Jacques “Jack” Leonardi, owner of the exceedingly popular Jacques-Imo’s on Oak Street and Crabby Jack’s on Jefferson Highway, shares his life and lessons about thriving in New Orleans’ highly competitive restaurant industry. Drive by the corner of Cambronne and Oak Street during dinner time and you will inevitably see a […]
Rediscovering Design: Holly Owen
A recent transplant discovers her calling through unexpected channels and becomes the latest creative asset to Crescent City interiors. Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, Holly Owen has spent much of her life in the Northeastern part of the country; from New Jersey and Connecticut to Cambridge, Massachusetts. But a little […]
Michael Gulotta: Inspirational Ingredients
After his recent appearance on Food Network’s “Iron Chef Gauntlet,” you might assume chef and restaurateur Michael Gulotta is seeking the spotlight as one of the nation’s latest celebrity chefs, but the reality is quite different. “I’m more excited about my new restaurant than I am about Iron Chef” says […]
Nourishing an Oral Tradition
In an unending endeavor to preserve the rich food culture of New Orleans, James Beard award-winning chef Frank Brigsten shares his knowledge with young aspiring chefs, amateur home cooks and avid diners. While speaking with Frank Brigtsen about his long career in the local restaurant industry, sitting inside the hushed […]
Chef Michael Nelson: Exploring the Gulf’s gastronomy
Growing up in a landlocked state like Illinois, Michael Nelson possessed an unusual desire for seafood. Perhaps it was the summers spent at his aunt’s house in Maine where he helped his neighbor pull lobster traps out of Bar Harbor or perhaps he simply enjoyed challenging his palate with a […]
Titus Perkins: Inspiring Success
Titus Perkins, Executive Kitchen Manager of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, receives the distinguished “Faces of Diversity Award” from the National Restaurant Association. With a disabled grandmother as his only guardian, Titus Perkins was forced to become the leader of his household at a very young age. “I was cooking […]
Nicholas Busciglio: Painting the Spirit of New Orleans
Impressionistic-style painter of New Orleans’ culture and personalities, Nicholas Busciglio launches showcases at the Royal House Gallery, Zele Nola, Frenchmen Street Art Market and YLC Wednesday’s at the Square. Born in Orange County, California, Nicholas Busciglio was blessed with a childhood of privilege. Dazzled by the allure of Hollywood, Busciglio […]
Michael George Lizanich II: Steering Towards Success
Enterprising Tulane University business student takes his future by the wheel and launches The Motorsports Garage. Since appearing in a General Motors magazine as a toddler, Arizona-native Micheal George Lizanich II has been an avid admirer of the automobile. “I’ve always been a car guy.” Lizanich admits. “I’m only 21-years-old […]
Meet + Greet: Heidi Malnar
Tapping into the hearts of locals and tourists alike, Theatre On Tap’s founder and artistic director Heidi Malnar seeks to entertain, educate and inspire a new generation of dancers with “Camp Rhythm.” Growing up an army brat constantly on the move, Heidi Malnar discovered stability, passion and a love for […]
Meet + Greet: Robin Barnes
Local singer vocalizes her passions and lives for her dreams Raised in a musical family, Robin Marie Barnes grew up with rhythm in her blood and soul. Her father and namesake Robino Barnes who plays bass himself, taught his daughter about music and appreciating the roots of jazz and blues. […]
With enthusiasm and talent, Chef Kristen Essig rises to claim a kitchen of her own
“I always get offended when people don’t have chocolate on their dessert menu.” -Kristen Essig Vibrant, assertive, playful and talented, Chef Kristen Essig already has definite ideas about the food and ambiance at Sainte Marie Brasserie, though she only took the position a little over two months ago. Kicking off […]
Meet + Greet: Tim Williamson
New Orleans native is rooting for the economic future of his hometown Born and raised in New Orleans, Tim Williamson of The Idea Village grew up near the universities Uptown and attended Isidore Newman, a private, college preparatory school that’s been teaching privileged youth since 1903. After high school, Williamson […]
Meet + Greet: Lorenzo Castillo
Musician, math teacher and mentor sets school rhythms As a former trouble-maker, Lorenzo Castillo’s understanding of classroom behavior has personal resonance. With help from his mother, who took an active role in her son’s education, Castillo attended one the original KIPP middle schools in Houston. Later A Better Chance, a […]