Two national publications feature my homesJulia Reed, and Garden & Gun....details below  Julia Reed celebrates New Orleans & south Louisiana culture in her new book. Front cover shot in my courtyard. Julia Reed's New Orleans: Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll All photos are courtesy of Paul Costello Photography It's an instant classic and should be part of any southern cookbook collection. I'm so excited for my dear friend Julia Reed's accomplishment. What fun it was to be part of her effort. So when Julia called asking to shoot a chapter in her upcoming book at my house in the French Quarter, my quick answer: Well of course! gumbo lunch I have to believe that we inspire each other. Years ago, Julia Reed walked into my antique store in the French Quarter. She fell in love with some esoteric prints of bugs. They were ridiculous. After all, who buys pictures of bugs? I did and she did! Then, I realized that she lived nearby and I closed the shop and went over there for a drink, and the laughs and good times have been ceaseless since. Julia's classic Seafood Gumbo is below along with a Rum Pecan Pie. That's my kitchen stove and though it's something of a relic, countless memorable meals have been created in that galley-sized kitchen. Most days begin with a strong cup of chicory coffee made in the French drip pot sitting there on the stove. Of course, they're sweetened with natural cane sugar from my family's mill in Patoutville and it makes me think of my French heritage.
Julia Reed is a world-class tastemaker and has an extraordinary talent for bringing people together. The other New Orleans celebrations she includes are magical: phenomenal settings with wonderful dishes featuring her recipes along with favorites from prominent chefs and home-cooks...and, it's a great cultural read. Paul Costello's photos are the perfect accompaniment to her narrative. Patoutville shinesI particularly appreciate Julia's love for my home in South Louisiana. And as she started thinking about her forays over the years with me in Cajun country (we've shared many great adventures!), she decided to include a chapter at my country house in Patoutville set amongst the sugar cane background.  She penned this sweet note to Patoutville: There's no bad time to visit Patoutville, but it is especially beautiful in summer and early fall, when the sugarcane is wait-high in the fields. In late fall and winter, the trucks full of cut cane form miles-long lines at the mill and there's twenty-four hours-a-day drama as great clouds of smoke fill the sky.
Ancient Oaks at BAyside Plantation My cousin's nearby Bayside Plantation, was another destination in this chapter. As a realtor specializing in historic properties, I'm representing the sale of Bayside (click the above Bayside link for more images and listing details.   Aioli Dinner:The culmination of the South Louisiana photo shoot was this fabulous meal celebrated with dear friends. I love that Julia was inspired by Teche country artist George Rodrigue's Aioli Supper Club and chose to recreate that celebration in her book. It's based on old Creole Gourmet Society traditions....another homage to the rich culture of South Louisiana.  Among the most cherished compliments I've known, shared here from Julia: ... she's first referring to George Rodrigue and her vision to recreate the Aioli Dinner from his painting: I think the artist would have approved of our gathering under the live oaks. He so respected the traditions of his ancestors, and Peter, with his antiques-filled houses and love of the land, honors the past and his own Louisiana history with more joie de vivre and élan than anyone I know." _______________________________ Thank you Julia Reed! As always with you, life is a magnificent celebration.   I recommend: reed Smythe & co. Beyond her book, you'll also want Julia's favorite items to enhance your life celebrations. She and friend Keith Smythe founded Smythe & Company: artisanal goods for uncommon spaces. See: Reed Smythe & Company  Wait: That's my house! Photo: William Hereford | Michalopoulos at work on Stollalodian, a painting inspired by Creole cottages in New Orleans Upper Ninth Ward. Imagine my surprise when I was leafing through the April/May issue of Garden and Gun and saw the image above - the painting of my Bourbon Street house!
The photo is part of a story about New Orleans artist and rum distiller James Michalopoulos by New Orleans (and Maine summer) resident writer Wayne Curtis.: The Colorful, Far-Out Vision of James Michalopoulos: The most recognizable painter in New Orleans is on a mission: to make sure the City doesn’t forget the artists who keep it funky. Though it's a great read, I disagree with the caption's 9th ward mention. While there are other examples of Creole cottages with the same color scheme, I don't believe you'll find another bearing the same architectural fenestrations, the same morning glory vine along with the left placement of the lamp post, and the low red wall...elements which are all peculiar to my streetscape. I've not seen this painting before and am delighted to know it exists!
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Festival Itinerary & Event Updates Posted Here: Visit Natchez
This really happened! It all started with an idea I had last summer to celebrate
the abundant beauty of Crepe Myrtles in Natchez!
This really happened! It all started with an idea I had last summer to celebrate
the abundant beauty of Crepe Myrtles in Natchez!
No other city can boast the extraordinary display of Crepe Myrtles blooming like Natchez, Mississippi. On Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22, Crepe Myrtles will be the star of a festival celebrating their beauty and offering educational talks to promote their continued enjoyment. Book your stay now!
Beginning with a Crepe Crawl (walk) downtown Friday night, and gathering again Saturday, at the Natchez Farmers Market where Master Gardeners offer advice and Crepe Myrtles will be on sale, and then onto free lectures at the Natchez Historic Foundation covering Crepe Myrtle history and proper maintenance - yes Crepe Murder is to be avoided!
There’s also a self-guided tour to view the city’s most splendid blooms on Saturday and book signings.
Beginning with a Crepe Crawl (walk) downtown Friday night, and gathering again Saturday, at the Natchez Farmers Market where Master Gardeners offer advice and Crepe Myrtles will be on sale, and then onto free lectures at the Natchez Historic Foundation covering Crepe Myrtle history and proper maintenance - yes Crepe Murder is to be avoided!
There’s also a self-guided tour to view the city’s most splendid blooms on Saturday and book signings.
CREPE MYRTLE CENTRAL
Downtown headquarters for maps, Friday tickets & information:
Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries, 515 Main Street
Owned by our Crepe Myrtle ambassador, Jim Smith
Downtown headquarters for maps, Friday tickets & information:
Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries, 515 Main Street
Owned by our Crepe Myrtle ambassador, Jim Smith
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019, 6-9 pm The Crepe Crawl (walk) - A fun night among the Crepe Myrtles walking along the famous “open container route”. Starting Point: Crepe Myrtle Central, 515 Main Street. Must be 21 years of age, $20 provides 2 wrist-bands for a 2-for-1 drink or appetizer at participating restaurants and a 2-for-1 cover charge at participating live music venues.
By G Douglas Adams
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019, 8 am to 12 Noon, Natchez Farmers Market,100 block South Commerce Street. Live music, fresh produce, baked goods, fresh dairy, arts and crafts and more from local growers and artists. Crepe Myrtle trees for sale. Master Gardeners handy with advice.
9 am to Noon, Educational Programming, Free Lectures & Workshop, Historic Natchez Foundation,108 South Commerce Street, Conference Room. Welcome by Peter Patout and others who will honor the memory of Sallie Ballard.
Topics include:
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|  Photo by Ben Hillyer, Natchez Democrat |
Saturday continued....
SELF-GUIDED TOURS OF THESE CREPE MYRTLE GROUNDS & BOOK SIGNINGS:maps available at Crepe Myrtle Central
 Photo by G. Douglas Adams | Natchez City Cemetery, all day, 2 Cemetery Rd., walk or drive to enjoy 490 crepe myrtles. Auburn Antebellum Home, noon-2pm, 400 Duncan Park Avenue. Tour historic home & enjoy Gumbo & Mint Juleps $20, served in restored original kitchen. Walk or drive to view 475 Crepe Myrtles within playground surrounding golf course lining road to pro shop. Take in a game of golf for extra fee. Tickets sold on-site. Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, 2-4pm, 1358 John A Quitman Blvd., sip a Bloody Mary while walking among 125 crepe myrtles. $8 per person. Tickets sold on-site. Book Signings at Regina’s Kitchen, 2-4pm, 312 Main Street, exciting details to come! |
My vision for the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival was met with a groundswell of enthusiasm from these garden and community leaders:
Co-Chair Regina & Doug Charboneau, Co-Chair Elaine & Mike Gemmell, Butch & Shields Brown, Jeff Mansell, Jennifer Combs, Stratton Hall, Debbie Hudson, Jim Smith, Eddie Burkes, Marcia McCullough, Peter Bundgard (current President of the Adams County Master Gardeners), Doug Adams, Bettie Jo Harris, James Wade, David Carter, Hedy Boelte, Warren and Nancy Reuther, Samantha Brown, Jim Johnson, Geoff Butcher, Rita Tebbetts, Joanne King - Crepe Myrtle QueenMother, Margaret Graves, Al Walker, Jim Blough, Carter Burns, Colleen Conner, Donna Ballard Maselli, Brenda Fuller, Clark Feiser, Lee Anne Garner, Sherry Hansen, Jason Jones, Melinda Kent, Monroe Sago, Sandra V. Ellard, Marla Toman, and more!
The Natchez-Adams Community Alliance is a sponsor providing fiduciary oversight and support.
The Natchez-Adams Community Alliance is a sponsor providing fiduciary oversight and support.
Photo by Ben Hllyer, Natchez Democrat
With this festival, we are honoring the memory of Sallie Ballard. Many historic 19th - 20th century trees have survived. In the year 2,000, Sallie Ballard made it her mission to plant 2,000 Natchez White and colorful specimens of Crepe Myrtles throughout her beloved city. The Crepe Myrtles Ms. Ballard established have made Natchez the “Crepe Myrtle Capital of the World!
Interestingly, Saturday events also coincide with the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year, thus marking the first day of summer!
Interestingly, Saturday events also coincide with the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year, thus marking the first day of summer!
Peter Patout interviews another Natchoozian - a person that chose to move to Natchez. When Jack Kelly walked into Steampunk Coffee Roasters in pink cowboy boots, I knew I wanted to meet her! Meet Jack Kelly and learn why she chooses to call Natchez home.
PONTALBA EXHIBIT LECTURE SERIES
6:00PM TO 7:00PM IN THE CABILDO,
ON THE 2ND FLOOR GALLERY
**LIGHT RECEPTION FROM 5:30PM TO 6:00PM
This Thursday, January 17, my talented friend and Guest Curator, Randolph Delehanty, Ph.D., will lead the exhibition lecture at the Cabildo. I encourage you to go and soak in the rich history and the backstory of the Baroness de Pontalba and the Rise of Jackson Square Exhibition.
This is the first of three different talks regarding the exhibit presented by the Louisiana Museum Foundation (LMF) and the Louisiana State Museum. Visit the LMF's facebook page for more details.
The talk is complimentary. I hope to see you there and encourage you to join me in supporting the LMF.
6:00PM TO 7:00PM IN THE CABILDO,
ON THE 2ND FLOOR GALLERY
**LIGHT RECEPTION FROM 5:30PM TO 6:00PM
This Thursday, January 17, my talented friend and Guest Curator, Randolph Delehanty, Ph.D., will lead the exhibition lecture at the Cabildo. I encourage you to go and soak in the rich history and the backstory of the Baroness de Pontalba and the Rise of Jackson Square Exhibition.
This is the first of three different talks regarding the exhibit presented by the Louisiana Museum Foundation (LMF) and the Louisiana State Museum. Visit the LMF's facebook page for more details.
The talk is complimentary. I hope to see you there and encourage you to join me in supporting the LMF.
A Creole Christmas at the Lighting of the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans
From left: Pierre de Pontalba, his mother and father, Isabelle and Charles-Edouard, Baron & Baroness de Pontalba
are flanking me - 2nd from right, Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans. Photo by Grevy Photography
From left: Pierre de Pontalba, his mother and father, Isabelle and Charles-Edouard, Baron & Baroness de Pontalba
are flanking me - 2nd from right, Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans. Photo by Grevy Photography
Dear Friends,
One of the most exciting moments of my life happened: helping the Louisiana State Museum and the Louisiana Museum Foundation celebrate the New Orleans Tricentennial.
My friends, the Baron & Baroness de Pontalba and their family, came to New Orleans from France for this epic event: The Founders Ball and the launch of the Baroness Pontalba & the Rise of Jackson Square Exhibition at the Cabildo.
One of the most exciting moments of my life happened: helping the Louisiana State Museum and the Louisiana Museum Foundation celebrate the New Orleans Tricentennial.
My friends, the Baron & Baroness de Pontalba and their family, came to New Orleans from France for this epic event: The Founders Ball and the launch of the Baroness Pontalba & the Rise of Jackson Square Exhibition at the Cabildo.
| I'm still pinching myself that this all really happened! It's been a thrill of my life to meet the Pontalbas at their family home château de Mont-l'Eveque, near Senlis, France, and to reconnect them to their Louisiana heritage. Merry Christmas and my best wishes for a Happy New Year! MY BEST FROM BOURBON, Peter Patout Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said it best: “For a city so steeped in history, to be able to showcase an exhibit as important to the development of Jackson Square, the focal point of the city of New Orleans, is historical in and of itself. The legacy Don Andrés Almonester and his daughter, Baroness Micaela de Pontalba, left on the architecture and culture of the city attracts millions of visitors every year,” |  At left: Isabelle, Baroness de Pontalba's dream fulfilled to hear Jazz at Preservation Hall. It was magical! |
Above: Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser - in the middle - lights the way at the Roosevelt Hotel,
and greets Baron and Baroness de Pontalba and Pierre de Pontalba to New Orleans!
and greets Baron and Baroness de Pontalba and Pierre de Pontalba to New Orleans!
This fanciful late Victorian house, was built by my great grandfather in the late 1890's. This is on the Enterprise Plantation.
Love the old fashioned “potato vine” on the Hippolite Patout, Jr. House!
Love the old fashioned “potato vine” on the Hippolite Patout, Jr. House!
Peter Patout interviews another Natchoozian - a person that chose to move here. Watch this interview with Jeff Mansell, an Historian for the Natchez Historical Park Service, and see why he calls this historic city home.
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