New Orleans Magazine September 2022

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I know, as a mature early-40s mom who also happens to work at a school, I should have an enthusiastic response to going back to school – or at the very least, something I could describe as “mixed feelings.” I should say something thoughtful about how children thrive on routine and our teachers are so […]

Dream Home

There are few aspects of life more anxiety-inducing than buying or selling a house. Nearly 15 years after the collapse of the housing market, many Americans feel an understandable trepidation over the prospect of home ownership. But as the economy continues to rev up in New Orleans post-lockdown, the prospect of lower mortgage payments compared […]

Date Night

Now that the doors to the Crescent City have swung wide open, singles are ready to mingle, couples are keen to canoodle and friend groups are hankering for hangout time. Whether you’re feeling amorous or adventurous, are in stilettos or sneakers, have tickets to a Broadway performance or rezzies for a romantic nightcap, we scoured […]

Tiffani Calix

What do actors Robert Pattinson and Viola Davis, talk show host Rickie Lake, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Presley all have in common? Each have experienced, to varying degrees, hair loss due to permanent and temporary alopecia. For many, alopecia and hair loss due to stress, changes in hormones, cancer treatment and more is a part […]

Raising the Bar

The old adage that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good springs to life at Sukeban, a new Izakaya on Oak Street where the quality of its foundational ingredients lifts it above the noise of most other Japanese places around town. The name ‘Sukeban’ translates (approximately) to “Girl Boss,” referring to the subversive […]

Toulouse Trek

Dear Julia, I found an old hurricane-style glass the other day, and the logo on it appeared to be from a bar I remember in the French Quarter called Lautrec, 514 Toulouse. I went to a lot of Uptown and French Quarter bars in the 1970’s, and I remember the name, but I don’t think I […]

Last of the Old Regulars

New Year’s Eve 2008 only had about 20 minutes left. Revelers at one St. Charles Avenue mansion occasionally glanced at their watch. Servers were starting to pass out flutes of Champagne. At one spot next to the stairwell a spontaneous ceremony was coming together. Someone sitting on the steps remembered that with the New Year, […]

Lounging Around

Alon and Emily Shaya’s Pomegranate Hospitality has opened Saba’s Lounge, an all-new lounge space adjacent to the group’s flagship restaurant, Saba. Enjoy Israeli-inspired cocktails and a curated list of unique and natural wines. Of course, you can also order Saba’s signature salatim, hummus, wood-fired pita and desserts. Be sure to order the special large-format classic […]

Generous Spirit

Palm&Pine bartender Kimberly Patton Bragg turns “trash” into treasure. Typically discarded peach pits become a sweetener for her “Teaches of Peaches.” “I started with that syrup, and then, since it’s summer, I brought in gin.” She added bergamot-flavored Italicus. “Earl Grey tea also has bergamot, and the tea idea led me to add lemon.” Kim’s […]

News + Notes

On Pointe Subscription tickets are on sale now for the New Orleans Ballet Association’s 2022-2023 season. Performances leap on to the stage Oct. 22 with the U.S. touring debut of the Kyiv City Ballet, followed by the return of Ronald K. Brown / Evidence, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, MOMIX dance company, and rounding […]

Comfort Cooking

Chef Eric Cook, one of four children, grew up rabblerousing in Arabi. His mother worked for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, his father as the pharmacist at the original Schwegmann’s Supermarket on Broad Street. The family took meals seriously, with Mom cooking a delicious one-pot something or other on weeknights and Dad cooking up the […]

1906

The late 18th and early 19th centuries was the era of canal building in the United States – the most famous being the Erie Canal and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal up East. New Orleans had its canals, too. Seen here in this 1906 photograph is a charcoal lugger moored in the New Basin Canal, which […]

Art on the Coast

George Walter Anderson of New Orleans and his wife Annette moved to Ocean Springs, Miss., with their three sons, two of whom would leave a mark on the small Coastal Mississippi town. Walter Anderson took to visual arts while Peter Anderson experimented with clays, studying under established potters and opening a studio he named “Shearwater,” […]

Nubby Knits

Each of West Elm’s Happy Habitat throws is made to order. Crafted from recycled cotton by maker Karrie Dean, these throws are wonderfully stretchy and mold to your body wrapping you like a cocoon. Available at West Elm, westelm.com. How can you not dream of eternal sunshine when you rest your weary head on this […]

Randy Elstrott

As temperatures cool in the month of September, planting and pruning season for trees returns. Whether working with a landscaper or doing it yourself, knowing some basics about trees is important. Randy Elstrott, a licensed and certified arborist with Bayou Tree, which provides maintenance, planting, beautification and removal, offers the following advice. First, he recommends […]

The Best Real Estate Agents and Lenders in New Orleans

Buying a house is more than just a purchase; it’s about finding the right place that you can call home. Connecting with the right professionals to make your dream a reality is a big step in one of the most important decisions you will make. New Orleans Magazine turned to the Michigan-based firm of Professional Research […]

Michael “Danny” Lester

An exceptional and smooth client experience is what buyers and sellers in today’s market want, and that’s exactly what Michael Lester of MDL Homes & Luxury is known for delivering. A New Orleans native, Michael Lester knows the city like the back of his hand. Michael loves helping people begin their next chapter and offers […]

Monica Joseph Caldarera

Central to Monica Joseph Caldarera’s success in real estate is understanding her clients’ needs. Monica works in a variety of markets with home buyers and investors. Monica’s marketing background and use of multiple platforms is key to her success when selling a property. Following a 20-year career in pharmaceutical sales, Monica now brings an ethical […]

Melissa Burns McClendon

An Associate Broker and Co-Owner of NOLA Home Realty Group, Melissa Burns McClendon’s ability to understand her clients’ goals ensures she exceeds them every time. Entering real estate seven and half years ago, Melissa’s career has taken off with almost $69 million in sales and a long list of accolades to boot. At the core […]

Quan Barnett, SRS, ABR, PSA

Success in personal real estate projects and a penchant for helping others led Quan Barnett to become a realtor. Drawing on his truly versatile skill set, Quan’s clients range from first-time homebuyers seeking houses under $100k to seasoned luxury buyers in the market for multi-million dollar homes. An ABR, SRS and PSA certified realtor, Quan’s […]

Sarah Rieger

A former event planner who’s mastered the art of bringing visions to life, Sarah Rieger now works tirelessly to check every box on her clients’ wish lists down to the very last detail. Sarah is passionate about the city she serves, from the beautiful homes and neighborhoods to the wonderful communities surrounding them. Working alongside […]

Scott Brannon

Scott Brannon’s 25 years in real estate paired with his client-oriented approach allow him to skillfully serve sellers, buyers and investors across Greater New Orleans, including the West Bank, Northshore and Southshore. A highly acclaimed Realtor, associate broker and relocation specialist, Scott serves clients with honor, integrity and professionalism to help them reach their goals. […]

Shannon Wells Guidry

A former mortgage loan officer of 15 years, realtor Shannon Wells Guidry’s extensive knowledge of the buying, selling and lending processes allows her to deliver results for every client. Passionate about the Hammond community she serves and its residents’ prosperity, Shannon helps families learn the value of wealth building through real estate. Shannon’s diligence and […]

Stephanie Kaston

Fueled by a passion to share her knowledge of the city and provide exceptional service, Stephanie Kaston ensures clients feel informed and expertly guided through the buying, selling and leasing processes. Stephanie combines years of real estate experience with her background in sales and marketing to clearly communicate and care for clients’ unique goals. Going […]

Team Right Side

Latter & Blum Realtors Sam Poché and Jennifer Saltaformaggio formed Team Right Side to benefit clients by combining the collective skills and resources of two of New Orleans’ top Realtors. Sam and Jennifer, recently joined by Sophie Joseph, provide clients with well-rounded expertise, professionalism and integrity that has earned the team citywide respect. They can […]

Toni Leggett

With four decades of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Toni Leggett understands the life-changing milestone that homeownership represents. As the South Texas and Louisiana Area Sales Manager for Caliber Home Loans, Toni helps clients sort through the wide variety of loan options available based on their personal financial standings. In prioritizing open and consistent […]

The Witry Collective

Employing extensive knowledge of the city’s character and unique housing stock, The Witry Collective is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of empowering clients to reach their real estate goals. Operating atop a foundation of continued, trusted client relationships, the team offers collective expertise in Historic Preservation, Commercial, Residential, and Multi-Use Real Estate properties. Witry Collective […]

Resources

Back to School

These academic, childcare, enrichment and clothing options will ensure the back-to-school season is easy on the whole family.

Resources

Fall Home Resources

Whether it’s updating the interior of the home or finding a completely new one, utilize these resources to get the job done right.

McEnery Residential

The source of McEnery Residential’s powerful and highly acclaimed presence within the New Orleans real estate landscape lies in its people. McEnery Residential’s ability to attract the New Orleans real estate market’s most vibrant, accomplished professionals is recognized by not only its client base but evidenced by the following McEnery Residential agents featured in New […]

Mary Danna

Known for her personal approach and expert knowledge, realtor Mary Danna is committed to making the buying and selling process profoundly positive for her clients. Fostering working relationships with contacts across local financing, real estate law, title search, home inspection and home appraisal fields, Mary guarantees an exceptionally smooth client experience from start to finish. […]

The Shedlock Group

Lisa and Ed Shedlock are The Shedlock Group at French Quarter Realty. Working as a team, these top-producing agents communicate constantly to promptly address their client’s every need. Working with residential and commercial properties and having over 30 years experience in sales and management, Lisa and Ed certainly have the expertise to advise clients about […]

Lindsay Keen

Lindsay Keen’s deep roots in the Gulf South and investment in its history and culture shine through in her work as a realtor. Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Lindsay moved to the Greater New Orleans area where she embarked on careers in the veterinary, tourism and service industries. Lindsay now channels the personal care, knowledge of […]

Letty Rosenfeld

Specializing in Uptown, Old Metairie, Lakefront, and Warehouse District properties, Letty Rosenfeld has been a top agent with Latter & Blum for over 40 years. “This work is so rewarding—I never tire of helping clients,” she says. A charter member of Latter & Blum’s prestigious Top of the Latter Club, Letty offers invaluable experience buying […]

Lauren Smith

Having bought her first home at age 25, Lauren Smith’s passion for real estate began at a young age. Coupled with her law degree and prior years of experience in the courtroom, Lauren’s nearly 10 years in the real estate industry allow her to steer clients through the buying and selling process and negotiate on […]

Brewster Yancey Group

Two of Rêve Realtors top producing agents, real estate duo Caitlin Brewster and Kristie Yancey are dedicated to serving as untiring advocates in real estate transactions. Both with extensive backgrounds in sales, Caitlin and Kristie are experts in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients allowing for unsurpassed customer service and results. The two New […]

Josh Highnote

As Executive Vice President at Reliant Mortgage, Josh Highnote is passionate about making the dream of home ownership a reality for his clients. Josh’s extensive background and knowledge of residential home lending allows him to seamlessly navigate the constantly evolving mortgage market while providing superior service to his clients. Sensitive to the daunting process of […]

Elijah Feibelman, CCIM, CRS

Elijah is a top five producer at Coldwell Banker Tec with over 19 years of experience. Elijah’s expertise in banking and formal education in finance provides his clients with unique insights into the buying and selling process while protecting their investment. Elijah’s success lies in his ability to line up opportunities that benefit the personal […]

Dorian Bennett

A real estate career born from a deep appreciation and extensive education in fine arts, Dorian Bennett has now spent nearly four decades matchmaking buyers and sellers with their dream properties while remaining invested in his community. A household name in the New Orleans real estate industry, Dorian’s professionalism and unmatched skills have led him […]

Devienne Theriot

Encountering different aspects of the real estate industry in her past roles, Devienne Theriot was following her true calling when she made the decision to become a licensed realtor. Now working with Realty One Group, Devienne specializes in finding her clients their perfect residential property across the Northshore. Consistently bringing energy, organization, dedication and creativity […]

Danny Akers

Danny joined Rêve Realtors in 2020 and prioritizes finding the right properties for clients. “I go above and beyond to make sure my clients find their dream homes,” he says. “For most people, this is the biggest purchase they will ever make. My goal is to make the process easy and stress-free.” After a […]

Cat Wilkinson

Raised among a family of real estate agents in the French Quarter and several other historic neighborhoods throughout the City, Cat Wilkinson holds a deep understanding of New Orleans’ culture and history. Having now worked in the real estate industry for six years, Cat’s comprehensive knowledge of the City allows her to guide clients, whether […]

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We’ve rounded the summer corner and it’s back to school season once again. For many families, and certainly teachers, this time is bittersweet. No more late-night movie. No more sleeping in. It means getting back into a regular routine, reengaging students for a day of learning, packing lunches and getting uniforms together. Homework negotiations and after school activities become part of the regular workday for some parents. Columnist Eve Crawford Peyton takes a look at the “Back to School Blues,” with her unique take on kids, parenting and the post-COVID education world. Kids can’t have all the fun, so we’ve put together your date night planner, chock full of places to go and things to do whether it’s your first date, 50th or 500th date. From dinner, desserts, dancing and drinks to activities on the move (ever tried zip-lining?), we’ve got you covered. Plus, we have insider information and secret tips from the pros in the know. Finally, for anyone navigating the real estate market, you know how challenging coming up with a sound plan can be. We’ve talked to the experts on the best ways to get ready to buy and sell your home. Plus, our 2022 Top Real Estate guide features more than 500 real estate agents, teams and mortgage lenders to help get you started with the professional that is right for you. For all the hassle of summer’s end, it is a great time of learning new things, making new friends and reconnecting, either with old acquaintances, enjoying new date night experiences or rekindling a spark now that the kids are back on school track. Pro-tip: take advantage of back-to-school shopping sales and grab some extra supplies to bring to your school. You can also donate money to support local classrooms and teachers through DonorsChoose.org. It’s a great way to invest in future generations while also helping educators make the most of their valuable dollars. Plus, you can always buy yourself a new pack of pens or a fancy new notebook while you’re at it.

Ashley McLellan, Editor