St. Charles Avenue June 2022

Ah, June in New Orleans – often a citronella candle laden love/hate relationship. For many, the promise of a summer slow-down and perhaps a few family getaways are welcome thoughts, but the lack of a consistent childcare routine and the impending warm-up is enough to send chills down the spine – even on heat record-breaking days. Have no fear, we have you covered with suggestions for how to enjoy this time in our fair city, even as the temperatures continue to climb. Not everyone is able to jet off for a respite in Europe, the mountains or a tropical beach locale (for one reason or another), so we’ve included a feature on “Making a Quick Escape” that highlights destinations in locations a short car trip away but with much to enjoy on their own grounds as well as nearby.  In “The Sounds of Wedding Season” we share excellent tips from local party planning experts on what is most important to keep in mind as you’re selecting the musical entertainment for your big day, or any party for that matter. From DJs to brass bands and everything in between, you won’t want to miss what these industry gurus suggest when it comes to keeping guests, the happy couple, and the entertainers themselves quite content. June’s Philanthropic Face is Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, Chief Equity Officer for Ashé Cultural Arts Center, the esteemed organization creating programming designed to utilize culture in fostering human development and civic engagement. Producing over 350 music, theater, dance, spoken word, drum circles and multi-disciplinary events a year, Ashé believes in art as a call to action. Be sure to check out their website, ashenola.org, for details on Juneteenth events and celebrations (not finalized as of press time).  We’ve just come off a triumphant Jazz Fest return and extremely busy nonprofit event schedule in May. New Orleanians are thrilled and ready for more time spent together joyfully entertaining. This month’s “How to Host” and “What’s Hot” offer an array of ideas for at-home fetes and gifts to bring along when you’re attending a gathering at someone else’s home.  We hope you find these pages insightful and enjoyable.  Cheers,

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[caption id="attachment_118726" align="alignleft" width="327"] Photo by Jeffery Johnston[/caption] On the Cover New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) Board President Mike Morgan, Executive Director Aimee Brown, and board members Chef Kevin Belton, Geordie Brower, Operations Manager for Dickie Brennan & Co.; and Ti Martin, Co-Proprietor of Commander’s Palace and Co-Founder and Board Chair of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) at The New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), host to NOWFE’s 30th Birthday Bash and its half a dozen wine and food labs. The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a premier event, showcasing what the city does best… eating and drinking for a good cause. In its 30th Anniversary year, the festival has become one of the most celebrated culinary events in the nation, attracting gourmands and connoisseurs to its wine dinners, Vinola, labs and experiences, Grand Tastings, Tournament of Rosés, Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch, and the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala. This June 7 – 12, wineries from around the world and New Orleans' best restaurants will participate at the many events throughout the city. Menus feature local flavor and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines. Top chefs from around New Orleans create culinary experiences like no other. NOWFE is listed as a USA Today’s 10Best for Best General Food Festival and Best Wine Festival. To purchase tickets, visit nowfe.com.