New Orleans Magazine December 2023 by Renaissance Publishing

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

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Contents D E C E M B E R 202 3 / VO LUME 5 7 / NUMBER 3

STANDARDS

FEATURES 26

Best of Dining 2023 Our graduating class of top restaurants and places to dine

From the Editor

Julia Street

Marquee

Bar Tab

The Dish

Style

Persona

Modine

Vintage

Travel

Home Advice

Growing Pains

Cheers

Nosh

Streetcar

by Jyl Benson, Jay Forman, Rebecca Friedman, Misty Milioto

Merriness and Mental Health Managing holiday stress by Amy Kirk Duvoisin

Exceptional Women in Medicine 2023 125+ top doctors

Dial 12, D1

Tune in to WYES for a wide variety of new and nostalgic holiday specials all month-long. From MARY BERRY’S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS cooking presentation to the highlyanticipated annual CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL to the sentimental local documentary CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS — WYES has something for everyone!

Good Tidings

Saints and Miracles Top Things to Do Best Bars, Drinks & More News from NOLA Kitchens Suede Dreams Curtis Doucette Holiday Spirits

1884

Lighting the Way Liz Maute

Making a List

Keeping it Simple

The Catfish Blues Bows of Holly

On the cover: Duck Confit with White Bean Pistou at Chemin à la Mer Photograph by Sam Hanna

New Orleans Magazine, (ISSN 0897 8174) is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC., 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $19.95; no foreign subscriptions. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution of $40 or more to WYES-TV/Channel 12, $10.00 of which is used to offset the cost of publication. Periodicals postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Orleans Magazine, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2023 New Orleans Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine are registered. New Orleans Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in New Orleans Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

6 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

FROM THE EDITOR

ONLINE

Happy Tidings

Give the gift of fun, fashion, community, news and more with a subscription to New Orleans Magazine or one of our sister publications, New Orleans Homes, Bride, Biz New Orleans, St. Charles Avenue and more. Simply click on the “subscribe” button on our homepage and use our special coupon code “23holidaypo” for a special offer for a limited time. (Plus it’s a great last minute gift for family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and more!)

ecember is a time to

celebrate with family and friends, to enjoy traditions and make new ones, to take stock of the past few

months and to plan for the year ahead. We manage the darkest days of the year by warming up the night with a holly, jolly tour of lights through City Park, a tour of the Roosevelt Hotel or a drive along St. Charles Avenue. We look for Mr. Bingle winging his way through decorations, with

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Scan and subscribe today!

Holiday Happenings

From festive soirees to Réveillon meals, happy hours and winter warmers, MyNewOrleans.com has you covered on all the latest places to go and things to do.

his bright blue eyes always full of cheer. We gather to sing songs in Jackson Square, a warm toddy in hand and clutching candles and caroling classics in an only-in-New Orleans way. We will toast those that have passed with a song and a prayer and then lighten the mood with a rowdy celebratory meal for those at the dinner table. For many in New Orleans, it’s not gift giving that means the most, it’s sharing special moments with family and friends, reminiscing on the past and kindling new hopes for the future.

Editors’ Picks Each week our editors dish about their favorite city highlights. This month, see if your favorite winter places and picks made our list!

In this issue, we feature the Best of Dining, our annual celebration of the restaurants, dining establishments, restaurateurs, chefs and makers that help create some of our favorite memories around the brunch, lunch and dinner tables in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, holidays or just a beautiful weekend. Our class of 2023 graduates with honors in our eyes, and we hope you enjoy them too. For many, all of this celebration can be joyous but also overwhelming, and, sometimes, downright draining. We have a practical guide to managing the holiday stress and embracing the little moments that can bring some light through winter gatherings. Plus, we have a calendar chock-full of things to do, holiday menus, recipes, and our list of the 2023 Exceptional Women in Medicine. From plays and concerts to winter warmer happy hours and more, there’s no slowing down until New Year’s (with only a short time

NOLA News Sign up for the latest community news, best bars and restaurants, philanthropic endeavors, shopping, parties and more with our collection of newsletters, delivered right to your inbox. MyNewOrleans. com/newsletters.

to catch our breaths until Carnival). Happy holidays! Be good to yourselves.

SOCIAL @neworleansmagazine

Send us a line!

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

8 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

@neworleansmag @neworleansmag

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

JU LI A S T R EET WITH POYDRAS THE PARROT

Saints and Miracles

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

Our readers' follow-ups

Editorial Editor Ashley McLellan Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot Style Editor Andy Myer

Dear Julia

Julia,

In the October issue of New Orleans Magazine, you treated us with

Being from Shreveport, I really enjoyed

an excellent replay of the first Saints football game. How about

the November “Streetcar” column about

a similar piece about the first game played in the Superdome?!

the 1873 yellow fever epidemic and the

- Irvin “T” Diemer II, Kenner

five priests who served the sick, died, and

Liz Scott Monaghan, Elizabeth Pearce,

could be canonized. Coincidentally, at

Eve Crawford Peyton

Thanks for the compliment, Irvin. I will answer your question, but first a recollection: When the Dome first opened in 1975 there was a device with four screens suspended from the ceiling. In the days before visual graphic scoreboards, images, such as replays, were projected on each of the screens. The device, known as the “gondola,” also showed commercials. One was of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The ad would begin with a shot of a juicy steak on a grill and then a loud, very, very, loud sizzling sound to emphasize that the classic New Orleans style steak was cooked in butter. The sizzle was so loud it was jarring and seems like it could have shaken the roof. I mention that because for the first Saints game in the Dome, that video steak was about all that sizzled, certainly not the Saints. Actually, the very first Saints game in the Dome was a preseason contest against the Houston Oilers played on August 9, 1975. The Saints lost 13-7. If you are one of those people, such as I, that does not take pre-season games seriously, then the question is when the first regular season game was. That occurred on Sept. 28. The Saints were pounced by the Cincinnati Bengals, 21-0. Having premiered in 1967, this would have been the team’s ninth season, the first away from Tulane Stadium. Fortunately, the Dome was able to divert fans’ attention because the team finished with a dismal 2-12 record for the third time. Their first home game win in the Dome was Oct. 12 against the Green Bay Packers. While the Saints in those early years had few stars, they did have one, a kid from Ole Miss named Archie Manning. He wore a fleur de lis on his helmet Send us your from 1971 to 1982. Unfortunately, the questions! Poydras is looking Saints teams during those years were for something poor. They never had a winning record. to do. Send your Manning would finish his 13-season questions to julia@ myneworleans. career playing with other teams, but com and be sure to he was always the ULTIMATE Saint include your name and information. who carried the team through the lean For the subject years, even beneath the dome where the line use: Julia and franchise had lots of sizzle but little beef. Poydras Question.

10 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

my annual St. Vincent Academy Alum Lunch in Shreveport on September 30, a

Executive Editor Errol Laborde Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Cheré Coen, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Scott Gold, John Kemp, Misty Milioto,

Advertising Vice President of Sales and Marketing

speaker, Patti Underwood, told us about

Kate Henry, Kate@MyNewOrleans.com

our three Daughters of the Cross nuns

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

who served alongside the priests and lost their lives. We are hoping to get the

Senior Account Executives Erin Chiartano, Brooke Genusa, Rachel Webber

appropriate recognition for them, as well.

Marketing

Let me know what you think!

Marketing Manager Greer Stewart

-Nell Carmichael, New Orleans

Well yes Nell, anyone who sacrificed their lives nursing victims during an epidemic deserves recognition. Daughters of the Cross was a spinoff of a French religious order. The new order migrated to the United States. Its motherhouse was in Shreveport and at its peak it had 31 nuns and operated five schools in upstate Louisiana. This year was recognized as the sesquicentennial of the epidemic which took its first victims in August 1873 and ended in November due to cold weather. As the epidemic worsened the nuns (mostly French, at least one American) were called to help. Many spent their time aiding the priests. At one point there was only one priest still alive to minister to the city that had an estimated 800 victims. Five priests, all French, died to the disease as well as three nuns. There is a movement to have the priests canonized (declared to be Saints) but there is no known effort on behalf of the nuns, although the anniversary events have drawn more attention to them. Can anything be done to give them the recognition they deserve? It might take a miracle.

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Subscription information (504) 828-1380

M ARQ UEE

BY FRITZ ESKER

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

LPO Holiday Spectacular

NOLAHOLIDAYPARADE.COM PHOTO

Dec. 2 In the mood for some holiday cheer? The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will play holiday favorites at the Orpheum Theater. OrpheumNOLA.net

CHERYL GERBER PHOTO

Dec. 2 Starting at the French Market and following a route through the French Quarter to Lafayette Square, the Holiday Parade promises to be fun for all ages. A concert and holiday experience will follow in Lafayette Square. NOLAHolidayParade.com

Festival of the Bonfires

Nov. 23-Dec. 30 New Orleans’ venerable holiday lighting display is back in City Park with both a walking and a driving tour. Rides will also be open at Carousel Gardens. NewOrleansCityPark.org

Broadway in New Orleans: “Wicked”

Nov. 29-Dec. 17 This Broadway sensation examines the “Wizard of Oz” backstory from the perspective of Elphaba, the girl who would become the Wicked Witch of the West. SaengerNOLA.com

“A Christmas Story, the Musical”

Dec. 1-17 The nostalgic 1983 classic film gets a musical adaptation for the stage at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. RivertownTheaters.com

Lafreniere Park Christmas Lights

Dec. 1-30 Metairie’s gem of a park once again hosts its impressive Christmas lights display. Tickets include both the driving and walking parts of the tour. LafrenierePark.org

Dec. 9-11 One of the most magical Louisiana holiday experiences is the Festival of the Bonfires at Lutcher Recreational Park. Aside from the bonfires, there will also be musical acts, crafts and food. FestivalOfTheBonfires.org

Louisiana Christmas Day

Dec. 1-22 BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum will host the Victory Belles as they take audiences on a musical adventure with national and local Christmas songs. NationalWW2Museum.org

Lafitte Greenway Supernova

Dec. 7-9 The Lafitte Greenway’s free holiday festival features gorgeous lighting displays as well as arts and crafts and much more. LafitteGreenway.org

12 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

“The Nutcracker”

Dec. 16-17 The Jefferson Performing Arts Center will host this partnership between the Jefferson Performing Arts Society and Jefferson Ballet Theatre as they put on an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. Jpas.org

Caroling in Jackson Square

NOLA Holiday Parade

Celebration in the Oaks

Dec. 13 Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - the Best of TSO & More” tour comes to the Smoothie King Center for one night only. The tour promises a new variation of their beloved holiday act. SmoothieKingCenter.com

Dec. 17 Break out your holiday song books! Enjoy caroling with your friends and neighbors at Jackson Square for one of the Crescent City’s most heartwarming holiday traditions. PatioPlanters.net

Harry Shearer & Judith Owen’s “Christmas Without Tears”

Dec. 19 Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons,” “This Is Spinal Tap”) and Judith Owen host an evening full of music, laughter, special guests and yuletide cheer at the Orpheum Theater. All proceeds benefit Innocence Project New Orleans. OrpheumNOLA.net

NOLA Christmas Fest

Dec. 21-30 NOLA Christmas Fest celebrates its 10th anniversary with its usual collection of holiday festivities, including a gingerbread village and an indoor ice-skating rink. There also will be a variety of special anniversary activities. NOLAChristmasFest.com

New Year’s Eve Dine & Dance with The Victory Swing Orchestra Teddy Bear Tea

Dec. 9, 16 & 23 BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum is hosting Teddy Bear Tea. Children will receive a teddy bear, delicious treats and a special visit from Santa. NationalWW2Museum.org

Dec. 31 Treat yourself to a complimentary cocktail and a four-course dinner at BB’s Stage Door Canteen as you enjoy music from the Victory Swing Orchestra. A celebratory Champagne toast will close the evening at midnight. NationalWW2Museum.org

Check all event websites for the most up-to-date information.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

B AR T A B

BY MISTY MILIOTO

Bartender Well-Being

Bounty of Bubbles The Champagne Bureau, USA has released its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants across the United States for Enjoying Champagne. This year, the list includes Brennan’s, the famed dining institution that is part of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. The restaurant also recently received the Grand Award, “Wine Spectator” highest honor, for its exemplary wine and spirits program. Be sure to try Bubbles at Brennan’s, the weekly happy hour that takes place Thursday through Monday with ceremonial Champagne sabering led by Christian Pendleton, Brennan’s master of sabrage and general manager. Meanwhile, Braithe Tidwell, corporate beverage director of Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, and Sam Bortungo, the newly appointed wine director of Brennan’s, have curated a selection of fine Champagne for those who wish to sit and savor a few different options. 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansnewsorleans.com

RANDY P. SCHMIDT PHOTO

NYE Ball

14 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has chosen four organizations through its Philanthropy & Development Committee as 2023 grant recipients, honoring those who are making strides in bartender well-being and welfare. TOTCF will distribute $100,000 among the four organizations: $40,000 to Turning Tables (New Orleans), $20,000 to A Sip of Paradise Community (Atlanta), $20,000 to Equal Measures UK (London) and $20,000 to Giving Kitchen (Atlanta). Locally, Turning Tables is a bar training program that advocates for equity in the hospitality industry in support of the Black and Brown communities of New Orleans. talesofthecocktail. org, turningtablesnola.org

Bar Marilou, the swanky Frenchstyle bar located within Maison de la Luz, is celebrating the return of its New Year’s Eve Surrealist’s Ball. Expect lavish libations and tasty bites (like wagyu sliders with foie gras pave and caramelized onion, and chilled oyster with tomato horseradish granita). Of course, the bar team will be pouring plenty of Bar Marilou’s craft cocktails. Ring in the New Year with a live DJ set by Lady Lavender from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $100 and available on Resy. 544 Carondelet St., 504-8147711, barmarilou.com

Award-Winning Lager

Brieux Carré Brewing Company, which opened in 2017 in the Marigny, has new beer releases almost weekly. For example, the brewery will release a new batch of its dark lager this month and will also have four-packs available. The dark lager just won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. As a small but mighty brewery, Brieux Carré distributes a small amount of kegs to bars and restaurants around the city, but most of the beers can only be found in the taproom. 2115 Decatur St, 504-304-4242, brieuxcarre.com

Cocktails and Crudo Next time you’re in the French Quarter, be sure to check out the new Fives bar (located within the historic 19th-century Pontalba Buildings on Jackson Square). This cozy spot features a drink menu with “World Classics,” “NOLA Classics,” “Originals,” martinis, and beer and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, the raw bar highlights oysters from all three U.S. coasts and caviar service, plus plates that include beef tartare and yellowfin tuna crudo. 529 St. Ann St., 504-399-6954, fives.bar

Cocktail Calendars If you’re looking for a unique and fun advent calendar this year, check out Cask Cartel’s Advent calendars featuring whiskey, vodka, bourbon, scotch or gin. Each calendar is carefully curated with samples from noteworthy distilleries, and, behind every window is a wax-sealed 20 mL sample. It’s a great way to explore different brands throughout the festive season, either on their own or mixed into a crafty cocktail. caskcartel.com

TH E D I S H

BY MISTY MILIOTO

Plus, More Holiday Treats

Burlesque Brunch Palm&Pine is hosting the final month of its Bottoms Up Brunch series Dec. 9 and 23. Guests will not only enjoy performances by New Orleans’ burlesque queen Bella Blue but also a two-course prix fixe menu (with a choice of a starter and a main course). Options include menu items like a crab claw cocktail or turkey neck gumbo to start, and chicken fried quail and waffles, or wagyu steak and eggs as a main. 308 N. Rampart St., 504-814-6200, palmandpinenola.com

Refreshed Repast Located at Algiers Point, Tonti’s Cocktail Bar and Bistro has reopened, transitioning from an exclusive French bistro to a more casual dining experience. Expect some of the same popular menu items, plus some new additions and an eclectic drink menu. Be sure to try the onion soup or the saffron mussels to start, followed by the trout almondine or the mushroom bourguignon as a main. Desserts include creme brûlée, chocolate mousse and a triple berry tart. As for cocktails, try the Tonti’s Gin Rickey or the Bohemian Rose. 323 Verret St., 504-264-7973, tontis-bistro.com

Bounty of the Sea A popular Italian holiday tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, takes place once again this year at GW Fins Dec. 11-12 in the restaurant’s private dining room (seating is limited and reservations are required). The multicourse dinner will include at least seven different varieties of seafood, combining individually plated courses with dishes that will be served family style. Additionally, GW Fins will host its popular holiday lunches on Dec. 8 and 15. In other exciting news, Gary Wollerman, owner of GW Fins, was recently inducted into the Distinguished Restaurant of North America Hall of Fame. 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467, gwfins.com

Elevated Alfresco Dining

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Saba’s signature latke board and drink specials in the restaurant’s L’Chaim Lounge, which will be in full swing throughout Hanukkah (Dec. 7-15, closed Tuesday). Additionally, latkes with optional caviar also will be available throughout Hanukkah at Miss River and Chandelier Bar within the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. 5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770, eatwithsaba.com; 2 Canal St., 504-4345100, fourseasons. com/neworleans At Ayu Bakehouse, be sure to pick up the bakery’s stunning and one-of-a-kind NOLA shotgun-style gingerbread houses, satsuma curd-filled “BaYule Logs” and Hot ‘Mallow kits. 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985, ayubakehouse.com And at Josephine Estelle, within the Ace Hotel New Orleans, celebrate the holidays at the restaurant’s Chef’s Table. Perfect for groups of eight to 22 guests, it offers prix-fixe, largeformat dinners with optional wine pairings. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Chef Alon Shaya and Executive Chef Aleksandre Nadirashvili at Miss River (located within the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans) have added new seasonal dishes to the restaurant’s menu. In addition to Miss River’s signature menu items, such as the buttermilk whole-fried chicken and Louisiana barbecue shrimp, the seasonal menu features a fried oyster sandwich, tuna belly tartar, jumbo lump crab cakes, jambalaya-stuffed acorn squash, oxtail yakamein and Bananas Foster bread pudding. Be sure to book a table on Miss River’s patio (open seven days per week) now that the weather has finally cooled. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5701, missrivernola.com

16 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Merry Mingling

The Windsor Court is hosting several holiday happenings this year, from seasonally themed afternoon teas to a four-course réveillon feast. Holiday Tea in Le Salon features a pot of tea; a glass of sherry, sparkling wine or specialty cocktail; a selection of English tea sandwiches; seasonal scones with clotted cream; and a final course of gourmet desserts. Meanwhile, The Grill Room is hosting a four-course, pre-fixe Réveillon dinner menu nightly through Dec. 31 (excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31). Be sure to get photos surrounded by the hotel’s holiday decor (led by the designers at Dunn & Sonnier), including a 19-foot Christmas tree boasting more than 25,000 white lights and a classic toy train around the base. An additional 10 trees adorned with more than 3,000 ornaments will be on display throughout the hotel. 300 Gravier St., 504-262-2662, thewindsorcourt.com

A Taste of Home

Gris-Gris to Go Go, the recent grab-and-go addition to the Lower Garden District restaurant, is now offering items available to ship nationwide (perfect for sending some holiday goodies from NOLA). Menu items include Gris-Gris’ award-winning chicken and andouille gumbo, chicken and dumplings, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. In addition, locals also can pre-order these items and more via Gris-Gris to Go Go’s new website for in-store pick up. Also be sure to check out the sweets, charcuterie boards, sandwich platters and unique merchandise. 1804 Magazine St., 504-354-1520, ggtogogo.com

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

Style

BY ANDY MYER

Suede Dreams are Made of These

Rich suede accessories are cozy for winter, but transition well with a massive range of pairings throughout the year.

1. Handmade by a mother and son duo in Maharastra, India, the Manoj Unisex Shirt Jacket is the ultimate layering piece. Crafted from buttery soft suede in colorways custom created just for Lekha (shown here in Brick), the jacket also features a subtle chest pocket. Available at Lekha, shoplekha.com.

2. This vintageinspired tote by Cathy Christiansen features a cut out maple leaf pattern with contrasting suede patches. Large enough to hold a computer and all of your essentials, this great-looking bag will never go out of style. Available at Free People, freepeople.com.

18 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

3. The Mila by Below The Belt is made from a velvety Italian suede in a classic design that you will reach for over and over again. With an elegant rectangular buckle in a polished gold finish, the delicate tan hue will work practically with any color. Available at FeBe, febeclothing.com.

4. In a supple suede typically used for gloves, this A-line skirt features flattering touches including angled hip pockets and a slight front slit. Incredibly chic with a great pair of boots and a turtleneck sweater. Available at Billy Reid, billyreid.com.

5. The Havana Chair is crafted from Whistler suede in Biscuit with brass accented natural ash wood legs and arm rests. A statement piece that will elevate most settings, the sides boast straps with buckles and other rustic details. Available at Anthropologie, anthropologie.com.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

PE RSO NA

BY KELLY MASSICOT / PHOTO BY GREG MILES

Q A

Curtis Doucette Dew Drop Inn

ew Orleans is

known as “The Birthplace of Jazz,” and a hub for the advancement of many musical genres. There isn’t

a spot in the city where people can’t hear live music coming from an open door or right there on the street. And there are few places around the city, or country, that can claim the weight of contribution to music like the Dew Drop Inn. A safe haven for the Black community in the 1940’s, ‘50s and ‘60s, the Dew Drop Inn was a place for Black entertainers and artists, a stop on the “Chitlin Circuit,” to cut their teeth. Local developer Curtis Doucette is bringing the historic site – that hosted the likes of Ray Charles, Little Richard and local

Q: How did you get involved with

know? I embarked upon this journey

literally at their places, for having a

musicians like Allen Toussaint – back to

the Dew Drop Inn? It’s actually a

at the beginning of 2021, [but] I

race-mix thing happening, because

its former glory, with a few modern extras

passion project for me. I used to

really started to think about it and

everybody went to have a part of

and a museum featuring the history of

be ashamed to admit that I did not

process the possibility in 2020. It

what was happening.

the location. Doucette shares how he

know anything about the Dew Drop

became available and I seized the

Q: What is special about its impact

got involved with the project and what

Inn before this project was brought

opportunity [in] early 2021. This is

on American music? I kind of gloss

people can expect for the future of the

to my attention. But it’s easy to

a beloved site by many people, and

over the music history just because

Dew Drop Inn.

fall in love with. So the minute

I love it for those same reasons,

everybody’s kind of aware of it.

that I started to learn some of the

whether it be its contribution to

Right? But, for those who are not

history, I fell deeply in love with the

music, or its contribution to Civil

aware of the musical history, not

project. I even have said at times

Rights, or because it’s in "The Green

only could I sit here for like 10 or

that this is the first time I’ve fallen

Book." For instance, there’s stories

15 minutes and just name people

in love with a building. And that

of lawsuits associated with this

who have performed at the Dew

might be funny, because I’ve been

building that involve people fighting

Drop Inn who are notable both

working on buildings for 20 years.

on behalf of Black bar owners in

locally, nationally, internationally

But sometimes It’s different, you

the city. They were facing arrests,

known. Genres of music, one can

Want More?

To continue this conversation, visit our website for exclusive online content. MyNewOrleans.com

20 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

argue, at the very least, were refined,

love for Patsy in this community,

if not created, here at the Dew Drop

Patsy had an annual gala ball here

Inn, and the special jam sessions, and

every year for Halloween. In the

all of those things that happened. So,

1950s; New Orleans; the South. That

it’s not just those notable people, but

is groundbreaking. I think that’s

a shift in what American music looks

groundbreaking for pretty much

like, because of what happened at the

anywhere in the U.S. in the 1950s. I

Dew Drop Inn. You put all those factors

just think that there’s no shortage of

into play, it’s easy to fall in love with.

reasons for people to love it, right? I always say it this way, if you’re a

Q: Why do you think the Dew Drop

Black person, whether you’re from

Inn project means so much to people?

New Orleans or not, this is a reason

I think the biggest thing is people. Ray

to be proud, right? If you are a New

Charles went there and was there all

Orleanian, this place gives you a

the time. Little Richard wouldn’t even

reason to be proud. If you love the

be the Little Richard that we know if

restoration of historical buildings,

it weren’t for the Dew Drop Inn and

this place gives you a reason to be

his time spent in New Orleans. It’s

proud. If you love musical history

people like Allen Toussaint making

or just love music in general, this

this a regular home. Irma Thomas

building gives you a reason to be

early in her career. I think that’s the

proud. So we just cover a lot of

number one reason that I think people

bases. I mean, I can’t think of one

love it so much. But this place was

person who can’t find a reason to

also a safe haven for Black people, as

fall in love with a building.

I mentioned before. It was listed in "The Green Book." And I think that

Q: What can people expect with the

that brings us a special reverence to

new and updated Dew Drop Inn?

this place for people. [Founder] Frank

I won’t be mad if people blur the

Painia was able to build something

lines a little bit between our past

under extraordinarily difficult odds.

and future because we really want

I always talk about this

to take what used to

being a story of Black

happen back in the day

economic resilience, and I’d love to see this change, from resilience but [also] thriving. I’d love to see that happen. Not to say that Frank wasn’t thriving, because I think, man, he did pretty well. He was a

True Confession In 1988 or 1989 I did a rap commercial for my aunt’s beauty salon. Had I just stuck to it I could’ve been ‘Lil Wayne.

very good businessman. I mentioned the Civil Rights history and how they weren’t afraid to challenge the system. [There were] other ways that they

and put it in a modern context. I would always say we want to be as close to what we used to be as possible. The place started off as a barbershop. It evolved into a music venue, nightclub, bar, restaurant, hotel.

Lagniappe Favorite place to watch live music in the city? Snug Harbor

weren’t afraid to challenge the system. They didn’t just

All of those elements, with the exception of the barbershop, we’re bringing back to some degree, but we’re adding some elements. We have a pool in the back.

get arrested here for race mixing. Folks

And that pool will be used not

got arrested here because female

just for our patrons at the hotel,

impersonation was happening. And

but also for folks who just want

that was illegal at the time as well.

to get away from the heat and just

Our emcee was Patsy Vidalia. Because

come with a daily pass and enjoy

of Patsy’s popularity and the general

the pool here..

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

MODINE G UNC H

ART BY LORI OSIECKI

Holiday Spirit Just-rewards and awards

My sister-in-law Gloriosa, who lives Uptown, spends a lot of time and money on her Christmas decorations every year. She got red ribbons twisted around her white porch pillars so they look like candy canes, and an inflatable Santa Claus in the porch swing, and little electric candles going up the walk. Promptly on Dec. 26 she will take the Santa inside and put out a huge sign that says, “Happy New Year to All!” And she’ll roll red poster paper to look like giant firecrackers and put them out too. A lot of people on her block do the same kind of thing. But there are some - she won’t name names - who will STILL have their gross moldy pumpkins out from Halloween. Or strings of black and orange lights on their roofs. In December! This is Gloriosa. All the work she goes through to decorate for the right season at the right time - she already has this brilliant Mardi Gras display planned - and these people will probably just hang a couple strings of beads on their rotten pumpkins. Ugh. She thinks about this a little too much. Then she comes up with an idea. She can anonymously give out awards and citations to the neighbors, based on how they decorate. She decides to call them K.A.R.E.N. (Keep All Residential Exteriors Nice) comments.

She gets on Amazon and orders huge blue-ribbon awards for the good neighbors, with “Best of Show” written on them, and black ribbons for the lazy ones. They read “Try Harder.” Now she has to figure out how to award them, without nobody knowing who did it. She don’t want to mail them, because people who get the black ones won’t put them out. She wants them prominent. She decides she’ll have to do it at night. But then she thinks about them Ring doorbells that take your picture at the door. So that’s no good. She is telling me all about it when my teenage daughter Gladiola walks in. She says what Gloriosa needs to do is get on Amazon and order one of those stretchy form-fitting “morphsuits” - like those blue men wear - that cover you up from head to toe. Then I say, “Get one in green, so you will be like the green screens that don’t show up on camera. And get one that covers your face.” She thinks that’s a brilliant idea. She gets it all planned. She will make her deliveries a few days before Christmas Eve, so the black-ribbon bunch will have time to clean up their act. Maybe they’ll at least throw out the pumpkins. We don’t know that green shows up on a doorbell camera just fine. What they do with the weatherman on TV talking in front of a green screen while we see him in front

22 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

of a map is a lot more complicated than that. Anyway, she gets up her nerve, and orders one, and late one night, she heads out, thinking she is as good as invisible. She’s got her son Comus along, and he has the awards in his wagon, but he keeps way back on the sidewalk so the doorbell cameras don’t see him in the dark. She slaps up blue ribbons on the front doors by taping them to the door wreaths and puts the black ones on the moldy pumpkins. She also puts a blue ribbon on her own wreath, because if hers is the only house without one, it will give her away. And now she’s gotten that out of her system, she feels peaceful

and ready for Christmas. Until two days later, when she opens the paper to this headline: “Sexy Grinch Gives Neighbors Awards and Booby Prizes for Holiday Decor.” And there’s a picture of her running around all in green. You can’t see her face, but Gloriosa happens to be very endowed in the bosom department. (I guess that’s why the headline reads “sexy.”) Everybody on the block knows exactly who did this. Well. The blue-ribbon winners will be her best friends from now on. And maybe the black ribbon people will get rid of those pumpkins. Peace on Earth.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

VINT A G E

BY JOHN R. KEMP

1884 hristmas Eve in New Orleans isn’t like it was back in the late 1800s. Today, shoppers fill stores and the internet, ordering last minute gifts while others hit the highways and airports to visit far-off relatives. Most late 19th century New Orleanians enjoyed festive Christmas celebrations at theaters, in the markets and churches, concerts, and dining in restaurants or with family at home. Local Creoles enjoyed their popular late-night meal called the réveillon. But then there were those excruciatingly noisy street rowdies. As seen in this 1885 Frank Leslie engraving depicting Christmas Eve 1884 in New Orleans, Canal Street and the French Quarter came alive with noisy hooligans who paraded through the streets shooting guns into the air, exploding firecrackers, blowing horns and beating drums like some ancient Druid winter ritual. Apparently, they had gotten

so bad that on Christmas Eve 1884, the Daily Picayune claimed the “horn-blowing hoodlum had destroyed the beautiful purpose of Christmas observations.” The paper ran daily reports of these drunken and raucous demonstrations leading up to Christmas day. Finally yielding to public pressure, New Orleans Mayor J.V. Guillotte issued a proclamation on Dec. 23, 1884, outlawing these “dissipations.” “I hereby declare,” he wrote, “that all good citizens of the city are called upon, in the employment of the pleasures and dissipation attending the Christmas days, to keep within the bounds of reason, and not act in either a boisterous or ridiculous manner. The shooting of firearms, such as pistols and guns, as also the use by boys of blank cartridges or toy pistols is to be deprecated and is hereby prohibited. It is to be hoped that the good reputation which the city bears abroad for quiet and peace will be maintained and these injunctions obeyed.” The Catholic Church in New

24 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Orleans also was fed up. On Dec. of peace and spiritual elevation such 22, 1884, a Daily Picayune reporter as was intended.’” recalled the death of New Orleans Well, Francis Xavier Leray did do Archbishop Napoleon-Joseph Perché something about it. Upon Perché’s on Christmas Eve 1883. death, Leray became archbishop, “Last Christmas eve,” he wrote, and days prior to Christmas Eve “the venerable Archbishop Perche 1884, he issued an edict abolishing was dying in his room at the midnight Mass throughout the Archiepiscopal palace. Close by archdiocese. Doing so, he thought, on the landing at the head of the would eliminate large gatherings stairs overlooking the entrance, the of people, therefore lessening the priestly inmates are accustomed “occasion of dissipation, and even to gather and read and indulge in scandal” brought about by those friendly conversation. It was there noisy outbursts in the streets. “Public that the then Bishop morals,” he wrote, “will Leray and a reporter be best served under who came to inquire this rule.” Christmas Eve in the City of New after the dying prelate’s One can only wonder Orleans. Jan. condition, were sitting. if “public morals” had 3, 1885, Frank Leslie's Illustrated Notwithstanding the been restored. According Newspaper. inclement weather, to Peggy Scott Laborde Courtesy The there was the uproar and John Magill’s book Historic New Orleans Collection of tin horns and "Christmas in New fearful noise of many Orleans," the practice explosions outside. Bishop Leray of shooting off firecrackers and guns expressed his disgust at such a on Christmas Eve continued well celebration of Christmas. ‘I wish I into the early 20th century. could stop all this,’ he said, ‘I wish the celebration could be made one

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

CLASS OF 2023 By Jyl B enson, Jay For man, Re becca Friedma n, Misty M ilioto Photogr aphy by Sam Han na

Hungry Eyes

26 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Chemin à la Mer

Sofia

Gris Gris to Go Go

Sukeban

The Tell Me Bar

Yakuza House

Miss Shirley’s

Mister Mao

The Chloe

High Hat Café

Molly’s Rise and Shine

Sun Chong

Francolini’s

Wonderland & Sea

MaMou

YUM!

Black Roux Culinary Collective

Chicken's Kitchen

Costera and Osteria Lupo

Pigeon & Whale

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

ver I'll neet you! forg xo xo

MOST UNFORGETTABLE

Chemin à la Mer When Donald Link opened Chemin à la Mer in the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, it was to honor the “pathway to the sea” with an oyster bar, steaks and seafood. The hotel recently hired a new executive chef, Dario Montelvere, who now leads all culinary operations at the hotel. Popular dishes include the baked feta, duck confit, Ora King salmon and the wide selection of specialty steaks, plus the variety of boutique oysters at the Oyster Bar. Be sure to check out

28 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Chemin à la Mer’s Oyster Hour (3-5 p.m. daily in the Purple Grackle Bar and on the terrace), when the restaurant offers a rotating selection of $2 oysters with $10 wine and spritz pairings. New York-based Bill Rooney Studio designed the posh interiors, and the restaurant commissioned John Alexander for all of the artwork. Overall, Chemin à la Mer offers a dining experience that’s tough to match. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans - MM

Francolini’s

This year’s best dressed sandwich trades mayo for marinara. Francolini’s brings Northeastern deli faves to a growing audience that’s lining up – after taking a ticket! – for mouthwatering sandwiches (and locally made desserts). Co-owners Tara Francolini (a Jersey girl) and Cesar Nunez are proving their tagline that “Not Everything from Jersey Sucks.” Said Francolini, “It’s been interesting because we were ready for the people who live here who are from the Northeast to come on board, but it’s been pretty cool seeing how many people who haven’t had that type of sandwich have it and think it’s awesome.” Francolini’s gained steam as a popup and opened its own location on Tchoupitoulas Street in July. “Our goal was to bring back that neighborhood corner store vibe where you get a lot of regulars, start knowing people by name, maybe knowing their order,” Nunez said. “Having that brickand-mortar spot where people can come to get their sandwich fix has been really nice.” The power of the parm is unquestionable – whether chicken, meatball, or eggplant, all on seeded sub rolls from Ayu Bakehouse. But the owners have their own best-dressed picks. Francolini votes the Lang (grilled chicken with the works on house made focaccia). For Nunez, it’s the Roxy (their take on a white meatball pie). 3987 Tchoupitoulas St., francolinis.com - RF

BEST DRESSED MYNEWORLEANS.COM

DECEMBER 2023

MOST WONDEROUS

Wonderland & Sea Partners Taylor Hoffman, Jonathan Rhodes and Joel Brown say they opened Wonderland & Sea earlier this year to foster equitable employment, cultivate radical kindness and implement ethical and transparent business practices. The fast casual, family-focused restaurant serves only fried free-range chicken and fried Gulf fish, served as plates or sandwiches. For a meat-free version substitute fried chickpeaflour planks in the style of French panisse. Selections are cooked to order with either spicy or mild seasoning. A virtuous kale salad comes with celery seed dressing, shaved root vegetables, toasted pepitas and sunflower seeds, pickled onions, and queso fresco. Protein or “vegetable tenders” can be added for a few extra bucks. The biggest section on the menu is the sides. They include grilled collards, crispy rice fritters with roasted mushrooms, fried smashed potatoes with Huanciana (a sauce of queso fresco, spices, and turmeric), and a few more. With both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate a total of 100, the shop recently rolled out “Group Gobbles” featuring mains and sauces to feed from 1030. This seems destined to become a go-to for large gatherings from trim-the-tree to Mardi Gras house parties. Frozen drinks are offered both alcohol-free and otherwise and there’s a nice selection of cold beers, too, with daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. 4842 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-766-6520, eatatwonderland.com - JB

30 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

TEACHER’S PET

MaMou Executive chef/partner Tom Branighan and sommelier/partner Molly Wismeier bring stellar professional pedigrees to this neighborhood jewel (in the former site of Meauxbar). Since opening in November 2022, MaMou’s exquisite French brasserie fare has attracted a loyal following among industry and media folks as well as regulars from around the corner. Earlier this year, MaMou made “Bon Appétit’s” Best New Restaurants list and “The New York Times’” annual list of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. – not bad for a spot dreamed up on a modest scale in the middle of the pandemic. “With the reception we’ve received from the community and the press, it seems like our task is well accomplished,” Branighan said. A lush floral motif and jewel tones envelop the space. The menu is packed with winners, like braised celery hearts with smoked beef tongue (get a warm pretzel baguette for dunking), Poisson a la Florentine, and the extravagantly presented Baba au Rhum. The wine and cocktail lists seem a perfect reflection of the restaurant’s soul. Though the MaMou team appreciates the warm reception they’ve received from critics, they’re hardly resting on their laurels. As Wismeier said, “We’ve got to now prove it to the people that come in that this is why we’re on that list.” 924 N. Rampart St., 504-381-4557, mamounola.com - RF

ALWAYS ON THE GO

Gris Gris to Go Go New this year, Gris Gris to Go Go offers chef Eric Cook’s greatest hits from restaurants Gris Gris (chicken and dumplings) and Saint John (smothered turkey necks and baked macaroni pie) as well as some creations only found here to grab for lunch, dinner or at-home entertaining. House favorites include Cook’s darkroux gumbo as well as “Stairway to Heavenly” chicken salad made with dried cherries and toasted pecans; savory puff pastry

with fillings that change weekly to include things like smoked boudin or pot roast. Customizable charcuterie boards and party platters make any occasion easy—football parties, tailgates, a Mardi Gras ball or feeding the masses who show up at your house for parades. Some signature items are available for shipping. 804 Magazine St., 504-354-1520, grisgrisnola.com - JB MYNEWORLEANS.COM

DECEMBER 2023

MOST IMPRESSIVE GROWTH SPURT

MOST SOUTHERN

Yakuza House

High Hat Cafe

Following a year-long meteoric rise in his first miniscule, sixseat sushi spot on Veterans Boulevard, late last year chef Huy Pham moved on to exponentially roomier, sexier digs on Severn Avenue. Pham now has an izakaya (tavern) room, a 16seat sushi bar with additional table seating, and an omakase room for chef-driven specialty dinners and private events. Central to the main room is a wrap-around sushi bar where Phan and his team execute culinary theater with razor precision using a changing roster of uncommon specimens flown in weekly from Toyko’s legendary Toyosu fish market. Known for “dressed” nigiri, Pham might adorn hotate (seared scallop) with foie gras, unagi sauce, and fried leeks; salmon belly with garlic almond chili oil and chives; fatty bluefin tuna with smoked shoyu and truffle pate; or creamy, rich uni with trout roe. In the new space the menu of temaki, lovingly crafted handrolls, and sandos has expanded to add donburi bowls and noodles. The izakaya room serves specialty cocktails and snacks/ appetizers like Japanese fried oysters with spicy yuzu-koshu aioli; translucent-thin seared beef with onions, and ponzu; bite-sized pieces of savory fried chicken with a sauce of Kewpie mayo, yuzu, and jalapeno; and fluffy bao stuffed with cucumber and cha-shu pork. 2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-345-2031, yakuzahouse.com - JB

Regulars of this 12-year-old local favorite shuddered when news broke in August that the popular, affordable restaurant had changed hands from founders Chip Adderson and Adolfo Garcia to former employees Fredo Noguiera and Ryan Iriarte. The masses were placated when Noguiera and Iriarte assured no changes would come. The staff, the chef, and the menu remain the same, including numerous Southern-style smothered vegetables and sides from which to craft a personalized vegetable plate with buttery cornbread on the side; pimento cheese served with house pickles, toast points and deviled eggs; fried catfish; fried chicken; and hot plate specials like red beans and rice on Mondays and Shrimp Creole on Fridays. There’s also a killer burger cooked on a flat-top griddle, served with or without pimento cheese. With a long, welcoming mahogany bar, tile floors, spinning ceiling fans, and picture windows overlooking the busy corner of Freret and Jena streets, High Hat Cafe embodies the southern sense of place while offering a fitting backdrop for the kitchen’s Delta meets NOLA cuisine. 4500 Freret St., 504-7541336, highhatcafe.com - JB

DECEMBER 2023

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

YUM!

HISTORY BUFF

Black Roux Culinary Collective In January chef Myisha “Maya” Mastersson, founder of Black Roux Culinary Collective, launched SOUL, a bi-monthly supper club series. The series serves Mastersson’s “culinary essay” that examines the lineage of the African diaspora to shed light on the many ways that African slaves influenced the way the world eats as well as the spiritual and cultural impacts the enslaved had on the communities in which they found themselves. Each installment dinner in the series pairs a six-course meal with cocktails, music, history, and performances at a different place each time. The first dinner explored those foods specifically brought here from Africa with enslaved people to sustain them on their unwanted journey, as well as the culinary culture they developed out of necessity using the scraps provided to them. The second dinner explored the juke joint from common rooms, where enslaved people were allowed to socialize, to underground speakeasies, and the evolution of Blues music. In September, La Alma (Spanish for soul) explored the impact of the slave trade on Cuban food, music, and culture. Last month, Mastersson explored the impact the Black church experience had on the development of communal culinary and musical traditions. “Each of these dinners is intently curated to be a historically enriching experience,” Mastersson said. “The

series is continually evolving. The goal is to have these twice a month while partnering with a production company to have them recorded for a culinary travel and history series. Over

the next year we will be developing the series and doing extensive research while moving from bi-monthly to monthly mid 2024!” Mastersson is planning a juke

joint experience for New Year’s Eve, with details set to come, so stay tuned! Black Roux Culinary Collective, by appointment only, 586-224-5466, blackrouxcollective. com - JB

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

Molly’s Rise and Shine Celebrating its fifth anniversary this month, Molly’s Rise and Shine is a counter-service neighborhood breakfast joint that opened in late 2018. The interior features plenty of nostalgic design elements, including toys from the late 1980s and ’90s, lunchboxes and board games. “The whole place is built around having a good time, especially the team showing each other a good time as much as possible, and extending that fun to the customers,” said Mason Hereford, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Lauren Agudo. “It’s all about fun, nostalgia and people from every age group getting a chance to look around and crack a grin.” At Molly’s, customers will find a breakfast menu straight from the minds of Chefs Colleen Quarles and Elizabeth Hollinger, served from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. “The food is focused on playful, comforting, flavor-forward dishes that ideally put a smile on our guests’ faces when it arrives and again when they take that first bite,” Hereford said. “We’ve set out to present breakfast offerings that focus … on breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and sprinkle into the menu some less traditional but still craveable dishes. [Options include] collard greens over grits with fiery peanut salsa, roasted carrot yogurt and granola topped with carrot marmalade, and a Thai-style crispy rice salad with a roti scallion pancake and Greek yogurt.” Other popular dishes include the breakfast sandwiches, like the Grand Slam McMuffin, and the spicy fried chicken sandwich. 2368 Magazine St., 504-302-1896, mollysriseandshine.com - MM

MOST LIKELY TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

DECEMBER 2023

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34 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

BIGGEST FLIRT

Miss Shirley’s

Sofia

Ultimately, even retirement couldn’t keep Shirley Lee out of the kitchen. Following a decades-long run at their beloved Metairie dim sum hotspot Royal China, Shirley and her husband Tang embarked on their next big adventure as retirees. But that was before their daughter Carling, a real-estate attorney, discovered that the building housing the former Jung’s Golden Dragon was for sale. They were in Singapore when she called. “I saw it as an investment and I told them they could have someone else operate it and just collect the rent but my mom told me, ‘Well, I’m not going to let someone else operate my restaurant,” Carling said. And so Miss Shirley’s was born. It hit the ground running, thanks in part to a devoted fan base as well as a dining public far more knowledgeable about dim sum and Chinese cuisine in general. “When my parents opened Royal China 40 years ago nobody knew what dim sum was,” Carling recalled. “You’d try and explain it, but they would usually say, ‘I’ll just have the Mandarin Chicken.’ Now people are a lot more informed.” Reasonably priced lunch specials as well as a panoply of sharable small plates (like the emerald-hued “Shrimp with Snow Pea Leaf” and savory steamed pork soup dumplings) keep the regulars coming back. Backed by multigenerational ownership and a new home base, look for Miss Shirley’s to continue to succeed in the years ahead. 3009 Magazine St., 504-3542530, missshirleyschineserestaurant.com - JF

Billy Blatty a local New Orleanian (who also founded Barcadia, Belle’s Diner, Ohm Lounge and Nagomi) opened Sofia in the Warehouse District as an ode to Sophia Loren, an old family friend of his parents. The space features art and design elements that personify Loren’s natural femininity and iconic beauty, including a large, Andy Warhol-style painting of Loren eating spaghetti (commissioned by local artist David Gamble). Other design elements meant to embody Loren’s persona include a dramatic chandelier made of broken plates and cutlery, which hangs above the 100-seat dining room, plus other eye-catching abstract work. The restaurant serves an authentic Italian menu with a family-style approach, all based on the idea that dining is meant to be communal, and food is meant to be shared. Popular menu items include the Commandetore pizza (topped with garlic oil, Ewephoria gouda cheese, Italian sausage, soppressata and prosciutto), the Arrabbiata pasta (tagliatelle pasta with Golf shrimp, Calabrian chili, capers and heirloom tomatoes) and the Bistecca (New York strip steak with porcini demi and truffle butter). Sofia also offers brunch, with options that include Eggs in Purgatory (made with spicy sauce, baked egg, wilted greens and Parmesan cheese) and banana bread French toast (served with Nutella whip, toasted hazelnuts and bananas). 516 Julia St., 504-322-3216, sofianola.com - MM

ALWAYS READY FOR A PARTY

The Chloe The Chloe is a microcosm of Uptown New Orleans culture within an Uptown hotel, restaurant, bar and, of sorts, club. Hotelier Robert LeBlanc and designer Sara Ruffin Costello’s shared vision for the 1891 Victorian Thomas Sully mansion came to fruition in October 2020. The wrought iron gates, expansive brick patio and a front porch are familiar to those who live in the neighborhood as is the heavy tropical foliage surrounding the saltwater pool, which is open to locals for a daily fee. The poolside bar always has a party vibe going with a daily punch, frozen drinks, wine, beer, and snacks. Nooks and intimate gathering places are scattered throughout the property, all of which offer culinary and cocktail services.

The “restaurant” is anywhere you want it to be, and features both light and rib-sticking options like smoked pork belly lettuce cups with peppers, mint, and chili aioli; and pork and shrimp etouffee dumplings. The slow cooked lamb shoulder is just the thing to chase off a winter chill. Beverage manager Autumn Weimer’s sophisticated craft cocktail menu is served from the poolside bar shaded by tropical palmettos as well as an indoor jewel box lounge carved from a former library. Happy hour is offered daily in the main lounge as well as the pool bar. 4125 St Charles Ave., 504-541-5500, thechloenola.com - JB

BEST COUPLE

Costera and Osteria Lupo

BEST SENSE OF HUMOR

Hungry Eyes The 80’s vibe at this Magazine Street hotspot carries the playful cheekiness we’ve come to expect from the folks that gave us Turkey and the Wolf and 2023 Best of Dining classmate Molly’s Rise and Shine. That said, Hungry Eyes is dead serious about its food and beverage offerings. Since opening in April, chef/owner Phil Cenac, along with co-owners Mason Hereford and Lauren Agudo and team, have been dishing delectable offerings like artichoke hearts on the half shell and smoky eggplant dip along with icy martinis and an intoxicating wine list. From the pink neon to the roti flatbread, it’s all designed to add up to a good time – for guests and staff alike. As Cenac said, “Working in the hospitality industry is such a hard thing in itself, the people who do it have so much passion for it. If we’re not having a good time while we’re doing this, what is really the point?” That funloving spirit has birthed events like Prom Under the Sea, a tasting dinner that toasted an 80s milestone in all its mulleted glory. “It’s fun whenever people get really into it and come in dressed up in their 80s gear,” said Cenac. “It brings the space to life – whether guests, staff, having a balloon portrait wall… making them feel comfortable having fun in the space is extremely important to us.” 4206 Magazine St., 504-766-0054, hungryeyesnola.com - RF

Launching one successful restaurant is no small feat, but adding a second – and going gangbusters from the start – is something close to a miracle in the city’s competitive hospitality scene. The team behind Uptown eateries Costera, which opened in 2019, and Osteria Lupo, which launched this April, seems to have found the formula. “I think a lot of the hard work we did at Costera set us up for a successful launch,” said executive chef/ owner Brian Burns. While Costera brought Spanish cuisine to its Uptown neighborhood, Osteria Lupo reaches to northern Italy for its house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and the best-selling black truffle arancini (Burns estimates the kitchen puts out about 80 orders of those on a typical weekend night). Burns and co-owner Reno de Ranieri attribute the success of both restaurants not only to the cuisine but also to the atmosphere, a setting these hospitality veterans (both formerly worked with the Link Restaurant Group) create with intention. “It’s a little more communal and convivial,” Burns said. “There is room for people to walk around and visit their friends.” The no-tablecloth vibe, approachable wine lists, popular family-style tasting menu options, and experienced staff all add up to an offering that keeps guests coming back. Costera, 4938 Prytania St., 504-302-2332, costerarestaurant.com; Osteria Lupo, 4609 Magazine St., 504273-1268, osterialupo.com - RF

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

DECEMBER 2023

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

MOST LIKELY TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD

Mister Mao If you are an adventurous eater, you can spend tens of thousands of dollars traveling the world in search of new flavors, or you can simply show up at a funky shack on Tchoupitoulas Street and cede control to chef Sophina Uong, and her kitchen full of merry pranksters, who has already done it for you. Her self-described “Tropical Roadhouse” plays with global influence like Jackon Pollock plays with paint, whipping up an electrifying pastiche of dishes that will confuse, delight and surprise. Japanese, Southeast Asian, Indian and Mexican cuisine collide to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else. A great place to go with friends, build a shareable feast around the Kashmiri Chicken seasoned with tongue-tingling Szechuan chili, black salt lime cream, ancho and cumin. Cool off with a mound of Ginger Salad, a citrusy slaw textured with seeds and sweetened with currant. The cocktail department borrows from the kitchen’s spice rack, with autumnal drinks like the rum-based Honey Gold redolent with Thai spice, baked apple and fig. And while the culinary toolkit is serious, the food doesn’t take itself seriously. Call it fusion, call it eclectic, call it fun – but whatever you do call it, don’t call it a Chinese restaurant. 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-345-2056, mistermaonola.com - JF

DECEMBER 2023

MYNEWORLEANS.COM

TOUGHEST GIRL

Sukeban ls Save for the seasonal appearance of crawfish in her handrol Asrd’s Blancha ine (temaki) there’s no inkling of chef Jacquel ly sumption Parish upbringing at Sukeban, the very decided “deling meanin name a with tagged she Japanese izakaya quent girl” when she opened it last year. But there is an abundance of badassery in her masterful execution of the Japanese culinary arts that remain firmly entrenched in the boys’ camp, both here and in Japan. Blanchard’s restrained menu is limited to temaki, a few sides, and specials, such as nigiri, the ingredients for which are carefully sourced internation-

ally for their outstanding quality. Crisp roasted nori from Japan’s Ariake Sea encloses select fillings and Koda Farms medium-grain rice for the handrolled temaki, which are Blanchard’s signature offering. The d 16-seat bar in the diminutive Oak Street space is scattere as well as sauce, soy house ’s Sukeban of bottles with spray at earthy miso from Moromi in Connecticut. The crabme . Seafood Higgins used in the most popular temaki is from other from comes menu the on The remainder of the seafood local purveyors who buy directly from fishers. 8126 Oak St., 504-345-2367, barsukeban.com - JB

Chicken’s Kitchen From a cozy Gretna corner, chef/owner Marlon “Chicken” Williams shares his love with the community through plate lunches and a generous dose of personality. Williams opened Chicken’s Kitchen in 2020 and gained a following – both in person and online – not only for fried chicken, four-cheese lasagna, and the coveted oxtails but for his unfiltered takes on life and business ownership. “I remember as a kid going to local corner stores and those being owned by people who lived in the neighborhood, so those interactions were special,” said Williams. “I felt safe because the owners had a relationship with my parents or knew where I lived… and I think we as a society are at our best when we are all tied together like that. Everyone is so disconnected today in real life and the only ‘connections’ are in our fake lives on social media.” Williams describes himself as “very transparent, outspoken, probably overly opinionated” and said the restaurant’s page has become a place to share musings or poke fun at “the world’s current events” while welcoming others to

chime in. “I took the stage to show that behind business, we’re human too,” said Williams. “Through my honest and transparent dialogue, there’s real connection between me and the community.” 629 Derbigny St., Gretna, 504-2442536, chicken-kitchens.com - RF

BEST VOICE

CLASS ACTIVIST

The Tell Me Bar At The Tell Me Bar, guests can enjoy themselves in a chic setting while supporting winemakers with methods deeply rooted in tradition. This haven at the edge of the Lower Garden District has made a splash since opening in late 2022, drawing visitors knowledgeable about wine or eager to explore the extensive list. Said owner/founder Uznea Bauer: “At Tell Me, wine is our medium for collaboration, elevation of mood, sensation, and curiosity. Ultimately, we curate and enjoy serving wines that are foremost pleasurable and have been created with ancestral and/or revolutionary practices. The bar is an approachable and playful, yet elegant, environment: tucked away, dreamy and intimate, both art gallery and dance floor.” Against a stylish but low-key backdrop that would feel at home in Milan, guests connect and unwind over wines by the glass, bottle, or can (including an enticing selection of sherry). When not serving from their own drink-friendly snack menu, Tell Me Bar hosts a rotating schedule of food popups, showcasing local culinary talent whose fare (like oysters, cheese, and sushi) pairs beautifully with the wine offerings. It’s all designed to bring people together, according to Bauer. “We hope that between the space and the wine, we can inspire a celebration of community and connection.” 1235 St. Thomas St., thetellmebar.com - RF

40 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

MOST PHOTOGENIC

Pigeon and Whale It’s hard to nail both cool design and great food. One often comes at the expense of the other. At Pigeon and Whale, a whimsically nautical theme pairs seamlessly with high-quality food and drink (e.g., all the Negronis) from the moment of entry through dessert. “A lot of restaurants in New Orleans miss out on an opportunity to get an experience that not only encompasses food and beverage but also atmosphere, to make it a transportive experience,” said owner John Michael Rowland. “We wanted to be different.” From servers in seamen’s uniform to elegant shipboard styling, the atmosphere helps guests get their sea legs. Under the direction of chef Jeremy Latimer (who, like Rowland, also helms Bucktown’s Station 6), Pigeon and Whale offers seafood influenced by East and West Coast preparations, serving up a lobster roll, clams, and a rotating selection of oysters from New England and elsewhere. Desserts by pastry chef Winnie Rubin are a visual and gastronomic treat, from the lemon-styled cheesecakes that look uncannily real to the bathtub brimming with hazelnut-accented chocolate mousse and a protruding whale’s tail cookie. Said Rowland, “From the drink names to the descriptions on the menu, at every corner you turn… the underlying idea is ‘Let’s have fun.’” 4525 Freret St., 504-249-5487, pigeonandwhalenola.com - RF

MOST LIKELY TO TAKE OVER THE PLANET

Larry Morrow Sun Chong, Morrow’s, Monday Restauranter Larry Morrow’s star rises with the opening of his third restaurant. Honoring his grandmother, Sun Chong draws on a winning formula that melds his family’s heritage with contemporary style. And with another project on the horizon - a steakhouse coming soon to Julia Street – Morrow has planted his flag across a large swath of the city. Because of these achievements, we hereby recognize his portfolio as “Most Likely to Take Over the Planet.” Or, at least, the greater New Orleans area. His first restaurant - Morrow’s in the Marigny - set the initial tone, wrapping its menu of homespun Korean and Cajun mashups in a sleek contemporary package. It quickly because a hotspot, known as much for the long line out front as the chargrilled Korean short ribs. Monday in Mid-City has more of a neighborhood vibe, with its patio and crowd-pleasing brunch menu (with kid’s choices to boot – parents take note.) With Sun Chong, Morrow shifts more into fine dining. It leans into Korean fare with dishes like Citrus Gochujang Hen, glazed with the inimitable fermented red chili paste which is less a condiment than a foundational flavor in Korean cuisine. But perhaps it is the bulgogi that best rings a bell, a soul-warming comfort dish with an emotional connection akin to Red Beans and Rice.

Ultimately, Morrow’s success stems from his unique ability to connect comfort with style. This knack is turbocharging his growth, leading diners to wonder what is coming next. Stay tuned… Sun Chong, 240 Decatur St., 504355-0022, sunchngnola.com; Morrow’s, 2438 St. Claude Ave., 504-827-1519, morrowsnola.com; Monday, 4327 Bienville St., 504-581-8900, mondaynola.com - JF

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

MERRINESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

BALANCING BEING BLESSED AND STRESSED DURING THE HOLIDAYS

By Amy Kirk Duvoisin

ou might feel dread or excitement, indifference, or nostalgia when you hear “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” No matter what you feel, it’s okay. You don’t have to be the Grinch to acknowledge that certain parts of the holiday season are grimaceinducing. You don’t have to be an Elf on the Shelf to realize that seasonal rituals can feel like an exhausting daily game of hide and seek. And, you don’t have to be a child to revel in the decorations, lights, songs, food and profound joys that define this time of year. But no matter what your holiday-associated emotions are, stress is practically unavoidable. One way to minimize this is to learn to adjust your attitude about these high-expectation weeks. Ultimately, “the holidays,” whatever that phrase means to you, need not be the same each year and need not be extraordinary. As our lives change, so do the holidays. Expecting them to be the joyful Santa-stocking-filled days of yore may be the first mistake we

make when we hit a certain age. Just as your birthday celebrations change with time, so do your holiday experiences. Rather than be sad or worried about them not being what they were or what others expect them to be, begin to think about them as malleable moments that you can shape rather than shun. Talking with loved ones about what you thought was stressful or what you enjoyed and want to repeat, could create possibilities for everyone involved. Just by expressing our desires and our disappointments about the holidays, we can start to collaborate and change some parts of our holiday experiences to suit our needs, rather than trying to squeeze into last year’s or a lifetime’s oversized Santa suit of expectations. And while we may have Charles Dickens to “blame” for creating some of the modern-day rituals and romanticism of Christmas that have led to so much stress and imbalance, consider his treatise “What Christmas Is as We Grow Older”, which offers acceptance of how this wish-filled

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

holiday evolves with age and should be embraced for its past as much as its present: “Therefore, as we grow older, let us be more thankful that the circle of our Christmas associations and of the lessons that they bring, expands! Let us welcome every one of them, and summon them to take their places by the Christmas hearth. Welcome, old aspirations, glittering creatures of an ardent fancy, to your shelter underneath the holly! We know you and have not outlived you yet. Welcome, old projects and old loves, however fleeting, to your nooks among the steadier lights that burn around us. Welcome, all that was ever real to our hearts; and for the earnestness that made you real.” We in New Orleans are a bit luckier than the rest of the country—there’s no time for the post-holiday blues with everything turning purple, green, and gold right after. We can go from the highly anticipated winter holidays to the wonders of Twelfth Night and then weeks of parades and events, costumes and king cakes. But until then, let us get through December…

The Three “B”s of Holiday Survival: Balance, Boundaries, and Being (With Your Feelings) Tips from Local Mental Health Professionals Many mental health professionals interviewed have three similar themes when asked about creating more balance and less stress during the holidays. One is that acknowledging how you feel is key to overall mental health. The mix of memories, good and bad, combined with a loss of routine throughout December can create a unique combination of feelings and anxiety. These can be lessened by recognizing the reality of your emotions and not being ashamed of them. Two, that expressing gratitude is also key. Taking time to see what is good in your life and being thankful for it goes a long way toward sustainable mental health. And three, in various ways, they all spoke of setting boundaries. If this is a problem for you for the other eleven months of the year, use December to practice saying “No.” We all need some peace and quiet now and then, and these are crucial during heightened emotional times. It is counterintuitive during the holidays to take time for yourself, as it is the “season of giving,” but you will be unable to of yourself if you don’t lessen your overall output—and give yourself a break. Bonus: All the advice, suggestions, and insights are relevant and applicable all 12 months of the year!

BALANCE “Dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward, so feed this by planning something enjoyable that you can look forward to. Diligently schedule these like you would a doctor’s appointment or a work meeting.

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If you think of your life as three domains, self, school/ career, and interpersonal relationships, and each domain represents three legs of a tripod, if you are spending time working most of your waking hours without balancing self-care and socializing with friends or family, you are bound to tip over. The holidays force us to listen to our bodies. You can’t make everyone happy, so take time to give yourself a reward for your hard work of the past day, week, month, and year. Put your phone away to drown out the noise and get outside! Not everyone loves to exercise, but sometimes just being outside and being in nature can dramatically decrease one’s anxiety. The holidays can give us this opportunity. If you are experiencing anxiety daily, it’s important to let your loved ones and friends know. Calling or texting that friend you haven’t spoken to in months or making it a priority to get together with a particular individual or group of individuals is important. We are social animals. Do not be afraid of venting to the ones we love. They may want to talk about their own mental health with someone as well.” - Dr. Timothy Gioe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC of Crescent City Psychiatric, crescentcitypsychiatric.com/blog

BOUNDARIES “While the holidays can bring connection and comfort, they can cause grief and mental health issues to resurface extra strongly during this time of year. That’s why it’s necessary to be aware of our boundaries. We can be proactive about having good boundaries before, during, and after the holiday season by: Knowing and honoring our limits. We have limits with time, resources, money, and energy. We have emotional limits, social limits, relational limits, mental limits, and physical limits. We need to know ourselves well enough to know what our limits are. When are we getting socially drained, overwhelmed, or exhausted? How much money do we have to spend on travel, gifts, and fun? When does the calendar feel too full? When is it all too much? Who are the people we just can’t be around longer than two minutes? You don’t have to do it all. You can’t, because you’re limited. Make a life-draining and life-giving list. What normally tends to drain you during the holidays? Certain people? Plans? Family obligations? Certain expectations or expenses? Make a list. Then make a list of things that normally breathe life back into you during the holidays. Things you enjoy. People you love. Places that feel safe to you. You can’t avoid everything that drains you, but you can be more aware of how you spend your time. Set holiday intentions. What do you want this season to be about this year? Maybe you hope for simplicity and more rest. Maybe you hope for more freedom and fun. Maybe you want to reconnect with your faith tradition. Maybe you want new adventures. Maybe you want to

YOU CAN’T MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY, SO TAKE TIME TO GIVE YOURSELF A REWARD FOR YOUR HARD WORK OF THE PAST DAY, WEEK, MONTH AND YEAR.” - Dr. Timothy Gioe

see family members you haven’t seen in a while. When you set intentions for the season, you can have an idea of how to spend your time, energy, and money. Then it’s up to you to do what’s in your control to live according to that intention.

THE LIGHT'S ALL AROUND YOU. YOU JUST HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION. AND LET IT GENTLY BRING YOU BACK TO A PLACE OF COMFORT AND JOY.” - Kerrah E. Fabacher

LOOK FOR THE LIGHT Many know deep pain during the holidays. They miss a loved one who’s passed away. They are grieving because their divorce has changed the season so much for them. Their trauma seems to get louder. Maybe they’ve lost hope. Maybe they don’t know what they believe anymore. Maybe they’re hurting. And it can be easy to get sucked into that darkness and despair and hopelessness. But something I tell my clients, listeners, and social media followers all the time is that we just want to find a little bit of light. Because even a little bit of light will capture our attention in a dark place. Our eyes are drawn to it. So, every day, try to find a little bit of light. Notice how great the sun feels on your skin. How nice the weather is. How great that hug felt from your friend. How you saw a funny meme that made you laugh. How there was no traffic on your way to work. How that guy smiled at you in the elevator. How you love Christmas lights. How holiday music makes you roll your eyes, but you secretly love listening to it. Taking your dog on a walk. Watching your kids’ eyes light up from the magic of the season. The light’s all around you. You just have to pay attention. And let it gently bring you back to a place of comfort and joy.” - Kerrah E. Fabacher, Licensed Professional Counselor, Boundaries Coach, Speaker, Writer, Podcaster, Be Known, LLC, kerrahfabacher.com

BEING—WITH YOUR FEELINGS “Every time you notice a negative feeling, give yourself permission to feel it. It’s very normal for people, especially survivors of any type of childhood or family trauma to find the holidays painful or triggering. They may enjoy some of the customs and traditions, but their repetition inevitably provokes memories of previous experiences, even unpleasant ones. For those who grew up not accepted for who they are, particularly anyone who was ‘different,’ the ‘black sheep’ of the family, or people in the LGBTQ community whose family did not accept them, the holiday season can represent a time of isolation, and can increase any already present negative feelings. There is often a great deal of shame associated with feeling negative feelings during the holiday season when everyone is expected to be joyous and happy. But this shame can cause people to stuff their feelings, manifesting as depression and anxiety. It is better to acknowledge any negative feelings or emotions, be it sadness, grief, frustration, or just regular holiday stress

from rushing around. Acknowledge it, and give yourself permission to feel it, and this will help you improve mood stability in the long run. One strategy is to immediately follow up negative feelings with a positive affirmation. For example: “I feel sad that I don’t get to have the peaceful and warm holidays that others seem to be having. I have the right to feel this way. And, I am working on my own personal healing and breaking patterns, so I can offer a nice holiday season to my own children.” - Kaytlyn “Kaytee” Gillis, LCSW-BACS, kaytlyngillislcsw.com

While some 85% of Americans claim to celebrate Christmas (according to statista.com, 2022), if you have negative associations with this holiday, consider researching other December holidays for a new perspective, or find friends who celebrate one of the following and ask for their insights about and plans for these less commercial holidays: Hanukkah —December 7-December 15, 2023. According to blogger Molly Trotsky (https://www.heyalma.com/) is perfect for introverts because it can be celebrated at home alone, there are no costly required gifts or parties, and no religious ceremonies. “Unlike Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which heavily feature synagogue attendance as a prime way to observe the holy days, there are no special Hanukkah synagogue services. This means you don’t have to feel guilty about not going to a place that might push all your introvert buttons.” Bodhi Day—December 8, 2023. Bodhi Day is celebrated in a calm and quiet way by meditating and praying. Some Buddhists decorate a Bodhi Tree with lights and display statues of Buddha. Las Posadas—December 16-December 24, 2023. Celebrated since the 1500s, this Latin American celebration honors the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Each night, children dress up as angels and lead their families and others in caroling and re-enactments, asking for lodging (posadas means “inn” or “lodging”). Winter Solstice — December 21, 2023. It’s easy to create your own nature-based rituals for celebrating the shortest day of the year. Whether crafting or cooking, there are so many ways to make this your own celebration of winter and light. Kwanzaa— December 26, 2023, to January 1, 2024. This African American holiday created in 1966 was not intended to “replace” Christmas although that is the common misperception. The weeklong celebration focuses on one principle each day: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

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ith over 30 years’ experience researching, reviewing, and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company. Our mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class healthcare providers. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nomination process is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physician(s) is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Then, Castle Connolly’s research team thoroughly vets each physician’s professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history and if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician’s interpersonal skills such as listening and communi-

46 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

cating effectively, demonstrating empathy, and instilling trust and confidence, are also considered in the review process. The Castle Connolly Doctor Directory is the largest network of peer-nominated physicians in the nation. Through the nomination process, Castle Connolly also identifies female physicians for their annual Exceptional Women in Medicine award. This award was created by Castle Connolly in order to recognize female physicians who are often underrepresented among award recipients in the medical community. Physicians selected to be recognized for this honor are a subset of the female Top Doctors on their website who are the best in their specialties, in their communities and throughout the nation, delivering exceptional patient care. This award not only recognizes physicians who have greatly contributed to healthcare through clinical care, research, community service, education and leadership, but they have also improved healthcare outcomes for issues specific to women. Physicians do not pay and cannot pay to be selected and profiled for Exceptional Women in Medicine award.

Allergy & Immunology NEW ORLEANS Margaret Huntwork Tulane Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 7th Floor (504) 988-8600 Reena Mehta Uptown Allergy & Asthma 2620 Jena Street (504) 605-5351 Laurianne Wild Tulane Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue (504) 988-8600 SLIDELL Jennifer Olivier Slidell Memorial Allergy and Immunology Clinic 1051 Gause Boulevard, Suite 400 (985) 280-5350 Cardiac Electrophysiology NEW ORLEANS Colleen J. Johnson Tulane Cardiology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor (504) 988-6113 Cardiovascular Disease NEW ORLEANS Sapna V. Desai John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute 1514 Jefferson Highway, 3rd Floor (504) 842-4721 Child & Adolescent Psychiatry NEW ORLEANS Ashley Weiss Tulane Doctors Specialty Psychiatry Clinic 4000 Bienville Street, Suite G (504) 988-0301 Child Neurology METAIRIE Allison H. Conravey Children’s Hospital New Orleans 3040 33rd Street (504) 832-4033 NEW ORLEANS Ann Tilton Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-2888

Maria B. Weimer Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue, Suite 3040 (504) 896-9319 Colon & Rectal Surgery METAIRIE Jennifer D. Silinsky Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates 3100 Galleria Drive, Suite 303 (504) 456-5108 NEW ORLEANS Jacquelyn S. Turner Tulane Surgery and GI Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 6th Floor (504) 988-5110 Dermatology MANDEVILLE Martha E. Stewart Martha E. Stewart Dermatology 4060 Lonesome Road (985) 727-7701 METAIRIE Elizabeth F. Bucher The Skin Surgery Centre 1615 Metairie Road, Suite 101 (504) 644-4226 Mara Alena Haseltine Pure Dermatology 3100 Galleria Drive, Suite 203 (504) 226-7873 Marilyn C. Ray Ochsner Dermatology 2005 Veterans Memorial Boulevard (504) 842-3940 Nicole Elaine Rogers Hair Restoration of the South 3100 Galleria Drive, Suite 201 (504) 315-4247 Laura C. Williams Sanova Dermatology 111 Veterans Boulevard, Suite 406 (504) 838-8225 NEW ORLEANS Erin E. Boh Tulane Dermatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-1700 Patricia R. Hickham Hickham Dermatology & Med Spa 4141 Bienville Street, Suite 108 (504) 962-7771

Deirdre O. Hooper Audubon Dermatology 3525 Prytania Street, Suite 501 (504) 895-3376 Leah G. Jacob Tulane Dermatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-1700 Kathryn G. Kerisit Ochsner Health Center Mid-City at Canal 4100 Canal Street (504) 703-2750 Mary P. Lupo Lupo Center for Aesthetic & General Dermatology 145 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Suite 302 (504) 288-2381

METAIRIE Rachana Sus Tulane Lakeside Primary Care Clinic 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 101 (504) 988-8050 NEW ORLEANS Vernilyn N. Juan Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-8240 Radha Raman 914 Joliet Street (504) 865-0805 Priya P. Velu Ochsner Health Center Tchoupitoulas 5300 Tchoupitoulas Street, Suite C2 (504) 703-3070

Julie Mermilliod Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 11th Floor (504) 842-3940

Gastroenterology NEW ORLEANS Natalie H. Bzowej Ochsner Medical Center 4429 Clara Street, Suite 600 (504) 842-3925

Andrea T. Murina Tulane Dermatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-1700

Rebekah H. Lemann Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates 2820 Napoleon Avenue, Suite 720 (504) 896-8670

Suneeta S. Walia Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 11th Floor (504) 842-3940

Shamita Bhupendra Shah Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-4015

Katy L. Wiltz Southern Dermatology of New Orleans 2633 Napoleon Avenue, Suite 1020 (504) 891-8004

Gynecologic Oncology NEW ORLEANS Pui C. Cheng Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-7142

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism MARRERO Marideli C. Scanlan West Jefferson Medical Center Endocrinology 1111 Medical Center Boulevard, Suite S850 (504) 349-6824

Jessica J. Shank Tulane Cancer Center Clinic 150 South Liberty Street (504) 988-6300

NEW ORLEANS Brandy Panunti Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-4023 Family Medicine MANDEVILLE Nathalie Mascherpa-Kerkow St. Tammany Physicians Network - Mandeville 201 Saint Ann Drive, Suite B (985) 898-4001

Hand Surgery METAIRIE Kelly L. Babineaux LSU Plastic Surgery 3601 Houma Boulevard, Suite 300 (504) 412-1240 Hematology NEW ORLEANS Hana F. Safah Tulane Cancer Center Clinic 150 South Liberty Street (504) 988-6300

Hospice & Palliative Medicine NEW ORLEANS Sonia Malhotra University Medical Center New Orleans 2001 Tulane Avenue (504) 702-3669 Infectious Disease NEW ORLEANS Katherine Baumgarten Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-4005 Sandra A. Kemmerly Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-4005 Internal Medicine COVINGTON Susan F. Ovella Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group 728 West 11th Avenue (985) 730-7195 NEW ORLEANS Jennifer M. Bertsch Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-7007 Jan Cooper New Orleans East Clinic 5646 Read Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 (504) 372-5100 Anjali Niyogi University Medical Center New Orleans 2001 Tulane Avenue (504) 702-3000 Erica V. Tate University Medical Center New Orleans 2001 Tulane Avenue, 2nd Floor (504) 702-3000 Maternal & Fetal Medicine METAIRIE Chi P. Dola Tulane Center for Women’s Health - Lakeside 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 302 (504) 988-8070 Cecilia Gambala Tulane Center for Women’s Health - Lakeside 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 302 (504) 988-8070 Gabriella C. Pridjian Tulane Center for Women’s Health - Lakeside 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 302 (504) 988-8070

NEW ORLEANS Debora Kimberlin Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion 2700 Napoleon Avenue (866) 624-7637 Medical Oncology NEW ORLEANS Bridgette Collins-Burow Tulane Cancer Center Clinic 150 South Liberty Street (504) 988-6300 Nephrology NEW ORLEANS Jing Chen Tulane Internal Medicine Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-5030 Catherine Staffeld-Coit Ochsner Medical Center Multi-Organ Transplant Institute 1514 Jefferson Highway, 1st Floor (504) 842-3925 Neurology NEW ORLEANS Bridget A. Bagert Ochsner Neurology 1514 Jefferson Highway, 7th Floor (504) 842-3980 Elizabeth C. Crabtree Tulane Neurosciences Center 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-5561 Jessica B. Kraker Tulane Neurosciences Center 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-5561 Holly C. Rutherford Tulane Neurosciences Center 1415 Tulane Avenue, 5th Floor (504) 988-5561 RACELAND Jamie B. Huddleston Ochsner Specialty Health Center 141 Twin Oaks Drive (985) 537-2666 Obstetrics & Gynecology COVINGTON Nancy N. Thomas Ochsner Women’s Health Center 71380 Highway 21 (985) 875-2828

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

KENNER Veronica Gillispie Ochsner Health Center - Kenner 200 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite 501 (504) 464-8506

Ophthalmology MANDEVILLE Marilu O’Byrne O’Byrne Eye Clinic 1580 West Causeway Approach, Suite 3 (985) 624-5573

Pediatric Cardiology NEW ORLEANS Tamara T. Bradford The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-9751

Amy Truitt Ochsner Health Center - Kenner 200 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite 501 (504) 464-8506

NEW ORLEANS Rebecca C. Metzinger Tulane Ophthalmology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor (504) 988-5831

Kelly Gajewski The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-9751

METAIRIE Amy N. Grace Lakeside Women’s Services 4720 South I-10 Service Road, Suite 205 (504) 779-8282 NEW ORLEANS Elizabeth Lapeyre Ochsner Baptist 2700 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-4155 Amber Naresh Tulane Multispecialty Clinic 200 Broadway Street, Suite 230 (504) 988-9000 Angela M. Parise Ochsner Baptist 2700 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-4155 Rebecca U. Perret Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-7580 Margaret Roberie Ochsner Baptist 2700 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-4155 Janet Ross Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-8281 Donna S. Waters Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-7142 Anna White Ochsner Baptist 2700 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-4155 SLIDELL Diana L. Clavin Camellia City OB/GYN 1150 Robert Boulevard, Suite 360 (985) 781-4848

THIBODAUX Nano Karen Zeringue Southern Eye Institute 900 Canal Boulevard, Suite 3 (985) 448-3353 Orthopaedic Surgery NEW ORLEANS Mary K. Mulcahey Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine 202 Janet Yulman Way (504) 988-8476 Leslie Elaine Sisco Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 5th Floor (504) 842-3970 Otolaryngology COVINGTON Kathy L. Chauvin ENT & Plastic Surgery Specialists of Louisiana 350 Lakeview Court, Suite A (985) 845-2677 NEW ORLEANS Elisabeth H. Rareshide Ochsner ENT 2820 Napoleon Avenue, Suite 820 (504) 897-4455 Pain Medicine COVINGTON C. Ann Conn Advanced Pain Institute 187 Greenbriar Boulevard, Suite A (985) 345-7246 Pathology NEW ORLEANS Shams K. Halat Tulane Medical Center 1415 Tulane Avenue (504) 988-5224 Pediatric Allergy & Immunology NEW ORLEANS Cathryn C. Hassett Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-6742

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Patricia E. Thomas Ochsner Health Center for Children 1319 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-3900 Pediatric Gastroenterology NEW ORLEANS Ilana Fortgang Ochsner Health Center for Children 1315 Jefferson Highway (866) 624-7637 Pediatric Hematology-Oncology NEW ORLEANS Lolie Yu Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-9740 Pediatric Infectious Disease NEW ORLEANS Margarita Silio Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-2888 Pediatric Otolaryngology NEW ORLEANS Kimsey H Rodriguez Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-4080 Pediatric Pulmonology NEW ORLEANS Adrienne P. Savant Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-2888 Kristin N. Van Hook Ochsner Health Center for Children 1315 Jefferson Highway (504) 842-3900 Pediatric Surgery NEW ORLEANS Mary L. Brandt Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-2888

Jessica A. Zagory Children’s Hospital New Orleans 200 Henry Clay Avenue (504) 896-9756

THIBODAUX Anne T. Boudreaux Preferred Pediatrics 142 Rue Marguerite (985) 449-7529

Karen A. Toribio Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 5th Floor (504) 842-3920

Pediatrics COVINGTON Nancy Mula Fairway Pediatrics 7020 North Highway 190, Suite C (985) 871-7337

Plastic Surgery METAIRIE Abigail E. Chaffin Tulane Breast & Surgery Clinic 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 100 (504) 988-8100

Tamika A. Webb-Detiege Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 5th Floor (504) 842-3920

MANDEVILLE Pamela E. Richard Ochsner Health Center East Mandeville 3235 East Causeway Approach (985) 875-2828 METAIRIE Theresa L. Dise Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 4740 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 200 (504) 894-5479 Patrice Evers Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 4740 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 200 (504) 894-5479 Reita Lawrence Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 3100 Kingman Street (504) 887-6355 Betty P. Lo-Blais Ochsner Health Center Old Metairie 800 Metairie Road (866) 624-7637

Pulmonary Disease KENNER Carol Mason Ochsner LSU Multispecialty 200 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite 701 (504) 412-1705 NEW ORLEANS Christine Bojanowski Tulane Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 7th Floor (504) 988-8600 Nereida A. Parada Tulane Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue (504) 988-8600 Radiation Oncology NEW ORLEANS Ellen L. Zakris Touro Infirmary Crescent City Physicians (504) 897-8387

NEW ORLEANS M. Nora Oates Hales Pediatrics 3525 Prytania Street, Suite 602 (504) 897-0744

Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility METAIRIE Belinda M. Sartor The Fertility Institute 4770 South I-10 Service Road West (504) 454-2165

Quynh-Anh Tran Ochsner Community Health Brees Family Center 5950 Bullard Avenue (504) 354-4188

NEW ORLEANS Lindsay M. Wells Audubon Fertility & Reproductive Medicine 4321 Magnolia Street (504) 891-1390

RIVER RIDGE Janine T. Lissard Ochsner River Ridge Pediatrics 9605 Jefferson Highway, Suite J (504) 703-3270

Rheumatology METAIRIE Madelaine Feldman The Rheumatology Group 111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 404 (504) 899-1120

SLIDELL Tara E. Mitchell Ochsner Health Center for Children - Slidell 2370 Gause Boulevard East (985) 639-3755

NEW ORLEANS Chandana Keshavamurthy Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 5th Floor (504) 842-3920

Sports Medicine NEW ORLEANS Christine M. Keating Ochsner Baptist Back and Spine Center 2820 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-2000 Surgery NEW ORLEANS Mary Killackey Tulane Transplant Institute Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 6th Floor (504) 988-5344 Shauna M. Levy Tulane Surgery and GI Clinic 1415 Tulane Avenue, 6th Floor (504) 988-5110 Shawn A. McKinney University Medical Center New Orleans Ambulatory Care Center (504) 702-3311 Urogynecology/ Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery METAIRIE Margie Kahn Tulane Center for Women’s Health - Lakeside 4720 South I-10 Service Road West, Suite 302 (504) 988-8070 NEW ORLEANS Leise R. Knoepp Ochsner Baptist 2700 Napoleon Avenue (504) 842-4155 Urology NEW ORLEANS Melissa M. Montgomery Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway, 4th Floor (504) 842-4083 Vascular & Interventional Radiology NEW ORLEANS Dee Malkerneker Ochsner Medical Center 1514 Jefferson Highway (985) 646-5075 •

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

50 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

SPONSORED

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

TRAVEL

BY CHERÉ COEN

Dine Naturally, Chattanooga offers numerous dining options, but Massey’s Kitchen at the top of Lookout Mountain serves up fresh, delicious Mediterranean entrees and you don’t have to make the steep drive into town. Pop in and you’ll notice it’s a favorite among locals, and that’s what the owners had in mind. Massey’s replaced the general store that existed on the corner, once a place for the community to congregate. Next door is Canopy Coffee and Wine Bar and the Market on the Mountain. Go Underground

Lighting the Way See Rock City for the holidays

trip to Rock City with its lookout over seven states — so they claim — and the windy gardens sporting garden gnomes throughout its mountainous property is a lively experience any time of the year. But during the holiday season, the attraction atop Lookout Mountain turns into a fairy wonderland, which was the intention of the Carter family in the 1930s who named it Fairyland for Frieda Carter’s fascination with European folklore. Frieda Carter developed their property into elaborate gardens around giant rock formations complemented by fairy tale creations. In 1932, they changed the name and opened Rock

City, now a landmark Southern travel destination.

during the holiday event which continues until Jan. 6.

See

Stay

Don’t miss Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, one of the attraction’s top events of the year. Naturally the famous park lights up for the holidays, but it enhances the experience with massive light displays. Nighttime visitors will enjoy Yule Town, the Arctic Kingdom, the Magic Forest and the 40-foot Christmas tree, not to mention the exquisite lighting of Rock City’s dramatic waterfall. In addition, there will be special activities, such as gingerbread decorating with Mrs. Claus and the Old Man himself at North Pole Village. Visitors must reserve an entry time in advance on Rock City’s website; no walk-ins are allowed

All 10 guest rooms with balconies at the RiverView Inn on Lookout Mountain provide a dramatic view of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga. The rooms offer cozy comfort in a cottage-style setting but also modern amenities, including the essential microwave and fridge for families. A fire pit exists just outside your door and is a favorite spot for guests to gather over a glass of wine, a hot chocolate or to roast s’mores. RiverView is a quick drive to both the Lookout Mountain attractions, dining options on the mountain and downtown Chattanooga.

52 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

In 1928, Leo Lambert discovered a Lookout Mountain cave that sported a 145-foot waterfall. He opened Ruby Falls the following year and it’s been a part of the mountain experience ever since. Visitors take an elevator deep into the mountain and follow a trail through the limestone cave to the falls that descend into a pool. Lights are extinguished — it’s pretty dark in that cave! — but the massive waterfalls are then lighted in colors. It’s a dramatic finish to the tour. In addition, Ruby Falls offers zip lines, special events and a spectacular view of the Chattanooga and the Cumberland Plateau. Sunset Rock It’s a lovely short hike to Sunset Rock on the west side of Lookout Mountain. There’s history here involving the Civil War Battle of Wauhatchie, but most visitors come for the nightly tilting of the Earth and the exquisite sunsets over the Tennessee River. This time of year, the trees are bare so the views are even more breathtaking. Some label this 10-minute hike “sometimes challenging” but our middle-aged group had no issues.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

H OM E A DVIC E

BY LEE CUTRONE / PHOTO BY GREG MILES

Liz Maute

Wrapping it up

he demands of the holiday season can make gift wrapping seem like a chore. But with the right materials and knowhow, gift wrapping can be fun, creative and memorable. Liz Maute, owner of Lionheart Prints, breaks it down. Rather than thinking of gift wrapping as just another item on the to-do list, Maute says to tap into the magic of the season. “We get lost in the hustle and bustle, but when we can slow down and put energy into it, it becomes a joyous experience,” she said. “Gift wrapping is not as hard as it seems.” Maute advises good quality or specialty paper and ribbon, both available at Lionheart along with expert wrapping services for both in-store and non-store purchases. Good quality paper is thicker

54 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

and will fold easier. Maute says blurred ink on a patterned paper is an indicator of lesser quality. For ease, she recommends a hands-free tape dispenser. Adding a little lagniappe to a package will make it extra special. A sprig of Rosemary, a bit of evergreen, a cinnamon stick or an ornament that hints at the gift recipient’s personality or interests are among Maute’s favorite go-tos. For do-it-yourselfers, Maute suggests recycling utilitarian items such as brown paper sacks and shopping bags. Pens (available at Lionheart), acrylic paints and even stamps made with potatoes are great ways to decorate them and a fun activity for kids. Shopping bags with a small logo can be made season-appropriate by cutting an image (or images) from a holiday greeting card and gluing it over the logo. Christmas card images can also be repurposed as gift tags. “Great design is everywhere,” said

Three pieces of tape should be enough for a regular size gift: one on each side and one on the bottom (connect paper to paper rather than paper to package so you can slide package as needed when folding the ends). 2

Cut paper 60% larger than the height of the package to have the right amount on either end.

Maute who recommends looking around for inspiration. “We just have to put on our creative lenses. It’s a muscle we have to train.” While Maute suggests staying on theme with things that relate to the season, she also advises thinking outside the box. For example, she likes to keep a Christmas gift relevant with motifs such as Christmas trees while using a less typical palette of pastels or purples. You can even turn wrapping into a social event. Maute suggests a counter-height workstation with good materials, an assembly line set-up where each person handles what they do best (wrapping, ribbon tying, etc.) and of course, holiday tunes, libations and snacks. “It’s the beauty of the process,” she said. “You can be like little elves.”

Measure ribbon by wrapping it around the package three times. You’ll have the right amount for a crisscross wrap and to have the tails a little longer than the bow. 4

Folding the corners is key. Check out an online how-to for instructions with visuals.

About the Expert

Ten years ago, Oklahoma native Liz Maute parlayed talent and experience in graphic design into her own handmade greeting card business. Today customers can shop Lionheart Prints’ range of stationery and other paper related products online and in-store and see the business’s vintage printing presses at work.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

GROWI NG PA I NS

I was a very skeptical, practical child – so it says a lot about the “magic” of Christmas that I fully bought into the Santa Claus thing. Even after some of my friends stopped believing in first and second grade, I clung fast. “In Little House on the Prairie, they have a visitor come to their house on Christmas who actually saw Santa!” I remember telling my best friend. “He talked to him and everything, Kate! And those books are true, so that means Santa is really real. It’s proof.” (I was concerned enough about the practicality that I asked my mother, who worked at a nonprofit, if Santa Claus got grant money to pay for all of the gifts, but I was still a die-hard believer.) By the time I turned 8, though, my childhood sense of wonder had faded away and I accepted, one by one, that the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and finally Santa Claus were all not real. Christmas was still fun and all – I got presents and time off from school and a big box of summer sausage and cheese from my Wisconsin grandparents – but it never felt quite

Blog

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

BY EVE CRAWFORD PEYTON / ART BY JANE SANDERS

Making a List

Holiday traditions…new and old

the same as it did in my earliest years, when everything felt so exciting and special. When I had my own kids, years later, I went along with the whole Santa myth. We wrote notes and baked cookies to leave for Santa with a glass of milk. We hung stockings. We even put out carrots for the reindeer. It was lovely, and it did seem to bring back some of those old feelings and memories from my own childhood. But what was different, of course,

56 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

was that now I was the one who had to make the magic. Christmas Eve became a time of stress and little sleep as I had to wait out my extremely keyedup and not-at-all-sleepy children, and then, once they had finally succumbed to sleep, wrap all of the “Santa presents” in special paper, crumble some cookie bits onto the plate, pour the glass of milk down the sink, take a bite out of the carrot, stuff the stockings for the entire family, and write notes in which I

tried to disguise my handwriting. Was it worth it? Of course. Absolutely. There is not a much better feeling than happy, grateful kids on Christmas while you smile and chug coffee. And when my kids, many years apart, stopped believing in Santa, it was kind of bittersweet. Just as it did when I myself stopped believing, it changes the holiday, lets a little bit of magic out of it, just like air from a balloon. I miss the days of the kids making lists for Santa or taking them to the mall for Santa pictures, where they would whisper their secret wishes into his ear. There is no mystery anymore about what they want. If my Facebook algorithm were not already offering me up links to various articles, all titled some iteration of, “The Hottest TikTok Products to Make Your Kid Think You’re the Coolest Mom This Christmas,” my kids themselves are sending me carefully curated wish lists on Amazon. I once drove to Hattiesburg to get the perfect Christmas present for my older daughter, so just clicking “add to cart” seems … anticlimactic somehow. But the upside is … I don’t have to stay up until 2 a.m. wrapping presents and pretending to eat cookies and carrots. Instead, we can get into our PJs and watch a movie. We still bake cookies. We still hang stockings. We still hang our favorite sentimental ornaments every year. The traditions are changing, but they’re still there. And honestly, that’s magic enough for me.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

CH EER S

BY ELIZABETH PEARCE / PHOTO BY EUGENIA UHL

Keeping it Simple A not-so cutesy cocktail

Though most cocktail menus feature a range of clever, obscure or even

The No-Name Rum

vaguely pornographic drink names, few names

Cocktail

tell what’s actually in the drink. Coquette’s

1 1/2 ounce Clarin Communal

menu takes a different tack. Bar Manager Jason Kaplan explains, “During COVID, we kept everything simple. Entrees don’t need cutesy names, why should cocktails?” Guests agreed and the practice stuck. Jason never planned to be a bar manager. “I was content to be behind the bar and just do the job,” he said. Still, he admits, “You always have ideas in your head of what a bar should be.” When visiting bars in other cities, he would focus on parts that would work well in New Orleans, for a hypothetical bar he named “Jason’s Tavern.” His current bar, Coquette may not bear his name, but as we know from cocktails, names don’t

To batch the drink, you will need to add water. Jason adds 3/4 ounce of dilution for each serving (ex. 10 servings gets 7 1/2 ounces water).

much matter. Instead,

what matters is who is

Several unusual ingredients in this recipe are all available at either Keife & Co. or Martin’s Wine Cellar.

behind the drink and what is in the glass.

Jason recommends the following books: “Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail” by David Arnold “The Flavor Bible” by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg

Podcast

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

58 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

1/2 ounce Spanish brandy 1/4 ounce Fey Anmé Forest Bitters Amaro 1/2 ounce Sorel liqueur 1/2 ounce Giffard Caribbean Pineapple liqueur 1/4 ounce lime sherbet (see below for recipe) 1/2 ounce purchased tamarind syrup 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 dash Bitter End Jamaican (measure carefully, it’s strong) 2 dashes Bitter Cube Jamaican No. 2 bitters Shake all ingredients over ice. Strain over ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel. Lime “Sherbet” This is meant to remind you of the classic snowball syrup. 4 limes, peeled 2 1/2 cups sugar Additional limes to yield 20 ounces juice Muddle the peels and sugar with a wooden spoon to extract oils. Let sit at least one hour, preferably overnight. Put mixture in pot and add 20 ounces of lime juice and cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently until sugar is dissolved. Strain, then cool. Keeps three weeks in the refrigerator.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

NOSH BY JYL BENSON / PHOTO BY SAM HANNA

The Catfish Blues An appetizer that sings Chef Mason Hereford’s culinary style is what happens when hunger, creativity, access to a panorama of disparate ingredients, and raw talent collide. I suspect his menu planning happens with the assistance of a bong or a bag of adult gummies. Whatever it takes. When I asked him for a recipe for our holiday issue “something suitable for entertaining,” this is what he came back with. I will admit to a bit of incredulity when I saw the recipe. As is Hereford’s M.O., this dish is comprised of a bunch of seemingly incongruous ingredients. Also, like Hereford, some brilliance allows him to foresee (foretaste?) how inharmonious things can come together into a cohesive whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts. This is not on any of his restaurant menus. It is just a personal favorite he likes to pull together when guests are coming. As he said, “This one is a sort of tunasalad-on-toast situation, but better because it’s made with catfish cooked to happy hell on a grill and topped with lime-y, fish sauce–y grilled kale.” Serve the bread on the side and you have a dip. Ditch the bread altogether and you have a salad.

Cook With us!

Join us each third Tuesday of the month and cook along with New Orleans Magazine and our featured chef on Instagram. @neworleansmagazine

60 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Fresh catfish is recommended (best to avoid frozen), but flounder, trout, and cod can be substituted.

Nature’s Own and Sara Lee Artesano Brioche are readily available brands.

The catfish salad and the kale can be prepared the day before.

Catfish Blues Shared by Chef Mason Hereford Turkey & the Wolf, Molly’s Rise and Shine, Hungry Eyes Makes 12 pieces Catfish Salad 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 pounds fresh catfish fillets (see NOTES) 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons malt vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 jalapeño, finely chopped 1. Prepare a grill for direct heat cooking or heat a grill pan until it is ripping hot. 2. Rub the oil on both sides of the fish fillets then with salt and pepper. 3. Grill the fillets, uncovered, until they have grill marks when you lift the underside to check, 2-3 minutes. 4. Carefuly flip the fish and cook until it is firm to the touch, another 3-4 minutes. 5. Remove the fish to a plate. It is ok if it falls apart. Allow the fish to cool. 6. Combine the sour cream, fish sauce, malt vinegar, lime juice, and jalapeño in a medium mixing bowl. 7. Add the cooled fish and mix with a spatula to chunky texture. 8. Add more salt and pepper if desired

For the Kale 6 ounces stemmed kale 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal or about half as much Morton) 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1. Toss the kale in a big bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Dish 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce 6 tablespoons olive oil 6 thick slices soft white bread (see NOTES) Large handful of roughly chopped cilantro leaves Small handful of roughly chopped parsley leaves Thinly sliced red onion, to taste One 2-inch chunk horseradish, peeled 3 satsumas or mandarin oranges peeled and separated into segments 1. Just before serving combine the lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl to make a dressing. 2. Drizzle the oil on both sides of the bread. 3. Grill or toast the bread on hot griddle (or cast iron pan) in batches until both sides are golden brown, about 1 minute side. 4. Move the bread to a rack or stand them up so they lean against each other to keep from getting soggy. 5. Tear the kale into 2-inch-ish pieces, add it to a mixing bowl, and toss with the cilantro, parsley, onion, citrus segments, and dressing. It will be overdressed. This is what you want. 6. Halve the toasts and top them with the catfish salad, then the kale and citrus salad. Drizzle on any remaining dressing. 7. Finely grate (if you have a Microplane use that) the horseradish generously over each open sandwich. Hereford says “go large” on horseradish.

2. Grill the kale in a single layer, flipping once, until it’s charred in spots, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let it cool on a plate.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

SPONSORED

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Luzianne Cafe

Sukho Thai

Briquette

ACE Hotel

Savor the holiday season and stock up on iconic New Orleans gifts at Luzianne Café, a casual Southern diner with a general store nestled in the dining room. This bustling establishment in the heart of the Warehouse District attracts loyal locals and visitors alike.

Serving fine Classical Thai cuisine in New Orleans for 20 years. Uncompromising authenticity, bold Thai spices, and healthy ingredients have made SukhoThai a foodie favorite. Distinctive seafood, spicy curries, scrumptious noodles, broad vegan / gluten-free options, Thai cocktails and sake.

Briquette is proud to showcase contemporary and coastal dishes like Snapper Pontchartrain, Louisiana Redfish on the Half Shell, and Prime 14oz. Ribeye. Happy Hour daily from 5-6pm. Open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve! Open 5-10pm on Christmas Eve. Last seating at 11pm on New Year’s Eve.

Ring in the holiday season deliciously at Ace Hotel New Orleans with worldclass Christmas dining available at Josephine Estelle & Seaworthy, with the finest in festive Fall/Winter cocktail selections also available at Seaworthy and The Lobby Bar.

Titos Ceviche & Pisco

Galatoires

The Commissary

New Orleans Creole Cookery

Luziannecafe.com 481 Girod St. 504-265-1972

Titoscevichepisco.com 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612 1433 St. Charles Ave., 504-354-1342 We are more than Ceviche! Come try our Duck Confit, paired with cilantro rice and salsa criolla, and on Sunday’s Brunch, served with our Peruvian Corn Grits! Comfort Food Peruvian Style - Open seven days per week.

Sukhothai-nola.com 3701 Magazine St., 504-373-6471 2200 Royal St., 504-948-9309

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 private dining experience at Galatoire’s reflects the traditions guests have enjoyed for generations. Book your private dining reservation today!

62 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

Briquette-nola.com 701 S. Peters St. 504-302-7496

Thecommissarynola.com 634 Orange St. 504-274-1850 This holiday season, The Commissary by Dickie Brennan & Co is offering a take-home Christmas feast including beef tenderloin trussed & seasoned in-house, seasonal sides, house-made pies & desserts, their signature Bourbon Milk Punch (a great hostess gift), and everything in between.

Acehotel.com/new-orleans 600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180

Neworleanscreolecookery.com 508 Toulouse St. 504-524-9632 Enjoy Oyster Happy Hour daily from 3-6pm in our beautiful French Quarter courtyard. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm offering Bloody Mary’s and Shrimp and Grits. Open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve! Open 5-10pm on Christmas Eve. Last seating at 11pm on New Year’s Eve.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

SPONSORED

Holiday Gift Guide Get inspired by holiday gift picks sure to suit every taste.

Chouette

Wellington & Co.

Chouette-nola.com 1152 Magazine St., Suite 5, New Orleans (in the Merchant House courtyard) 818-404-9720 Smash it on the court with Tangerine Pickleball Paddles available in 9 different designs. Matching bags, paddle covers, and balls are also available to create the perfect gift set, $85 each.

Wcjewelry.com 505 Royal St., New Orleans 504-525-4855 Grant your loved one the gift of glimmer with these emerald-cut diamond Hoop Earrings in 18kt.

NOLA Boards

Nolaboards.com 4228 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-256-0030 Wreathe your kitchen in Christmas cheer with this Mer-brie Christmas Kitchen Towel, $16.

Lakeside Shopping Center – Dillard’s

3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504-835-8000 Bring a hometown holiday staple to your home with this charming Mr. Bingle Snoball Figurine, $45.

Hall Piano

Hallpiano.com 901 David Dr, Metairie 504-733-8863 For this holiday and years to come, bring home this Steinway Spirio, available now, $124,900.

Vintage Green Review

Vintagegreenreview.com 3530 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-484-9975 Bring home these award-winning Dip shampoo and conditioner bars, available in multiple scents & sizes from NOLA’s Zero Waste Supply & Refill Store, $9.99- $32.00, depending on size.

64 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

SPONSORED

Phina

Aucoin Hart

Aucoinhart.com 525 Metairie Rd, Metairie 504-834-9999 Discover the magic of the season with Aucoin Hart Jewelers. From dazzling diamond necklaces to exquisite bracelets and rings, Aucoin Hart jewelry embodies timeless elegance and beauty. Give the gift of stunning, handcrafted jewelry from Aucoin Hart. 14k Yellow Gold Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet, $3,290.

PhinaShop.com 3717 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 2561 Metairie Rd., Metairie 425 Harrison Ave, New Orleans 504-722-6246 Acrylic Nativity Set. Unique acrylic nativity designed by southern artist Lauren Dunn. 7 figures include Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the 3 wise men, and the angel. The tallest figure is approximately 8 inches and all figures are made out of 3/4 inch thick free-standing acrylic, $230.

Sazerac House

Sazerachouse.com 101 Magazine St., New Orleans 504-910-0100 Elevate your cocktail hour with these Mignon Faget Rocks Glasses featuring details and halo in 22k gold and illustrations by Kate Lacour. Hand wash only. Set of 4, $85.

Perlis Clothing

Perlis.com 6070 Magazine St., New Orleans 800 Decatur, French Quarter 1281 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville 8366 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge 800-725-6070 What’s more Holidays festive than the heathered fabric Crawfish logo sweater? Bundle up in style with this knit 1/4 zip vest perfectly paired with a Crawfish logo tartan wrinkle-free classic fit sport shirt.

Nola Shirts

Nolashirts.com @nolashirts Our Cloud Polo is PGAapproved, temperature regulating, UPF 50+ proof, non-static, nonclingy, chemical-free, and ridiculously soft. Experience unrivaled comfort and performance like no other without chemical additives, $82.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

lcm.org 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans 504-523-1357 This holiday season, give the gift of creativity with the Loopdeloom Weaving Kit. The winner of multiple prestigious toy and craft awards, it’s simple to set up, it’s simple to use, and it’s surprisingly fast. Kit includes one spinning peg loom and 120 yards of yarn to get you started.

MYNEWORLEANS.COM / DECEMBER 2023

SPONSORED

Healthcare Specialists Expert Care You Can Count On

or every season and reason, your Greater New Orleans area healthcare professionals have the specialized expertise to treat and heal every medical malady. From sniffles to cosmetic surgery, you can be assured that these doctors and medical institutions stand ready to provide the best care anywhere through world-class experience, state-of-the-art technology, and down-home hospitality.

VACCINATIONS Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is devoted to its mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Winter months mean holidays, gatherings, and cooler weather. Unfortunately, this makes winter the peak season for respiratory illnesses. Protect your family from getting or spreading illnesses by making sure you are up to date on seasonal vaccines. Health officials recommend flu shots and the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older. Adults 65 and older and pregnant people should get a new vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If you have questions about which vaccines you need or when you should get them, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Preventive vaccines are covered at $0 or very low outof-pocket cost on most health plans. It’s also important to wash your hands often and stay home if you feel sick. Spread cheer, not germs, this holiday season! 5525 Reitz Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809, 1-800-495-2583, bcbsla.com

PLASTIC SURGERY & AESTHETIC SERVICES Sean R. Weiss, MD Facial Plastic Surgery

Looking for the best facelift surgeon in New Orleans? Dr. Sean Weiss is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with fellowship training in advanced Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift techniques to rejuvenate droopy or sagging tissue and achieve long-lasting, beautiful results. Facial rejuvenation surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed on men and women of varying ages. When performed with eyelid or brow repositioning, a comprehensive, more youthful look can be achieved. Dr. Weiss is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the face and neck. He will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs. If you’re ready to look and feel your best, contact Dr. Sean Weiss today to schedule a Facelift or full facial rejuvenation consultation by calling 504-814-3223 or visiting seanweissmd.com. 2201 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 408, 504-814-3223, seanweissmd.com •

66 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM

DECEMBER 2023 A Special Section of New Orleans Magazine WYES-TV/Channel 12 PROGRAM & EVENTS GUIDE

CELEBRATE the

HOLIDAY SEASON WITH

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

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

AGATHA CHRISTIE: LUCY WORSLEY ON THE MYSTERY QUEEN Sundays, December 3-17 at 7pm Lucy Worsley explores the enigma of Agatha Christie. Over three episodes, she applies her historian’s powers of investigation to the Queen of Crime. And she uncovers a complex woman whose life – and work – reflects the upheavals of the 20th century. Photo Credit: Lorian Reed-Drake RAYMOND ARROYO: CHRISTMAS MERRY & BRIGHT Wednesday, December 6 at 10pm; Saturday, December 16 at 9pm; Monday, December 18 at 10pm Award-winning broadcaster and New York Times best-selling author Raymond Arroyo brings his New Orleans jazz roots and well-honed dramatic talents to a toe-tapping, heartwarming, all-new Christmas performance backed by jazz supergroup, The NOLA Players.

LOOKINGGLASS ALICE Friday, December 15 at 9pm A marvel for all ages. The performance by Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company will transport audiences down the rabbit hole to a circus-infused playground for an exhilarating adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories. Photo Credit: Liz Lauren MARY BERRY’S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS Monday, December 18 at 8pm This special is deeply meaningful for Mary because she’s spending it in her mother’s homeland, Scotland. Sprinkled amid the abundance of rich cultural delights will be Mary reflecting on her heritage with fascinating anecdotes about her Scottish roots. Photo Credit: Mark Mainz 25 YEARS WITH LIDIA “A Culinary Jubilee” Monday, December 18 at 9pm In honor of her silver anniversary on PBS, Lidia Bastianich’s family and celebrity friends will join her to roll back the years and get an intimate look at the memorable moments of her life, both on and off the screen. Pictured: Lidia with guests Christopher Walken, Georgianne Walken, Angelo Vivolo, Geoffrey Zakarian, Geoffrey Drummond and Jacques Pépin. Photo Credit: Erika Heymann; WGBH CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2023 Monday, December 25 at 7pm & 8:30pm It is now 1969 and more babies are being born in hospitals than ever before. Pressure on maternity beds remains extremely high across the country but Poplar is coping better than most due to the work of Nonnatus House and the popularity of home births under the auspices of the Sisters. Pictured: Helen George as Trixie Photo Credit: BBC / Nealstreat Productions / Ray Burmiston

There are many ways to show support to WYES this holiday season. We hope you will join us at one of our many upcoming events. For tickets and more details, go to wyes.org/events.

Scan the QR code for quick access to all WYES Events:

See the premiere of Season 4 of MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small” before its television debut. Plus, enjoy mimosas with sweet & savory brunch treats. Saturday, December 9 10:30am WYES, 916 Navarre Aveune $25 wyes.org/events

Thank you to our local MASTERPIECE sponsor:

In partnership with The Blood Center, WYES will host a blood drive in the lobby. Walk-ins are welcome and you can also schedule your visit online. Monday, December 11, 1pm-6pm WYES, 916 Navarre Avenue wyes.org/events

CELEBRATING

31 YEARS!

To view all menus with wine pairings and to reserve your seat, go to wyes.org/events. Seats go on sale on Thursday, January 4, 8am

Tue., Jan. 23

Thu., Feb. 1

Tue., March 5

Wed., March 6

Tue., March 19

Wed., June 12

Wed., June 19

Wed., June 26

Thu., July 18

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Tue., July 30

FRENCH WINE TASTING WITH RICK STEVES VIA ZOOM Tuesday, February 6, 6pm-7:15pm $150 *A portion of the cost benefits WYES MUST REGISTER BY Friday, January 12 wyes.org/events Enjoy a virtual wine tasting, class and Q&A with world traveler Rick Steves and a sommelier. This experience will teach you about the five ‘S’ system (see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor) and the different regions of France. Wine kit includes six mini bottles of French wine (enough for two to taste) that will be shipped directly to your door a few days prior to event. Guests must be 21 years old to participate in alcohol related events. This virtual tasting experience can be shared with another friend or family member. Just purchase an additional kit and enter the shipping address for that person. Please Note: Kits cannot be shipped to Canada and the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Utah.

G CAKE N I K CO

and

N VERSATION

WYES is pleased to partner with Collette. The highly-trained, knowledgeable travel experts have planned two vacations with a portion of the proceeds benefiting WYES! Head to wyes.org/travel for all trip details.

France Magnifique

October 3 — October 14, 2024 12 Days • 16 Meals Call: 1-800-581-8942 Refer to booking #: 1204755 Booking deadline: April 4, 2024 *Join us at WYES on Thursday, January 18 at 1pm for a free presentation on the France trip with a Collette representative. Register online

Join us for a king cake tasting and conversation in celebration of all things Carnival!

at wyes.org/events.

WYES KING CAKE & CONVERSATION Saturday, January 20, 1pm - 3pm WYES, 916 Navarre Avenue $25 wyes.org/events Taste a variety of king cakes from local bakeries and vote for your favorite. Explore Carnival history with Peggy Scott Laborde, Errol Laborde, Arthur Hardy, "Big Book of King Cake" author Matt Haines and others. Also joining us are 504 Funk, Olde Tyme New Orleans King Cake Syrup and more.

Tropical Costa Rica

December 9 — December 17, 2024 9 Days • 14 Meals Call: 1-800-581-8942 Refer to booking #: 1204749 Booking deadline: June 9, 2024

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

WEEKDAYS ON

1 FRIDAY

7am GREAT SCENIC RAILWAY JOURNEYS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL Gain access to some of America’s best railway adventures, from the Rocky Mountaineer to the Skyrail. 9am RICK STEVES' FESTIVE EUROPE 2pm LITERARY NEW ORLEANS Highlights include interviews with Anne Rice, Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy, Douglas Brinkley, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Walter Isaacson, Tennessee Williams and Thelma Toole, the mother of John Kennedy Toole, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “A Confederacy of Dunces,” among others.

7:30am CURIOUS GEORGE

3:30pm 5 MINUTE YOGA FIX WITH PEGGY CAPPY

The television series is designed to inspire kids to explore science, math and engineering in the world around them in a fun and entertaining way. Based on the best-selling Curious George books by Margret and H.A. Rey. Visit pbskids.org/curiousgeorge and follow Curious George on Facebook.

4:30pm ENGLAND: MADE WITH LOVE Meet the skilled watchmakers, weavers, bookbinders and roof thatchers who teach hands-on skills to the next generation of apprentices.

9:30am KEVIN BELTON’S COOKIN’ LOUISIANA 10am THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY 10:30am CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME’S ALWAYS COOKING! 11am SUZE ORMAN’S ULTIMATE RETIREMENT GUIDE The personal finance expert provides essential advice on planning for and thriving in retirement. 1pm YOUR DNA SECRETS REVEALED

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm INFORMED SOURCES

5am ARTHUR

10am DONKEY HODIE

5:30am ODD SQUAD

10:30am PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC

6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am WILD KRATTS 7:30am CURIOUS GEORGE 8am DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

11am ELINOR WONDERS WHY

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

11:30am NATURE CAT NOON HERO ELEMENTARY 12:30pm XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM

8:30am ROSIE’S RULES

1pm DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD

9am SESAME STREET

1:30pm ARTHUR

9:30am WORK IT OUT WOMBATS!

9pm BARBRA STREISAND: BACK TO BROOKLYN Join the legendary superstar for a magical concert taped in October 2012. Includes nine songs that Barbra had never performed on stage, and features guests trumpeter Chris Botti, singing group Il Volo and Streisand’s son, actordirector Jason Gould. Photo Credit: Russell James 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

2 SATURDAY

3pm RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS Enjoy a colorful, musical celebration of Christmas across Europe. From England to Wales, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, you’ll see the bright Christmas markets, hear local choirs, share holiday traditions with families…and even play in the snow. 5pm TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE **Get your chance to see the group LIVE on Wednesday, December 13 at the Smoothie King Center by becoming a WYES Member. $150 for one ticket; $275 for two tickets; both levels receive access to WYES Passport & New Orleans magazine. Call 504-486-7311 or visit wyes.org/tickets. 6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Weather Show” 7pm STEVE & EYDIE: MEMORIES OF MY MOM AND DAD Celebrate the long illustrious careers of the musical duo of Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.

9pm 70’S SOUL SUPERSTARS

Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts on Thursday, March 28. Become a WYES member and get tickets at wyes.org/tickets or call 504-486-7311.

6 WEDNESDAY

10pm YOUR DNA SECRETS REVEALED

7pm NATURE “American Arctic”

10am LITERARY NEW ORLEANS Enjoy WYES’ newest documentary from producer and host Peggy Scott Laborde.

4 MONDAY

8pm NOVA “Ghosts of Stonehenge”

11:30am TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “The Gen X Years”

12:30pm MEMORY MAKEOVER WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD Award-winning psychiatrist, neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen will show you how to supercharge your memory and remember what matters most to you.

8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Women’s Work”

11:30pm 60’S POP ROCK AND SOUL

3 SUNDAY

4:30pm MOMENTS TO REMEMBER

9pm CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS Reminisce about Christmastime in New Orleans with Mr. Bingle, downtown New Orleans Christmas decorations, rare snowfalls, bonfires along the Mississippi River and more. 10pm ELVIS AND THE USS ARIZONA The story of how one of music’s biggest icons helped to establish a USS Arizona memorial. 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

5 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm AGATHA CHRISTIE: LUCY WORSLEY ON THE MYSTERY QUEEN “Cat Among the Pigeons” (Pt. 1/3) Lucy Worsley explores the enigma of Agatha Christie. Over three episodes, she applies her historian’s powers of investigation to the Queen of Crime. And she uncovers a complex woman whose life – and work – reflects the upheavals of the 20th century. Photo Credit: Tom Hayward

TICKET OFFER 8:30pm MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE: THE IMPOSSIBLE TOUR Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance 25th Anniversary Concert Tour is coming to the

7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Laughing on the Inside”

9pm SECRETS OF THE DEAD “First Circle of Stonehenge”

LOCAL 10pm RAYMOND ARROYO: CHRISTMAS MERRY & BRIGHT Native New Orleanian Raymond Arroyo performs a collection of Christmas standards backed by jazz supergroup, The NOLA Players. 10:30pm A CREOLE CHRISTMAS Taped on location at New Orleans’ historic Hermann-Grima house, this special features holiday music by the New Orleans Blend choir group and takes a look at local customs from Christmases past. 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm THE JEWISH JOURNEY: AMERICA Trace Jewish immigration to the US through the centuries with personal stories and scholars.

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT

9pm FRONTLINE “Inside the Uvalde Response” The real-time accounts of the response, missteps and trauma of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 4 “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans” (Pt. 4/4)

10pm PEARL HARBOR: INTO THE ARIZONA Resarchers use advanced imaging technology to look into the wreckage. 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

2:30pm SUZE ORMAN’S ULTIMATE RETIREMENT GUIDE

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

9:35pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “Triangle at Rhodes” (Pt. 6/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 11 (Pt. 2/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

SATURDAYS ON

8 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

University Irvine and friends invite you to join us for a festive collection of music that celebrates, rejoices, and finds hope in the gifts of Christmas.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

7pm INFORMED SOURCES 7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 9pm CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS

1:30pm THE KEY INGREDIENT WITH SHERI CASTLE Renowned cookbook author, food writer, and cooking teacher Sheri Castle shares favorite recipes from her kitchen and the stories behind some of our most beloved ingredients. From apples and oysters to muscadines and cornmeal, Sheri explores ingredients from the ground up.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD 5:30am ARTHUR 6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am J. SCHWANKE’S LIFE IN BLOOM

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 7:30am WOODSMITH SHOP CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL'S MILK STREET 8am THIS OLD HOUSE TELEVISION 8:30am ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

1pm GREAT CHEFS OF NEW ORLEANS

1:30pm 9am KITCHEN QUEENS: THE KEY INGREDIENT WITH NEW ORLEANS SHERI CASTLE 9:30am 2pm KEVIN BELTON’S PATI'S MEXICAN COOKIN’ TABLE LOUISIANA 2:30pm 10am THE DOOKY CHASE SARA'S KITCHEN: WEEKNIGHT MEALS LEAH’S LEGACY

DIAL 12 | January 2019

10pm CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT 2021 features Belmont University students performing holiday favorites in the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. This celebration of the season includes holiday favorites and classic songs. Photo Credit: Sam Simpkins, Belmont University 11pm ACL PRESENTS: 22ND ANNUAL AMERICANA HONORS

10 SUNDAY 10pm MARY BERRY’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS Join the beloved British home cook and her friends and chefs Angela Hartnett and Monica Galetti for Mary’s definitive guide to a festive Christmas feast. Plus, Mary and TV host Rylan visit a “pick your own” vegetable farm where they cook up a yummy dish of Brussels sprouts with peas and cashews, hoping to convert some sprouts-hating kids. Photo Credit: Cody Burridge for Plank PR 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

9 SATURDAY 5pm LITERARY NEW ORLEANS

6pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “Triangle at Rhodes” (Pt. 6/10) 7pm AGATHA CHRISTIE: LUCY WORSLEY ON THE MYSTERY QUEEN “Destination Unknown” (Pt. 2/3) Lucy Worsley investigates Agatha Christie’s disappearance in 1926. She visits the key locations, and reveals connections between Agatha’s experiences and her novels. She also uncovers new evidence about Agatha’s mental health. 8pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Second Time Lucky/Honeymoon’s Over’ (Pts. 1-2/7) Rewatch Season 3 before Season 4 premieres on Sundays, January 7 February 18.

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Anniversary Special”

10:30pm MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN ALSACE See the charmingly decorated storybook towns of the Alsace region of France at Christmastime.

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Charlotte”

11pm ASTRID, SEASON 2 “In Custody” (Pt. 8/8) In French with English subtitles.

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Laughing on the Inside”

11 MONDAY

9pm THE THRILL OF HOPE: A CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS The vocal and instrumental musical ensembles of Concordia

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Tearjerkers”

8pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Body of Work”

9pm ANCIENT INVISIBLE CITIES “Athens”

9pm LITERARY NEW ORLEANS Enjoy a close-up look at some of the world’s most famous literary works from New Orleans. 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH NDRÉ LABORDE looks at the past week’s market and brings local and national investment professionals to you. Have a question for André? Email andre@ benacapital.com.

12 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

10pm CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS Included in the documentary are rare photos and footage. Also featured are interviews with Irma Thomas, Moon Landrieu, Anne Rice and Deacon John Moore. Pictured: Host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde with Santa at Maison Blanche. 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm SEASON OF LIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR Join Tony awardwinning Broadway singer Lea Salonga and world-renowned actor Sir David Suchet for a Christmas extravaganza for all ages. 8:30pm EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS Visit eight spectacular towns in Germany, France and Switzerland and their Christmas Markets, learn of the history of the towns, see their colorful markets, and enjoy the magic and enchantment of medieval and castle towns in Europe at Christmas time. 9pm FRONTLINE “The Discord Leaks” Learn how 21-year-old National Guardsman airman Jack Teixeira leaked classified documents onto the Discord gaming and chat platform.

14 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, S EASON 5 “The Pale Horse” (Pt. 1/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “Problem at Sea” (Pt. 7/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 11 (Pt. 3/8)

HIGHLIGHT

9pm LOOKINGGLASS ALICE Enjoy a circusinfused adventure created and performed by Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company. Photo Credit: Liz Lauren 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

16 SATURDAY 5pm A CREOLE CHRISTMAS 5:30pm CHRISTMAS WITH WALDO Join Waldo, a big white rabbit, by puppeteer Jeff Kent for a holiday program you won’t forget. Waldo searches for the true meaning of Christmas. 6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Christmas”

10pm FRONTLINE “The Pandora Papers”

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

15 FRIDAY

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Vintage Portland”

13 WEDNESDAY

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Beyond the Pale”

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

7pm NATURE “Canada: Surviving the Wild North”

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN

9pm RAYMOND ARROYO: CHRISTMAS MERRY & BRIGHT Native New Orleanian Raymond Arroyo performs a collection of Christmas standards backed by jazz supergroup, The NOLA Players.

8pm NOVA “The Next Pompeii”

8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

10pm POV “How to Have an American Baby” Told through a series of intimately observed vignettes, the story of a hidden global economy emerges–depicting the fortunes and tragedies that befall the ordinary people caught in its web.

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

SUNDAYS ON

11:30pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Brandy Clark”

11pm SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 8 “We’re Not Talking About That” (Pt. 1/5) The regulars are back, and everything is looking promising; until a Communist painter, two German soldiers, and an orthopedic surgeon arrive. In Danish with English subtitles.

17 SUNDAY

18 MONDAY

11pm CHRISTMAS WITH WALDO

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Out of this World” A SIGNED COPY MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

11:30am THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY Love the new cooking series? Then be sure to purchase a revised edition of the 1990 cookbook by Leah Chase. The series’ companion cookbook includes all recipes from the series, plus more family favorites — totaling 252 recipes. All cookbooks are signed by Chef Dook Chase. Purchase yours today for $33.95 at dookychase.wyes.org.

5am MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD

9:30am INFORMED SOURCES

5:30am ARTHUR

10am VARIOUS PROGRAMMING

6am MOLLY OF DENALI 6:30am ALMA’S WAY 7am WILD KRATTS 7:30am CURIOUS GEORGE 8am WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 8:30am LOUISIANA THE STATE WE’RE IN 9am FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER

D10

9:30pm A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

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

5:30pm DEBBIE GIBSON HOLIDAY: A SOUND CHECK SPECIAL In between songs, Gibson talks with host Jen Eckert about her creative process, writing original songs, her own holiday memories, and recording the new album. Singer Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block also discusses what it’s like working and touring with Gibson. Photo Credit: NJ PBS 6pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “Problem at Sea” (Pt. 7/10)

7pm AGATHA CHRISTIE: LUCY WORSLEY ON THE MYSTERY QUEEN “Unfinished Portrait” (Pt. 3/3) Rich, famous, successful… an enigma hiding in plain sight. Lucy Worsley explores how Agatha Christie found happiness in her second marriage. And she discovers how the author secured her reputation as the ‘Queen of Crime.’ Photo Credit: Lorian Reed-Drake 8pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Surviving Siegfried/What a Balls Up!’ (Pts. 3-4/7) Season 4 premieres on Sundays, January 7 - February 18. 10:30pm EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

HIGHLIGHT 8pm MARY BERRY’S HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS In this enchanting holiday special, beloved home cook Dame Mary Berry is heading to the Highlands, cooking up some truly indulgent dishes. But this isn’t just any Christmas — it’s deeply meaningful for Mary because she’s spending it in her mother’s homeland, Scotland. Sprinkled amid the abundance of rich cultural delights will be Mary reflecting on her heritage with fascinating anecdotes about her Scottish roots. Photo Credit: Mark Mainz

HIGHLIGHT 9pm 25 YEARS WITH LIDIA “A Culinary Jubilee” In honor of her silver anniversary on PBS, Lidia Bastianich’s familyand celebrity friends will join her to roll back the years and get an intimate look at the memorable moments of her life, both on and off the screen. Pictured: Lidia and her four grandchildren make gnocchi Photo Credit: Erika Heymann; WGBH 10pm RAYMOND ARROYO: CHRISTMAS MERRY & BRIGHT

10:30pm A CREOLE CHRISTMAS

23 SATURDAY 6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Roses”

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Hotel Del Coronado” (Hour 3/3)

19 TUESDAY

7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Country Roots”

7pm STEPPIN’ OUT Host and producer Peggy Scott Laborde welcomes regular guests Poppy Tooker, Alan Smason, plus new roundtable visitors every week to discuss New Orleans restaurants, arts and entertainment. Never miss an episode. Watch every episode on WYES’ YouTube channel. Pictured (l-r): Alan Smason, Dianne Honoré, Peggy Scott Laborde, Poppy Tooker and Doug MacCash 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 5 “The Secret of Chimneys” (Pt. 2/4)

8pm AMERICA AT A CROSSROADS WITH JUDY WOODRUFF In this new series for PBS NEWSHOUR, seasoned journalist Judy Woodruff travels the country focusing on the 2024 presidential election. Woodruff interviews scholars, public figures and ordinary people and delves into how and why political divisions divide our nation, and what we can do to find common ground.

9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The Incredible Theft” (Pt. 8/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 11 (Pt. 4/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

9pm FRONTLINE “Netanyahu, The U.S. and the Road to War in Gaza”

22 FRIDAY

20 WEDNESDAY

7pm INFORMED SOURCES

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm NATURE “Santa’s Wild Home” 8pm NOVA “Decoding the Great Pyramid” 9pm ANCIENT INVISIBLE CITIES “Cairo” 10pm A CREOLE CHRISTMAS 10:30pm CHRISTMAS WITH WALDO 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

21 THURSDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Country Roots”

9pm SARAH BRIGHTMAN: A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY Join the world’s best-selling soprano performing holiday classics and special guests Andrew Lloyd Webber, Aled Jones and choir Gregorian. Photo Credit: Oliver Sommers 10pm A ST. THOMAS CHRISTMAS: REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE features over 200 student performers from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. 11pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats/Adia Victoria”

24 SUNDAY 6pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The Incredible Theft” (Pt. 8/10) 7pm MASTERPIECE “All Creatures Great and Small, Season 3” ‘Edward/For Whom the Bells Toll’ (Pts. 5-6/7) 9pm SEASON OF LIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR Join Tony awardwinning Broadway singer Lea Salonga and world-renowned actor Sir David Suchet for a Christmas extravaganza for all ages.

9pm SEASON OF LIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR

10:30pm A CREOLE CHRISTMAS

10:30pm DEBBIE GIBSON HOLIDAY: A SOUND CHECK SPECIAL

11pm SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 8 “Chocolate and Whipped Cream” (Pt. 2/5) In Danish with English subtitles.

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

WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

25 MONDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

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WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12 PROGRAM GUIDE | DECEMBER 2023

HIGHLIGHT 7pm CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2023 It is now 1969 and more babies are being born in hospitals than ever before. Pressure on maternity beds remains extremely high across the country but Poplar is coping better than most due to the work of Nonnatus House. Pictured: Helen George as Trixie Photo Credit: BBC / Nealstreat Productions / Ray Burmiston 8:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2023 10pm CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS 11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

26 TUESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hidden in the Genes” An all-new season kicks-off January 4th.

the Ichthyosaur, a fearsome fish lizard that lived during the age of dinosaurs.

11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

10pm LITERARY NEW ORLEANS

30 SATURDAY

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

5pm WHERE NEW ORLEANS SHOPPED

28 THURSDAY

6pm THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW “Themes From the Classics”

6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm STEPPIN’ OUT 7:30pm BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW 8pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE, SEASON 5 “The Blue Geranium” (Pt. 3/4) 9:30pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The King of Clubs” (Pt. 9/10) 10:30pm CALL THE MIDWIFE, SEASON 11 (Pt. 5/8) 11:30pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

29 FRIDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Homecomings”

11pm AMANPOUR AND COMPANY

27 WEDNESDAY 6pm PBS NEWSHOUR 7pm NATURE “Penguins: Meet the Family” 8pm NOVA “Alaskan Dinosaurs” 9pm NATURE “Attenborough and the Sea Dragon” Join Sir David Attenborough as he pieces together the remarkable discovery of

D12

8pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Hidden in the Genes” An all-new season kicks-off January 4th. 9pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “Homecomings” 10pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “This Land is My Land” 11pm AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Cimafunk and The Tribe”

31 SUNDAY

9pm FINDING YOUR ROOTS “This Land is My Land” 10pm CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS: KWANZAA explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories.

7pm ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Naughty and Nice”

7pm INFORMED SOURCES Now in its 39th year, the weekly series hosted by Marcia Kavanaugh and produced by Errol Laborde, gives an in-depth look into the important news of metro New Orleans and Louisiana. Repeats Sunday mornings at 9:30am. 7:30pm LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE’RE IN 8pm WASHINGTON WEEK WITH THE ATLANTIC 8:30pm WALL $TREET WRAP-UP WITH ANDRÉ LABORDE 9pm CRAFT IN AMERICA “Play/Miniatures” (Pts. 1-2/2) 11pm STEPPIN’ OUT

6pm AGATHA CHRISTIE’S POIROT “The King of Clubs” (Pt. 9/10) 7pm Small, Season 3” ‘Merry Bloody Christmas’ (Pts. 7/7) Season 4 premieres on Sundays, January 7 - February 18. 8:30pm NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER: A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Join Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LaBelle, Will Liverman, Sandi Patty and more for a night of uplifting music across classical, pop, Motown and country genres. The performances are backed by the American Pops Orchestra and combined church choirs. 9:30pm GREAT PERFORMANCES “Josh Groban’s Great Big Radio City Show” 11pm SEASIDE HOTEL, SEASON 8 “The Letter” (Pt. 3/5) In Danish with English subtitles.

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.

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

"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

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Smith Lupo LITERARY NEW ORLEANS

Website wyes.org Questions or Comments info@wyes.org General (504) 486-5511 Membership (504) 831-1503 Programming Questions (504) 486-5511

WYES OFFICERS Chair Mark Romig

BRITISH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW AGATHA CHRISTIE'S POIROT / AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MARPLE

Mailing Address P.O. Box 24026, New Orleans, LA 70184

Vice-Chair Len Aucoin

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

Secretary Karen Coaxum

STEPPIN' OUT

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The Melvin S. Cohen Foundation, Inc. THE DOOKY CHASE KITCHEN: LEAH’S LEGACY

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Streetcar

BY ERROL LABORDE / ART BY ARTHUR NEAD

Bows of Holly A Streetcar Centennial

ven streetcars wear holly during December. The Regional

Transit Authority routinely fastens a bough to the top front of its trolleys. Those streetcars that travel along the St. Charles

“an ideal metaphor for the human condition.” In 1947, the play opened on Broadway. In 1951, it premiered as a movie. One of those cars from the 1923 fleet was number 922. It would be immortalized in the opening scene of the movie.

Avenue route, the green ones, have acquired an additional

By the 1960s trolley lines were being replaced throughout the country by

importance this time of the year. While Twelfth Night,

city buses which were not limited by track routes. They would, however,

January 6, is the last day of the Christmas season, only in New Orleans

be later criticized for being too polluting. The last routes to survive in New

has that date become a cause of symbolic celebration. A whimsical group

Orleans were the Canal Street and St. Charles lines. Eventually the Canal

called the “Phunny Phorty Phellows” traditionally rides a streetcar on that

Street service was closed too.

evening to spread the word that with the passing of the holiday season, a new one begins - Carnival. This year the fleet of green trolleys deserves special reverence for 2023 is its centennial. They are among the enduring stories on rails. One of the most admirable, but overlooked, characters in the development of the New Orleans landscape was a design engineer with a passion for urban rail transportation, Perley A. Thomas.

In 1972 Thomas’ heirs converted the company into one that specialized in buses. Its streetcar era was over, but not in New Orleans, where 35 of the olive green trolleys survive on the St. Charles line. New Orleans Public Service would become the caretaker of the old machines. Mechanics at the Willow Street carbarn, off of South Carrollton Avenue, still keep the Perley Thomases rolling. (One worker with a passion for the trolleys once revealed to me that a

Here the scene shifts to the unlikely destination of High Point, North

quirk of the machines was that “they had no roaches.” Despite the consumer

Carolina. In 1910, Thomas began working for the Southern Car Company

trash left on the floors the sounds of medal wheels on a metal track kept

which specialized in light rail transportation. It was a burgeoning business

the critters away.)

as cities throughout the country were looking for better methods of public

In 2004, after a 40-year absence, streetcars returned to Canal Street. They

transit. Unable to beat the competition, Southern closed in 1916. Thomas

are red and have the same body shape as the Perley Thomases but they are

acquired the company and named it the Perley A. Thomas Car Works, Inc.

completely different machines with a modern drive system, air conditioning

His fledgling company built trolley cars for several locations, none as

and an automated announcement system calling out coming stops.

important as Louisiana where New Orleans Public Service (NOPSI) operated

But nothing beats the charm of the Perley Thomas as it waddles past

the public transit. By 1922, the company delivered 25 trolleys to NOPSI. Then

the oaks on St. Charles Avenue. Its temperature control is near perfect as

by 1923, NOPSI would have accumulated 173 of the trolleys, which by then

achieved simply by opening and closing the windows at appropriate times.

were commonly known as “streetcars.” Streetcar lines would eventually spread throughout the city. A playwright who was working in a French Quarter apartment on a production he was

There is cause for celebration that this year is the centennial of the green streetcars whose history includes a century of taking riders to Canal Street for Christmas shopping or to see the lights downtown.

going to call “The Poker Night” became fascinated by the neighborhood

There must have been early karma that the color of the city’s streetcar

trollies, so much so that he changed the play’s title to “A Streetcar Named

lines would eventually be red and green. And that one night a year, the

Desire.” The writer, Tennessee Williams, would describe the new name as

Carnival season would be waiting at the end of the line.

80 DECEMBER 2023 / MYNEWORLEANS.COM