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THE BARONESS DE PONTALBA AND THE RISE OF JACKSON SQUARE EXHIBITION JOIN ME: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13  I encourage you to revisit it,
or see it for the first time... Meeting the Pontalba family and reconnecting them to Louisiana has been a highlight of my life. Fate! Read more here. Sunday marks the last day at the Cabildo, and what an extraordinary year it's been! I feel so fortunate to have reconnected New Orleans with the descendants of one of the most prominent founding families. Please join Andrew Hopkins and me for a final walkthrough, this Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2PM at the Cabildo If you're a Friends of the Cabildo or the Louisiana Museum Foundation member, admission is complimentary. (If not, please consider joining to support these organizations.) Otherwise expect a nominal entrance fee. With this final walkthrough, Andrew and I will be sharing stories and reminiscing the highlights of the last few years that have involved the remarkable Pontalba family, who today live in their family chateau in France, where their ancestors have been living since 1805. Afterwards, come by at 4PM: 1111 Bourbon cocktails in my courtyard Join me in a toast to Charles Edouard and Isabelle, Baron and Baroness de Pontalba and their son Pierre.... without them none of this would have ever happened! (The Pontalba's are in France & not attending) In order to prepare properly, please let me know if are coming by Friday, October 11. RSVP here!
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Friday, August 30 Celebrate the Launch of Poppy Tooker's Newest Cookbook! DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH! BUY THE BOOK!  Saturday, September 7 COUNTRY ROADS SUPPER CLUB: THE PONTALBA EXPERIENCE Remember that time when Edwin Edwards dined at Versailles... This is THE CABILDO! JOIN ME! HERE'S ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!  Be sure to make your reservation now as Country Roads Supper Club events sell out quickly. See this blog post for more information!  Tour fabulous private homes and gardens in Pointe Coupée Parish including the Foremost Colonial French Collection of Architecture, Art and Furnishings in the world - the Holden Collection. Narration along the route by Eugene D. Cizek, FAIA. Emeritus Professor, Tulane University.
Within the Holden Collection, you’ll view a key Butterfly Man armoire to be featured in the upcoming exhibition,“Chasing the Butterfly Man.” Cybele Gontar, curator and decorative arts expert PhD candidate, American Art, City University of New York, The Graduate Center, will preview the exhibition, and the endless fascination for this mysterious cabinetmaker. For tour details click the link below. Limited Availablity - Book Now!  Read the Story On Newsstands Now! Look for Louisiana Timepiece 10 page spread ...online version coming soon   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! NEW IBERIA MODERN HOME TOUR SATURDAY, JUNE 1 FROM 10AM-4PM The Louisiana Architecture Foundation, Iberia Cultural Resources Association and Iberia Parish Visitors Bureau present a New Iberia Modern Tour featuring an eclectic selection of modern-styled homes. Tour highlights the mid 50s to late 60s in exterior architecture design. The self-guided tour takes place Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. On tour, seven sites (six open homes and a modern-styled church.) Link to online sales: https://buff.ly/2Es3uqi
  Join me for the Festival! Take in the Blooms. Natchez has over 10,000 Crepe Myrtles and Counting...
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! 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. 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 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:
Saturday continued.... |
 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!
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!
Dear Friends, I am proud to offer a truly once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the New Orleans Tricentennial: a chance to meet Charles-Edouard and Isabelle, Baron and Baroness de Pontalba and family members - direct descendants of Micaela Almonester, Baroness de Pontalba.
The luncheon includes two speakers, sumptuous hȃute Creole Cuisine and drinks, and is generously sponsored by Tableau as a benefit for the Louisiana Museum Foundation. We are thankful to Dickie Brennan and his team for their support.
Pontalba family historian, Pierre de Pontalba will share his family’s legacy in France and New Orleans. Louisiana State Museum guest exhibition Curator Randolph Delehanty, PhD will preview the exhibition that will open Saturday, December 1 at the Founders Ball, and to the public on Sunday, December 2 at The Cabildo.
Pontalba family historian, Pierre de Pontalba will share his family’s legacy in France and New Orleans. Louisiana State Museum guest exhibition Curator Randolph Delehanty, PhD will preview the exhibition that will open Saturday, December 1 at the Founders Ball, and to the public on Sunday, December 2 at The Cabildo.
 | Tableau Restaurant at 616 St. Peter Street, site of Tricentennial Luncheon with the Baron & Baroness Pontalba Interestingly, the first Baron, Joseph Xavier Pontalba, owned a home on the property that's now the Tableau Restaurant site - which overlooks the Cabildo, upper Pontalba building and Jackson Square (the Almonester and Pontalba families are directly responsible for all of these important buildings). Dripping with rich Louisiana French cultural history spanning four centuries, this Tricentennial Pontalba Luncheon opportunity is a wonderful finale to the year. Of course, I'm also excited about the Founders Ball the next night at The Cabildo!  |
Taking a wrong turn six years ago in the French
countryside was incredibly fortuitous! I met the de Pontalba family!
-Read about that wonderful adventure here-
countryside was incredibly fortuitous! I met the de Pontalba family!
-Read about that wonderful adventure here-
Tickets for the Pontalba Luncheon and the Founders Ball raise funds for the Louisiana Museum Foundation which supports the Louisiana State Museum. Luncheon tickets are $125 each, most of which is tax deductible, and can be purchased by clicking this link. Please join us by reserving now. Seating is limited. These remarkable events will sell out.
Founders Ball tickets are $300 each for Louisiana Museum Foundation Members and $350 for non-members.
So, join me for Lunch at Tableau and at The Cabildo for the Founders Ball!
My best to you,
Peter
Founders Ball tickets are $300 each for Louisiana Museum Foundation Members and $350 for non-members.
So, join me for Lunch at Tableau and at The Cabildo for the Founders Ball!
My best to you,
Peter
December 1 At The CaBildo
 | Founders Ball & Exhibition Opening: The Baroness de Pontalba & the Rise of Jackson Square: How a Father's philanthropy and a Daughter's determination created the urban heart and architectural look of old New Orleans This Final Tricentennial exhibit draws on the landmark buildings and rich collections of the Louisiana State Museum, portraits, treasures from the Pontalba Family château in France, loans from other collections, and historic and commissioned photographs to revisualize New Orleans' iconic urban core: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytère, and the twin Pontalba Buildings. |
SUGGESTED READING
 | It’s been a thrill to meet the Pontalba family and to forge their relationship with the Louisiana State Museum...that helped in turn to develop this incredible exhibition as the finale to our Tricentennial year. None of this would have been possible if I hadn't read this book. Intimate Enemies is one of my all-alltime favorite books about New Orleans: If you haven't already read it, I encourage you to do so. It will deepen your appreciation of the exhibit and what Jackson Square means to all of us. |
Intimate Enemies New York Times book review
Ironwork detail with the signature Almonester & Pontalba family logo from the Pontalba Apartments
The Pontalba Family is Returning to Louisiana for the Founders Ball
& Launch of the Baroness Pontalba Exhibit at the Cabildo!
& Launch of the Baroness Pontalba Exhibit at the Cabildo!
Dear Friends!
I am thrilled to offer you early ticket access to the Louisiana Museum’s Founders Ball & Exhibition Opening at the Cabildo. This is one for the history books!
Taking a wrong turn in the French countryside six years ago was incredibly fortuitous! I met the Pontalbas!. This wonderful occurrence along with help from friends led to this year's Founders Ball and Baroness de Pontalba exhibition....Here's how it happened and what you can anticipate.
I am thrilled to offer you early ticket access to the Louisiana Museum’s Founders Ball & Exhibition Opening at the Cabildo. This is one for the history books!
Taking a wrong turn in the French countryside six years ago was incredibly fortuitous! I met the Pontalbas!. This wonderful occurrence along with help from friends led to this year's Founders Ball and Baroness de Pontalba exhibition....Here's how it happened and what you can anticipate.
  | Founders Ball & Exhibition Opening The Baroness de Pontalba & the Family that Built Jackson Square _______________ How a father’s philanthropy & a daughter’s determination created the urban heart and the architectural look of Old New Orleans My cousin and I were looking for a Joan of Arc site when we got lost. Then I saw a sign for Senlis, which I remembered from Intimate Enemies: The Two Worlds of the Baroness de Pontalba, Christina Vella’s biography of the Almonester and Pontalba families, as their family seat. We stopped at the Visitor Center and asked if the Pontalba family still lived in Senlis and discovered that they did! We arranged to tour their gardens and drove through alleys of poplar trees and rolling hills to the château. To our delight we met members of the Pontalba family, who graciously invited us in. That the direct descendants of the Baroness de Pontalba (1795-1874) would welcome us to Château de Mont-l’Évêque, that we would develop a warm friendship, and that they would embrace their Louisiana heritage was beyond any dream that I could imagine! Subsequently, I kept dreaming along with my friends, artist Andrew Lamar Hopkins and Louisiana Museum Foundation Director Susan Maclay. |
Pontalba Family Founders Ball Invitations
From the beginning, we set our sights on the LMF’s top fundraising event, The Founders’ Ball, and invited the Pontalba family to be our honored guests.
We also realized that Mont l’Évêque is a treasure trove of historical items related to the Pontalbas' time in Louisiana - primarily in the 19th century. So, the idea for the exhibition was born.
We also realized that Mont l’Évêque is a treasure trove of historical items related to the Pontalbas' time in Louisiana - primarily in the 19th century. So, the idea for the exhibition was born.
New Orleans’ iconic urban core: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytère,
and the twin Pontalba Buildings - Upper Pontalba Apartments shown.
and the twin Pontalba Buildings - Upper Pontalba Apartments shown.
In addition to items from the de Pontalba family château, the exhibition will draw from the Louisiana State Museum, and loans from private collections. We are honored to have guest Curator, Randolph Delehanty, PhD, who will tell the city-defining story of Don Andrés Almonester and his formidable daughter, Micaela, the Baroness de Pontalba.
The Founders Ball and Exhibit are dedicated to Christina Vella
Of course, none of this would have happened if I hadn't read Intimate Enemies. We should all be eternally grateful to the late Christina Vella, author of this book that was critically acclaimed by the New York Times.
If you haven't already read Intimate Enemies, I encourage you to do so. It will deepen your appreciation of the exhibit and what Jackson Square means to all of us.
The costume Ball will be reminiscent of the elegant parties Baroness Pontalba held in New Orleans and in her mansion in Paris, which today, still known as the Hôtel de Pontalba, serves as the official residence of the United States Ambassador to France.
Late-18th-century to mid-19th-century attire, recalling the days of Don Almonester and our Baroness, are encouraged for the ball. Contemporary black tie and ball gowns will also be acceptable.
Together, we will welcome Charles-Edouard and Isabelle, Baron and Baroness de Pontalba, their son Pierre, and other family members from France!
Here’s a link to buy your Founders Ball tickets. They are $300 each for Louisiana Museum Foundation Members and $350 for non-members. I suggest you do this today for tickets are limited and this remarkable event will sell out!
The only mission of the Louisiana Museum Foundation is to support the Louisiana State Museum through community donations and programmatic support. I hope that you will join me as a proud member of the LMF to support them for this event and beyond.
Almonester Pontalba balcony ironwork detail from the Pontalba Apartments
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