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For those taking in the Simien Open House and others venturing to New Iberia, Louisiana ...You are deep in the heart of Bayou Teche Country where I grew up! I offer a few stops to enjoy the day. But first things first - a wonderful Cajun lunch experience.  I always make a point of seeking out beautiful trees. Here's William Guion's Evangeline Oak photo. I call your attention to his blog The 100 Oaks Project. It's Valentine's Day Weekend and could there be a more enduring symbol of love than the Evangeline Oak immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem about Evangeline and her long lost love Gabriel. It's a beautiful tree. Go see. Just 10 miles from Simien House. The Jungle Gardens at Tabasco on Avery Island: Breathtaking blooms throughout the year along with phenomenal bird-watching opportunities. Shadows on the Teche: Built in 1834 and set amongst moss draped ancient oaks. Take in the well-preserved home and gardens - operated by National Trust for Historic Preservation. 
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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! New Orleans 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. Levee Baking Co. • 3138 Magazine St., Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115 • leveebakingco@gmail.com  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 A few favorites ... presuming you already own Intimate Enemies.  Fabulous entertaining! I'm so glad to be her friend, and yes, that's my courtyard! Get the backstory here! Holiday Shopping Ideas: https://www.reedsmythe.com  Most precious new children's book - a classic already! Available nationally. See more here: jeanetteweiland.com  THE EXHIBITION CATALOGUE! CHASING THE BUTTERFLY MAN: The Search for a Lost New Orleans Cabinetmaker, 1810-1825 by Cybèle GontarBE SURE TO SEE THIS AMAZING EXHIBIT NOW AT THE CABILDO!  DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH I LOVE POPPY! Tag along with Poppy’s bevy of rollicking drag queens for an unforgettable time. Stunning photos of glamorous divas vie with world-famous brunch dishes bringing a surprise with every turn of the page.  Author Alexandra Kennon weaves classic offerings of Creole grande dames with contemporary neighborhood staples for a guide through the Crescent City's culinary soul.  THE BOOK! I CALL THIS THIS THE BIBLE! FURNISHING LOUISIANA Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835 by Jack D. Holden, H. Parrott Bacot, and Cybèle T. Gontar  ...and so does Julia Reed! Recipe featured: Julia Reed's NEW ORLEANS Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll  Photo by Paul Costello PETER PATOUT'S FAMOUS SATSUMACELLO A few years ago, I gave my dear friend Julia Reed a bottle of my homemade satsumacello and she loved it enough to include it in her wonderful book - as part of her fun field-trips from New Orleans…to my country home in Patoutville. P.V. is deep in the heart of sugar cane country, and I’m across the street from our family’s sugar mill. In grinding season, it’s quite the spectacle with smoke swirling, trucks unloading and all the energy the seasonal activity generates around the clock until suddenly it ends, usually by January. Citrus season coincides with grinding season and many mature satsuma trees are near my home. While Julia Reed generously credits me for this recipe. Poppy Tooker is the one who steered me to creating this wonderful treat. Sip slowly!  Vertical Divider
 Makes 6 cups Ingredients: 10 - 12 Satsumas 1 750 ml bottle of Everclear 3 cups of sugar 2 cups of water That's my courtyard! Get the backstory here! Holiday Shopping Ideas: https://www.reedsmythe.com METHOD:Wash the satsumas in hot water with a vegetable brush to remove any residue of pesticide or wax. Pat them dry. Continually zest the satsumas with a zester or vegetable peeler, being careful not to include any white pith from the peel. (The pith, the white part under the rind, is too bitter and will spoil your satsumacello. Place the zest in a large jar and fill with the Everclear. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days and up to forty days in a cool, dark place. Turn the jar upside down 2 or 3 times to help bring out the flavor of the zest. The zest will eventually turn white. When ready to proceed, combine the sugar and the water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, until sugar is well dissolved. Strain the Everclear/zest mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a paper towel into the simple syrup mixture. Stir and allow to cool. When the satsumacello has cooled completely, you may pour it into individual bottles. TWIN OAKS GREEK REVIVAL HOME For Sale |
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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 shines
I 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.
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.
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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'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
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!
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!
OPENING ALERT: Regina's Kitchen
Southern Cooking School
Épicerie & Wine Bar | 312 Main Street
I'm so proud of my dear friend Regina Charboneau. She is the Ina Garten of Natchez having written numerous cookbooks, and is a classically trained renowned chef.
With Regina’s Kitchen, she offers so much to locals and visitors. At her Southern Cooking School, you can make her legendary biscuits and more. Cafe tables spill out overlooking Main Street. Stop for a glass a wine and something delicious. Her Epicerie offers picnic essentials to go, and that space leads into a lovely Wine Bar & Bistro with live music!
Regina's Kitchen is a great complement to her critically acclaimed King's Tavern, and the family's Charboneau Distillery which wins medal after medal for its rum offerings. The Distillery is open for tours.
Finally there's Twin Oaks, a classic Greek Revival Home where Regina has taught cooking lessons and hosted events. There are six charming guest rooms on the grounds.
Regina is from Natchez and left to pursue her culinary dreams. She realized great success in San Francisco and has always cooked from the heart adding Natchez to the plate. Glad she came home!
With Regina’s Kitchen, she offers so much to locals and visitors. At her Southern Cooking School, you can make her legendary biscuits and more. Cafe tables spill out overlooking Main Street. Stop for a glass a wine and something delicious. Her Epicerie offers picnic essentials to go, and that space leads into a lovely Wine Bar & Bistro with live music!
Regina's Kitchen is a great complement to her critically acclaimed King's Tavern, and the family's Charboneau Distillery which wins medal after medal for its rum offerings. The Distillery is open for tours.
Finally there's Twin Oaks, a classic Greek Revival Home where Regina has taught cooking lessons and hosted events. There are six charming guest rooms on the grounds.
Regina is from Natchez and left to pursue her culinary dreams. She realized great success in San Francisco and has always cooked from the heart adding Natchez to the plate. Glad she came home!
COMING SOON: Papi y Papi
Coffee, Cigars, & Cacao
636 Franklin Street
He wasn't open and Dub Rogers still welcomed me on a cold winter day to his phenomenal Steampunk Coffee.
He's since closed Steampunk in anticipation of his new Papi y Papi, a specialty retail store showcasing his passion for coffee & espresso alongside his love for cigars and cacao (think fine chocolates).
And while I'll miss the magic of Steampunk Coffee, I can't wait to see and taste what Dub Rogers' next downtown establishment will offer... Papi y Papi will be exceptional! Follow along on instagram: @papiypapi for updates.
He's since closed Steampunk in anticipation of his new Papi y Papi, a specialty retail store showcasing his passion for coffee & espresso alongside his love for cigars and cacao (think fine chocolates).
And while I'll miss the magic of Steampunk Coffee, I can't wait to see and taste what Dub Rogers' next downtown establishment will offer... Papi y Papi will be exceptional! Follow along on instagram: @papiypapi for updates.
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
See Press for more News!
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