Cruisin’ the Crescent

Recently I was looking through an old picture book of New Orleans from my great-grandfather’s era. As I flipped through the pages, it dawned on me that we have more in common than our DNA. You see, I’m in my early 30s, and I’ve seen, heard, smelled and tasted many of objects in the pictures. Because New Orleans has preserved our buildings, cultures and traditions so well, many of our experiences are very similar to those of our ancestors.

When I walk to meetings from my office downtown I can’t help but think that my-great grandfather once observed a lot of the same things I do today. One hundred years ago in New Orleans jazz was popular, the architecture was gorgeous and you ate red beans and rice on Mondays. While we’ve traded yellow fever for yellow traffic cameras and we speak with more of a Yat accent then a French one, we still have a lot in common with the New Orleans of yesteryear. Our city has adapted with the changing times but has still maintained its rare charm.

We are creeping up on 2014, and this city hasn’t lost one ounce of its soul. The essence and culture of this city has been passed down from generation to generation as a legacy that must be preserved; it’s a grand inheritance that we’re lucky to carry forward. There aren’t Cruisin’ the Crescentmany other places where you can dine at the same restaurant, sit and the same table and order the same eggs Sardou off the menu that your great-grandfather did. So the next time you want to travel back in time you don’t need to go to Colonial Williamsburg, just simply walk out your front door.


The Chartwell Center had a big day when students and faculty participated in the groundbreaking of their new location on Magazine Street. The students painted their shovels gold and decorated hard hats for the occasion. Everyone was very enthusiastic about the future of the school, which is dedicated to children with autism and autism related issues.

Pictured High school students Sami El-Dahr and Dugan Westfeldt


The World Trade Center (WTC) of New Orleans held the inaugural “Louisiana International Trade Gala” at The National World War II Museum this fall. More than 350 guests were entertained during the course of the night, which included a seated dinner prepared by John Besh and a dazzling performance by the Victory Belles. The WTC donated old memorabilia from their former office building for both silent and live auctions. Emcee and auction chair Corrado Giacona headed the live auction, which included a silver-plated duck press with the Plimsoll trademark engraved on it. During dessert the first-ever Eugene J. Schreiber award was presented to Senator Mary Landrieu for her work and support of international trade. After dinner, the Joe Krown band kept the party going on the dance floor.

Cruisin’ the Crescent
WTC CEO Dominik Knoll, WTC Chairman David Kearney and WTC Vice Chairman Eddy Hayes

Cruisin’ the Crescent
WTC board members Lawrence Boudreaux (far left),
Bobby Brannon (third from right) and Jerry Hingle (far right) pose with the other guests at the Ochsner table

Cruisin’ the Crescent
 The Honorable Pat Denechaud, Marian Wallis, Dominik Knoll, John and Emily Floren,
Meg Mahoney and Roger Neumann pose with one of the auction items


Heard something interesting for “cruisin’ the crescent?”

If so, please send it to: St. Charles Avenue, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, La. 70005 or email: Shelby@MyNewOrleans.com

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