NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026
BAYOU ST. JOHN
MOTHERHOOD PENALTY
TOP REAL ESTATE GUIDE
MYNEWORLEANS.COM
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Contents
SEPTEMBER 2026 | VOLUME 60 | NUMBER 12
Features
Standards
32
10
From the Editor
A love letter to Bayou St. John
12
MyNewOrleans.com
14
Book Club
16
Marquee
18
Bar Tab
20
The Dish
22
Style
24
Persona
26
Modine
28
Home Inspiration
30
Growing Pains
62
Travel
64
The Beat
66
Table Talk
70
Nosh
72
Cheers
Bayou St. John
74
Vintage
Photograph by Jess Kearney
88
Insincerely Yours
Still Waters
BECCA HENSLEY
42
When Motherhood Comes at a Cost Navigating work and being a mom KIMBERLY SINGLETARY
46
Top Real Estate 2026 Realtors, mortgage pros and teams
On the Cover
Ready for Fall
More Ways to Connect Best Reads, Events and More Top Things to Do Best Bars, Drinks and More News from NOLA Kitchens Carpool Cool Mark Romig A Clean Sweep Decidedly Deco
Living Between Seasons A Gore-geous Road Trip Swamp Surf Refined and Refried Basque in the Glow A New "Old" Favorite 1781
Whether the Weather
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 $24; no foreign subscriptions. An associate subscription to New Orleans Magazine is available by a contribution to WYES-TV/Channel 12. 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 © 2026 New Orleans Magazine, all rights reserved. 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. Official digital reprint and framed content is only available from Renaissance Publishing, LLC by calling (504) 828-1380. myneworleans.com/frames 8 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
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FROM THE EDITOR
Associate Publisher Kate Henry Editorial
Editor Ashley McLellan Creative Director Tiffani Reding Amedeo Digital Media Editor Kelly Massicot Style Editor Andy Myer Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Cheré Coen, Lee Cutrone, Fritz Esker, Scott Gold, John Kemp, Misty Milioto, Liz Scott Monaghan, Elizabeth Pearce,
S
ummer is officially over, although it may not feel like it outside. School is back in session, beach and swimming accessories have been put away, and (love it or hate it) pumpkin spice is back on the menu. This means that the best season for enjoying New Orleans is almost here. Fall is a great time to get outside and walk, sit on your front porch and enjoy your neighborhood again. From the Bywater to Uptown, the Lower Garden District and Treme, New Orleans’ iconic neighborhoods, with their diverse personalities, come together to make this city better than all the rest. In this issue, we highlight one of the most walkable, enjoyable, personality-filled neighborhoods, Bayou St. John. Chock full of great places to eat, drink and have fun, the historic are along the bayou is home to artists, chefs, musicians and people who love community. It’s our love letter to a great place with great people. Back to school time also brings challenges for parents across the board, but especially for working moms. Often referred to the “motherhood penalty,” the unique challenges that moms face as they try to balance work/school/parenthood/life can be overwhelming. We have a look at some of the ways local moms are coping and thriving. As always, we also have plenty of ways to enjoy the city, from dining news, music, recipes, style and more. Time to put away those dog days of summer and relax into a new season.
Eve Crawford Peyton, Mike Scott, Melanie Warner Spencer
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Marketing Manager Haley Nash
Renaissance Publishing Production
Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Senior Designer Ashley Bravata Administration
O!ce Manager Emily Ruiz Chief Executive O!cer Todd Matherne
New Orleans Magazine
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Book Club
BY ASHLEY MCLELLAN
Great Reads
A celebration of music, culture and literature
Louisiana Celebration
The Louisiana Center for the Book at the State Library of Louisiana recently announced its selections for the 2026 National Book Festival’s theme “Great Reads from Great Places.” For adult readers, “You Are My Sunshine: Jimmie Davis & the Biography of a Song” by Robert Mann highlights the fascinating story behind the famous song. For young readers, “Soggy Like Cush Cush” by Karly Pierre with illustrations by Kristen Uroda is a “Creole culture, family, and community,” according to the state’s press release. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungessor goes on to note, “Louisiana’s stories have always captured the imagination of readers because they are rooted in culture, resilience, family, and community. From a treasured song known across the nation to the traditions of a Louisiana Creole family, these selections highlight the many ways our stories connect people.”
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Sept. 5 Join Shannon Kelley Atwater, author and illustrator of “Goodnight Pothole” and “Alligators Don’t Like Flowers,” for a special story time reading of her latest picture book “Good Day, Louisiana Children’s Museum,” 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. octaviabooks.com Sept. 15 The JCC holds is monthly book club meeting, 1:30 to 3 p.m., to discuss “The Boy from the North Country” by Sam Sussman. Free and open to the public. RSVP by Sept. 14 to attend. nojcc. org/events/2026/09/15/ active-adult/septemberbook-club Sept. 20 Blue Cypress Books hosts The Coterie, a literary salon exclusively for book worms, literary lovers and “the curious and marginally snooty,” 4:30 to 7 p.m. Details are TBD as of press time. RSVP to the event link for more information as it is announced. bluecypressbooks.com/ event/TheCoterie/September26
A Musical Tribute While most of us know him for his iconic voice and musical abilities, New Orleans’ own Harry Connick, Jr. debuts his first book later this month. “Babe: Elaboratio.” The memoir/biography is a tribute to the life of his mother, Anita-Francis Livingston Connick, also known as “Babe.” Connick follows her life, from growing up in New York to her career as one of the first female judges in New Orleans. The book commemorates his mother on her 100th birthday, along with Connick’s first ever performance at Carnegie Hall. He writes, “It was her dream to see me perform at Carnegie Hall. She made this known to me at an early age. She always said it with a smile, but I knew she really meant it. I never performed at Carnegie Hall because I wanted to save it for a special occasion. That occasion finally became a reality on May 22, 2026, the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of my mom, Anita-Francis Livingston Connick.” The book features rare photos, personal memories and a unique score written by Connick.
Events
Culinary Tradition
“Boucherie” by Chase Cormier details everything you ever wanted to know about the timeless tradition of a whole pig roast, snout to tail, so to speak. From a history of the hunt to butchering practices and the heritage of a Louisiana community tradition, Cormier highlights the importance of this unique, shared experience. A former-butcher-turned food historian and scholar, Cormier examines the practice, Cajun history, heritage and evolution into a modern age.
Sept. 24 Writer Hallie Elizabeth Newton discusses her new novel “Agnes Lives!” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Garden District Bookshop. gardendistrictbookshop. com Sept. 26 Join writer Marielle Songy for a co"ee/ author talk to discuss her new book “Co"ee Culture New Orleans, hosted by the New Orleans Public Library, Norman Mayer branch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh brewed co"ee samples from Hey! Café will be served. nolalibrary.org
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Marquee
BY FRITZ ESKER
Falling In
Check all event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Top things to do in September
Curtain Call Ball Le Petit Theatre kicks o" its 110th season with the Curtain Call Ball. The evening starts with food and cocktails at Tableau before moving to the theatre for special musical performances and auctions. lepetittheatre.com
19-20
Westbank Heritage Food & Music Festival The Alario Center is hosting the Westbank Heritage Food & Music Festival. More information about the lineup will be released closer to the date. facebook.com/WBHeritageFest
11-27
“Finding Neverland” Kenner’s Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts hosts this musical adaptation of the award-winning film about author J.M. Barrie’s inspiration for “Peter Pan.” rivertowntheaters.com
Sept. 3-7
Southern Decadence Labor Day weekend heralds the return of Southern Decadence, a celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community. There will be a parade and other fun festivities throughout the French Quarter and the Marigny. southerndecadence. com
5
Inspire the City Invitational Caesars Superdome will showcase some of the state’s finest high school football teams in the Inspire the City Invitational in honor of legendary local sportscaster Ed Daniels. The matchups include Edna Karr vs. Ruston and East Ascension vs. St. Augustine. caesarssuperdome.com
Cyril Neville Plays the Dead New Orleans funk legend Cyril Nevile performs his unique renditions of classics from The Grateful Dead at the Joy Theater. thejoytheater.com
Sept. 25-Oct. 11
“My Fair Lady” The classic musical tale of a Cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady comes to the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. jpas.org
25-26
Black Americana Fest The Broadside welcomes the Black Americana Fest, a celebration of Black American culture featuring artists such as Tray Wellington, Joy Clark and many others. blackamericanafest.com
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Trap Wine Fest Trap music plus an impressive selection of fine wines comes to Armstrong Park for Trap Wine Fest. instagram.com/ trappininyourcity
Cash Money & No Limit Tour Local hip-hop legends Master P and Juvenile highlight the Cash Money & No Limit Tour at the Smoothie King Center. smoothiekingcenter.com
11-20
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“Come From Away” The Je"erson Performing Arts Center hosts this heartwarming play about how the residents of an isolated Newfoundland community welcomed stranded travelers from around the globe in the aftermath of 9/11. jpas.org
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RWBMULTIMEDIA
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Bruno Mars Pop superstar Bruno Mars comes to Caesars Superdome as part of his The Romantic Tour. caesarssuperdome.com
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22-27
“Jersey Boys” This jukebox musical tells the story of the rise of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. Performances hit the stage at the Saenger Theatre. saengernola.com
Sept. 24-Oct. 4
NOLAxNOLA A diverse group of local and national artists will perform at various venues throughout the city as part of NOLAxNOLA, an event celebrating our local live music scene. instagram. com/nolaxnola504
Saints Kicko! Run Get excited for the new football season while also getting some exercise at the Saints Kicko" Run. saints5k.com
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The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular The Fillmore New Orleans hosts the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, a night of both amazing music and amazing visual effects. fillmorenola.com
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Bar Tab
BY ELIZABETH PEARCE
Saintly Addition Subscribers to Patron Saint’s Wine Club now have access to a new perk: the Tinned Fish Club. In addition to the club’s monthly bottle selection, members can add on one or two conservas from the wine shop’s broad collection. Selections include Cantabrian Sea hake cheeks and freshwater rainbow trout from Denmark, smoked with juniper and lemon thyme. In addition, members can add olive oil and rosemary sourdough baked fresh at St. Pizza, the restaurant next door to accompany their fish. Club members also get discounts on wine, events and more. 1152 Magazine St., 504321-7771, patronsaintwine.com.
Ladies Night Following a successful kickoff celebration at Compère Lapin on July 27, Ladies Night NOLA, an evening of cocktails, bites, music and community, continues throughout September with a full lineup of some of New Orleans’ most beloved female-led hospitality businesses. Created by Chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin, the Ladies Night NOLA series invites locals and visitors alike to discover new dining destinations (or rediscover some forgotten gems) while supporting the women who make up New Orleans’ vibrant hospitality community. This month the series will feature guests from Pêche, Dakar, Zasu, Lil Dizzy’s Café and The Mosquito Supper Club. Events are open to the public, although reservations are encouraged. 535 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-599-2119, comperelapin. com.
Leadership Lunch Les Dames d’Esco!er New Orleans, a professional organization for women who work in hospitality, hosts “Pearls & Purpose,” Friday, Sept. 25 at Antoine’s Restaurant. Limited to 50 guests, the afternoon invites women from across New Orleans for a Champagne reception and three-course seated luncheon with wine. Following the luncheon, guests can opt for an exclusive after party with a curated martini bar, passed bites, networking and additional access to the event’s keynote speaker and Les Dames chapter leadership. Proceeds support Les Dames New Orleans’ annual Leading from the Heart award grants and other mission-driven programs benefiting women in the hospitality community. Tickets are limited. lesdamesnola. org 18 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
Mid-City Escape Mid-City’s Smoke and Honey’s menu honors both Greek and Jewish traditions. By day, it o"ers both Greek street food and Jewish deli fare, and by night, it is a Greek taverna. The drinks menu include wines from the Kamara Estate, a small family farm in Thessaloniki, Greece. Their Stalisma, a blend of MalagousiaXinomavro blanc de noir grapes, is named for the Greek word which means “a shady place on summer afternoons where a cool air passes and where a herd rests.” New Orleanians can certainly enjoy a wine named after such a spot. Additional pours include a Moscofilero Wine with floral and citrus flavors, and a crisp, dry finish, while a traditional retsina, with ancient origins, is characterized by its unique pine flavor, light body. Cocktails inclue the ouzo negroni and the “Kind of a Fig Deal,” a fig old fashioned with Feigling fig liqueur, Rustic River rye and Bitter Queens figgy bitters. 3301 Bienville St., 504-264-7165, smokesmokehoneyhoney.com.
Award Winning Pulcinella, a Southern Italian restaurant located in the heart of the historic Seventh Ward of New Orleans, has earned its first Wine Spectator Restaurant Award, receiving the “Award of Excellence.” The distinction recognizes restaurants whose wine lists o"er at least 75 selections and feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. 1300 St. Bernard Ave., 504-221-1560, dirtydimeproductions.com.
Stained Glass Stained Glass Wine House in Old Gretna has received the Jefferson Parish’s Gold Award for Best Wine Selection in their annual round-up of Best of Jefferson Parish. This neighborhood spot is steered by husband-and-wife team Jessica Marasco and Derek Illes, who became owners of the bar last year. In addition to a thoughtfully curated wine list, they also host a variety of events including weekly piano sing-alongs, drag bingo, cocktail classes and open-play mahjong. 201 Huey P Long Ave., 504-4606644, stainedglasswinehouse.com.
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BY MELANIE WARNER SPENCER
Taste America The James Beard Foundation has tapped New Orleans as the official kickoff city for its 2026–2027 Taste America series. The Sept. 16 event at The Josephine (2400 Napoleon Ave.) will bring all 20 of the Foundation’s TasteTwenty chefs (its annual “ones to watch” list) under one roof for a walk-around tasting, essentially letting guests eat their way across America in a single evening, with Mister Mao Chef Sophina Uong, a James Beard Award Semifinalist, representing New Orleans. Dickie Brennan serves as Host Committee Chairman, joined by a roster of local luminaries including Ti Martin, Donald Link, Ana Castro and Susan Spicer. Proceeds benefit JBF’s programming supporting independent restaurants. jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
Summering in Provence … Sort of This month, conjure the lush, sundrenched lavender fields of Provence during Restaurant R'evolution's Cellar Experience. The series continues on Sept. 16 with a Provence-themed evening led by Certified Sommelier and Wine Director Clayton Fox. The ongoing series pairs deep wine knowledge with the restaurant's acclaimed culinary program. In August, the first installment explored "Island Life," and featured wines with grapes "grown near water" (think Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and other European islands), paired with plates inspired by summer. The evenings are designed to transport, with the September edition focusing on a thoughtfully curated wine selection paired with Provençal-inspired dishes. Upcoming wine and food experiences include "Little Treasures of Bordeaux" on Oct. 21 and "The Rhone from Top to Bottom," on Nov. 11. revolutionnola.com
Keep Cool: September Edition Never mind that the calendar says September. In New Orleans, we all know ice cream season has no end date, and Uptown’s new Ruthie’s Frozen Custard is making a compelling case for year-round indulgence. The Freret Street neighborhood newcomer is scooping dense, velvety frozen custard in cones and sundaes, a notch richer than standard soft serve and significantly more dangerous to your willpower. Consider this your permission slip. Not that you needed one. Sign up for Ruthie’s newsletter to get the scoop (#sorrynotsorry) on weekly flavor drops. ruthiesfrozencustard.com
SAM HANNA PHOTO
The Dish
Finger Lickin’ Great Yes, it took us an embarrassingly long time to make it to Bonafried’s permanent digs — forgive us, it opened in January, and a lot has been going on, OK — but the wait was worth every crispy, gloriously sauced bite. Housed in the former Splish Splash Washateria o" Esplanade Avenue in Mid-City’s Bayou St. John neighborhood, founders Stephen Maher and Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth have made the space their own with colorful and nostalgic decor and, of course, the pair’s addictive fried chicken sandos. 3101 Grand Route St. John. instagram.com/bonafriedtruck
A Long Awaited Tome Chef Frank Brigtsen has spent more than 50 years in the kitchen and now home cooks can benefit from his experience and talent. “Color of Flavor” is part memoir, part cookbook, tracing beloved and much-celebrated chef’s path from Commander’s Palace to K-Paul’s to his own beloved Riverbend cottage, Brigtsen’s Restaurant, which he owns with his wife, Marna. The title is a ri" on one of Brigtsen’s signature kitchen maxims, “brown is the color of flavor.” According to Nola.com, the book was financed and produced by Blue Runner Foods owner Ricky Thomas, a longtime regular. Brigtsen has collected countless accolades in his career, including one of Food & Wine’s Top Ten Best New Chefs in America; America’s Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation Awards; Restaurateur of the Year, as well as Hall of Fame inductee by the Louisiana Restaurant Association; and Chef of the Year by this magazine. Pick up a copy of the cookbook at Brigtsen’s Restaurant, 723 Dante St., or at bluerunnerfoods.com.
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Style
BY ANDY MYER
Every fall wardrobe deserves a timeless trench. Aritzia’s double-breasted style is made from a water-repellent Italian cotton twill that stands up to drizzly mornings while looking e"ortlessly chic. The classic fit makes it a layer you’ll reach for season after season. Available at Aritzia, aritzia.com.
Nothing says cozy fall mornings quite like an ultrasoft cashmere sweater. John Patrick’s relaxed-fit Betty V-neck delivers a laid-back look that’s perfect with your favorite jeans and a hot cup of co"ee. Available at Weinstein’s, weinsteins.shop.
Carpool Cool
School mornings are a whirlwind, but your outfit doesn’t have to be. These smart essentials will have you looking put together from drop-off to the end of the day.
From water bottles and snacks to permission slips and laptops, this backpack handles it all without sacrificing style. Crafted from luxurious Italian leather with interior artwork by Beth Lambert, the Blakemore is as beautiful as it is practical, and only gets better with age. Available at BENE, benehandbags.com.
Krewe’s Brigette sunglasses channel the casual confidence of their iconic namesake. A modern cat-eye silhouette gets a playful update with sculptural scalloped edges, while lightweight acetate keeps them wearable from morning dash to sunset cocktails. Available at KREWE, krewe.com.
Handmade in Tuscany, Labucq’s cream and scarlet Mary Jane brings a playful twist to an everyday classic. Dual metal buckle straps, vintage driving-shoe inspiration and grippy rubber soles make them just as comfortable for a busy day as they are good looking. Available at SOSUSU, sosusuboutique.com.
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Persona
BY KELLY MASSICOT | PHOTO BY THERESA CASSAGNE
Mark Romig
Podcast host, "The Mark Romig Show"
F
or the majority of his life, Mark Romig has been responsible for helping to market the city to the masses; to show them exactly why our below sea level jewel of a town is so great. Romig grew up in Lakeview, went to Brother Martin and graduated from LSU New Orleans when it was originally LSUNO. He went to Pontchartrain Beach and spent Sundays in the Superdome along with his dad Jerry Romig (the “Voice of the Saints”). He is a New Orleans story. And now, he’s moved into podcast hosting with "The Mark Romig Show," interviewing quintessentially New Orleans people and shining an even brighter light on the Big Easy to anyone who will listen. I asked him at one point during this interview, who is the most quintessentially New Orleans person he’s ever known. And while his answer was a great choice, it made me think that Mark Romig is, himself, a very quintessentially
New Orleans figure.
Q: Your dad has cemented his own legacy and status in the city, but when you were younger, did you ever think that you would become a public-facing representation of the city? You know, no, I didn’t. We always thought Dad was going to live forever, that he would always
be the Saints announcer, that he would always be at WDSU Channel 6 doing his editorials, and he would always be “Dad.” But I have to tell you, I always had a little bit of a bug for getting on stage or doing something like that, so dad was sort of the role model or the blueprint for all of this.
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Q: From the World’s Fair, talking to people about the Saints or your work with New Orleans and Co., is there anything you can’t market about New Orleans that people just have to experience in order to understand? In New Orleans, it’s different. It’s different here and it’s truly because of the people. It's having that interaction, it’s
walking down the street and not having someone cast their eyes down on on the sidewalk as they pass you, but actually looking you in the eyes and say, “How are you doing?” It’s a simple, “How’s your day?” The hospitality workers, who are the backbone of our city in so many ways, have perfected this sense of care that
they have for others. You’ve just got to experience it.
Q: As the current “Voice of the Saints,” what are you excited about for this upcoming Saints season? I’m feeling really good about the enthusiasm and the way things are coming together. It’s Coach Kellen Moore’s second year, and the Saints have been around — this is their 60th year, that’s a lot of football. It’s a different feeling in the air going into the season, I’m feeling really good about this.
increasing. But what I love about it is I’m getting to know people. And I’m understanding folks at another level. And that to me is a blessing. That’s a gift. That’s why I love what I do.
Q: One day, when you are looking back at your career after you are retired and hopefully sitting on a beach somewhere or in a condo on St. Charles Avenue, what do you hope people will say has been your contribution to the city? That’s
a tough one! That I’m always looking for the glass half full, glass half empty thing. I always Q: Did you think you would ever wanted to think that there’s a host a podcast? I tell you, that positive side to everything and was not on the bucket list. we should look to that and not But when Keith and Glenn dwell on the negative side. Haggerty approached me, I was That I affirmed people. I helped going through the transition of make them feel like they were starting my own little company, doing something important I knew that I was going to have because everyone does important more schedule availability to things, but sometimes you need do other things, and I someone else to tell was looking for some you. I appreciate other things because, being from New you know, I still have a Orleans because I Lagniappe mortgage. I said, “Yeah, think New Orleans One New Orleans you made me who I am why not?” I immedi- tradition couldn’t live without: Mardi Gras Day, ately started thinking from the standpoint riding in the Rex about Dad’s experience parade of giving back, so Who is the most with television. Dad had the idea that I took quintessentially two call-in shows, so I New Orleans person the lessons of my you’ve ever known: knew what his approach parents and grandIrma Thomas would be. Like I did with True parents and gave the announcing for the as much of myself confession Saints, [I thought,] let I was Mayor of to the community Munchkin City durme just take his lessons as I could, [and] ing “The Wizard of Oz” at NORD back model a way for and apply it and do him in 1967. some other folks proud. to get involved. It’s Q: Have you learned something hard to think about what your new about your own city through legacy is going to be because I doing the podcast? I’ve learned never thought I’d be where I’m about restaurants. I mean, sitting now, but hopefully that you know, we’ve got so many I did leave a roadmap for people restaurants. We’ve got so many to follow. establishments and museums and attractions. I’m hearing from all corners and my list of places I need to go to and be a visitor in my own hometown is MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 25
Modine Gunch
ART BY LORI OSIECKI
A Clean Sweep
Getting your affairs in order
"
I
don’t want to die with a dirty house,” my mother-inlaw says to me over coffee. I choke on mine a little bit. “Your house ain’t dirty now, Ms. Larda,” I tell her. “Plus, you ain’t dying.” “We all die sometime,” she says. “You never know. You could plop over tomorrow.” “And the coroner will tell everybody that my end tables needed to be dusted?” Ms. Larda stomps off and comes back with this book — I don’t remember the exact title — but it means “Kick the Bucket in a Tidy House ” It’s about something called “Swedish death cleaning.” Now, Ms. Larda lives in a double house, and her sons, Leech and Lurch, live on the other side. So she will actually only have to death-clean half a house. Still. I tell her she ain’t Swedish now, and she probably won’t be Swedish when she dies. But she is determined to organize. She invites the entire Gunch
family over for Sunday dinner, and afterwards, she hands each of us a bunch of sticky dots in different colors. Then she says we are supposed to pick a color and go to each piece of furniture and put our sticky dot on it if we want to inherit it when she’s gone. I don’t know if that’s part of the Swedish method or not, but the thing is — we all got dining room tables, and sofas and armchairs already. Plus, everybody In the family, including her, had to get new furniture after Hurricane Katrina. We all got the same kind — Cheap Modern — so we don’t need to inherit hers. Thank God, my brother-in-law Leech speaks up. He says, “Ma, after you, with all due respect, croak, we will probably rent out your half the house. And we can charge more rent if it’s still furnished.” Everybody jumps in quick and says what a good idea that is. So Ms. Larda nods her head and takes her labels back. Except for the 50 green ones which little Flambeau
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has already stuck on the kitchen table leg. Still, nothing is going to stop Ms. Larda from Swedish cleaning. She gets busy putting stuff in giveaway boxes — her velvet Elvis pictures, her gnome collection, her clothes that are too small or too tight or too ugly to wear. Most of the stuff she donates to charities. Certain things that survived in the attic — like Girl Scout awards and high school yearbooks and that paper cup with a lid that turned out to be full of condoms, she puts in paper bags and abandons on family members’ front porches. But some things — like old pantyhose and underdrawers, for instance — just got to go in the trash. So one day she is hauling out a load of trash, and a neighbor guy about her age steps up and helps carry it out for her. He introduces himself. His name is Lars Larson. He pronounces it “Laws Lawson,” of course, because
they live in Chalmette. And the name “Laws” suits him, because he is a retired policeman. Then, can you believe — the two of them start stepping out a little. First to the movies, with a stop by McDonald’s after. Next time they go to Pizza Hut. Then things get seriouser, I guess, because they start eating at Rocky and Carlos’s. By then, she has eaten Italian with him so much that she is thinking in back of her mind that he is Italian. It takes her awhile to remember that Lars Larsen is actually a Swedish name. So she asks him about Swedish death cleaning and he looks blank and finally says, “I don’t think anybody in my family does much cleaning once they’re dead. Unless they’re in Hell.” So that does it for her death cleaning. By now, Ms. Larda’s house is more tidy than ever. But she decides plopping over dead ain’t required. Thank you, God.
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Home Inspiration
BY AMY MARIE GABRIEL
Libation-colored walls make every day a celebration. Bedeck yours with the Negroni paint from Backdrop, which echoes the drink in a festive red with a hint of orange colorway. backdrophome.com.
Add a touch of decadence to your highest ceiling with the cascading Adele three-tier waterfall chandelier from Suzanne Kasler. Visual Comfort & Co., 3535 Magazine St., 504-3897854, visualcomfort.com.
Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, bring opulence to your walls with an Art Deco wallpaper dubbed “Deco Martini Moulin Rouge” by Divine Savages. Look closely - the luxe red, black and gold palette in a fan motif even features a hidden martini glass within the print. thepatterncollective. com.
Decidedly Deco
Bring Gatsby glamour to your space with Art Deco inspired design.
Pay homage to old Hollywood with a swoony Celestial sconce. A cinematic addition to a hallway, the aged brass rings that wrap opal matte globes send down angled glass rods for a striking aesthetic. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504866-6654, eclectichome. net.
A glamourous way to present co"ee or cocktails, a Poppy bar cart is outfitted with geometric lines and a hand-applied gold finish and beveled detailing, all anchored by a handcrafted steel frame that can be wheeled about easily. Arhaus, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-581-6684, arhaus.com.
For your next aperitivo hour, serve the tramezzini on a hand-crafted porcelain sandwich tray by Herend. The hand-applied 24k gold accents paired with the Art Deco design instantly elevates the presentation. Friend & Company, 7713 Maple St., 504-866-5433, friendandcompany.com. 28 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
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Growing Pains
BY EVE CRAWFORD PEYTON | ART BY JANE SANDERS
Living Between Seasons
September has a way of reminding us that the hardest transitions happen gradually.
S
eptember has always been something of a weird hybrid month, no matter where you are. It makes sense, as the first part of the month is summer and the latter part is autumn, but here in New Orleans, where autumn is more of a concept or a marketing gimmick than an actual season, that dissonance is more pronounced. It’s still 95 degrees outside, but there are pumpkin spice lattes at the coffee shop, pecan beer at the bar and maple-scented hand soap at the store. It’s still pool party weather, but we’re watching football and Instagram is sending us nonstop “cozy fall soup recipes.” We’re both planning for Halloween and Thanksgiving and keeping a watchful eye on the Gulf for hurricanes. This year, I feel the strangeness that is September more than ever. While my younger daughter, Georgia, has been back in school for a month and is already hitting
her stride with homework and club meetings, Rowan, my older one, just headed off to her second year of college in New York, integrating back into a city and a social life that is hers and hers alone. Last year, everything about that final month at home felt monumental. We spent weeks shopping for towels and twin sheets, and I panic-ordered every cleaning product, storage solution and over-the-counter medication ever created. Every “last” felt hugely significant: The last family dinner. The last night she slept in her own bed. The last time her friends came over. The last time our family squeezed into the car to get sno-balls, the kids bickering over who got to be on aux. This year, we packed the car in
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a couple of hours, mostly because we never even unpacked a lot of the boxes back in May. We knew what she needed and what mostly went unused last year. We knew the route and the best gas stations and niche fast food places (Bojangle’s for country ham biscuits, Zaxby’s for fried pickles and chicken tenders with Tongue Torch sauce) to stop at along the way. This year, Rowan had already made plans with friends before we even arrived. Instead of nervously introducing herself to strangers in the hallway, she greeted friends and roommates with squeals and hugs. It was a reminder — welcome but still bittersweet — that she doesn’t need me in quite the same way she did a year ago.
Georgia, too, has changed a lot in one short year. She’s in high school now, going to parties and shopping for Homecoming dresses and gently pushing boundaries in a way that I know is healthy but that is also exhausting. Maybe that’s why my September feels extra-Septembery this year. Just as summer hasn’t really ended but fall also hasn’t started, my kids don’t really need me but also aren’t really independent. Our whole family is in that in-between time, a hybrid stage in a hybrid month. But I happen to like September — it’s my birthday month, plus I love hot weather and pecan beer and pool parties and football. And I happen to like this phase of life, too, where my kids are old enough to have real conversations with me and occasionally even ask me for advice but also still young enough that they don’t have families and holiday traditions of their own, that they are still my kids. I know how fast high school goes now, having already ridden this ride once before (twice if you count my stepson), and I’m trying to remember to soak in all in even when we’re arguing about curfew yet again. All too soon, I know, I’ll be up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat ordering Ace bandages and sinus meds and Command hooks and power strips for Georgia; building a microwave stand in a tiny dorm room; and then hugging her goodbye and driving away sobbing. But not just yet. Right now, I’ll enjoy the overlap — of summer and fall, of childhood and adulthood, of whatever this is and whatever comes next.
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STILL A L O V E L E T T E R T O B AY O U S T. J O H N
I by Becca Hensley photography by Jess Kearney and Sam Hanna
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f you know you know . . . about Bayou St John. And, if you’re really entrenched, and have local leanings, you’ll just call it “The Bayou” — its affectionate nickname. As much the lifeblood of the city as the better known, more energetic and hedonistic traditions we all love, the bayou exists as the poetic opposite of the cherished frenzy of mainstay rituals like Mardi Gras. The bayou is a place for balance. A tranquil section of town jam-packed with history, it offers a sacred, friendly, accessible enclave of — not just repose — but unadulterated authenticity. It provides sanity in a city that knows expertly how to embrace the extremes of living life to its fullest. The bayou is kayaking, picnics near the bridge, canoodling waterside, mom-and-pop businesses, art, music, restaurants and bars where everybody really does know your name. Dating back to the region’s indigenous inhabitants who hewed the natural bayou into something that could suffice as a Bonafide waterway, the original bayou offered ancient people a way to travel from (what we now call) Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi River with ease. Later European settlers and colonists used it as an effective waterway, a fact that impressed Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville enough in 1718 that he decided to build a city. By 1727, more than a hundred people had settled along the bayou’s verges, offering a hint of the neighborhood that was to come. Composed of a mix of colorful architectural styles and hybrid redos that evoke Bayou St. John’s soulful roots — raised cottages, shotgun singles, Arts & Crafts homes to name some — this transportive neighborhood may have been home to some of the first Mardi Gras parades. Legendarily, “floats” and participants used the bayou’s water instead of a street for their revelry. Jazz music thrived here, too — bayou residents as lofty as Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Belted by Esplanade Avenue, framed by City Park, the bayou borders the Lafitte Greenway. It sits near the Fairgounds, not far from the French Quarter, but serves up a whole other world.
WAT E R S
MIND Chef Alon Shaya, co-owner of Pomegranate Hospitality (Saba, Safta’s Table and more) lived in Bayou St. John for 13 years. “I loved every minute of it,” he said, noting hallmarks like its walkable nature and characteristic businesses. “The neighborhood has a very artsy and low-key feel, with many young families and a vibrant, fun crowd. We’d made great use of City Park for all types of recreational activities, and walking to Jazz Fest was always a great in spring season.” Highlights for Shaya include sipping wine at Swirl and grabbing a bite at The Bell restaurant. He praises the area’s quirks most of all. “It’s the kind of neighborhood where you are sitting on your front porch, you hear live music and walk towards it and end up having the best day at a second line or following a school band during their Mardi Gras practice. Hanging on the bayou was always such an easy way to soak up all the neighborhood had to offer.”
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The Bell A genuine British pub at the Bayou on Esplanade, executed with New Orleans flair. 3125 Esplanade Ave., 504-381-4399, thebellnola.com.
“I still love the bayou,” said Jeremy Davenport, resident musician at The Ritz-Carlton. In the early 2000s he lived in the historic American Can Apartment Building, a converted, re-imagined canning factory turned loft community. His ultimate day in his former neighborhood includes “a po’boy at Parkway Bakery or a real neighborhood lunch at Liuzzas By the Track” where he’s a fan of gumbo and their BBQ shrimp po’boy. Afterwards, he encourages a walk through the New Orleans Museum of Art and Besthoff Sculpture Garden (or a trek through the landmark Pitot House), then dinner at Cafe Degas, where he submits often to salade de betteraves and l’onglet de bœuf.
Liuzzas By the Track Fried green tomatoes and shrimp remoulade among other classics in a 1930’s building full of personality, located just steps from Fairgrounds. 1518 N. Lopez St., 504-218-7888, liuzzasbtt.com.
E AT Lola’s Located on Esplanade Avenue with both indoor and outdoor seating, this is your place for tapas, Spanish food and sangria. 3312 Esplanade Ave., 504-488-6946, lolasneworleans.com.
Cafe Degas This award-winning French bistro with a tree growing through it, has date night vibes. Book a table for brunch. We love the crab and arugula salad. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-9455635, cafedegas.com. Neyow’s Creole Café An upbeat eatery with an array of creole classics. Really hungry? Go for the Neyow’s Extravaganza Dinner ($75) for two: stuffed crab, steak, oysters and more. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com. Dué Market Located in the former Terranova Supermarket building on Esplanade, this locally-owned store offers gelato, coffee, Italian sandwiches and more. 3306 Esplanade Ave., 504-9102979, duemarket.com.
“The bayou is a peaceful sanctuary in the city,” said resident Brian Landry, who adds that what he appreciates most about the neighborhood is its connection to nature. Co-ow ner of QED Hospitality Group (Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain, Jack Rose, Hot Tin and more), Landry said he loves “waking up in the morning and drinking coffee on my front porch, which overlooks waters that teem with wildlife. We’ll see egrets, cranes, turtles, and the occasional alligator. Getting out on my paddleboard and onto the water lets me see it all up close.”
Canseco’s Esplanade Market A well-stocked neighborhood store with a penchant for the gourmet. 3135 Esplanade Ave., cansecos.com.
DRINK Swirl Wine Bar & Market A canny wine bar with an exceptional list, plus bottles to take home and plates from 1000 Figs next door. 3143 Ponce de Leon St., 504-304-0635, swirlnola.com. Bayou Beer Garden and Bayou Wine Garden You don’t have to choose between beer and wine at these side-by-side beverage gardens. Expect up to 40 beers and 30 wines on tap. 326 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway, 315 N. Rendon St., bayoubeergarden.com.
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1000 Figs A Mediterranean culinary oasis, ideal for hot days, this cafe serves up delights like falafel platters, baba ghanoush and flash-fried Brussels sprouts. 3141 Ponce de Leon St., 504-301-0848, 1000figs.com.
“The bayou is the perfect place to meet friends for a picnic on a beautiful day, and it’s one of my favorite spots to take out-of-town visitors for sightseeing, followed by lunch,” said Taylor Adams, general manager and sommelier, Saffron and The Kingsway. Also a fan of Parkway po’boys and Pal’s Lounge for a libation (who isn’t?), he extols the virtues of City Park just around the corner. “It always was a place of adventure for me growing up,” he shared. “It offers a green space to gather with family and friends, along with attractions like NOMA, the sculpture garden, City Park Botanical Garden, Café du Monde and the Crescent City Farmers Market on Sundays. More recently, the area has welcomed Farmer’s Butcher & Farmstop, adding even more to explore.”
Bonafried The brick-and-mortar home of the New Orleans' famous fried chicken with a cult following, kitted out in a former washateria. 3101 Grand Route Bayou St. John, 504-333-3424, @bonafriedtruck.
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New Orleans City Park This 1300-acre mecca is more colossal than Central Park. Lined by ancient oaks, it holds lakes, gardens, museums, green space, playgrounds, a carousel and more. neworleanscitypark.org.
“I treasure the charming little neighborhood that is Bayou St. John, with its beautiful little houses surrounded by lush oak trees, magnolias, and crepe myrtles, all tucked between Mid-City, the Fair Grounds, and City Park,” said Chris Hannah, owner and head bartender at Jewel of The South. “One of my favorite things to do is bike through the neighborhood to the bayou and find a spot on the steps to sit with some wine and cheese at sunset,” a chill experience that embodies the spirit of the neighborhood. “Don’t miss Pal’s Lounge,” he said, lauding the popular bar and the bayou’s other quintessential neighborhood shops and restaurants for their distinctly local vibe.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern A fan favorite for more than a century, this one’s an immersion into Bayou culture. 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com.
“To truly understand the rhythm of New Orleans, you have to spend a day around Bayou St. John,” said Eric Overstreet, general manager at the Fairmont New Orleans. “It’s the kind of neighborhood where time stretches, and you leave feeling like you’ve been let in on our best-kept secret.” His ideal day begins at historic Parkway Bakery & Tavern. “If it’s a Wednesday, their oyster po’ boy is non-negotiable; otherwise, their signature Surf & Turf is a masterclass in local comfort,” he said. Overstreet suggests “you pack a blanket, find a sun-dappled spot beneath the oaks in City Park, and settle in for one of the most memorable picnics you’ll ever have.” ¶ While families relish Bayou for its simple pleasures and ample nature, Overstreet reminds us that it’s also a romantic place, ideal for lovebirds. “Rent a kayak. Drift along the bayou to immerse in the beautiful serenity found in this historic place. Being here forces one to slow down and just breathe.” (Maybe even fall in love?) After a paddle, Overstreet suggests a wind down at Bayou Beer Garden for a taste of Louisiana’s finest craft brews, or a crisp glass of wine on tap at Bayou Wine Garden next door.
BODY Robin Barnes, a recording artist known as the “Songbird of New Orleans” and founder of Move Ya Brass, an innovative fitness platform, agrees. She organizes run groups and dance classes in City Park and around the Bayou’s open spaces. “There’s something timeless about walking beneath the centuries-old live oaks, watching the light dance across the bayou and seeing kayakers quietly drift by. It’s one of those rare places where nature, history and community all meet. Every visit reminds me why I fell in love with this city and why so much of my music is rooted here.”
Smoke and Honey Summoning the owner’s dual heritage, this bright, all-day restaurant serves up both Greek and Jewish fare. 3301 Bienville St., 504-264-7165, smokesmokehoneyhoney.com.
“Bayou St. John is New Orleans’ hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists chasing the city’s flashier attractions,” said Kelly Jacques, co-owner and chef at Ayu Bakehouse. ¶ “My favorite thing to do is grab a po-boy from Parkway and meander along the bayou, lay out a blanket with friends under a live oak or perch on the Cabrini Bridge to people-watch.” Jacques raves about the little restaurant row on Esplanade, admitting her top pick among them is 1000 Figs. Terranova’s Meats This butcher shop keeps the Terranova heritage going in a smaller setting. Look for their famous Italian sausages 3308 Esplanade Ave., 504-482-4131, terranovasmeats.com.
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Nola Paddleboards Rent boards and kayaks, take lesson or join a guided tour. They offer paddling on Bayou St. John year-round. nolapaddleboards.com
It’s de rigueur New Orleans-style to head to the bayou for a workout or to decompress. From kayaking to paddleboarding to solo yoga on the banks, resets happen naturally here. Just ask fitness instructor and influencer Quasha Cheneau. “[Bayou] St. John is where New Orleans slows down just enough to remember how beautiful it is. Whether I’m taking a walk after work, getting in a run or simply sitting by the water, the bayou reminds me that wellness doesn’t always happen inside a gym,” she said. “It’s one of the few places where people from every walk of life naturally gather to exercise, picnic, dance, read, or just breathe. That’s the kind of community every city deserves.”
Pal’s Lounge The living room of Bayou St. John, this 1960’s-evoking dive bar sits at the top of everybody’s list. Newcomers welcome. 949 N. Rendon St., 504-488-7257, @palsloungenola.
H AV E FUN AND LEARN Pitot House This gorgeous 18th century, colonial Creole home, replete with gardens is the only one open to the public in New Orleans. It offers museum tours and can be rented for events. 1440 Moss St., 504-482-0312, pitothouse.org. The Lafitte Greenway A stunning leafy park that stretches 2.6 miles with hiking, biking and walking paths. lafittegreenway.org. Crescent City Farmer’s Market Head over on Thursdays rain or shine to the Lafitte Greenway Plaza from 3 to 7p.m. for a cornucopia of fresh delights. crescentcityfarmersmarket.org. St. Louis #3 Cemetery A ruminative hideaway with above-ground tombs and ornate masonry sure to inspire evocative photos. New Orleans Museum of Art and The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden NOMA is a trove of some 40,000 masterworks, including pieces by Picasso, Degas and more. The 11-acre sculpture garden spans parts of City Park with works by the likes of Rodin, Oldenburg and Indiana (the sculptor of the LOVE sculpture.) 1 Collins Diboll Circle, noma.org. Le Musee de f.p.c. A historic house museum dedicated to the heritage and stories of free people of color. 2336 Esplanade Ave., 504-323-5074, lemuseedefpc.com.
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SOUL
Farmer’s Butcher and Farmstop Home to local charcuterie maven Leighann Smith’s butcher counter and daily farm stands with seasonal coastal produce and Gulf seafood, as well as grab-and-go plates, this daily grocery store concept is the talk of the town. 519 Hagan Ave., farmersnola.com.
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Local hangouts, restaurants and businesses abound. Many have a tenure of decades or more. New ones are welcomed like family. Everybody has a favorite. Breanne Kostyk and Jeff Hinson, owners of Flour Moon Bagels wax poetic about the neighborhood. They affectionately refer to it as “Stars Hollow” for its “oak lined streets, gardens and architecture. “You’ll always run into someone you know,” they said; the bayou feels like a party as you traipse through the hood. “Some of our favorite stops include Swirl for a spritz, lunch at Liuzza’s by the Track or a post-shift drink at Pal’s Lounge.”
Singer and songwriter Kristin Diable often said, “art is the antidote,” but in the case of Bayou St. John she extends that thought to include the historic neighborhood and the feel-good effect it has on residents and visitors. Diable said she’s been lucky to play music at a number of surprise wedding proposals along the bayou. “Besides singing in the bayou, I love going by the Crescent City Farmers Market to see what’s in season, and dream up dinner that night with the ingredients. Bonus when my daughter comes with me. She always gets a few pints of fresh Louisiana strawberries when in season. Don’t miss the Farmer’s Butcher & Farmstop with grab-andgo snacks and wine for an extraordinary al fresco bayou picnic.” ¶ Each of us has a unique connection to Bayou St. John, our own distinctive blend of regard and affection that makes it our own haven. If you haven’t been for a while, it’s calling you, its offerings from nature to history to convivial hangouts simply waiting for your return. If it’s a constant on your daily schedule, we hope you’ll find something new to experience.
Santa Fe A feisty, lively, family friendly hotspot for chips, salsa, margaritas and Mexican plates. 3201 Esplanade Ave., 504-948-0077, santafenola.com. SEPTEMBER 2026 MYNEWORLEANS.COM
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When Motherhood
Comes at a Cost
While it’s often called the most rewarding job a woman can have, the “motherhood penalty” can hit hard, and in many ways. By Kim Singletary
J
ust one day after accepting an offer for her dream job, Deanna* received some more big news — she was pregnant with her first child. “Honestly, I was pretty terrified,” she admitted. A 36-year-old marketing and advertising executive, Deanna had watched many women who became mothers leave the workplace, get demoted or be forced to “lean back.” “I loved what I did,” she said. “I worked hard to get into the leadership position I was now about to step into, and I was afraid — afraid of what having a child would do to my career.” Deanna entered her new job a few years ago with these intense fears, mixed with a good amount of guilt about the timing. “I was so focused on making sure I was contributing all I
(*name changed) possibly could from the beginning because I wanted, and needed, to keep this job,” she said. After her first trimester, Deanna faced her fears and told her bosses about the pregnancy. “It went pretty well,” she said. “Actually, my company didn’t have a maternal leave policy — apparently nobody had ever gone on maternity leave in the company’s history — so I figured this was a great opportunity and I volunteered to help write the policy.” After extensive research, Deanna presented her findings to her company. “The data was showing that if you give women six months of leave, the odds that they not only come back to that company but stay in their career for the next 10 years doubles,” she said. “With this one move, we could make huge gains in retaining women for the rest of their careers.” Deanna’s suggestions, however, were immediately shot down. Instead, the owner decided on 12 weeks of short-term disability, during which Deanna ended up receiving 40% of her pay. The plan was that she would return to the office three days a week on her first month back, but then back
to her normal full schedule. “There was no negotiation,” she said. Deanna worked right up to her due date, but when her baby didn’t come on time, she said she was induced without her consent. “Then they still couldn’t get the baby out, so I had a C-section, during which the doctor tore an artery,” she said. “I hemorrhaged 6 liters of blood on that table … I could hear them saying that I wasn’t going to make it… I ended up having multiple surgeries to save my life.” A week after the birth, Deanna received an email from her work. “They wanted to know if I could get on a call,” she said. “I had to explain to them that no, I almost died so I can’t right now. And at the same time, I was facing this grief that, because of what happened, I’d never be able to become a mother again… I said they could email me any questions.” For the first nine weeks of her 12-week leave, Deanna had to have 24-hour help and was medically forbidden to even lift her baby. “From weeks 10 through 12 I was out there touring daycares and looking at these babies under fluorescent lights and just weeping,”
Paid Leave: We Need to Do Better. The United States is the ONLY first-world country that does not have a national paid leave policy. Countries vary widely in what they provide (typically funded through social security), but most offer some amount of 100% paid guaranteed leave, with the most common amount being 14 weeks. 6 weeks 7 weeks 8 weeks 9 weeks 10 weeks 12 weeks 13 weeks 14 weeks 16 weeks 17 weeks 18 weeks 20 weeks 22 weeks 26 weeks 35 weeks 39 weeks 52 weeks
- 4 countries - 4 countries - 6 countries - 7 countries - 5 countries - 21 countries - 11 countries - 24 countries - 8 countries - 4 countries - 12 countries - 5 countries 1 country - 3 countries 1 country 1 country 1 country
Did You Know? American companies who invested in child care benefits for their employees experienced up to 425% returns on their investments. (Source: 2024 Boston Consulting Group study)
she said. “I had so much guilt from not being able to care for my own baby that I just couldn’t do it.” She decided to hire a nanny, but that came with a major cost. “I realized that after paying the nanny, I would be taking home less than $5 an hour, but I had to do it.” For the first few weeks back part-time, Deanna said things started to turn around — she started to feel energized and sharper, finally a bit more like her old self. “I felt proud,” she said. “Like I had outmaneuvered all the odds that were stacked against me.” Unfortunately, that feeling didn’t last long. “My baby suddenly started waking up more and more during the night,” she said. “Two times, then three, four, then five times a night to breastfeed. I was sleeping maybe two or three hours a night, and that’s when all the trauma from the birth started hitting me full force. I was reliving it, feeling like every organ in my body was shutting down.” Sobbing on a Zoom call, Deanna told her employer she would not be able to come back full-time. “It was humiliating,” she said. “This was not how I wanted to show up to my work. I felt like a failure — as a mother and as an employee.” Again, without any conversation or negotiation, Deanna was told she would be made a contractor but would be paid at the same hourly rate as she made as a salaried employee. “I lost all my benefits, and with the extra taxes I would be paying as a 1099 I would now be making substantially less per hour for doing the same work I did before I had my baby,” she said. “But I was told that the owner was proud of the accommodations they were making and that it was a good deal and I should take it. “I did the math and with childcare I would now be taking home less than $1 an hour,” she said. “With the toll all of this was
taking on my mental and physical health, my baby’s health and my family, I had to face the fact that I had to leave.” Deanna’s guilt and work ethic pushed her to stay another two weeks and finish up some projects. “The owner came to me in that time and said, ‘Could you do me a favor and let everyone know that you are leaving because it’s what you want and not because of anything we did?’ There were a lot of young women working at our company, so I guess she was concerned.” Far From an Isolated Case Deanna’s struggles are not unique. The United States is the only developed country in the world without a federally guaranteed paid leave, which means companies are free to make decisions based on what is best for their business and families essentially get what they get. Family and Medical Leave only guarantees a job will be protected for 12 weeks, it does not include any pay. It also doesn’t typically apply to companies with fewer than 50 employees — or about 40% of the American workforce. That leaves a system that is inherently unequal. The more you make, the more likely you are to receive paid leave, while 95% of workers in the bottom quarter of the wage distribution do not have jobs that provide paid family leave. At the same time, having a baby has become more dangerous. According to a study from Blue Cross Blue Shield that examined 1.8 million pregnancies in the U.S., pregnancy and childbirth complication increased by 16.4% and 14.2% respectively just between 2014 and 2018. Even more disturbing, a Centers for Disease Control Study found that between 2018 and 2022 the number of mothers that lost their lives giving birth grew 93% from 17.6 to 33.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. For black women, that rate is even higher
— 44.8 per 100,000 births. Louisiana ranks second in the nation for maternal deaths at 40.7 per 100,000 births. For perspective, in other countries like Germany and Australia, that number is about 4 deaths per 100,000 births. And then there’s the loss in wages and promotion disadvantages that commonly accompany becoming a mother — a phenomenon so prevalent it has its own name, the motherhood penalty. No Bump With a Baby Regardless of whether they have children, American women have never been paid equally for their work. During World War II, when women’s participation in the workforce surged as they stepped up to perform the same tasks as men now serving overseas, women in manufacturing received an average pay of $31 per week, while men received $55. That gap in earnings has closed some, but it still exists, and women who become mothers are much more likely to feel it and feel it more intensely. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in average working woman in 2023 made 88 cents to the dollar of a working man. If she was a mother, that dropped to 74 cents on the dollar. Louisiana ranks dead last when it comes to gender pay gaps, with full-time working women starting out not at 88 cents but 73 cents on the dollar. Why do mothers see a harder hit? About 100 years ago, only 20% of women worked, and only 5% of those were married. Women’s roles were largely confined to caring for the home and family. Today, 84% of women between the age of 25 and 44 are working full-time. The problem is, they’ve taken on a full-time job while also keeping the old one. In marriages where women and men make about the same salary, wives are still spending
more than double the amount of time doing housework — 4.6 hours per week vs. 1.9 hours per a 2023 Pew Research Center study. They also spend on average two hours more per week on caregiving. (Husbands, meanwhile, average 3.5 hours more on leisure activities per week than their wives). And that’s just the physical labor. There’s also the mental load — juggling the never-ending barrage of emails and lists and calendars and overall needs of everyone in the household, from who needs to wear a plain white shirt to school on Wednesday, to keeping a mental note of how much milk is in the fridge. According to a University of Bath study, mothers manage 71% of household mental load tasks and 79% of repetitive daily tasks like childcare and cleaning. Stuck in the Past American society still operates on the antiquated idea that most families include a stay-at-home parent. While the average full-time worker receives two to three weeks of vacation per year (among the lowest in the world), a typical school-age child is on vacation 12-14 weeks in a year — and that doesn’t include early dismissal days or the fact that school days typically end hours before the workday. This huge gap leaves parents scrambling year-round to find (and afford) childcare. And care is not cheap. The average cost of a summer day camp in the U.S. is $73 to $87 per day. In 2024, Americans paid an average of $13,128 per child for care — 29% more than in 2020. In fact, American families pay the largest percentage of their salary in the world to childcare. As in Deanna’s case, the high cost of childcare forces women to prioritize flexibility over pay in their jobs or pushes them out of the labor market entirely. This harms not only individual families, but the economy as a whole. “The message to moms is clear and it’s deliberate,” said Deanna,
“you’re on your own. Figure it out.” What Can Be Done? Local mom Amy Landry was working as an HR director when she found out she was pregnant. “The first question I got from my employer was, ‘You’re coming back, right?’” she said. “I said, ‘Of course. Why wouldn’t I? I worked hard to get here and I love my job.” She was initially told she’d be allowed flexibility in her work schedule after giving birth, but the reality when she returned was not so kind. I was told my multiple people “Your husband makes enough money, you really should be staying home,” said Landry. “My boss actually told me ‘You can’t have a successful career and be a good mother at the same time.” Landry’s anger turned to action. “I thought, if I’m experiencing this, so many women are,” she said. “We don’t have a voice…455,000 women left the workforce last year. We need to do this differently.” In 2017, Landry created a program called Diapers to Desks (part of her company, Landry Training) to offer mothers the support she wished she would have had and work with companies to better support their employees. “Sixty-three percent of mothers report a bad return-to-work experience,” Landry said, “and 80% are worried about balancing the demands of work and motherhood. One in three will end up leaving their job within 18 months.” The program can be purchased by companies or individuals and provides guidance that starts during pregnancy and continues through the return to work. Included are live community circles where women can connect with other women. “One of the reasons we see this pay penalty is that women are negotiating from an unempowered place, and the mother and company start functioning from fear,” noted Candace Schrag, the community circle facilitator for Diapers to Desk. “What we do is help bridge that gap. The
bottom line is that companies that invest in their people receive a much larger ROI because they end up buying loyalty, buy-in and productivity.” Landry noted that after increasing their parental leave and launching flexible work options and support, a womanled company called F5 Collective in Australia saw job applications increase by 140%. While the United States fails to provide even the minimum support to families, other countries facing dropping birth rates have gotten creative with solutions. Italy, for example, offers a universal child allowance — a monthly payment to families determined by income level and number of children, while Poland exempts families from paying income tax if they have two or more children and make under a certain amount per year. In South Korea, the government pays new parents about $694 per month in a child’s first year and half that every month for the second year. Countries are also subsidizing childcare. Swedish parents do not pay more than 3% of their income for the first child, 2% for the second, and 1% for the third. Iceland and Norway limit full-time childcare fees to under $300 per month and Norway provides 20 hours per week of free childcare to low-income families. Since Malta launched universal free childcare in 2014, female labor participation has increased from 40% to more than 70%. Now a small business owner, Deanna said she is committed to doing better for her employees. “We just had an employee who had unexpected heart surgery and was out for four months,” she said. “We paid him his full salary during that time because we wanted him to come back and be well. We all have a moral and ethical obligation to solve these issues, and we can do it. I’ve worked for businesses that have solved much more complex problems than maternity leave.”
The “Fatherhood Bonus” While mothers are financially penalized for having children, fathers tend to have the opposite experience. In 2023, fathers with children under 18 earned 23% more than their childless counterparts. (Source: Bankrate study, 2023)
Be Part of the Solution. Change only comes through collective action. Local organizations to check out: ReadyLouisiana.org 10000WomenLA.org EllevateLA.org
National organizations to check out: PaidLeaveForAll.org TheReturnityProject.com/ paidfamilyleave ABetterBalance.org NationalChilcare.org
2026
Top Real Estate Buying a house is more than just a purchase; it’s about finding the right place that you can call home. Connecting with the right professionals to make your dream a reality is a big step in one of the most important decisions you will make. New Orleans Magazine turned to the Michiganbased firm of Professional Research Services to provide us with a survey of the top real estate agents, teams and mortgage providers. According to a PRS statement this list
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includes the top 5 to 10 percent of residential agents and teams based on their total sales for a 12-month period. Mortgage providers are listed based on peer nominations. Those agents, according to PRS, are rated as “highly recommended” by New Orleans realtors. Inclusion in the list is based solely upon merit, with no commercial relationship to the listings, and listings cannot be purchased.
TOP AGENTS ABITA SPRINGS Ashley Callahan 1 Percent Lists Gulf South 74171 Peg Keller Rd. 985-705-5160 Laura Province 1 Percent Lists Gulf South 74171 Peg Keller Rd. 985-264-2494 CHALMETTE Amanda Miller Amanda Miller Realty 300 W. Judge Perez Dr. 504-302-4610; 504-250-0059 COVINGTON Samuel Benson 1 Percent Lists 123 Terra Bella Blvd. Suite 2C 504-427-8601 Alice Bonura Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 504-453-1082 Melinda Dahmer Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 504-421-6755 Janie Ellis Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-807-4254 Aimee Felder Re/MAX Alliance 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Suite D6 985-674-5601 Ken Golden 1 Percent Lists 123 Terra Bella Blvd. Suite 2C 985-351-5757 Marci Golden 1 Percent Lists 123 Terra Bella Blvd. Suite 2C 985-373-2641 Lisa Greenleaf Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-966-5472 Karen Guerra Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-259-0277 Image Hasselbeck Community Real Estate 15153 Arleen Normand Dr. 985-966-3951
Suzette Hubbell Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-249-1151
Lisa Rapier Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 504-495-8486
COVINGTON Corynne Lindemann McEnery Residential 427 N. Columbia St. 985-768-8884
Stephanie Villani Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-373-0274
Tonita Powell Mack Re/MAX Alliance 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Suite D6 985-696-5953 ; 985-345-8468 Susie Malloy HomeSmart Realty South 522 N. New Hampshire Suite 5 504-250-1462 Vail Manfre Re/MAX Alliance 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Suite D6 504-452-0058 ; 985-674-5609 Dominique Martin Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 504-289-4624 Stephanie Mascaro 1 Percent Lists 123 Terra Bella Blvd. Suite 2C 985-664-0060 Lindsey McDaniel Re/MAX Alliance 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Suite D6 985-774-3411 Alice McNeely Rêve | Realtors 328 N. Columbia St. 504-812-2236 Melissa Mullis Re/MAX Alliance 5001 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd. Suite D6 985-629-1705 ; 985-626-1561 Lisa Nunez HomeSmart Realty South 522 N. New Hampshire Suite 5 985-788-6270 Sabrina Pierre Compass 806 S. Tyler St. 985-789-6660
DESTREHAN Regina Allemand Compass 3 Riverbriar Ct. 504-495-2452 Dawn Morales Compass 3 Riverbriar Ct. 504-495-1109 GRETNA Jennifer Shelley HomeSmart Realty South 1700 Belle Chasse Hwy. Suite B220 504-450-6144
Charlene Dodds Compass 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 130 504-451-3626 Maria Antonieta Gonzalez Compass 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 130 504-427-3600 Karen Lucy Compass 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 130 504-814-0614 Heather Palmisano FQR Realtors 819 W. Esplanade 504-949-5400
Danny Trosclair HomeSmart Realty South 1700 Belle Chasse Hwy. Suite B220 504-908-2426
MADISONVILLE Chloe Conravey 1 Percent Lists Premier 528 S. Fairway Dr. 985-778-5040
Fadra Ussery HomeSmart Realty South 1700 Belle Chasse Hwy. Suite B220 504-251-7863
Sara Daniel 1 Percent Lists Premier 528 S. Fairway Dr. 985-400-9072
Jeannie Wildey HomeSmart Realty South 1700 Belle Chasse Hwy. Suite B220 504-908-0555 HAMMOND Lani Carter Coldwell Banker TEC 42299 Perricone Dr. 217-213-8179 Terry Fitzsimmons Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 209 E. Thomas St. 985-687-4588 Stephanie McKeough Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 209 E. Thomas St. 985-373-2155 KENNER Gary Anderson FQR Realtors 819 W. Esplanade 504-894-4586 Marilyn Bonomo Compass 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 130 504-722-8480
Stacia LaMulle 1 Percent Lists Premier 528 S. Fairway Dr. 985-778-1995 Carolyn Mahl 1 Percent Lists Premier 528 S. Fairway Dr. 985-687-7593 MANDEVILLE Michael Applebaum Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors - Liuzza Realty Group 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-388-3456 Gia Baker Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-966-9516 Sharon Bostwick Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 895-502-4474 Lynnette Boudet Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-773-8414
Dale Burks Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-640-4549 Lori Jean Campbell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors - Liuzza Realty Group 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-807-4023 Karl Cavaretta Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-264-3170 Marlene Coats Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-974-7786 Jeanne Comeaux Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-231-8987 Tess Dennie Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-789-1056 Liesha Foster Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors - Liuzza Realty Group 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-981-2089 Michelle Grubbs Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-554-1718 Sonnie Harmon Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-301-7606 Megan Helwick Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-453-4665 Hyatt Hood Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-966-1131
Taylor Jones Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-373-0052
Tiffani Robin Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-339-6999
Jennifer Lacoste Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-373-4927
Robert Santopadre Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-236-0284
Bronwyn Land-Planchard Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-717-6757
Jennifer SchaffMutter Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-966-2813
Caroline Larussa Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-845-2001 Sharon Latino Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-452-1208 Joann Lawson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-951-7020 Vince Liuzza III Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors - Liuzza Realty Group 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-237-9634 Daniel Munn Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-908-7572 Donna Naquin Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-723-1013 Tracie Ohlsen Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-628-2800 Bridgette Raimer Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-630-2223 Cindi Raymond Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-966-1844
Carol UptonSieverding Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-630-5748 Allison Vencil Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-400-4141 Tammy Whitehead Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-502-1459 Sherrie Ybarzabal Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-517-1255 METAIRIE Stan Adamcewicz Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-881-4122 Coniece Allen-Brown HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-782-2470 Re Re Avegno Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-236-6965 Feras Ayyad NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-428-6552 Warren Backer McEnery Residential 722 Martin Behrman Ave. 504-875-3555
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Frank Barrett Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-258-0375
Donna Chandler Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-669-4677
Robin Durel Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-577-4943
Roger Belsome Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-913-1031
David Claus Century 21 J. Carter & Company 3540 S. I-10 Service Rd. W. Suite 300 504-338-1144
Polly Eagan Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-452-3571
Tina Coulon Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-9082-910
Brittany English Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 337-831-4814
Tony Bertucci NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-952-7353 Maria Best HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-388-9634 Betsy Birdsong eXp Realty, LLC 2201 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 404 504-376-7650 Chastity Bosch NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-234-1430 Karen Bradford HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-722-9912 Patricia (Patty) Bradford Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-416-7747 Amy Burke Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-234-3000 Keri Candies HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-559-4705 Norma Cannizzaro Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-914-4222 Gabrielle Champagne Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-908-5905
Christine Curtis NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 985-966-2917 Mary Danna Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-517-6533 John R. C. Davis NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-919-7000 Cindy Denn Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-452-3398 Sandra Devia Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-388-8610 Angela Discon Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-554-8267 Brandy Dufrene Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-330-2963 Tracey Duplantis HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-813-3677 Sandy Duplessis Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-756-7136
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Jeffery Frederick Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-417-1107 Raisa Galper Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-610-7415 Ingrid Garvey HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-884-7777 Scarlett Giambelluca Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-400-2948 Cheri Gimenez Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-451-8871 Sandra Green HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-259-8107 Eric Hernandez NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-259-7945 Trinity Keller NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-606-0818 Danielle Korndorffer NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-250-1610 Austin Lapeyrouse Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 985-991-8404
Cassondra Larsen Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-628-4686 Michael Danny Lester Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-559-4652 Laurie Lionnet Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-462-9376 Rhonda Maestri HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-905-9001 Maureen Matthews HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-610-6522 Yvonne McCulla Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-909-2222 Dawn MentelKoster HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-450-0023 Ashley Merritt Coldwell Banker TEC 3620 Hessmer Ave. Suite B 513-293-5070 Siobhan Michel Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-247-2824 Nycholl Miller NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 817-776-1439 Craig K. Mirambell Jr. Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 504-908-6777
Lynn Morgan Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-236-0799
Melissa Richoux NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 985-807-9015
Shannon Rodi Nash Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-421-0197
Spencer Rossie Century 21 J. Carter & Company 3540 S. I-10 Service Rd. W. Suite 300 985-351-6667
Joy Naylon Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-616-7455
Erin Rotolo Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-228-3085
Stephen Nguyen Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-296-7722
Tony Ruiz NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-239-9300
Taly Noronha NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 985-222-9191 Gina Norris Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-234-7815 Christina King Noto NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-343-5448 Cynthia (Cindy) Pacaccio Re/Max Affiliates 671 Rosa Ave. Suite 100 504-259-3731
Lindy Schexnayder NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-650-3646 Robyn Schmitt HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-236-1144 Al Sidhom Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-319-7428 Michelle Soliman Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 504-327-0888
Connie Quave HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-430-9817
Erin Songer HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 504-296-3988
Blake Quinlivan NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-810-9469
Monika Sood NOLA Living Realty 3841 Veterans Blvd. Suite 201 504-505-1881
Alyssa Quinn Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 504-919-8704
Jarred Tolar Century 21 J. Carter & Company 3540 S. I-10 Service Rd. W. Suite 300 504-875-1378
Luis Ernesto Ramos Gulf South International, MiBonitaCasa 4051 Veterans Blvd. Suite 308 504-400-9899
Niki Tripi Coldwell Banker TEC 3620 Hessmer Ave. Suite B 504-975-6454
Deidra Williams HomeSmart Realty South 3131 N. I-10 Service Rd. Suite 101 213-923-5922 NEW ORLEANS Elizabeth Ackal Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-810-3481 Sarah Ackerman RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-616-3181 ; 504-866-7733 ; 504-862-5400 Chris Aguglia Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-250-0335 Jacques Alfonso Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-228-3803 Jes Armitage Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-605-8800 Sarah T. Aucoin Coldwell Banker TEC 4500 Magazine St. 504-704-9192 Glennda Bach Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-583-2792 Tracy Ball Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-616-8872 Mat Berenson Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-232-1352 Sissy Blewster Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-339-9740 Adrienne Boasso RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-864-2295 ; 985-373-4400 David Bordelon Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-908-6108 Jeanne Boughton RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-669-4773 Louise Brady Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 985-951-9328
Scott Brannon Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-908-2543 Caitlin Brewster Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-919-5759 Sally Brower McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 404-909-9406 ; 504-605-4400 Stacie Carubba Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty 425 Harrison Ave. Suite 1200 504-434-7653 Kasi Champagne eXp Realty, LLC 650 Poydras St. Suite 1400 504-715-0115 Elizabeth A. Charvat Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-444-4808 Lauren Collignon Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-408-1995 Julie Comarda Koerner McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-677-8923 ; 504-605-4400 Debby Valentino Counce Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-430-7663 Lance Daggs Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 225-938-1222 David Dao Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-231-4786 Terrence Davis Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-450-9003 Derek Delahoussaye Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 337-277-1446 Gwen Dorris Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 985-778-6908
Jeffrey Doussan Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-321-3063 Nathalie Dubois Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-610-0679 Carmen Duncan RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-452-6439 Helga Eisele Coldwell Banker TEC 4500 Magazine St. 504-899-4040 David Ernst Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-655-8304 Katherine Eshleman Morales McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-606-1407 ; 504-605-4400 Andrew Evans Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 410-310-2380 Philip Ewbank Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-335-7481 Eleanor Farnsworth Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-669-0211 Janet Favrot Coldwell Banker TEC 4500 Magazine St. 504-615-0813 Corinne Fox Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-239-1481 Katie Frame McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-460-6450 ; 504-505-4400 Gabriella Francescon Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-909-4435
Jacob Freedman FQR Realtors 8011 Maple St. 504-603-6577 Lisa Fury Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-957-2422 Whitney Gagnon RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-250-9448 Britt Galloway Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-250-4122 Nina Gensler Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-606-7923 Andrew Grafe FQR Realtors 1041 Esplanade Ave. 504-529-9559
Jean Hunn RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-232-3570
Kerri Lawless eXp Realty, LLC 650 Poydras St. Suite 1400 985-960-3777
Eileen Nolan Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-495-2905
Lana Hunt Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 225-933-6459
Lauren Lawson eXp Realty, LLC 650 Poydras St. Suite 1400 504-452-8439
Jansen Petagna FQR Realtors 8011 Maple St. 504-621-9443
George Jeansonne FQR Realtors 8011 Maple St. 504-616-0990 Kim Jones Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-913-6572 Cherie Juneau Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-307-0586 Kate Kancheva Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-520-9255
Caroline Graham Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 859-492-7631
Rachael Kansas RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-220-9941
Anthony Grosch Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-339-5292
Betsy Karam Compass 2734 Prytania St. 985-630-7580
Erin Hardy Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-432-7928 Stephanie Henne Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty 425 Harrison Ave. Suite 1200 504-858-7462 Jane Hicks Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-439-1601 Graham Holly Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 917-573-9060 ; 504-799-1702 Erin Hubert Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-218-6071 Jamie Hughes Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-913-0597
Tricia King Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-722-7640 Kari Kramer Ayala New Orleans Property Services, LLC 2801 St. Charles Ave. Suite 111B 504-473-5969 Michelle LaBanca Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-206-8066 Regina LaCaze Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-400-2578 Lane Lacoy Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-957-5116 Suzy Lamore Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-729-8818 Haj Langford RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-261-0282 ; 504-864-2307
Gary Lazarus RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-382-2603 ; 504-866-7733 Frederick (Ricky) Lemann Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-460-6340 Micah Loewenthal Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-388-6150 Logan Macrae Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-444-9445 Gary Marshall Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-388-1136 Celeste Marshall Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-220-8558 Melissa McClendon Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-417-5131 Elizabeth McNulty Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-908-0289 Peter Menge Jr. Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-390-5700 Tracey Moore Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-352-3303 Bonnie J. Morel Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-912-9997 Ashley Nesser Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-458-3536
Joel Picolo Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-251-8341 Donna Pisani Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-491-2783 Skye Price Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-388-7593 Kay Randels Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-451-8537 Brett A. Rector Witry Collective 3640 Magazine St. 504-453-2277 Karon Reese Reese & Co. Real Estate 2042 Magazine St. 504-400-8558 Harriet Reynolds Compass 3001 General De Gaulle Suite B 504-319-7788 Emilie Riser Moseley McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-813-6780 ; 504-505-4400 Joe Robert Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-249-8724 Blake Rose Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 606 Harrison Ave. 504-433-6444 ; 504-945-5522 Letty Rosenfeld Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-236-6834 Aaron Ross Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-383-3347
Ellie Sanders Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-615-0151 Michelle Sartor Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-723-8057 Jonathan Schmitt Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-512-9220 Lara Schultz Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-338-2587 Doris Schutte Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-281-3685 Tina Scott Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-450-1114 Kelly Serio Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty 425 Harrison Ave. Suite 1200 504-944-3605 Lisa Shedlock FQR Realtors 1041 Esplanade Ave. 504-330-8233 Joycelyn Simmons Coldwell Banker TEC 3505 Behrman Place 985-713-3249 Gayle Sisk Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-236-6544 Alton Smith RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-264-4511 Sam Mickal Solomon RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-957-9698 Margaret Stewart Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-616-4154 Lazaro Suarez Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-251-5302
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Sissy Sullivan RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-858-8140 Liz Tardo Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-723-4011 Todd Tedesco Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-250-9053 Sheri Thompson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-256-9450 Ninh Tran Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-475-6675 Chris Turgeon Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-202-0777 Robert Van Meter Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 606 Harrison Ave. 504-906-1146 Toni Van Zandt Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-913-8665 Mark Vaughn Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-782-8634 Joey Walker Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-610-5637
Jeri Wheeler Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-232-0255 Michael Wilkinson FQR Realtors 1041 Esplanade Ave. 504-491-0484 Katie Witry Witry Collective 3640 Magazine St. 504-919-8585 Ashley Wood RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-884-8461 Jill Wren RE/MAX N.O. Properties 8001 Maple St. 504-717-7727 ; 504-864-2336 Kelli Wright Compass 200 Broadway St. Suite 142 504-612-7902 Michael Zarou Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-913-2872 Paradis Janina Kinler Kinler Bellew Realty 545 Hwy. 306 985-210-9176 SLIDELL Patricia Bennett Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 985-707-5035 Stacey Dauzat Weichert, Realtors - Loescher Properties 1808 Front St. Suite 100 504-220-6484
Josh Walther Witry Collective 3640 Magazine St. 504-717-5612
Wendy P. Englande Century 21 Investment Realty 2160 Gause Blvd. E. 504-913-4940
Lane Washburn Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-909-0824
Jessica Macaluso Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 985-640-4917
Rebecca Waxman McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-261-6867
BJ Murphey Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 504-427-7822
Ryan Wentworth Rêve | Realtors 4827 Prytania St. 504-302-0300
Peggy Newcomb Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 985-707-6414
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Leila Perez Leila Perez Realty 636 Gause Blvd. Suite 204 985-422-8068 Connie Smith Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 504-583-0542 Penny Stettinius Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 601-273-6565
TOP TEAMS BELLE CHASSE The Bonnie Buras Team Coldwell Banker TEC 8498 Hwy. 23 504-392-0022 COVINGTON CM Real Estate 1 Percent Lists 123 Terra Bella Blvd. Suite 2C 985-517-8555 The Morse Team McEnery Residential 427 N. Columbia St. 985-966-2715 DESTREHAN The Edler Group Compass 3 Riverbriar Ct. 504-939-1693 HAMMOND Exnicios Group Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 208 E. Thomas St. 504-416-4749 The Will Frederick Team Keller Williams Realty Services 201 NW Railroad Ave. 985-215-3100 KENNER The Loup Group Compass 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 130 504-650-7177 MANDEVILLE Amanda Stevens Property Group Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-687-2416
Black Ark Luxury Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-249-9154
The Kelly Waltemath Group Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-236-8587
Dominion Group Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-332-2822
The Mixon Team Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 504-315-0334
Felicity Kahn & Associates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-723-4320
The Roberts Team Coldwell Banker TEC 101 Beau Chene Blvd. 985-502-9733
Gurievsky Family Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-789-2434 Jennifer Rice Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 1121 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-966-1321 ; 985-892-1478 Jim Lark Team Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-669-7413 M&M Residential McEnery Residential 170 Moores Rd. 504-312-8232 Mysing Williams Team Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 985-320-5237 Team CeeJay Sells Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-205-2770 Team Navigators Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-445-5718 The Chip Gardner & Herbert Dubuisson Group Compass 1151 N. Causeway Blvd. 504-236-3891
The Tepper Group, Realtors Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-275-9888 ; 985-231-2120 Watson Southern Properties Keller Williams Realty Services 1522 W. Causeway Approach 985-264-9815
Team Tangie Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-338-765 The McCann Group Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-289-4810 The NugentFreeland Team Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-813-3865 NEW ORLEANS Be Home NOLA Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-459-9912 Charlotte & Chris Dorion Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-237-8615
METAIRIE Benedetto Power Team Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 504-382-7492
Chris Smith Homes Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-231-2004
Bruno | Swift Real Estate Team Mirambell Realty 3232 Metairie Rd. 504-452-7789
Christovich Area Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-610-5454
Delery Comarda Group McEnery Residential 722 Martin Behrman Ave. 504-875-3555
Crane Realtors Crane Realtors 138 N. Cortez St. 504-259-5917
Heritage Homes Group Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-360-5533 Judy Walker Team Keller Williams Realty 455-0100 3500 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 350 504-251-4142 Metro Nola Group Compass 1041 Veterans Blvd. Suite 200 504-236-8540
Francher Perrin Group Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-251-6400 Kim Davis Team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, Realtors 4018 Magazine St. 504-544-2282 Kristin Patterson & Ansley Garibaldi Compass 7934 Maple St. 504-762-1506 LaBauve Group eXp Realty, LLC 650 Poydras St. Suite 1400 504-344-0877
Maki Talavera Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-605-4400 Marais Collective McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-605-4400 Maxwell Strachan Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-605-4400 Mixon Yoo Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-605-4400 Nola Styles Group Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-777-1773 Talbot Lott Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-605-4400 Team Right Side Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-319-6226 The Ingrassia Group Compass 840 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-881-0660 The Martzolf Group McEnery Residential 4901 Magazine St. 504-261-5654 The Picolo Group Keller Williams Realty New Orleans 8601 Leake Ave. 504-300-5179 The Upperline Group Compass 2734 Prytania St. 504-444-5088 SLIDELL The Puckett Team Compass 1300 Gause Blvd. Suite C1 985-707-7267 ; 985-707-4145 Tynes McCoy Team Compass 1400 Gause Blvd. 504-462-0044
MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS CHALMETTE Claude Maher CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC 908 W. Judge Perez Dr. Suite A 504-610-8734 COVINGTON Kelly Clayton New American Funding 207 E. Lockwood St. Suite B 504-235-5029 Scott Finklea New American Funding 207 E. Lockwood St. Suite B 504-400-9177 Gina Joanos First Horizon Bank 70470 Hwy. 21 504-655-5171 Debra Macaluso CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC 106 Park Place Suite 303 985-302-1902 Stephanie Machado Barto GMFS Mortgage 119 Terra Bella Blvd. 504-874-6373
Amy Skaff Homekey Mortgage, LLC 124 SW Railroad Ave. 504-330-8725 HARVEY Mindy Dinicola Hancock Whitney Bank 1855 Manhattan Blvd. 504-619-4214 KENNER Tasha Bourgeois Premier Lending, LLC 2400 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 350 504-212-0704 MADISONVILLE David Garretson Crescent City Home Mortgage 389 Hwy. 21 Suite 401A 985-951-2230 x 4 METAIRIE Dani Fromenthal Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership 903 Haring Rd. 504-606-3008 Marc Gervias New American Funding 300 Codifer Blvd. 504-301-6656
Kevin Morgan Arbor Lending Group 5001 Hwy. 190 Suite B5 985-867-8334
Matt Helling OnPath Credit Union 3131 N. 1-10 Service Rd. E. 504-250-8012
Suzy Ortiz Veritas Lending Group 522 N. New Hampshire St. Suite 3 504-236-6679
Hung Le Movement Mortgage LLC 3501 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 500 504-210-6697
Lance Scott New American Funding 207 E. Lockwood St. Suite B 504-319-2533 Wendi Stein Ace Mortgage Company 711 River Highlands Blvd. 985-888-1660 GRETNA Nicole Dupre Regions Bank 313 Westbank Expy. 504-258-7392 HAMMOND Crystal Barnes Homekey Mortgage, LLC 124 SW Railroad Ave. 985-276-0830
Brett Patron OnPath Credit Union 3131 N. 1-10 Service Rd. E. 504-451-5358 Natasha Roberts CMG Home Loans 4501 W. Napoleon Ave. Suite 105 504-884-1178 Ryan Rouhana OnPath Credit Union 3131 N. 1-10 Service Rd. E. 504-214-8925 Michael A. Sell Eustis Mortgage 3445 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 210 504-390-4217
MIAMI Jesse Mancuso First Horizon Bank 400 Arthur Godfrey Rd. Suite 102 504-669-8276 NEW ORLEANS Raymond L. Addison Jr. Bourgeois & Associates Mortgage, LLC 8050 Crowder Blvd. Suite A 504-246-6675 Joe Bellows Hancock Whitney Bank 3001 Holiday Dr. 504-249-8838 Wardell R. Bourgeois Bourgeois & Associates Mortgage, LLC 8050 Crowder Blvd. Suite A 504-246-6675 Chris Brinson First Horizon Bank 3412 St. Charles Ave. 504-722-9111 Jonathan Fry My Community Mortgage 1138 N. Dupre St. 985-664-7230
Drew Remson First Horizon Bank 3412 St. Charles Ave. 504-201-3609 SLIDELL Paul Chiasson Prime Lending 1310 Brownswitch Rd. Suite B 985-214-7032 Joani Jacob Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company 1900 Oak Harbor Blvd. 504-782-7702 Tim Pillsbury Amres Corporation 636 Gause Blvd. Suite 200 985-777-2837 Andrea West CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC 1349 Corporate Square Blvd. Suite 5 985-788-8238 * advertisers are highlighted on the list
Maria Eugenia Gutierrez Credit Human 3001 Tulane Ave. Suite 8 504-908-7048 John Ismail Keller Home Loans 8601 Leake Ave. Office 6 469-226-2429 Courtney Dorris Jenkins NOLA Lending Group 7820 Maple St. 985-778-3705 Ava Nicole Kamahana My Community Mortgage 1138 N. Dupre St. 310-728-0366 Frank Moresco Hope Credit Union 1635 Elysian Fields Ave. 504-913-6450 Joey Piel NOLA Lending Group 7820 Maple St. 504-315-0627 Rene Rapalo Reliant Mortgage LLC 4114 Toulouse St. 504-453-7885 MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 51
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Travel
BY CHERÉ COEN
but also pieces one might find from childhood, a delightful combination that resembles a slice of Royal Street.
Skamania Lodge
A Gorge-ous Road Trip Adventure on the Columbia River
J
ust outside Portland, Oregon, lies the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with miles of dramatic vistas, sweet towns offering wineries and breweries, state parks where visitors may dip their toes in the river and waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls. It’s the perfect American road trip, one to be enjoyed slowly to absorb the beauty of the river that rivals the Mississippi in size, the Douglas firs stretching to the heavens along the mountain range and those waterfalls, one of which is 600-plus-feet high! Stay Choose between lodge rooms overlooking the Columbia River or forested cabins, glamping and
treehouses at Skamania Lodge, a 175-acre resort on the Washington side. The property contains a host of activities, including a ninehole golf course, tennis, zip line, and full-service spa with an indoor pool, outdoor soaking pool with miniature waterfall and peaceful hot tubs inside the men’s and women’s locker rooms with one-way windows that allow visitors to enjoy the view. At night, sit beneath the stars and cook s’mores on open fire pits. And it’s only an hour from downtown Portland. Dine Dine inside at Skamania Lodge in a pub-like experience with unique craft cocktails at River Rock Lounge or choose one of the lounge’s outside tables to
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enjoy the views. Fine dining is available at Skamania’s Cascade restaurant, also featuring those four-star views. Across the river on the Oregon side lies Cascade Locks with several dining options and brew pubs, but don’t miss one of Oregon’s favorite ice cream spots; Eastwind Drive-In not only serves up tasty ice cream, they pile it super high. Shop & Sip Another great spot for a variety of dining options — plus wineries, coffee shops and breweries — is Hood River, about an hour down the Columbia from Portland. The quaint Oregon town that derives its name from Mt. Hood, which towers over the region like a protective father, is home to a thriving artist community so look for galleries and artsy festivals. Don’t miss Cajun & Clover, an antique store that’s artistic in its design, created and run by Riley Koughan whose mother hails from South Louisiana. The interior contains fine antiques
Hike Oregon contains about 250 waterfalls, with Washington clocking about 3,000. Visitors will see many on a road trip through the Columbia River Gorge, including Oregon’s tallest and more visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest — Multnomah Falls. Many of the falls can be seen along the historic highway that parallels Interstate 84 on the Oregon side and Hwy. 14 on the Washington side. It’s best to park at each and hike through ancient forests to enjoy the great reveal. Prepare yourself for each waterfall takes your breath away. Don’t Miss In the 2014 film “Wild,” actress Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed as she hiked the Pacific Coast Trail from Mexico toward Canada. The film ends at the Bridge of the Gods which crosses the Columbia River at Cascade Locks near Skamania Lodge. Visitors may drive or walk the steel cantilevered bridge which opened to the public in October 1926 but its history goes back farther. A massive landslide created a land bridge about 500 years ago and the native Cascade Watlala people called the land bridge Tahmahnaw, or “bridge of the gods” as later translated by European Americans. The bridge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with special events Sept. 19-20 at Cascade Locks Marine Park and other events in October on Main Street Cascade Locks.
The Beat
BY JEREMY MARSHALL
Swamp Surf
The Unnaturals catch a wave
S
urf rock is not the first genre one considers when scoping out the musical lineage of New Orleans, though perhaps; after 20 years of The Unnaturals establishing themselves as a bespoke backing track of the city, maybe it should be. A cultural cross-pollination of rolling baselines, shredding riffs and a beat meant for vibing out on either a beachfront or a dive bar, the California-based discipline of utilizing electric guitars to mime the ebb and flow of crashing ocean waves has escaped containment and transmogrified amid the swampy after-sludge of post-Katrina music scene into a legion eyed creature from another world; an all-consuming definitionless behemoth that assimilates influences and expels them into entrancing, universal grooves at supersonic speed. Founded by guitarist Kevin Bowles and bassist Jenn Attaway, and later joined by drummer Bill Heintz, The Unnaturals were molded in a New Orleans desperate for something new; a multi-disciplined head trip meant to wash away the lingering stain of receding floodwaters. Standing out in a city where jazz and punk scenes are vibrant proved to be a double-edged sword for the flowering triptych, whose unique sound was both novel and niche; a potent distinction which, on a long enough curve, always finds
its audience. And so the eager surf rockers did what artists do: they gigged, they grinded, they plied their trade wherever they could; tiki nights, dive bars, and private events. They opened for The Chop Tops, The Koffin Kats, and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, playing Ramones covers one night and rockabilly the next; eager to be heard and find themselves amid the din of influences and a maelstrom of monstrous musicality. “There was nobody else doing surf rock,” Bowles said. “You can find five punk bands at a show, you can find five metal bands at a show. You’ll never find more than one surf rock band.” “It kind of worked in our favor because we would just get the darnedest gigs,” Attaway said. “If an industrial band came through town, like ‘GENITORTURERS’ or ‘My Life with the Throw Kill Kult,’ we would get the gig because they didn’t have anyone else to play with. So we were the sore thumb; they were the sore thumb; let’s have one sore thumb open for the other one.” Vibing out to The Unnaturals is akin to rolling along a highway lined with drive-in theaters playing ‘60s creature features while Van Halen wails away on the radio; a grab bag of vibrant and contradictory aesthetics modeled and recombined in real time to create something thrilling and new. From the ominously cinematic and somber “Miedo” to the Ennio Morricone-inspired “Staring Proudly into the Sunset,” every thumping track is a new adventure, a journey beyond the bounds
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Must-see performances this month Sept. 5 The Suicide Machines + Bad Operation, 8 p.m. at The Broadside, broadsidenola. com. Sept. 9 The Midnight, 8 p.m. at The Civic Theater, civicnola.com. Sept. 9 Chance the Rapper, 7 p.m. at The Fillmore, thefillmorenola. com. Sept. 14 Danzig (with Twin Temple), 5 p.m. at The Fillmore, thefillmorenola.com. Sept. 20 Fais Do-Do with Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, 5p.m. at Tipitina’s, tipitinas.com.
of space-time shared between a trio of artists and an audience eager to hang on tight for the ride. That shared experience, that live and unabridged soul-spilling soundscape is what makes The Unnaturals true New Orleans originals, kaleidoscopic troubadours for whom every night, every show, every song is a portal to another dimension where traditional genre roadblocks are evaporated into so much moon dust. “When I’m in a really good writing space, when I’m just cranking them out, I’m usually not even listening to guitar music,” Bowles said. “I’m usually listening to dance music or something weird; hearing melodies that are more than some 90-mph guitar part.” “Because we’re instrumental, it’s about finding the story,” Heintz said. “You’re not just shredding, you’re going somewhere. The thing about Kevin’s writing is that it does tell a story, a true beginning, middle, and end, as if it were a script.” As they begin work on their first vinyl record, an aural culmination built upon two decades of constant experimentation, The Unnaturals continue doing what they do best: discovering new frontiers worthy of exploration and reinvention where you’ll never hear the same set twice. While their influence has immortalized itself in the New Orleans punk/horror scene, evidenced by their helping found “Creepy Fest” and frequent inclusion in horror film soundtracks, the group is far from resting on laurels. It is in that dogged persistence, that unendingly curious reach of style and musicianship where The Unnaturals can be found; rising from an otherworldly ooze in search of fresh alien waves to shred, a jackof-all-trades musicality which is unique, seductive, and undeniably made in New Orleans.
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Table Talk
BY SCOTT GOLD | PHOTOS BY JEFFERY JOHNSTON
Refined and Refried
Elegant Mexican breakfast in the Bywater
C
hef Ana Castro has every reason to rest on her laurels in 2026. After leaving her first venture, the brilliant tasting menu spot Lengua Madre (which we excitedly covered back in 2023), Castro made some major waves with Acamaya, her first restaurant as owner/chef along with her sister Lydia Castro, which opened in the Bywater two years ago. It has been not only racking up praise both locally and nationally, but also led to a James Beard nomination for the passionate and talented Mexican-American chef. With tables at Acamaya booked solid, it would make perfect sense for Chef Castro to focus wholly on her flagship eatery for a spell. That, however, does not appear to be the
Mexican-American chef’s modus operandi, as she and her sister wasted little time expanding to a second effort, this time a more casual Mexican breakfast spot just up the street from Acamaya named Casimiro. Any concerns about the perils of rapid restaurant expansion do not appear to have bedeviled Castro, whose motivation mostly concerned her culinary colleagues. “The main reason we opened (Casimiro) was because I realized that we have an insanely talented team, and it is my job and duty and responsibility to create opportunities for them. And the only way that we can do that is growth,” she said. Hence the decision to build Casimiro, which highlights the same painstaking attention to detail, ingredients and techniques
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as with Acamaya, only in a relaxed breakfast/brunch setting. As for why the pivot from ambitious fine dining to something a little more low key, Castro describes a need for something complimentary to her first venture. “I think it offers something for everyone,” she said. “Acamaya, although a stunning restaurant, can be a little intimidating. I needed to move the needle of the conversation away from, ‘Oh, it’s a Mexican restaurant with no chips and salsa.’ I never want to answer that question again. But now, the dialogue can move towards Acamaya really cementing itself on an identity of a fine dining establishment, really pushing the envelope with what we want to do with the food. Now it can have its antithesis, which is Casimiro, where we’re gonna showcase very traditional Mexican food, no riffs on anything. We’re not doing anything crazy. It’s just tamales and chilaquiles, you know? Very casual, approachable, and affordable.”
If you’re expecting this “no riffs” approach to result in the kind of Tex-Mex breakfasts you might find familiar or even staid, you’ll be delighted to learn that Casimiro is wholly Mexican in all the best ways. Take, for instance, the humble tortilla. In Castro’s hands, this simple staple becomes almost revelatory. “They’re made with really nice butter, and they’re rested and shaped and flattened, then cooked to order,” said the chef. “So of course they’re delicious! We’re not reinventing the wheel, we’re just taking care. There’s just a lot of integrity when it comes to the process and sticking to it, with no compromises.” It’s also worth noting that Castro continues to source her ingredients with deliberate care, including maize varietals cultivated by indigenous communities in Oaxaca that Castro’s team grinds on a volcanic stone mill in house daily. Those gratifying tortillas are only a modest sample of the kind of culinary integrity Castro brings to the table. The menu at Casimiro is tight but diverse, with a curated selection of dishes that should appeal to most hungry diners, from lighter fare to more robust options. On the lighter side, you’ll find fresh fruit and chamoy (a Mexican condiment fashioned from pickled fruit), as well as Greek yogurt with banana and vanilla bean topped with puffed amaranth and candied pumpkin seeds. But the real showstoppers are the savory dishes, starting with the traditional Mexican breakfast plates, like a generous breakfast burrito stuffed with chorizo, cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy potatoes, as well as huevos divorciados, which features a pair of fried eggs over tortillas with refried beans, shaved onion and both red and green salsas. To take that one up a notch, you can opt for the huevos machaca, which incorporates a favorite
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About the Chef/Owners
Ana and Lydia Castero were born in Texas and raised in Mexico City, with Ana learning to cook in her grandmother’s kitchen before studying classical culinary technique at Le Cordon Bleu. After turns in restaurants in such far-flung places as India, Denmark and New York, the two eventually landed in New Orleans. Ana cooked at a number of lauded establishments, including Coquette and Jewel of the South, before opening Lengua Madre along with Lydia in 2021. Acamaya, followed in the summer of 2024, again highlighting the uniquely elegant, fine dining Mexican fare that garnered bountiful praise not only from local diners but also the national culinary media, resulting in a finalist nomination for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: South for Ana. “I’ve always felt so embraced by New Orleans as a chef,” Ana said. “There is just so much historical context to Mexico and New Orleans, and we’re so much more alike than you might think. We have so much in common, and it’s really been like the privilege of my life and of my career to live here. I am not planning to go anywhere anytime soon!”
Mexican dried beef preparation. “It is truly one of my favorite breakfasts, and I really wanted to showcase it because machaca is a hard thing to source,” Castro said. “We rehydrate it with beef stock from Acamaya, add a little bit of butter, sauté in tomatoes, onions, and serrano chiles, and then fold eggs to the scramble, and that’s what it’s like in the northern states of Mexico, where my mother’s family is from. Add some beans, avocado on the side, flour tortillas and salsa ranchera, and boom. That’s it. It is so good!” You’d also be wise, when breakfasting at Casimiro, to sample some dishes that may seem unfamiliar to American diners who may not have traveled extensively through Mexico. One standout are the tetelas, savory puffed masa triangle packed with roasted mushrooms and deepfried cheese served with roasted salsa verde and crema. According to Castro, “This is the kind of yummy, non-fussy Mexican food that I wanted to showcase, something that you could have in a market in Oaxaca or that you could have on the side of the street. Just casual and delicious with no pretension.” And if you’re in more of a lunch mood on the brunch spectrum,
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you’ll surely be satiated with the generous fried pork chop sandwich (torta de Milanesa) with chipotle mayo, refried beans, avocado, tomato and onion, or the savory molletes: toasted bolillo bread with refried beans, cheese and pico de gallo, to which you can and should add chorizo. You’ll also find some of the best flautas and chilaquiles in the Big Easy, which again manage to deftly skirt the line between professional culinary execution and comfort cuisine. Castro’s expansion to a second restaurant seems like an organic choice that never comes off as exceedingly ambitious and is largely inspired by what Chef Ana and her sister Lydia hope to add to the Bywater neighborhood where they both live and work. “It’s kind of like what I’ve always wanted,” she said. “I get to say hi to my neighbor that lives across the street, and he’s like, ‘Hey, chef! I went to this estate sale and I found this really cool book on Mexican cooking!’ Or maybe their daughter is making tiramisu and they’ll bring some by, or they bring their new dog to Casimiro for everybody to meet. It’s just really cool to be near so many people doing cool stuff and people that care so much.”
El Pavo Real Nestled at the corner of Fontainebleau and South Broad streets Uptown is one of our favorite Mexican spots in the city, especially if you’re looking for something slightly more refined than a quick breakfast burrito on the go (which we still love, of course). Open since 2015, it’s a cherished neighborhood haunt for numerous excellent reasons. Lindsey McLellan, a New Orleans native and former longtime chef at Lola’s, was inspired by her Mexican husband to bring “coastal Mexican soul food” to the Crescent City, including top notch tacos with freshly pressed tortillas, moles, pozole and unique items like chipotle coconut shrimp, crab and avocado quesadillas, and rajas con queso. It also hosts an absolutely killer breakfast menu, including classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles in addition to a breakfast burrito stu!ed with carnitas, potato, egg, pintos, cheese, salsa ranchera, crema and pico. And if you need some hair of the perro, their margaritas use only fresh juices instead of overly sweet mixes, perfect for refueling after a long night out with friends. Taquería Guerrero We’ve lost so many beloved eateries since Katrina, but thankfully Taqueria Guerrero, one of our faves since 2007, is not only still thriving but also continues to satisfy hungry locals looking for a satisfying Mexican fix. A family-operated institution helmed by proprietor Jesus Martínez, the cozy Mid City spot excels at down-home Mexican comfort cuisine as well as Latin American staples. You will find decidedly unfancy but absolutely gratifying tacos and tamales as well as savory Salvadoran pupusas and Honduran baleadas, all of which are both family and walletfriendly. And yes, there are plenty of breakfast options on hand if you’re jonesing for a hefty egg and chorizostu!ed burrito. Also, don’t miss the weekendonly menudo, a classic Mexican soup incorporating tender beef tripe in a rich, spicy broth with hominy, garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and red chili flakes. It’ll fix you up right, and then some!
MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 69
Nosh
BY JYL BENSON | PHOTOS BY SAM HANNA
Basque in the Glow
A neighborhood classic
S
pecializing in Basque-style cuisine and driven by a woodburning oven, Dolfy’s became one of the hottest tickets in town just as soon as it opened on Freret Street in late March. The environment is casual yet sexy and elegant enough for a date; the menu is interesting and diverse, not the same old; and the prices are not eye-popping. For a quick bite, there is a menu of pixnos. Proprietors Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. and Sophia Petrou Garcia visited Spain several times on research missions before undertaking their second restaurant on Freret, the other being Chi Chi’s, a popular spot for Korean chicken and beer located just up the street. They both hail from local restaurant families. Hers owned Russell’s Marina Grill; he grew up working the line at Rio Mar, his father, Chef Adolfo Garcia’s, celebrated Warehouse District restaurant specializing in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. We asked Garcia Jr. for a recipe that reflects what he is offering at Dolfy’s and is also manageable for the home chef. This dish is just autumnal enough to get you craving the comfort foods that will come with the arrival of the next season.
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Join us each third Tuesday of the month and cook along with New Orleans Magazine and our featured chef on Instagram. @neworleansmagazine
Grilled Carrots with White Bean Puree and Sunflower Granola Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr., Executive Chef, Dolfy’s
2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Carrots:
1teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard A pinch of salt 1. Boil the carrots in 2 cups of carrot juice until fork tender. 2. Remove carrots and reduce carrot juice on high heat by 90%; remove from the stove and whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. 3. Brush the carrots with carrot reduction for maximum flavor and grill on high heat; you want to see light char. For the White Bean Puree: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup of chopped onions 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of ground coriander 1 can of strained white beans 1 cup of vegetable stock The juice of one lemon Salt and pepper to taste
3. The sunflower granola is addictive. I tossed it on salads, ice cream, in sandwiches, on soups, and I ate it out of a bag, too. Everyone I shared it with loved it. So, make extra.
1/4 cup untoasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 cups of carrot juice
2. The white bean puree can be made a day ahead.
1 cup untoasted sunflower kernels
Serves 2-4 as an appetizer, 1 as an entrée
5 carrots (any color or a variety), peeled
1. The carrots can be cooked in the carrot juice one day ahead, then brought to room temperature before finishing them on the grill or in a grill pan just before serving.
For Sunflower Granola:
1 teaspoon salt 1teaspoon ground coriander Crumbled fresh goat cheese (chèvre) and picked fresh dill, for garnish 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF 2. Combine all ingredients. Mix well with a spatula 3. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture evenly atop a parchment paper-lined baking tray. 4. Bake for 14 minutes, turning the pan halfway through, and mix the granola around with the spatula. 5. Cool thoroughly To Serve: 1. Add 2 tablespoons of the hot white bean puree to a serving plate. 2. Top with whole carrots. 3. Pour 1/4 cup of the carrot/ Dijon reduction over the carrots. 4. Sprinkle with sunflower granola, crumbled fresh goat cheese (chèvre) and picked dill. Serve
1. Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. 3. Add the ground cumin and ground coriander. Stir to combine. 4. Add the strained white beans and the 1 cup of vegetable stock. 5. Increase the heat to high and boil for 4 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and scrape into a blender or a large bowl. 7. Use either the blender or an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Add the lemon juice and puree. 8. Season with salt and pepper.
PROP STYLING AND CULINARY IMPLEMENTS COURTESY OF ANGELA DISIMONE OF AVIS ALDINE @AVISALDINE
Cheers
BY ELIZABETH PEARCE | PHOTO BY EUGENIA UHL
A New “Old” Favorite
New Orleans classics collide
TIPS
This Sip is Bananas 1 ½ ounce brown butter fatwashed Planteray Dark rum (See recipe) 1/2 ounce Planteray O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum 1/2 ounce banana-infused simple syrup (See recipe) 5-6 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish: orange peel
Rebecca Whitaker had spent six years behind the bar when she moved to New Orleans. “I thought I was ready to go,” she said. When her first interviewer asked for her rendition of an Old Fashioned, she drew a blank “What do you mean ‘my own rendition’?” She quickly realized, “In New Orleans, craft bartending... is the motherland.” Her Old Fashioned, inspired by bananas Foster, shows her professional development. The fat washed rum provides the dessert’s “buttery goodness” while the bananas appear in the syrup. And the tableside fire? Whitaker remembers thinking “Maybe I could set it on fire?” but decided the overproof rum provided “fire in your mouth.” Whitaker is inspired by her work in hospitality. “I’m creating this cocktail for you, so I want to know everything about you. I love to yap, so I want to tell you things about me, too... People have their callings and... I was fortunate enough to find my thing. It’s like that every single day.”
Podcast
Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with orange peel. Brown Butter Fat Washed Dark Planteray Rum 1 stick unsalted butter (.5 cup) 2 cups Dark Planteray Rum (or other dark rum) Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly until small brown specks appear. Do not allow it to burn. Remove from heat, cool briefly, and strain into a jar to remove any specks. Add rum and shake mixture vigorously every 20 minutes for 2 hours. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Remove any large bits of butter from the mixture and save (see Tips). Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter, to remove any remaining butter. The rum should be used within two weeks for maximum freshness and taste. Alcohol acts as a preservative, but the fat will oxidize and change the flavor over time. Banana Infused Simple Syrup 1 very ripe banana 1/2 cup demerara, turbinado, or brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup water Strip of orange peel 1/2 ounce vodka (optional) Place banana, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let simmer for 5 minutes, making sure the sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat but leave on the burner. Add the orange peel and let mixture macerate for 20-25 minutes. Strain to remove all solids. If using vodka, add now. The syrup without vodka will keep for a week in the refrigerator. Adding vodka can extend that to two weeks.
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Whitaker pours the banana syrup every day in her co!ee. She also recommends it over ice cream. You could also replace some or all regular syrup in a classic daiquiri. If you didn’t want to make the fat washed rum, you can just use the Planteray Dark. Whitaker uses the rum butter when baking cookies or banana bread or any treat where it would enhance the flavor. It’s also great on toast, eaten with your morning co!ee spiked with banana syrup!
MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 73
Vintage
BY JOHN R. KEMP
1781
Galvez and the Revolution
W
hile fireworks exploded across the United States this past July 4th in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday and signing of the Declaration of Independence, few locals knew that New Orleans, then under Spanish rule, played an unsung role in the American Revolution, thanks to Louisiana’s Spanish colonial Governor Bernardo de Gálvez, seen here in this 1781 portrait, and a resourceful Irishman. When the revolution broke out in 1775, Galvez saw an opportunity to regain land, including Florida, that Spain had lost to Great Britain in 1763 at the end of the French and Indian War. The British also had gained control of what was once part of French Louisiana from Baton Rouge east to the Perdido River. The Brits designated that territory West Florida and expanded its eastern border to include Pensacola. Gálvez had his sights on that, too. In steps the Irish-born merchant Oliver Pollock who arrived in New Orleans from Havana in 1768 at the invitation of then Spanish Governor Alejandro O’Reilly, another Irishman in Spanish service.
Pollock’s objective was to develop trade between Louisiana and other Spanish colonies. While here, the savvy Irishman also amassed a sizable fortune from his own business dealings in Louisiana and West Indies. During the early days of the revolution, Pollock secretly supported the American cause by helping Rebels buy arms from Spain. Taking advantage of those connections, Governor Gálvez, who arrived in New Orleans in January 1777, permitted Pollack to act as the Continental Congress’s agent in New Orleans, which Gálvez and his small army of enabled him to send even more Spanish regulars, Mexicans, Native supplies to Rebel forces, espe- Americans, Canary Islanders, freecially to George Washington in people-of-color, Anglo Americans, Virginia. Unfortunately, Pollock’s Acadians, and French Louisianians devotion to the American cause, captured British-held Baton Rouge including his own money to and Fort Bute south of Baton Rouge pay for Rebel supplies, on the Mississippi drove him deep into in September 1779. debt. In October, he took Bernardo de Meanwhile, Gálvez Natchez, Mississippi; Gálvez, Artist- José Nicolás de la Escalhad complete success Mobile, Alabama in era, 1781, Iberdrola against British forces. Collection, CourMarch 1780; and Pensacola, Florida In July 1779 he learned tesy Smithsonian National Portrait in May 1781. Spain that war had been Gallery gained possession declared between Spain of East and West and Great Britain. When he got word that British Florida in 1783 with the Peace of troops were concentrating in Paris that also ended the American West Florida to attack New Revolution. Orleans, he struck first. For Galvez’s contributions to Through quick maneuvers, the American patriots’ cause,
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Congress made him an honorary American citizen in 2014. As to Pollock, his debts haunted him long after the revolution until Congress finally repaid his claims. In 1783 he returned to Havana as an agent for the United States. While there, he spent 18 months in prison for unpaid bills. Returning to the U.S., Pollock settled for a time in Pennsylvania where he ran unsuccessfully for Congress. Despite ups and downs, Pollock eventually rebuilt his fortune before spending his final days living with his daughter in Pinckneyville, Mississippi, where he died in 1823. He is reportedly buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard of an abandoned Pinckneyville church.
MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 75
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Fall flavors are just around the corner! Discover your new favorite brunch, lunch, or late-night spot with our New Orleans Dining Guide.
Chada
Dickie Brennan & Co.
Juan’s Flying Burrito
Mandina’s
Fire-grilled lamb chops meet the bold flavors of pad cha —fresh herbs, green peppercorns, chilies, garlic, and crisp vegetables in a deeply aromatic sauce. Savory, spicy, and fragrant, it’s a vibrant Thai classic brought to the next level.
Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie Brennan & Company is open 7 days, offering lunch, dinner, brunch, and cocktails, and free live music Tuesdays under the oaks with a view of Audubon Park. Try Chef Jordan’s current favorite dish, the PASTA CARBONARA -- a house-made spaghetti, topped with cured egg yolk & tasso butter, crab fat & herbed breadcrumbs.
Celebrating nearly 30 years, Juan’s Flying Burrito is a vibrant Creole Taqueria offering a refined New Orleans-inspired twist on tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Thoughtful flavors, local seafood, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed rock-and-roll vibe make it a reliable, community-focused favorite.
Family owned since 1932,!Mandina’s offers a casual mix of authentic Italian and Cajun-Creole cuisine, from steak and seafood to pastas and po-boys. A jewel in the heart of Mid-City, make!Mandina’s your pre-parade fuel spot for pure New Orleans flavor.
Mother’s Restaurant
New Orleans Creole Cookery
Parkway
Pulcinella
As Summer winds down, there’s nothing better than a Poboy and a drink in the crisp Fall air! Join us at Parkway and belly up to the bar or order a hot roast beef Poboy, slow-roasted beef ladled with gravy and stuffed in between a loaf of Leidenheimer French Bread.
At Pulcinella!, fresh bucatini meets house-made Italian sausage, sweet pea pesto and fennel in a savory celebration of summer. Spring onion and mint lend the dish a bright, aromatic finish.
@chada.nola
mothersrestaurant.net
Did you know that debris, the popular po’ boy topping made of beef au jus generously flecked with shredded roast beef, originated at Mother’s? It’s made from roast beef trimmings that fall into the pan while the meat roasts.
audubonclubhouse.com
neworleanscreolecookery.com New Orleans Creole Cookery offers the finest Cajun and Creole cuisine in an innovative fashion that ignites appetites. The Culinary Menu has been extended through September; enjoy a 2-course lunch for $20.26. Enjoy Football & Oyster Happy Hour Daily 3-6 PM, discounted oysters and Cocktails in our Oyster Bar, and fall in Love with our regal Courtyard Dining.
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juansflyingburrito.com
parkwaypoorboys.com
mandinasrestaurant.com
dirtydimeproductions.com/ pulcinella
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Restaurant R’evolution/ Royal Sonesta revolutionnola.com
Fresh Gulf redfish is perfectly seared and served with root vegetables, finished with a silky charred lemon beurre blanc and luxurious Cajun caviar. A refined expression of Louisiana coastal cuisine, balancing vibrant flavors with elegant presentation.
Russell’s Marina Grill russellsmarinagrill.net
The Greek brings Mediterranean flavor to brunch with toasted panini bread, fresh arugula, tomato, avocado, and a perfectly poached egg. Kalamata olives, red onions, and homemade Greek oregano vinaigrette finish this fresh and tasty twist on a classic Eggs Benedict.
The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar
The Windsor Court
The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a throwback to the good ol' days of West End. Remember relaxing on the dock, drinking an ice-cold beer, and eating hot boiled crawfish & crabs? Our atmosphere will bring you right back there as old memories are shared and new memories are created. We are excited to be a part of the community and to be a landmark in raising the standard in the revitalization of the Lakefront area.
At The Grill Room, dining is an artful expression of flavor, place, and occasion. Monday through Friday, The Grill Room’s Plate Lunch invites guests to make it their own. Choose one protein and three sides from a generous selection, creating hundreds of possible combinations and a fresh, satisfying lunch experience each time you visit.
thebluecrabnola.com
wchmenus.com/restaurant/ grill-room
MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 77
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Visit Mississippi
Southern Fall Getaways Summer is done, but the good times keep rolling on! Find your favorite fun spot with these incredible Fall Getaways.
Scarlet Pearl If you’re dreaming of your next unforgettable getaway, let Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort bring it to life. Indulge in elevated comfort inside our stunning all-glass 300-room tower, where sleek, modern design, exceptional service, and spa-inspired bathrooms create the perfect retreat on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Elevate your evening at Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, where refined Gulf Coast dining is rooted in quality, precision, and respect for exceptional ingredients. Led by Chef Jackson, the kitchen pairs expertly prepared prime cuts with thoughtfully selected seafood, balancing classical technique with modern execution. Complete the experience at Butler’s Bar & Lounge with fine wines, rare spirits, and handcrafted cocktails, the perfect beginning or end to an unforgettable night. From luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining to thrilling gaming and distinctive resort amenities, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort is your number one travel destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Please contact 888-752-9772 for details and pricing. Old Town Merchants Assoc. Bay St. Louis There’s no place you’d rather be than Bay St. Louis, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Even as the air cools and Summer says “so long”, the Gulf 78 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
Coast waters stay warm and the Bay is a fine spot to catch a boat off the harbor or a tranquil sunset over the water. Savor the last days of Summer at dog-friendly beaches, splash pads for the kids, public pickleball courts, a downtown full of bustling golf carts, live music in the streets, fabulous shopping, restaurants and more! Spend an entire fun-filled weekend at a beachfront hotel with tranquil pools or recently renovated motels or private house rentals where the party only stops when you do. Book now and secure your spot for “The Witches Walk” on Oct 24th as 2,000 costumed witches turn the Bay into Halloween-town for a unique gathering, contests, shopping, drink specials, and spooky fun! Learn more at baystlouisoldtown.com. Lafayette CVC There’s nothing quite like Fall in Lafayette; the cool breeze through the trees harmonizes with the feeling that something new, delicious, and exciting is happening around every corner. Whether it’s live music, outdoor adventures, or local cuisine that you’re in the mood for, there’s no better time to discover all the wonders of Acadiana. Each October, downtown Lafayette comes alive during Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, one of Louisiana’s premier celebrations of Cajun and Creole culture. This free, three-day festival features multiple
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stages of live Ca un and ydeco music, regional crafts, cultural demonstrations, and some of the area’s best local food. Guests can also enjoy the Latin Music Festival, held at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, featuring live Latin music, dance performances, salsa dancing, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. Or, if you’re looking for a little Cajun authenticity, check out the Cajun Boudin Trail, a self-guided culinary trail connecting dozens of locally owned meat markets, specialty shops, and restaurants serving one of South Louisiana’s most iconic foods. Learn more at LafayetteTravel.com/Fall Mobile obile knows luxury, and after years of providing the finest dining and accommodations in the South, they’re raising the bar. A hotspot of nightlife and culture, Mobile is where the Gulf Coast goes to find relaxation and sophistication all in one perfect package. Visit The Admiral Hotel, a completely reimagined hotel in downtown Mobile that resonates with punctuations of brilliance while also paying homage to the city’s French-colonial roots. Looking for some space steeped in history? Visit the historic Battle House Hotel, which features elegant accommodations, a high-end spa with valuable package deals, fine dining options, and a rooftop pool offering stunning views of the obile skyline Whether your way to play is visiting a world-class theater, The Saenger heatre, or teeing off at one of obile’s lush golf resorts, your next Fall Getaway is just a day trip away. Learn more at mobile.org. Visit Mississippi This fall, savor the journey through Mississippi, where every mile offers a new adventure, and every stop brings unforgettable avors ollow the historic atche race arkway from atche through Jackson and Ridgeland to Tupelo, discovering charming communities, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and stories that have shaped the South for generations. Along the way, enjoy Mississippi’s vibrant culinary scene, from farm-to-table dining and award-winning chefs to comfort food, Delta tamales, Gulf seafood, and local favorites that re ect the state’s rich heritage ander the welcoming downtowns of atche , xford, and Bay St. Louis, experience the birthplace of the blues, and enjoy festivals that celebrate Mississippi’s music, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family road trip, or a weekend with friends, Mississippi invites you to slow down, explore, and Savor the Journey, one memorable experience at a time. For more inspiration and to plan your fall getaway, visit VisitMississippi.org. The Lodge The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel, is a unique destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast with nature at its doorstep. Located within beautiful Gulf State Park, The Lodge at Gulf State Park provides refreshing accommodations with direct beachfront access, four on-site dining options, 40,000 square feet of exible event space and miles of beach trails with pristine coastal scenery. Breathe, exhale, and unwind in our new family pool built for fun or our 21-and-over pool where you can relax and reset. The 350 non-smoking guest rooms, including 20 suites, weave comfort and sustainability with a contemporary air Discover 6,150 acres of pristine parkland and nine ecosystems. Explore 28 miles of scenic trails. Come experience a place where nature leads, time slows, and every stay proves that sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what you need. Book your fall getaway today by visiting LodgeatGulfStatePark.com. •
Self Care
Finding time for yourself is imperative to a life lived to the full. Take a beat from the heat and a minute for yourself with our Self Care partner. Louisiana Blue Encourages Getting a Checkup Before the Year Ends Have you had a checkup this year? Everyone should have at least one visit per year with their healthcare provider to get a picture of their overall health and well-being. Your provider can answer questions, address concerns, and give you tips to be as healthy as possible. Based on your age and health history, your provider may recommend screenings, shots, or tests you should have. Louisiana Blue members can use the MyLABlue app and digital platform to find in-network healthcare providers or clinics to schedule checkups and other healthcare services. With MyLABlue, you can securely message Customer Service representatives, check the status of certain prior authorization requests, or view and use your digital health plan ID card. MyLABlue lets you easily see your health plan information – any time, anywhere. Sign up for MyLABlue at lablue.com, with the MyLABlue mobile app, or link it through an existing MyChart account. •
MYNEWORLEANS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 79
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Education
School may be back in session, but new educational opportunities are always on the horizon. Foster a bright future for your kids, or yourself, at these Louisiana Schools and Educational Institutions. Jewish Community Day School Jewish Community Day School of Greater New Orleans (JCDS) is an independent, coeducational school for ages two months through seventh grade, with eighth grade launching in 2027 in our vibrant new middle school space. At all levels, we blend rigorous academics with an enriching Jewish Studies program through an interdisciplinary, project-based approach. JCDS is a place where students develop confidence in themselves through an understanding of both their identity and of their own capacity for accomplishment. ith small class si es and differentiated instruction, C S empowers every child to thrive while living the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). We warmly welcome families of all backgrounds, fostering compassionate, engaged leaders. What’s New: Convenient van service is now available from Uptown! Ready to see our community in action? Contact us at admissions@ jcdsnola.org or call 504-887-4091 to schedule a tour. Mount Carmel Academy he ount Carmel cademy experience is filled with opportunities for each student to pursue her passions, grow spiritually, and discover the person God created her to become. Students collaborate with peers, view failures as opportunities for growth, and approach an everchanging and complex world with an inquisitive mind. Small class si es average of fifteen ensure an interactive and inclusive learning environment. Students are encouraged to expand their interests through more than 50 extracurricular activities and become active participants in the community through the school’s service learning program. Graduates leave Mount Carmel Academy with confidence in themselves and a love for one another hey are well prepared for college and beyond. Explore the Mount Carmel Academy campus, meet students and teachers, and learn more at Open House on October 8 from 3 to 7:30 80 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
p.m. RSVP at mcacubs.com. Arden Cahill Arden Cahill Academy—voted the #1 Grammar School, #1 Nursery/ Preschool, #1 Summer Camp, and #2 High School by Gambit Weekly readers offers an exceptional academic experience for students from six weeks old through 12th grade on a beautiful 12-acre campus just minutes from downtown New Orleans. Nestled along Bayou Fatma in Gretna, the school blends rigorous academics with a unique outdoor, country-style environment. From our nurturing Infant Center and strong early childhood program to our college-preparatory high school, Arden Cahill supports every stage of student growth. Our campus features horse stables, a petting farm, and multiple ower and vegetable gardens maintained by students of various grade levels, along with an apiary— providing hands-on learning experiences that enrich daily instruction. Experience the Cahill Way! Families are invited to join us for our Fall Open House on October 21st from 4 - 6:30 p.m. or schedule a private tour. High school students can also become a Whale For A Day! Kehoe France Kehoe-France Schools, with campuses in Metairie and Covington, offer a nurturing educational experience for children from weeks to 7th grade. Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive International Baccalaureate® (IB) curriculum create a dynamic environment where students explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become compassionate, globally minded leaders. At Kehoe-France, we blend tradition with innovation, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares each child for future success. Join our community and experience the legacy that has made KehoeFrance Schools a cornerstone of education for over 60 years. Learn more at kehoe-france.com.
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Love Swimming Come make a splash year-round with Love Swimming, where confident swimmers are made every day Serving swimmers from six months of age to full-grown adults, Marshall Love began educating students at Love Swimming over twenty-four years ago, and his outreach has only grown, with more adults seeking out swimming lessons than ever before. Alongside his manager, Rebecca King, Marshall is out in the community making waves and educating along the way. Watch your child, or yourself, go from a wall holder to an a uatic acrobat one stroke at a time Love Swimming offers a warm environment for fun, safe, professional lessons focused on water safety, proper technique, and love for the water. Personalized attention is also available for private, semi-private, and even group lessons. With enrollment open seven days a week, twelve months a year, there’s no reason to wait! Please contact us at loveswimmingnola@gmail.com with any questions. For easy online class sign-up, please register today at loveswimming.com. Upper Iowa University pper owa niversity is a private, nonprofit institution committed to making quality higher education accessible to students at every stage of life ur motto is Education Built or Life offers exible learning options including online, on-campus evenings, or self-paced courses designed to fit the demands of working adults and military families alike. ’s robust program offerings span bachelor’s degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Public Health, Project Management, Teacher Education, and more. At the graduate level, students can pursue master’s degrees in Psychology, Business Administration, Education, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, and Counseling. With six start dates per year, no GRE required for graduate admission, and grants or scholarships, UIU empowers every student — civilian or military to achieve their academic and professional goals on their own terms. Learn more at uiu.edu. Stuart Hall Since 1984, Stuart Hall School for Boys has lived by the words of Catholic educator Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ: “Education is formation, not just information.” Serving boys from PreK3 through 7th, Stuart Hall is built on four pillars: Faith, Scholarship, Leadership, and Honor - guiding every boy on a journey of responsibility, accomplishment, and character. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a boy-centered curriculum spark curiosity and confidence, while athletics, fine arts, and leadership opportunities help each student discover his own strengths. Rooted in Gospel values and an all-boys brotherhood, Stuart Hall shapes good boys into great men who lead with integrity, compassion, and respect. Families are invited to experience it firsthand with a private tour, scheduled by appointment Learn more at stuarthall.org. The Willow School The Willow School is the highest-performing public K-12 in Louisiana, located in uptown New Orleans and operated by the nonprofit dvocates for rts-Based Education Corporation For the past several decades, The Willow School has been in the vanguard of innovative and successful educational institutions in Louisiana. Using a collaborative site-based leadership structure, The Willow School faculty has implemented cutting-edge reforms in artsbased education, monitored and integrated the latest developments in neurological and brain research, designed positive discipline programs to build a strong school culture, and implemented a research-based systematic approach to best prepare students to compete on the national stage. he school’s partnership with ulane niversity allows ualified Willow School graduates guaranteed admission as freshmen. Willow graduates have annually earned admission to over 300 colleges
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SPONSORED
and universities, $47 million in scholarships, and gone on to excel nationally and internationally in their chosen fields Learn more at willowschoolnola.org. Archbishop Chapelle High School Archbishop Chapelle High School is a leading private Catholic high school for young women in grades - that offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, including over 20 Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes and a strong emphasis on STEM and Fine Arts. In addition to impressive academics, Chapelle’s competitive athletics and array of extracurriculars make for a well-rounded educational experience within a close-knit family environment. The spiritual strength of our students and faculty is evident on our campus and helps to provide a welcoming environment for each member of our community. Every student is seen and known as an individual through personalized schedules, a dedicated faculty, and the support of the counseling department, administration, and staff Open House will be on Thursday, November 5th, and guided tours will be led from 4-6 PM. Registration is required. For more Open House information and to register for any of our exciting admissions events, please go to archbishopchapelle.org. Holy Cross School Holy Cross School forms the hearts and educates the minds of boys and young men, primary through secondary school, instilling Catholic values and the principles of Blessed Father Moreau, preparing useful citizens for eternal life. “Experience the Heart of Holy Cross” is not a line that we just say; it is a standard that sets us apart from everyone else, honoring our glorious past while focusing on a promising future. Holy Cross has been a New Orleans tradition since 1849, when the Congregation of Holy Cross established roots in our beloved city. Holy Cross School continues that legacy by anchoring itself in New Orleans and the Holy Cross Catholic faith. Our mission is to raise boys to be men – men who lead in faith, their families, and their communities—pillars of the Holy Cross Man. We invite you to come Experience the Heart Holy Cross! Learn more at hcnola.org.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING PERLIS Clothing From classes to games to parties, your one-stop clothing store is PERLIS in New Orleans, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge. Compliment your active wear, game day, casual, and dresscasual wardrobe with the latest selections from top-quality labels: Barbour, Bonobos, Duck Head, Johnnie O, Patagonia, Peter Millar, Smathers & Branson, Southern Tide, Tasc, Vuori, 34 Heritage, and more. “We are continuously adding to our iconic crawfish logo collection of polos, tees, sun shirts, sport shirts, and other items that are recognizable not only locally but also around the country,” says David W. Perlis, President. “We constantly seek the best quality clothing and fashion for our customers.” For 87 years, PERLIS has been committed to complete customer satisfaction and unparalleled service, including complimentary lifetime alterations. Stop by any PERLIS location, call 800-725-6070, or shop online at perlis.com. •
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SPONSORED homes and distinctive residential properties throughout ptown, the Garden District and surrounding neighborhoods. From intimate courtyards and lush gardens to elegant pools, terraces and outdoor living spaces, every landscape is thoughtfully designed to complement the home’s architecture while re ecting the owner’s lifestyle t Exterior esigns, the goal is simple create beautiful outdoor spaces that ourish through every season and become an enduring part of the home’s story. Learn more at exteriordesignsbev.com. Gulf Coast Lanterns Located ust a short drive from ew rleans, ulf Coast Lanterns offers a vast selection of over , models of gas, electric, and faux ame copper lanterns, with over models on display in their owntown Covington showroom Customers see firsthand the high quality of these lanterns—many of unique designs—while receiving expert, in-person guidance from knowledgeable professionals. Homeowners, builders, designers, architects, and developers enjoy the welcome advantage of fast, two-to-five-day delivery times when selecting copper lanterns for their homes or projects. Fast shipping and competitive pricing are both good reasons to make the drive across the lake. All customers can expect to receive the same gracious customer service regardless of project size. Take the quick drive across the lake to Gulf Coast Lanterns, 401 orth Columbia Street in Covington, or skip the drive and view ulf Coast Lanterns’ products online at gulfcoastlanterns.com. ulf Coast Lanterns offers fast, free shipping and the most competitive prices on the market. Call 800-910-3275 for showroom hours or to make an appointment.
Home
When your living room needs a sprucing, or your decor could use some fine-tuning, these New Orleans Home Care experts know the perfect way to upgrade your space! Banana Manor Banana anor ug Co is ug Store Like o ther, oted the ug Store in ew rleans by ambit, ew rleans ome, etc and named a op etail Star in the S by ome ccents oday lus they are a major “go to rug resource” for Interior Designers on the Gulf Coast & beyond. When founding this extremely unique rug brand, the Head Banana, Scott McKearn, decided to make this brand an extension of himself, with “Ridiculous” as a core component. So his billboards parodying the infamous Burt Reynolds Cosmo centerfold come as no surprise. Shop Banana Manor in-store and online and you will be amazed by their E inventory of handmade rugs of all styles, but their specialty is Colorful & Whitewashed Oushaks. 6 years ago they set out with the goal to establish themselves as the premier retail and wholesale source for this rug type, with the largest offering and best prices in the S and are well on their way to achieving that goal Learn more at bananamanor.com. Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz Some of ew rleans’ most memorable homes aren’t defined by their architecture alone they’re defined by the gardens and courtyards that invite you to linger. For more than three decades, Beverly Katz of Exterior Designs has been creating timeless outdoor spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged. nown as he ew rleans Courtyard esigner, Beverly speciali es in landscape design, construction and garden management for historic 84 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
Young’s Dry Cleaning Since 1940, Young’s Dry Cleaning has been a trusted part of the ew rleans community, caring for generations of families and the garments that matter most. We’re incredibly grateful for that trust, and today, we’re re-dedicating ourselves to the city we proudly serve with a renewed focus on customer experience, exceptional garment care, and the latest advancements in dry cleaning technology. rom drop-off to pickup, we’re committed to making every visit simple, welcoming, and dependable. We’re grateful for every customer who walks through our doors and believe friendly faces, real-time order updates, and attentive service are all part of providing the experience our customers deserve. Behind every finished garment is an investment in modern e uipment, proven cleaning techni ues, and the craftsmanship needed to deliver a consistently high-end finish hether it’s everyday clothing or cherished specialty pieces, every item is treated with the attention it deserves. Moving forward, we will continue to earn the trust instilled in us and consider it a privilege to serve the ew rleans community e at Young’s Dry Cleaning look forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come. Learn more at youngsdrycleaning.com. 1st Lake Established in , st Lake roperties, nc and its a liated companies are the largest developer and manager of multifamily communities in the state of Louisiana. 1st Lake Properties designs, develops, acquires, and manages over 10,000 apartment homes in reater ew rleans, primarily in etairie, enner, and iver idge, with additional apartment homes in Baton ouge, the orthshore, and Picayune, Mississippi. Specializing in high-quality communities, 1st Lake Properties’ apartments operate under the 1st Lake Properties management division st Lake roperties’ foremost goal is o provide an ideal living experience for our residents through exceptional customer service and a commitment to the highest standards of quality.” With this approach, 1st Lake has become synonymous with premier apartment living, earning a reputation as a leading force in ew rleans’ multifamily community market st Lake Corporate is the corporate housing division specializing in temporary, furnished apartments for extended stays of 90 days or more. Visit 1stlake.com for more information. •
SPONSORED Haunted History Tours
New Orleans Arts & Culture
From music venues to art installations, historic landmarks to spooky tours, there’s no place better to live and play at the cross-section of art and culture than New Orleans. Scene by Rhys Scene By Rhys Fine Art presents the work of Emilie Rhys, a thirdgeneration artist whose uni ue figurative art production spans five decades he daughter of renowned ew rleans artist oel ockmore, Emilie’s move to ew rleans in kickstarted a whirlwind of work that has da led audiences and buyers alike ew at the gallery in 2026 is a vibrantly colorful line of 22 in-house designed, locally printed greeting cards reproducing her oils and color pencil art. n , the ew rleans a useum’s exhibition ew rleans usic bserved he rt of oel ockmore and Emilie hys examined the lives and work of these two artists and their individual relationships with ew rleans and its musical community he catalog is available for purchase at local bookstores and at Scene By Rhys. Stop in during “First Fridays on Royal”, where galleries and shops along Royal Street in the French Quarter are open from 5 pm to 8 pm.
and architecture of our unique city. Our daytime Cemetery History Tour focuses on our captivating cities of the dead. This tour takes its participants into several cemeteries in the Mid-City area to examine the various types of tombs and their architecture, burial procedures, funeral customs, and the history of these above-ground cemeteries. Our Homes of the Rich & Famous Garden District Walking Tour is a two-hour stroll through the oak-lined streets of the Antebellum merican Sector of ew rleans hese stately homes and gardens were built in the early 1800s to rival the beauty and splendor of the French Quarter. For either of these historic and cultural experiences, book on our website, hauntedhistorytours.com. Hi to i N O l n Coll tion pening September , the istoric ew rleans Collection presents Bunny atthews is Life, rt, and bsessions, exploring the late artist’s complex cultural legacy. Bunny’s art grew out of the counterculture scene of the 1970s, fueled by teenage rebellion, alternative music, and anti-establishment underground newspapers. He rubbed elbows with legendary local musicians at record stores and alt-weeklies, and he helped open Tipitina’s as a racially integrated music venue. The exhibit will explore Bunny’s many obsessions—music, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and how ew rleans evolved as it passed through the oil boom of the s, the growth of the tourism industry in the 1980s, economic stagnation during the s, and demographic changes after urricane atrina t will also delve into the controversy surrounding the artist throughout his career, as well as the enduring legacy he left behind Celebrate opening weekend with Bunny Day on September 19, featuring talks, panels, and a costume contest. Learn more at hnoc.org. N O l n To i n C lt l o n tion n hursday, ovember , the Louisiana useum oundation and ucks nlimited will present the ounders Ball opening Sportsman’s Paradise, a Louisiana State Museum Exhibition at The Cabildo. This evening will honor Louisiana’s identity as the Sportsman’s Paradise and the generations of hunters, anglers, conservationists and outdoor stewards who have worked to protect the state’s extraordinary natural heritage uests will be among the first to experience an exhibition exploring the landscapes, wildlife, traditions and conservation efforts that have shaped life across Louisiana. Set within one of the state’s most iconic historic landmarks, the celebration will bring together supporters of Louisiana’s museums, culture and environment for an elegant evening in the French Quarter. Proceeds from the Founders Ball support the Louisiana Museum Foundation and its work on behalf of the Louisiana State Museum, helping preserve the stories, collections and places that define our state for generations to come To learn more, please visit NOTCF.com. •
N O l n B ll t he ew rleans Ballet ssociation B presents the ulf South’s premier season of world-class dance, bringing internationally acclaimed companies to the ahalia ackson heater B offers an unmissable lineup of extraordinary performances you cannot see anywhere else in the region. The main stage series opens October 17, 2026, with the inventive athleticism of Pilobolus, followed by the groundbreaking contemporary elegance of lon o ing L ES Ballet on ovember , he new year continues on February 20, 2027, with the seductive rhythms and intense passion of rgentina’s ango fter ark n arch and 14, 2027, the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns with two distinct, powerful, soul-stirring programs. The season concludes on April 17, 2027, with Houston Ballet’s breathtaking full-length production of adame Butter y Experience the height of world-class dance right here in ew rleans Packages and single tickets are available now at NOBAdance.com Haunted History Tours Haunted History Tours isn’t just ghosts and scares in the night! lthough that is what we are best known for, we also offer daytime historic tours of ew rleans that focus on the history, culture,
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Celebrate the release of the brand-new companion cookbook inspired by the new cooking series, DOOK CHASE: A CHEF'S JOURNEY! TASTING & COOKBOOK LAUNCH PARTY Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm WYES | 916 Navarre Avenue | New Orleans $45 admission to event $90 admission & autographed cookbook $135 admission & personalized cookbook Tickets: wyes.org/events Celebrate the new cookbook from Pelican Publishing with a special event featuring: • A tasting of dishes featured in the cookbook & series • A live cooking demonstration with Chef Dook • Video highlights from the new WYES series • Q&A with Chef Dook and producer/director Terri Landry Watch the series Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 11am on WYES
PRESENTS
MORGUS MADNESS
Presented by
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 / 7PM!10PM WYES | 916 Navarre Ave. | New Orleans $50pp | $70 at the door | $1,200 VIP table of 8
Grab your ghoul-friends and celebrate Halloween with WYES! Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans’ own Morgus the Magnificent or simply love Halloween, come join us! Special thanks to our event co-chairs: Maria-Kay Chetta and Dom Grieshaber Jr.
All tickets include hauntingly good food, wicked wine & beer, and live entertainment by The Consortium of Genius! Don’t miss our Costume Contest featuring prizes. Whether you come dressed to impress or simply come to enjoy the fun, everyone is welcome — costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Tuesday, November 17 VIP Shopping 2pm-3pm | Free Entry to Shop 3pm-7pm WYES | 916 Navarre Ave. | New Orleans Exciting details coming soon!
Sail the Wild British Isles Friday, August 6 – Saturday, August 21, 2027 14-Night Voyage Aboard the Nieuw Statendam Booking #: 1632492
Want to learn more? Join a travel representative online on Tuesday, August 25 at 4pm. Go to wyes.org/travel for the link & trip details or email info@wyes.org. There will also be an in-person presentation at WYES on Tuesday, November 10. WYES PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT WYES.ORG
By participating in WYES events, you’re doing more than enjoying unique experiences—you’re directly strengthening and supporting WYES’ quality PBS programming, award-winning local documentaries and cooking series.
To explore upcoming WYES events and to purchase tickets, visit wyes.org/events.
Insincerely Yours
BY MIKE SCOTT | ART BY AMBER DAY
Whether the Weather
Forecasting Excellence Dear meteorologists of New Orleans, Good manners prompt me to begin with an apology. By the time this communication reaches you, we will be well into the fat part of the Atlantic hurricane season. If history is any guide, it can be safely assumed that, despite the nagging of my better angels, I will have almost certainly uttered a few partly cloudy things about you. That is not that unusual for people all over this great nation of ours, I would imagine. After all, your forecasts — 40% chances of this, scattered that, partly whatever — will by their very nature be inaccurate for somebody in your viewership area. As finance guru Patrick L. Young once accurately mused, “The trouble with weather forecasting is that it is right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.” (A similar sentiment could describe the Sewerage & Water Board, but I digress.) That said, we in New Orleans have a unique relationship with our TV weather oracles. That’s how it works when you live in a place as climatologically unfit for human habitation as we do. We live below sea level, in a bowl, and in a swamp infested by mosquitoes, alligators and short-term rentals. If that were not enough, we continue to elect lawmakers dedicated to shielding those very entities that profit while making our precarious existence precariouser and precariouser with each new exploratory well. (Petroleum companies. I am talking about petroleum companies. Oops. Did I just digress again?) My point is: Here, weather forecasts are not just topics of light discussion at after-hours icebreakers. In other cities, they are but another segment on the evening news. In New Orleans, they are a season-long soap opera, complete with plot twists and guest stars. (Stay away, Jim Cantore. We don’t need your bad mojo around here.) Which is why I write today not to bury you, dear weather experts, but to praise you — and, indeed, defend you. 88 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | MYNEWORLEANS.COM
After all, our meteorologists are not mere weather bunnies. The good ones achieve near-deity status. The king of the local forecasting heap, in fact, is still so revered, he is known universally by one name, just like Fats, Drew, Hubig and other such peerless local cultural luminaries. That, of course, is Nash. Even 16 years after his passing and a quarter century after his retirement, he is fondly remembered as the most trusted man in New Orleans. Granted, that is something of a low isobar, but it’s not nothing. America’s drylanders had Cronkite. We had Nash, the Magic Marker mage, with his steadying presence, his matter-of-fact delivery and unassuming, unflagging excellence. Subsequent generations produced their own local weather stars, none of whom have quite ascended to Nash’s level but who are still remembered fondly for offering crucial guidance in times of great uncertainty. There was Dan Milham and his D.A.R.N. Scale. Margaret Orr with her heart-on-her-sleeve charm. Bob Breck and his force-of-nature confidence. Don Westbrook. Steve Bellas. Carl Arredondo. Sure, their day-to-day forecasts were important. But anybody can rip and read the National Weather Service outlook on-air. Even Morgus gave it a memorable try back when the world was still black-and-white. When something was aswirl in the Gulf, however — that is when they really earned their rum rations, and the region’s affection along with it. As many of the aforementioned proved, the best of meteorologists stop being “talent”
during hurricane season and instead become neighbors. They stay with us through the harrowing hours, translating spaghetti models into yakamein models – in other words, into terms New Orleanians can understand — and generally project calm while the rest of us mine the junk drawer for batteries and fill the bathtub for reasons we’re not entirely sure of. Maybe it’s the recent anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, or maybe it’s the knowledge that we may be smack in the middle of some cone of uncertainty by the time this message reaches you. Whichever the case, I feel compelled to preemptively say, on behalf of us all living here at world’s end: Thank you. Thank you, Chris, David, Payton and Zack. Thank you, Shelby, Scot, Bruce, Raven and all the rest. We might show it in curious ways at times — especially if you read online comment streams — but beneath all the second-guessing lies something else: gratitude for the neighbor who stays up with us when the wind starts to howl. Thank you for being that neighbor. Insincerely yours, New Orleans
Ask Mike Have a question or a thought to share about New Orleans etiquette or tradition? I’d love to hear it. Email it to mike@myneworleans.com