Not until the 18th century was January 1 regarded by most European countries as the start of the New Year. Eventually celebration on this date - or, especially, on New Year's Eve - was not only accepted but marked by convivial gatherings of bounteous good cheer. Boisterous New Year's parties have long been a part of life in New Orleans. Like Christmas and Mardi Gras, the holiday was introduced when the city was a French colony and reinforced later by European immigrants who helped populate the city.
winter 2013
Open the Gift of Christmas New Orleans Style
November 05, 2013
In New Orleans, holiday traditions are as thick as roux. Steeped in tradition, much has changed since the 1850s. Before Christmas trees became the fashion spurred by Queen Victoria's example, New Orleanians would typically set a small potted wax myrtle or citrus tree on a table. Trees were decorated with little gifts, paper ornaments and tallow candles. Today, exquisite sights, wonderful Creole food, long-treasured traditions spiced with 21st-century fun and jazz concerts abound.
Tis' The Season To Dine In Style!
November 05, 2013
In New Orleans, food always takes center stage. Where else in the world do dining companions discuss their dinner options for later that night over lunch? And, daily! But, during the holiday season our passion for scrumptious morsels is revved up like a three year old hopped up on sugar-plums. Fortunately for those of us who crave comfort and joy in the form of tempting treats, there is no shortage of enticing holiday dining options, from Thanksgiving feasts and heavenly "Reveillon" menus to indulgent New Year's repasts.
Dinner and A Show
November 05, 2013
The Magic of Broadway is no longer confined to The Great White Way.
Broadway has returned to New Orleans in incredibly big fashion with the reopening of a grand venue, The Saenger Theatre, which takes its important place alongside Le Petit Theatre, the Joy Theatre, the Civic Theatre, and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
New Orleans' theatres are active and they don't take a back seat to any performance venue in the world when it comes to high-level productions and diversity of shows. In other words, New Orleans is a "hot theatre town."
Broadway has returned to New Orleans in incredibly big fashion with the reopening of a grand venue, The Saenger Theatre, which takes its important place alongside Le Petit Theatre, the Joy Theatre, the Civic Theatre, and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
New Orleans' theatres are active and they don't take a back seat to any performance venue in the world when it comes to high-level productions and diversity of shows. In other words, New Orleans is a "hot theatre town."
A Spirited Stroll
November 05, 2013
The mid-winter season brings a much-desired fresh breath of cooler air to New Orleans' usually sub-tropical climate.
Along with the welcome weather changes, opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities abound with football games, end of the year holidays, social gatherings, parades, festivals, shows and other events.
Many of these festivities are accompanied by fine food, luscious libations and the music that was born on the streets of New Orleans.
The French Quarter, with its Old World charm, offers
Along with the welcome weather changes, opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities abound with football games, end of the year holidays, social gatherings, parades, festivals, shows and other events.
Many of these festivities are accompanied by fine food, luscious libations and the music that was born on the streets of New Orleans.
The French Quarter, with its Old World charm, offers
Standing Out (in a Crowd?) Martin Lawrence Gallery
November 05, 2013
In Catholic school, Sister Roseland would slap my knee and remind me that a gentleman did not stick his knees in the aisle in front of lady. I tried to explain to her that I was freakishly tall and that my desk was far too small, hoping she would cut this giant a little slack. She did so by sticking me I the back of the classroom away from the normal sized kids, where, as she put it, she never walked. I grew to hate being tall. I looked for the lowest soles on shoes and wouldn't dream of wearing boots or anything that added height to what already seemed an obnoxious mistake.
