Summer Scene from my family home in Patoutville
please note my latest news is below with subject categories on the right
Sending Birthday CheerLet’s make it a truly momentous occasion! Please take a moment to toast her on her special day! Happiest of Birthdays to Judy Brooks Reed  From Instagram photo above: Judy Reed on left and her late daughter Julia at right courtesy of the Julia Evans Reed Charitable Trust. There are women whose grace, taste, and generosity leave an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to sit at their table. Judy Reed — mother of the late irreplaceable bionic Julia Reed (1960-2020), celebrates 90 years of life. I offer a small tribute farther below to a woman who, in SO many ways, made Julia possible…and I’m inviting your well-wishes.  An Homage to Judy Brooks Reed Judy came from a prominent Nashville family — and carries herself with an effortless elegance. She married a handsome and formidable man, Clarke Reed, a businessman who would become one of the most influential Republican Party figures in Mississippi. Together they settled in Greenville, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and built a life of remarkable richness and genuine warmth. Long before I met her, Julia spoke of her mother the way you speak of someone who is simply, inarguably, right about things — about how a room should feel, how guests should be received, how a table should be laid. When Julia finally invited me to accompany her home to Greenville for a visit, I understood immediately what she meant.  Julia (1960-2020) & Judy Reed and Elizabeth Cordes McGee at a vineyard, from Instagram account: @juliareedtrust Meeting Judy The house, a perfect mid-century modern Mississippi Delta ranch, was sprawling, and entirely at ease with the wide, flat landscape. In spring, thousands of Narcissus and Jonquils bloomed in the yard and along a driveway that cut through a nineteenth-century levee. Judy has an innate love of beauty. The interior was exquisitely appointed primarily in English antiques and comfortable American furniture — upholstered sofas and chairs — and yet nothing felt precious or untouchable….every corner was inviting. I remember the moment I first met her. Judy was at the door and welcomed me into her home as though I were someone she had looked forward to seeing for years. She is tall, with lovely and elegant features and a soft Tennessee-Mississippi accent. On the table was a large platter of pickled shrimp that a neighbor had brought over for Julia's guests. I got the recipe. While I’ve never made them, I think about them still. They were divine. Raising a Glass to Judy I enjoyed Judy’s hospitality on other occasions, and she is a talented cook as well. Judy is the kind of hostess whose table produces memories that outlast the occasion by decades. The Julia Evens Reed Charitable Trust came to life so beautifully after losing my dear friend. A 2021 auction of Julia's extraordinary estate helped make it possible.  The Trust is, in many ways, an extension of Judy's spirit. ♥️ Judy modeled what it looks like to invest in people, in place, in the genius of a corner of the world others might overlook. Julia learned that from her mother. * Photo credit info below Gratitude & Love In recent years, Clarke Reed passed away, leaving Judy as the keeper of a remarkable family legacy. She carries it, as one might expect, with grace. On this 90th birthday, please join me in sending Judy Reed our deepest love and admiration. Raise a glass in her honor. Judy Reed raised one of the most singular voices of her generation. She welcomed strangers as though they were family. She planted thousands of flowers along a Delta levee and beyond … because the world deserved to be that beautiful. Love to you Judy! Happiest of Birthdays! Peter * Gumbo Photo by the incredibly talented Paul Costello from her last cookbook: Julia Reed's New Orleans: Food, Fun & Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll P.S. Call this the Extended Side Note Below More Flowers & Appreciation Getting Personal  Inspired by a post card from the late ‘1920’s, it’s been my dream to bring back large stands of Big Blue (Iris giganticaerulea), to the banks of Bayou Teche. Both Judy and Julia’s Trust have supported this dream. I AM GRATEFUL  Inspired by a post card from the late ‘1920’s, it’s been my dream to bring back large stands of Big Blue (Iris giganticaerulea), to the banks of Bayou Teche. Both Judy and Julia’s Trust have supported this dream. Judy gave funds to the remarkable Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative (founded and led by the extraordinary Gary Salathe - follow on Facebook. The organization rescues and plants wild native irises that are threatened with destruction. Plantings go to public lands for everyone to enjoy. These native irises shore up the banks and also help to prevent wetlands loss. Yes, they’re beautiful to behold!  The Trust also made a donation to support our first Acadiana Native Iris Festival, held just last March. I am deeply grateful for the support.  IRIS FESTIVAL A SUCCESS
Save the Date! More blooms and info to come! March 27-28, 2027 New Iberia
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 I feel like a proud father....with the help of many volunteers, we created something in 2019 that continues today. June and July mark peak crepe myrtle bloom season with thousands of trees lining Natchez city streets. Celebrate the Blooms is a season-long showcase of Natchez’s vibrant crepe myrtle canopy and community spirit. And I'm so proud to have founded an initiative that boosts civic pride & tourism to Natchez.  I RECOMMEND! It's phenomenal y'all, and it can be hard to describe the overwhelming beauty Crepe Myrtles add to Natchez, and it’s by design....through the concerted plantings by generations of caring citizens. In 2019, I corralled a bunch of area gardeners and volunteers and we held a Crepe Myrtle Festival, and then Co-Vid came. We evolved the series of events into 3 wonderful self-guided FREE tours, to encourage more visitors (and locals!) to behold the beauty.  Even outside of blooming season, Crepe Myrtles add so much to the area. The concerted planting efforts from civic groups over many, many decades sets the town apart. Downtown Natchez Alliance continues to build upon the beautiful bloom experiences and opportunities to enjoy Natchez through Celebrate the blooms. I also appreciate their recognition of me as the founder. As part of our festival, we established an award that also continues: Sallie Junkin Ballard Keep Natchez Blooming Award. As the wonderful article below points out, she planted a lasting legacy. The award honors those whose passion for beauty and community in Downtown Natchez deserve recognition.  No other city can boast the extraordinary display of thousands of crepe myrtles in full bloom like Natchez! The incredible historic architecture, warm hospitality and beauty of the town beckon. Go see Natchez and don't be surprised if you discover an interest in buying a wonderful gem. Please explore my listings and let's talk.
I would be glad to assist you! Peter Join Us! It’s Really Happening! So I brought the vision. A host of volunteers are making this happen!  PHOTO: HENRY CANCIENNE As featured in this month’s Garden & Gun Magazine Many of you are aware of my deep appreciation for our Louisiana native Irises and my dream that someday the banks of the Bayou Teche will be shored up by our Giant Blue Iris, aka Big Blue (Iris giganticaerulea), Louisiana's official state wildflower.  Join Me! We are celebrating the beautiful blooms progress, and Garden & Gun Magazine has noticed. My Best to You for a Bloom-Filled Spring! Peter  We are marking a beautiful start with this celebration
We started planting just a couple years ago and I hope you’ll come celebrate with us and enjoy supporting this wonderful beautification effort. Native Irises shore up our waterways - slowing wetlands loss. Beautification brings people together. Here my friends at Garden & Gun Magazine highlight Seven Native Wildflower Festivals including ours. Be sure to note the nearby native Red Irises!  HISTORIC PROPERTY & CULTURAL NEWS H O O R A Y ! O N E S O L D! | TWO! UNDER CONTRACT! SO MUCH GOOD NEWS! PORCH DREAMS REALIZED MUSEUM QUALITY ROOMS FABULOUS PARADE PARTY SIPS & NIBBLES KING CAKE CHRONICLE RETURNS FEATURING BEST KING CAKES EVAH! LOUISIANA SAKE & MORE! Image from Brennan's SAVE THE DATE! LSU Rural Life Museum Symposium: 300 Years of Louisiana's German Coast, March 5 Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, March 23-27 Iris Day, Longue Vue, March 29 Society for Louisiana Irises Annual Convention, Lafayette, April 6-8 Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, New Iberia, April 6-9 ICAA Grand Coteau Tour, April 9 Southern Garden History Society, Mt. Vernon, April 22-24 Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival, July 8-10! Read More
click to see newsletter NATCHEZ IS A MUST VISIT IN JULY BOOK YOUR STAY NOW Dedicated Natchez master gardeners and citizens have long invested in the town's natural beauty and each July brings a full-on show with thousands of crepe myrtle trees reaching peak bloom season. SCROLL FOR BLOOM MAPS!  I'm a longtime fan of the architecture and genuine hospitality Natchez offers. But in July of 2018, I was completely caught off-guard. I was stunned by the intense array of blooms! So, I asked around to understand how this happened, and a planned effort came clear. In addition to the ongoing commitment of its citizenry, Sallie Ballard, the architect of 2000 for 2000, funded planting of well over 2000 crepe myrtles for the millennium!  Photo by Jane Gardner Instantly, I thought there needed to be a festival to draw attention to the extraordinary beauty of Natchez. And with plenty of help, I founded it! We met with Visit Natchez, the Chamber of Commerce, Master Gardeners and other Crepe Myrtle fans. In 2019, we held the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival. We had speakers and social events, and visitors were drawn to Natchez to Celebrate the Blooms. We honored Sallie Ballard, who sadly passed away in 2017. Everyone had a fantastic experience!  I'm proud of what we accomplished in 2019 and to keep interest alive for 2020 & this year, Master Gardeners created self-guided map tours. We've particularly leaned upon our Crepe Myrtle Archivist, Elaine Gemmell. (Yes, she has archives!). The results: a Sip & See Stroll, a downtown walking tour (worthy of 2-3 visits) along the open container route with reliable watering holes, fantastic restaurants, shops, and there're live music opportunities. The Bloom Drive takes you beyond downtown to include top area gardens, and I never tire of touring the Natchez City Cemetery's grounds, established in 1822 with over 500 Crepe Myrtles on-site. It's breathtaking! I've already planned by trip with a few friends. We'll motor upriver in a couple weeks for 2 nights, and you bet, we'll take in all the beauty and deliciousness that Natchez represents. I encourage you to do the same.  FOLLOW ALONG ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM: AND ONLINE AT VISITNATCHEZ.COM/EVENTS FOR UPDATES: Special Cocktails & Other Delights @NatchezCelebratestheBlooms Tag Your Posts: #NatchezCelebratestheBlooms BLOOM MAPS! SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR ONLINE MAPS PRINTED MAPS AVAILABLE SOON AT AREA NATCHEZ BUSINESSES: SIP & SEE STROLL, BLOOM DRIVE, NATCHEZ CITY CEMETERY Thank you Sponsors! Visit Natchez Peter Patout/Talbot Historic Properties Country Roads Magazine Ellen C. English United Mississippi Bank ● G. Douglas Adams Photography Donna Ballard Masselli in honor of Sallie Ballard Adams County Master Gardeners ● Monmouth Historic Inn, Crye-Leike Stedman Realtors Sip & See Stroll Map
Bloom Drive Map
Natchez City Cemetery Map
I love the excitement of Mardi Gras and the many opportunities it brings to gather with friends...and it's the season to enjoy King Cake! And it's the perfect way to gather with small groups - your pod, during the pandemic. I began this story in Feb of 2020 and have added a few more favorites! I still love everything from last year and there's more now on my list! Louisiana has so many wonderful bakeries. I enjoy trying everything from the classic homespun cinnamon-flavored King Cakes we grew up and other offerings including 3 that I'm highlighting below. What's your favorite? Leave a note to spread the word. A Few King Cake Favorites -Non-Traditional Offerings-  Their version of the traditional galette de rois. This is phenomenal! Flaky pastry is filled with pecan citrus frangipane! Local artist Jackie Brown makes the feves....Availability is limited. Call ahead or email to order. I emailed my order and they were very responsive. Get the large! This new bakery is a great addition to the city. LIMITED HOURS DUE TO COVID - CAN ORDER ONLINE Levee Baking Co. • 3138 Magazine St., Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115 • [email protected]  A crowd-pleaser! This is a classic offering from Haydel's: Flaky pastry with praline filling that's topped with caramel icing and decorated with pecans! I picked mine up from the new 3117 Magazine Street outpost. For everything Haydel, visit their website or go to the mother store. 4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70121  Crawfish King Cake from Bywater Bakery Garlic and butter brioche filled with warm Crawfish au Gratin and topped with colorful Parmesan Cheese. Serve it warm with a green salad and you'll thank me later! I love this casual neighborhood gem in the Bywater. I haven't tried their sweet King Cake offerings and I'm tempted to do that soon with such heavenly sounding flavors as their Chantilly King Cake which is filled with Marscarpone Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries, and their Bouille King Cake that's filled with a Cajun custard....amongst their many offerings. They are also offering a pop up location in the CBD for King Cake Season at 234 Loyola Street - in the Pythian Market, closed Wednesdays, 8am-6pm. Bywater Bakery 3624 Dauphine St. Bywater, New Orleans (504) 336-3336  Sip the flavors of Mardi Gras with this wonderful seasonal take on their ever popular Bourbon Milk Punch - this version made with rum. It's available to-go for taking in the street side revelry (HINT!). This is a delightful combination of homemade vanilla ice cream, orgeat syrup, cinnamon, orange, and local Old New Orleans Rum. 144 BOURBON STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 504.522.0111 2021 New Offerings with Pairing Recommendations! The insanity continues - More delicious offerings now than ever! King Cake is a most excellent reason for celebratory moments in safer small gatherings.  And another Shout out goes to Bywater Bakery! Heaven in a bite! The Chantilly King Cake filled with Mascarpone Cheese & Fresh Berries  Pairing Suggestion: Chicory Coffee Served Black in Hand-painted 1820's Paris Porcelain Demi Tasse I make sure to use them every carnival season to help celebrate life.   HERE'S AN INSIDER'S TIP: The Commissary is an extension of Dickie Brennan's restaurants and offers the most delectable items to create celebratory experiences. A few menu highlights: Bloody Mary's, party dishes like: Crab & Brie Dip, Beef Debris Po-Boys, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Red Bean Hummus, Pimento Cheese, Smoke Catfish Dip, and everyone's favorite: Crabmeat Cheesecake -whole or squares with a side of sautéed roasted mushrooms and Creole meunière sauce! Angels are singing!   GOURMET GIRLS Here's another stunner from this gem in Baton Rouge Pink Champagne King Cake with pink champagne mousse filling, iced, painted, sprinkled and glittered with everything pink! Pairing Suggestion: Champagne is always a great idea! HAPPY MARDI GRAS Y'ALL!
Click to Read My Fall Newsletter Enjoy this Excerpt Below Oh how I would have loved to have served the cocktail below to my dear friend Julia Reed. I enjoyed it when visiting Barbee and his wife Ashley Ponder recently. Now this is a welcome drink! THE DIRTY SUGAR by Barbee Ponder This libational masterpiece I made to welcome Peter and Lee Anne to Covington for a weekend classical tour  Photo by Barbee Ponder Dirty Sugar Recipe She’s best prepared midday to be enjoyed that evening. Here’s how it’s done-- Take a vintage Bayel Venus de Milo cordial glass and wet the rim with fresh squeezed lemon juice. Then dip her rim in a plate of M. A. Patout raw sugar. (When you’ve spent the entire day grinding, there should be plenty around) Move the rim around the raw sugar making sure it’s properly “dirtied” inside and out. Next, in a small disposable plastic cup, add the following ingredients: 1.50 oz Cognac 0.75 oz Cointreau 0.75 oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice Place both glass and cup in the freezer for a hard chill till evening. Using this method to chill the drink, rather than ice in a shaker, ensures the drink is not diluted in the least. (After all, “water’s for gardens” ... not cocktails.) That evening, when you’re ready .... for your toddy, take Venus out of the freezer, pour in the contents, and add a mist of Absinthe over the top with your atomizer. She’s ready. Bottoms up!  The city is awash in blooms! Here's how to experience Natchez now! Photo Credit: G. Douglas Adams  Last year year, I founded the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival because the extraordinary Crepe Myrtle Blooms of Natchez are worth celebrating! While there’s not a festival with speakers this year, our Committee members have created a perfect experience to Celebrate the Blooms! There's three self-guided free tours have been developed by Crepe Myrtle Historian and Committee member, Elaine Gemmell:
 10,000 Blooming Trees & Counting! self-guided bloom tours So here's a summer sightseeing trip idea: take in some of the loveliness and deliciousness that Natchez offers and experience the city in a low contact manner! Rita Tebbetts tells us the trees are still moving towards peak season and that the blooms should be pretty possibly even into August! "Of course, mother nature didn't get the Co-Vid memo. Come to Natchez to take in the show. the beauties won't mind a bit if you want to snap a few photos to share with friends. You'll need evidence anyway to prove to doubters what you will witness. The best photos are probably done from a distance, but these trees won't mind if you want to move in close. I don't think they will be taking social distancing too seriously," Tebbetts said. Take in the magnificent architecture of Natchez!  FREE MAPS! In addition to digital downloads at VisitNatchez.org/events Self-guided bloom tour maps are available: Fat Mama's Tamales Rolling N' The Dough Regina’s Kitchen Natchez Brewing Company Biscuits & Blues The Guest House Natchez Coffee Company Natchez Grand Hotel 100 Main Pearl Street Pasta Silver Street Gifts Natchez Convention Center Photo Credit: Ben Hillyer FOR UPDATES: Natchez Celebrates the Blooms FB event page and VisitNatchez.Org/Events #NatchezCelebratestheBlooms SUCCESSFUL DEBUT See 2019 News Stories & Details On Press Page: https://www.peterpatout.com/press.html Scroll down the page to read about last year's event.   Be well and safe through these challenging times.
I wear a mask and encourage others to do the same. Enjoy the Blooms!  Through this difficult time, I hope you are well. I'm writing to share a few things that lift my spirit in hopes that I can help lift yours. The incomparable beauty of the south, our rich history & culture, phenomenal cuisine, my dear friends and family, and my faith buoy me through challenging times. I'm even upbeat about the market for historic homes, and I'm excited that my listings are featured in 2 national news stories! I appreciate your allowing me to share that good news. And, I'm not going anywhere. Please reach out to me. Call me on my cell (504) 481-4790, or send me an email: [email protected] to help you purchase or sell historic homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. Please consider sharing my blog & website with your friends. See my client referrals at zillow.com. My best to you, Peter LOUISIANA IRISES ARE IN BLOOM! |
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