I can’t seem to get enough plant life in my life — especially since the pandemic. Which means you can often find me at local nurseries and in the plant section at local groceries or, along with other local plant lovers, following around FAIT Nola. Literally following the plant consultant and seller co-founded by Laura Stirling Joffrion with her sister, Emily Fields Joffrion and mom, Kathleen Robinson, because until now, the “plantrepreneurs” have been a roving company via Axil Rose, a botanically bedecked pop-up truck, and various temporary co-op homes. The company has planted roots (#sorrynotsorry) in a lush new home at 3822 Magazine St.
Speaking of lush, if you haven’t yet been mysteriously drawn to 8128 Oak St #1/2, perhaps it’s because you need more magic in your life. You’ll get it at Queenly Conjure, an enchanting new sustainably minded folk magic tearoom, tarot parlor and shop presided over by LaReina Besant. Enjoy beautiful restorative teas in the courtyard or cozied up to the fireplace, stock up on loose tea, incense, herbal bath supplies, candles and other tools for your rituals and spiritual activities and schedule various types of readings and services from Besant and the resident oracle Travis Battle.
Queenly Conjure officially opens on April 1 with grand opening festivities through April 3, but until then is selling a daily tea blend and the shop offerings during limited hours. Check the tearoom’s robust Instagram account for magic hours.
If cocktails, rather than or in addition to tea, are calling you this weekend, consider trying out the Herbalist Bar and restaurant Ginger Roux at Canopy New Orleans, the newly open Hilton boutique hotel downtown housed in the old Oil & Gas Building. The design-forward hotel with midcentury and contemporary details and fabulous city views caters to female travelers and pet owners, but has something for everyone. I was invited for a tour this week and am feeling what they are laying down.
From chic orange cruiser bikes and eco-conscious practices (think in-room water glasses made from recycled wine bottles, Serta mattresses made from post-industrial recycled steel and wool from certified sustainable forests and other waste-, water- and energy-saving practices) to digital check-in and local art and retail offerings, this hotel speaks the love language of people who love their Mother Earth, their alone-time and supporting local artisans and businesses. (While staying in a corporate hotel, but hey we are complex beings and multiple desires can exist at the same time, because duality.)
They had me hooked at the Herbalist Bar with an out-of-this world zero-proof shrub cocktail, then reeled me in when I saw the adorable pet welcome kits (a bed, bowls, treats, toys and other items to make your pooch or kitty comfy). Touches such as the brown “Breakfast Bag” for you to mark your easy, light breakfast choices (such as granola bars and yogurt) and hang on a hook the night before for contactless delivery, built-in shower seats (humans who shave their legs know what’s up) and “transfer lounge” with lockers and a shower for when you arrive early or leave late speak to me on a cellular level.
Good design solves problems and is visually appealing and the Canopy hits on all of the form and function points and then throws in a few extra thrills just for fun. Whether staying there or stopping by for a drink and snacks before heading over to a show at the Saenger or catching a Saints game, the gumbo dumplings and General Tso’s alligator are a must at Ginger Roux. The chef-driven Cantonese- and Creole-inspired menu by Executive Chef Jonathan Hostetler left us wanting to come back again. Bonus: There’s a walk-up window if you want to order in advance and grab it — as well as maybe a beverage — to-go. (Disclosure: Drinks and food were complimentary during the tour.)
P.S. The Pontchartrain Home Show with “Louisiana Food Fest” is this weekend (March 26 and 27) at Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Meet home vendors to help you with every aspect of your home renovation and restoration, as well as enjoying food from local vendors. Click here for a list of vendors.
Do you design or lifestyle-related news or want to talk about witchy tea rituals? Email Melanie at melanie@myneworleans.com.
