A Recipe for Success

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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