Ah, June in New Orleans – often a citronella candle laden love/hate relationship. For many, the promise of a summer slow-down and perhaps a few family getaways are welcome thoughts, but the lack of a consistent childcare routine and the impending warm-up is enough to send chills down the spine – even on heat record-breaking […]
As wedding season kicks into high gear, couples are choosing those perfect finishing touches for their big day—the flowers, the cake flavors, and of course, the music. From traditional church hymns to second lines to bands to DJs, the music at a wedding signals important moments and sets the mood for the evening. Getting that […]
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is a coalition of five organizations dedicated to conservation: the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and the Pontchartrain Conservancy. Campaign Director Simone Maloz talked to Avenue about why rebuilding and protecting the vital Mississippi River Delta region is […]
Robert LeBlanc, entrepreneur and owner of the highly-acclaimed Chloe Hotel on St. Charles Ave. kicks back with his two sons, 12 and 10 year-old Bear and Will LeBlanc, to celebrate all things Dad in style. All buttoned up Jump from brunch to an intense game of backgammon (or lie in the shade) in a crisp […]
What’s not to love about a perfectly sized cross-body bag that transitions seamlessly from day to night? BENE’s Holmes bag is the gift that keeps giving. Handcrafted by some of the most talented craftsmen and women in Italy of the finest Italian hide, the Holmes bag is available in multiple colors with a custom silk […]
Education: Bachelor of Science in secondary education and English literature, minored in biology and African-Diaspora studies, Vanderbilt University Age: 47 When Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes became chief equity officer at Ashé Cultural Arts Center two years ago, she was bringing a wealth of creative talent and experience to this esteemed establishment. “Ashé is a very beloved […]
Sometimes the urge to get away comes on so fast there is barely time to toss a toothbrush and a change of clothes in a tote bag, jump in the car and just drive. If either the time or the resources are not at hand for an extended vacation abroad or to an island paradise, […]
Grace Kaynor has had a colorful career as an interior designer, but she says her success would not have been possible without early encouragement from a well-known local artist. “My biggest source of inspiration was my high school art teacher, Tim Trapolin,” Kaynor said. “He always said he raised us, and I was in awe […]
The 20th Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon, run by the local, all-volunteer nonprofit Cancer Crusaders, raised $89,000 for cancer research at LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center. A Patron Party at the Elms Mansion preceded the luncheon, which introduced the cancer survivor honorees at a cocktail reception. Co-Chairs Dawn Miller and Charleen Boos […]
Don’t miss your shot to see Hamilton live on stage at the Saenger Theatre starting June 21. After you see it once, you’ll be back! Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com 2-5 Operation Home Front, The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, nationalww2museum.org 2-8 D-Day – The Invasion of Normandy & Liberation of […]
Some of us recall being children and marveling over our grandmother’s gold cherub-adorned Hollywood Regency lamps, gilded bamboo serving pieces, flocked wallpaper and brass everything. Over-the-top Maximalism ruled the day. As the decades pass, those memorable items from bygone eras cycle themselves forth from the proverbial mothballs to find places of honor in the contemporary […]
You Night, which offers year-round programs to women seeking sisterhood following a cancer diagnosis, hosted the “Dreamgirls – You’ve Got The Best of Our Love” event to honor the You Night New Orleans Class of 2021. The 24 lady Honorees were: Amy Ferguson, Arnelle Williams, Dawn Hebert, Janeen Weston-Bell, Kate Leggio, Lori Bentley, Mandy Boudwin, […]
Sidney L. Russell, Sr. got into the ice cream game in New Orleans in 1933. Starting out as a small vendor for Polar Bar and Sunshine ice creams, the business grew quickly, thanks to Russell’s innovative thinking. In 1935, he ran a contest for kids where the winner was determined by how many wrappers from […]
Prospect.5: Yesterday we said tomorrow featured 51 artists across 17 venues in the city, including cultural institutions and museums, parks, restaurants and more. Artists’ works ranged from sculptures and paintings to video installations and interactive performances. The Prospect.5 Gala served as the sole fundraising event for Prospect New Orleans during the three-year exhibition cycle. Funds […]
Louisiana Appleseed’s 13th annual Good Apple Gala celebrated the good work of volunteers who have risen above the typical pro bono commitment and pillars within our communities whose daily lives align with the organization’s mission to increase access to justice, opportunity and education. The 2022 Community Honorees were Mr. Edgar “Dooky” Chase III of Dooky […]
Jeffery Hopper, Torie Kranze, and Dr. Fred Teran stand up for kidney and urinary tract disease education and prevention at the 20th Annual New Orleans Kidney Walk in November. Kidney donor Laurel Valentino, Dr. Anil S. Paramesh, Michelle Boudreaux, and Craig Harris participate in the 20th Annual New Orleans Kidney Walk, held in November at […]
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art returned with their annual O What a Night! Gala honoring internationally recognized photographer and author Sally Mann, with the OPUS Award. In appreciation of Mann’s photography, this year’s theme and colorscape featured gray and black hues. The tent had black turf and a white dance floor, and the stage […]
For the exotic party planner, a white and gold lustre crocodile skin style vase with a petite croc climbing the vessel. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. A boxed set of multi-colored pastel jeweled napkin rings promise to pretty up a place setting. Maisonette Shop, 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 13, 504-437-1850, maisonetteshop.com. Coffee […]
Wedding-related resources for some early inspiration or to get a head start on wedding plans.
Ah, June in New Orleans – often a citronella candle laden love/hate relationship. For many, the promise of a summer slow-down and perhaps a few family getaways are welcome thoughts, but the lack of a consistent childcare routine and the impending warm-up is enough to send chills down the spine – even on heat record-breaking days. Have no fear, we have you covered with suggestions for how to enjoy this time in our fair city, even as the temperatures continue to climb.
Not everyone is able to jet off for a respite in Europe, the mountains or a tropical beach locale (for one reason or another), so we’ve included a feature on “Making a Quick Escape” that highlights destinations in locations a short car trip away but with much to enjoy on their own grounds as well as nearby.
In “The Sounds of Wedding Season” we share excellent tips from local party planning experts on what is most important to keep in mind as you’re selecting the musical entertainment for your big day, or any party for that matter. From DJs to brass bands and everything in between, you won’t want to miss what these industry gurus suggest when it comes to keeping guests, the happy couple, and the entertainers themselves quite content.
June’s Philanthropic Face is Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, Chief Equity Officer for Ashé Cultural Arts Center, the esteemed organization creating programming designed to utilize culture in fostering human development and civic engagement. Producing over 350 music, theater, dance, spoken word, drum circles and multi-disciplinary events a year, Ashé believes in art as a call to action. Be sure to check out their website, ashenola.org, for details on Juneteenth events and celebrations (not finalized as of press time).
We’ve just come off a triumphant Jazz Fest return and extremely busy nonprofit event schedule in May. New Orleanians are thrilled and ready for more time spent together joyfully entertaining. This month’s “How to Host” and “What’s Hot” offer an array of ideas for at-home fetes and gifts to bring along when you’re attending a gathering at someone else’s home.
We hope you find these pages insightful and enjoyable.
Cheers,
[caption id="attachment_118726" align="alignleft" width="327"] Photo by Jeffery Johnston[/caption]
On the Cover
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) Board President Mike Morgan, Executive Director Aimee Brown, and board members Chef Kevin Belton, Geordie Brower, Operations Manager for Dickie Brennan & Co.; and Ti Martin, Co-Proprietor of Commander’s Palace and Co-Founder and Board Chair of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) at The New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), host to NOWFE’s 30th Birthday Bash and its half a dozen wine and food labs.
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a premier event, showcasing what the city does best… eating and drinking for a good cause. In its 30th Anniversary year, the festival has become one of the most celebrated culinary events in the nation, attracting gourmands and connoisseurs to its wine dinners, Vinola, labs and experiences, Grand Tastings, Tournament of Rosés, Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch, and the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala.
This June 7 – 12, wineries from around the world and New Orleans' best restaurants will participate at the many events throughout the city. Menus feature local flavor and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around New Orleans create culinary experiences like no other. NOWFE is listed as a USA Today’s 10Best for Best General Food Festival and Best Wine Festival.
To purchase tickets, visitnowfe.com.