:30pm

ARTHUR

HIGHLIGHT

9pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER: 40TH ANNIVERSARY looks back at the legacy of the 1984 World’s Fair and the way it transformed part of the Mississippi Riverfront and a neighborhood now known as the Warehouse District. Hosted and produced by Peggy Scott Laborde.

9:30pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER Do you remember….Riding the gondola? Strolling along the Wonderwall? Munching on pizza in the Italian Village? Doing the Chicken Dance at the German Beer Garden?

AFROPOP: THE ULTIMATE CULTURAL EXCHANGE “Commuted” In 1993, Danielle Metz was labeled a drug kingpin and sentenced to triple life in California, many miles away from New Orleans and her two children. Metz's sentence was commuted 23 years later. Now back home, she is stepping into a different reality. The film traces Metz's journey in confronting the wounds of incarceration, and to finding purpose, love and unification with her two grown children.

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

8 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons” The most famous bear in the Tetons attempts to raise four cubs. But she makes increasingly unexpected and consequential choices to protect her family.

8pm

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE “Tomorrow” (Pt. 6/6)

9pm

NOVA “Why Bridges Collapse”

10pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER: 40TH ANNIVERSARY

10:30pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

9 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 5 “The Yellow Iris” (Pt. 3/8) The wealthy Barton Russell throws a dinner party in remembrance of his wife Iris's death – and he invites the same people that were present the night of her murder. Will Poirot catch the perpetrator this time?

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES

“The Green Mill Murder” (Pt. 3/13)

10pm

CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 13 (Pt. 8/8)

11pm

POETRY IN AMERICA

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

10 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES All episodes available on WYES’ YouTube channel.

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm

FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Hamlet”

Experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon from The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park starring Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood. Pictured: Daniel Pearce and Ato BlanksonWood Photo Credit: Joseph Sinnott

11 SATURDAY

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Music in the Skies”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens” (Hour 2/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Buried Secrets”

9pm

THE STORY OF CHINA WITH MICHAEL WOOD “Ancestors/Silk Roads and China Ships” (Pt. 1/3)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Brandi Carlile”

12 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 6” (Pts. 1-6/8) Stream “Grantchester” Seasons 1 through 8 when you watch with WYES Passport. Learn more at wyes.org/ passport.

8pm

MASTERPIECE “MaryLand” (Pt. 2/3)

As Becca and Rosaline deal with the fallout from their mother’s death, new

revelations emerge, and the sisters cope in different and sometimes destructive ways. Pictured (l-r): Hugh Quarshie as Pete; Stockard Channing as Cathy; Eve Best as Rosaline. Photo Credit: Monumental Television and MASTERPIECE

9pm

MASTERPIECE “Guilt, Season 3” ‘Aim High’ (Pt. 3/4) Max, Jake and their new gang hide from Maggie in Edinburgh and discover her link to Sir Jim Sturrock. Maggie exerts pressure on Teddy and Aliza risks the bank sale.

10pm

THE PARIS MURDERS “Radio Silence” (Pt. 4/12) In French with English subtitles.

11pm

OUR HOUSE (Pt. 4/4)

13 MONDAY

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens” (Hour 3/3) Items include a 1953 Marilyn Monroe pin-up poster, a diamond & platinum ring, ca.1960 and a 1910 -1911 Philadelphia Athletics trophy, card & pin. One has a value of $65,300 to $125,000!

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Charleston” (Hour 2/3)

9pm

NOSTALGIC NEW ORLEANS EATS AND DRINKS

10pm

PHOTOGRAPHIC JUSTICE: THE CORKY LEE STORY A timely and intimate of a photographer on a quest to preserve and document the struggles and celebrations of Asian American life.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

14 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Hold the Laughter”Actor Bob Odenkirk and comic Iliza Shlesinger explore their family histories and learn about relatives who took great risks to overcome hardships.

SATURDAYS ON

10am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH'S LEGACY

The WYES cooking series features the younger Chase generations who are carrying on the culinary traditions of James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner Leah Chase. Pictured: Paired with some of the menus are specialty cocktails crafted by Leah’s granddaughter Eve Marie Haydel, the restaurant’s beverage manager who has updated drink recipes from the restaurant’s earlier days. Photo Credit: Laura Combel.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

5:30am ARTHUR

6am

MOLLY OF DENALI

6:30am

ALMA’S WAY

7am

J. SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM

7:30am

AMERICAN WOODSHOP

8am THIS OLD HOUSE

8:30am ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

9am

KITCHEN QUEENS: NEW ORLEANS

9:30am

KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

10am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

8pm

THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL “Chicago” (Pt. 4/4) Chicago is a city known for its rich history and culture. But for some, it’s been marred by crime and violence. In this episode, Dulé Hill meets the city’s talented artists to explore why art and activism are often synonymous in the Midwest. Photo Credit: Joe Bressler / Larkin Donley

9pm

FRONTLINE

10:30pm

HISTORY WITH DAVID RUBENSTEIN “Henry Louis Gates, Jr.”

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 WEDNESDAY

10:30am CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME'S ALWAYS COOKING

11am

LIDIA’S KITCHEN

11:30am

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK’S ILLUSTRATED NOON COOK’S COUNTRY

12:30pm

CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL'S MILK STREET TELEVISION

1pm

GREAT CHEFS

1:30pm

HOMEMADE LIVE!

2pm

PATI'S MEXICAN TABLE

2:30pm

SARA'S WEEKNIGHT MEALS

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Saving the Animals of the Ukraine”

8pm

NOVA “Secrets in Your Data” Find out who’s using your personal data and what you – and a new kind of web – can do about it.

9pm

POMPEII: THE NEW DIG (Pt. 1/3)

Nearly two years in the making, follow the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation.

10pm

STREETCAR STORIES pays special attention to the bitter and violent streetcar strike of 1929, female operators during World War II, and the segregation and integration of the streetcars.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 5 “The Case of the Missing Will” (Pt. 4/8)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES

“Death at Victoria Dock” (Pt. 4/13) Phryne investigates the connection between a missing teenage girl and the death of a young man.

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Annika, Season 1” (Pt. 1/6) DI Annika Strandhed and her newly-formed Marine Homicide Unit face a steady stream of murders in this series, starring Nicola Walker.

11pm

POETRY IN AMERICA

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

17 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm

FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

16 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

HIGHLIGHT

9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Audra McDonald at the London Palladium”

Enjoy Broadway hits and more performed by the six-time Tony Award winner including “I Am What I Am,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Summertime,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and many more. Photo

Credit: PBS

10:30pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

18 SATURDAY

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “America the Beautiful”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens” (Hour 3/3)

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Hold the Laughter” Actor Bob Odenkirk and comic Iliza Shlesinger explore their family histories and learn about relatives who took great risks to overcome hardships.

9pm

THE STORY OF CHINA WITH MICHAEL WOOD “Golden Age/The Ming” (Pt. 2/3)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Lyle Lovett and His Large Band”

19 SUNDAY

2pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 6” (Pts. 7-8/8)

4pm

MASTERPIECE “Grantchester, Season 7” (Pts. 1-4/6) Stream “Grantchester” Seasons 1 through 8 when you watch with WYES Passport. Learn more at wyes.org/ passport. And yes, there will be a Season 9!

8pm

MASTERPIECE “MaryLand” (Pt. 3/3)

Everything comes to a head as Richard and Jim arrive on the Isle of Man. Mary’s actions continue to have an impact on the entire family as they try to heal and reconnect.

9pm

MASTERPIECE “Guilt, Season 3” ‘Let Them Come’ (Pt. 4/4) Max and Jake have a plan for final victory, but so

does everyone else. Maggie’s enemies close in, and Sturrock’s bank sale is in danger. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Expectation, Happy Tramp North, BBC, and MASTERPIECE

10pm

THE PARIS MURDERS “Missing” (Pt. 5/12) In French with English subtitles.

11pm

LUCY WORSLEY INVESTIGATES “The Princes in the Tower”

20 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Junk in the Trunk 13”

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Charleston” (Hour 3/3)

9pm

AUDUBON PARK MEMORIES

10pm

INDEPENDENT LENS “The Tuba Thieves”

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

21 TUESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Far and Away”

10pm

MENDING WALLS: THE DOCUMENTARY

Thirty artists from varied backgrounds collaborate on murals about race, status and experiences.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

22 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Green Island: White Desert”

8pm

NOVA “Decoding the Universe: Cosmos”

Follow the teams trying to solve two mysteries in cosmology—dark matter and dark energy.

9pm

POMPEII: THE NEW DIG (Pt. 2/3)

10pm

GREEKS IN NEW ORLEANS: 150 YEARS OF HOLY TRINITY In 2014, The New Orleans Greek community celebrated the 150th anniversary of Holy Trinity Cathedral. In honor of Greek Fest this weekend, the film looks at the first Greeks in New Orleans and highlights the hardships and accomplishments, past and present, of the people who have kept the Church thriving.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

23 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Riot Report” Revisit 1967, when inner cities across America erupted in violence. LBJ appointed the Kerner Commission to investigate and the Commission’s final report would offer a shockingly unvarnished assessment of race relations that still resonates today. Photo Credit: White House Photo Office Collection, LBJ Presidential Library

STEPPIN’ OUT Host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde welcomes regular guests HIGHLIGHT

7pm

SUNDAYS ON

9am FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

In weekly 30-minute episodes, host Margaret Hoover engages in a rigorous exchange of ideas with political leaders, cultural luminaries, thought leaders and activists who represent a wide range of ideas and perspectives. New episodes are available Fridays at 8:30pm. Repeats on Sundays.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

5:30am ARTHUR

6am MOLLY OF DENALI

6:30am ALMA’S WAY

7am

LYLA IN THE LOOP

7:30am WILD KRATTS

8am WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30am

LOUISIANA THE STATE WE’RE IN 9am FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

Poppy Tooker, Alan Smason, plus new roundtable visitors every week to discuss New Orleans restaurants, arts and entertainment. All episodes available on WYES’ YouTube channel at wyes.org/steppinout. Pictured (l-r): WWNO’s Gwen Thompkins, Crescent City Jewish News’ Alan Smason, host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde, WWNO’s Poppy Tooker, and Soprano and Professor of Voice at Loyola University Irini Kyriakidou-Hymel

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 5 “The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman” (Pt. 5/8)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES “Raisins and Almonds” (Pt. 5/13)

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Annika, Season 1” (Pt. 2/6)

11pm

POETRY IN AMERICA

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

24 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

9:30am INFORMED SOURCES

10am VARIOUS PROGRAMMING

11am

KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA

11:30am

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

NOON ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

1pm RICK STEVES' EUROPE

1:30pm

IRELAND WITH MICHAEL

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm

FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Purlie Victorious” Enjoy this comedic play starring Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. telling the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation

owner. Written by Ossie Davis with direction by Tony winner Kenny Leon.

11pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

25 SATURDAY

6pm

THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “The Songs of Cole Porter”

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Junk in the Trunk 13”

8pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “Far and Away”

9pm

THE STORY OF CHINA WITH MICHAEL WOOD “The Last Empire/ The Age of Revolution” (Pt. 3/3)

11pm

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Sylvain Esso/ Lucius”

26 SUNDAY

HIGHLIGHT

7pm

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

2024 America’s national night of remembrance returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast. Featuring world-renowned artists with the National Symphony Orchestra, the deeply moving annual event unlike anything else on television brings us together as one family of Americans to honor the service of generations of our men and women in uniform, our military families, and pay tribute to all those who have given their lives for our country. Pictured: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces salute at the

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT.

Photo Credit: Capital Concerts

8:30pm

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT 2024

Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin

10pm

THE PARIS MURDERS “Just Before Oblivion” (Pt. 6/12) In French with English subtitles.

11pm

LUCY WORSLEY INVESTIGATES “Madness of King George”

27 MONDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “I Was There”

8pm

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Albuquerque” (Hour 1/3)

9pm GOING TO WAR

10pm

FOUNDED ON FRIENDSHIP & FREEDOM: THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM focuses on the legacy of Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, the National WWII Museum President and CEO Emeritus, and Dr. Stephen Ambrose, the best-selling author and historian who died in 2002, and how their dream became reality in The National WWII Museum. Produced by Marcia Kavanaugh.

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

28 TUESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., SEASON 10 “The Brick Wall Falls”

8pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER: 40TH ANNIVERSARY looks back at the legacy of the 1984 World’s Fair and the way it transformed part of the Mississippi Riverfront and a neighborhood now known of as the Warehouse District. Hosted and produced by Peggy Scott Laborde.

8:30pm

A WORLD’S FAIR TO REMEMBER

9:30pm

FRONTLINE

10:30pm

SHRAPNEL DOWN: MY KOREAN WAR

STORY

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 WEDNESDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

NATURE “Niagara Falls”

8pm

NOVA “Why Ships Crash”

9pm

POMPEII: THE NEW DIG (Pt. 3/3)

10pm

NEW ORLEANS FOOD MEMORIES

11pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

30 THURSDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

7:30pm

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

8pm

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT, SEASON 5

“The Chocolate Box” (Pt. 6/8)

9pm

MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES

“Ruddy Gore” (Pt. 6/13)

10pm

MASTERPIECE “Annika, Season 1” (Pt. 3/6)

11pm

POETRY IN AMERICA

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

31 FRIDAY

6pm

PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm

INFORMED SOURCES WYES’ longest running series, now in its 40th year, continues to share the top news stories in our area. Marcia Kavanaugh is host. Errol Laborde is producer and panelist.

7:30pm

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

8pm

WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

8:30pm FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

HIGHLIGHT

9pm

GREAT PERFORMANCES “Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert” Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, the special features an all-star cast at London’s Theatre

Royal Drury Lane, including Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace and Patrick Wilson, with additional surprise appearances by Rita Moreno (pictured) and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Enjoy blockbuster performances from “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” “The Sound of Music,” and more. Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

11pm

STEPPIN’ OUT

11:30pm

AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

WYES is grateful to partner with the following businesses:

WYES’ quality programming and events are brought to you through the generous support of the following businesses and corporations. To join our list of community-minded groups, contact Jim Tapley at (504) 837-8987, jtapley@wyes.org or Kerri Blache at (504) 483-8487, kblache@wyes.org.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Smith Lupo

"I require reliable news and information – and quality entertainment. That’s why I support WYES, my local PBS station, and have included them in my will and estate plan." — Al Duvernay, WYES member

For more information on including WYES in your plans, contact Robin Cooper — 504.486.5511 / rcooper@wyes.org

RICK STEVES TRAVELS

The Melvin S. Cohen Foundation, Inc.

THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

Suzie and Pierre G. Villere

Eugenie & Joseph Jones Family Foundation

STEPPIN’ OUT AND INFORMED SOURCES

The Theresa Bittenbring Marque and John Henry Marque Fund PBS NEWSHOUR

David Oreck

Sandra and Russ Herman FINDING

Marc Leunissen

Susu

STEPPIN' OUT

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Audubon Clubhouse

audubonclubhouse.com

6975 Magazine St. 504-558-1200-

Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie

Brennan & Company is open daily offering lunch, dinner, brunch and cocktails under the oaks at their newly-renovated clubhouse. Try deep-fried deviled eggs, Clubhouse Cobb salad, or the monster Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich (pictured)…all with a view of Audubon Park.

La Petite Grocery lapetitegrocery.com

4238 Magazine St. 504-891-3377

Charming guests for two decades on Magazine Street, La Petite Grocery is a beloved Uptown gem celebrating 20 years of business this spring. Menu favorites include Turtle Bolognese and Blue Crab Beignets, among other creative adaptations of New Orleans cuisine.

Briquette briquette-nola.com

701 S. Peters St.

504-302-7496

Briquette features some of the finest contemporary seafood in New Orleans. On May 10th, Briquette is proud to partner with the Prisoner Wine Company for Prisoner Dinner; featuring five special courses, each with a unique wine pairing at $150 per diner. Don’t forget to stop by for some post-Jazz Fest fun! Reserve now via Open Table.

Luzianne Cafe

luziannecafe.com

481 Girod St. 504-265-1972

Luzianne Café, a casual Southern diner, attracts locals and visitors alike. All-day breakfast and lunch menus spotlight New Orleans favorites – think beignets, shrimp poboys, and Creole grits. However, it isn’t just a neighborhood diner – it’s a celebration of the culinary joys of New Orleans and the South.

Galatoire’s galatoires.com

209 Bourbon St.

504-525-2021

What’s your tradition? From the world-famous New Orleans cuisine to impeccable service, every aspect of the dining experience at Galatoire’s reflects the traditions guests have enjoyed for generations. Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Visit Galatoires.com or call 525-2021.

Mother’s Restaurant mothersrestaurant.net

401 Poydras St. 504-523-9656

Grilled seafood and free parking every night? Yes, plus beer, wine, Bloody Marys and more. Mother’s offers a taste of tradition with seafood gumbo made the oldfashioned way—from real crab stock. It is thickened with a light Creole roux, into which shrimp, oysters, herbs and seasonings are gently simmered. Hot sauce is optional. Local delivery available via Grubhub.

Gris Gris

g-risgrisnola.com

1800 Magazine St.

504-272-0241

Heralded as one of New Orleans’ finest neighborhood restaurants, Gris-Gris proudly features refined Southern cuisine in a casual, downhome atmosphere. Enjoy their classic local favorites, including the Chef’s award-winning gumbo and signature “Oyster BLT”. Stop by Gris-Gris to Go Go next door (1804 Magazine) after your meal to grab your favorites for home.

New Orleans

Creole Cookery

neworleanscreolecookery.com

508 Toulouse St.

504-524-9632

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BY ERROL LABORDE / ART BY ARTHUR NEAD

An Ounce of Prevention

Be PREP-ared

Several years ago, when a physician first recommend that I have a colonoscopy as a precautionary measure, I was unfamiliar with the procedure. He explained that a microscopic TV-type camera that was attached to a tube would be gently pushed through my…

“Through my what!”

And that was just the beginning. As the device (an Olympus scope) winds its way through a colon, doctors watch a monitor for signs of devious polyps that could be dangerous if not removed. When polyps are found, tiny loops perform a process called “a cold swipe” that cuts them off. They are then positioned for a color picture to be examined by a pathologist. Polyps are ugly little flesh blob critters that best serve humanity by being removed. They are the fear of every medical checkup when the doctor examines the chart and reminds the patient about the dreaded colonoscopy.

Eventually the day came when I could not delay the procedure anymore. Excuses were running out. On paper “colonoscopy” is a terrible sounding treatment, but as the doctor and many others would advise, the problem is not with the procedure “but the prep.”

Yes, the prep. According to detailed instructions we the patients were not to eat any solids for roughly a day and a half before the procedure. That eliminated almost all that tastes good, including anything that is red. Allowable though is Jell-O. Not any flavor Jell-O but particularly the lighter colors, such as lemon or lime. Jell-O is a food from the past that if you ask anyone, they will likely say, “I haven’t had that in 20 years.” (Which is the same thing they say about the last time they played Monopoly.) Two decades ago, there might have been a serving of canned fruit cocktail stirred into the gelatin, but for the “prep” we are reduced to life’s rough side—including, unadorned Jell-O. My theory is that the entire Jell-O industry is supported by colonoscopies. The red-colored alternatives are just for post-operative variation.

Chicken broth is also permissible. I bought two cans but never opened either. They await another day and another feast. Also, in the prep list are pills and liquids designed to clean out your innards, and water—lots of water. I went from late Sunday afternoon to late Tuesday afternoon without having anything solid. A brownie broke the fast, but to its credit, someone explained, Jell-O helped. It has the virtue of being filling. At this stage, all virtues are welcomed.

(Writer’s note: This is the paragraph where I was going to explain in

detail the actual procedure; including the memories, fears, sounds and pains. For convenience I have broken this explanation into two parts:

Part 1. Having been wheeled into the operating room an Ochsner anesthesiologist explained that she was about to inject me with a sedative.

Part 2. A nurse gently urged me to wake up. “Where am I?” I asked. “The recovery room,” she answered. “Have I had the colonoscopy?” “Yes,” she answered.)

I remembered nothing. No wonder the prep is said to be worse than the procedure because there is no memory of the latter. From reading a doctor’s post-operative description, at one point my body position had to be changed and “manual pressure” was used. He added that I responded well. No memory, no pain.

You won’t find this in any medical guidebook, but to me, the final step took place about an hour and a half later when we stepped into Mandina’s for an early but long anticipated supper. As we entered, we saw a couple we knew among the diners. This is not a subject I would usually bring up but in the swagger of the moment I told them I had just come from getting a colonoscopy. The male of the two was not impressed. “How many have you had?” he asked. I told him that was my first one. He told me he had had five.

Later that week I saw a woman acquaintance and the topic came up again. It turns out that on the same day, at practically the same hour, she also had gone through the same procedure, but at a different place. It was her sixth time.

My sense of bravado gradually deflated. Later that day a relative told me that she too had undergone treatment - five times.

Here I should mention that colonoscopies are a serious business and I urge those among the reluctant, like I was, to get it—besides, “it is not the procedure but the prep.” Time from insertion to withdrawal of the scope was 23 minutes.

And remember, we all need to do our part to support the Jell-O industry.