Cover Artist Gretchen Templet WHILE COVER ARTIST GRETCHEN Templet’s professional background is in interior design, she is a life-long drawer and painter. Her true masterpieces lie in the vibrant world she creates with her paintings, inspired by the blossoms that have adorned her life since childhood. Gretchen Templet’s journey into art began as a young girl under the guidance of her third-grade art teacher when she discovered the power of expressing herself through art. She remembers the affirming praise she received for a plantation drawing she created. That day, she heard her teacher say, “W ..read more

Margarita Bergen MARGARITA BERGEN, the vibrant former owner of Bergen Gallery and Casel-Bergen Gallery as well as the former Society Editor of New Orleans Living Magazine, embodies the spirit of a social butterfly. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, her journey took an adventurous turn when she immigrated to the bustling metropolis of New York City at sixteen. Margarita’s arrival in New York would soon see her immerse herself in education, earning a Master’s Degree in Education and a post-master’s degree in school administration. Her professional journey led her to a position working w ..read more

by Anna Tusa IT IS SPRINGTIME in New Orleans. The weather is delightful. The tulips are blooming in City Park. The days are longer, and my wine selections are getting lighter-bodied, so I wanted to share my favorite Rosés for 2024. SAINTE MARGUERITE SYMPHONIE ROSÉ – COTES DE PROVENCE, FRANCE 2022 Vintage; 92 Pts on Wine Enthusiast This Rosé was exceptionally light and refreshing and pairs very well with fresh fish, summer salads, or while scrolling through Instagram. My first sip brought back all the memories from my last trip through Provence. Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Ros Of ..read more

Luca Eats by Greta Honsberger A DELIGHTFUL SANDWICH SHOP on Cohn Street, Luca Eats promises to tantalize taste buds Among the must-try offerings, the Turkey Pesto is the number one bestseller. This gem features succulent roasted turkey breast, house-made pesto mayo, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and smoked gouda cheese nestled between slices of sourdough bread. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The Muffuletta is a must for those seeking a taste of local history intertwined with culinary excellence. Carefully prepared, this sandwich boasts house-made olive salad, delectable salami, and melted c ..read more

Trends, Innovations, and Expert Tips for Your Home and Garden AS WINTER BIDS FAREWELL and the gentle warmth of spring beckons, homeowners and gardening enthusiasts eagerly turn their attention to revitalizing their living spaces. Explore the flourishing landscape of spring home and garden businesses, uncovering the trends, innovations, and expert tips set to flourish in the upcoming season. NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD MAGIC WITH EXTERIOR DESIGNS, INC. Now that winter is over, it is time to assess the remains of your yard. If you are looking for a great makeover for your lawn space, a courtyard might ..read more

Recognizing Local Leading Doctors of Excellence DR. MICHAEL HENKE Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Michael Henke is driven by passion, experience, and a commitment to mental health. His practice, Trajectory Psychiatry, is built upon these fundamental elements, which serve as its cornerstone. The psychiatry field inspiration struck Dr. Henke during medical school as he explored subspecialties, and psychiatry became the frontrunner. “Psychiatry became the most appealing to me because I found it the most interesting,” recalls Dr. Henke. His interest in child and adolescent psychiatry blossom ..read more

WHO DOESN’T LOVE TO INDULGE in the delectable delicacy of chocolate? There is good reason to love this delicious and well-loved treat. Chocolate produces physical and psychological feelings of pleasure, excitement, and euphoria with each bite, so what’s not to love? Chocolate is harvested from the Amazon Rainforest’s tropical Cacao tree when farmers gather cocoa pods with a machete. The fermentation process comes next, and the beans are placed on banana leaves on the jungle floor for several days, turning to shades of red and brown as they develop that cocoa flavor we all love. While still dev ..read more

DRY JANUARY? Not in NOLA! With January 6th being King’s Day and the official start of Carnival Season, I will share a few of my favorite cocktail recipes you can enjoy with your Krewe on the parade route, at Carnival Balls, or on Mardi Gras Day! First up is a play on one of the hottest drinks right now, and this is a batch recipe. You can whip up a batch and enjoy on the parade route or at home before you hit the streets. KING CAKE ESPRESSO MARTINI ½ cup Absolut Vodka ½ cup Absolut Vanilla Vodka ½ cup Three Olives Espresso flavor vodka 1 ½ cup Cold Brew Concrete; I used Cool Brew ½ cup Brown ..read more

Balcony Ballroom is a testament to five decades of distinctive elegance and familial dedication. Established on July 3, 1974, by visionary couple Johnny and Valerie Van Vrancken, this iconic venue has become one of the cornerstones of the city’s wedding industry. For over 50 years, the Balcony Ballroom has been at the forefront of the all-inclusive wedding and event industry, hosting more than 15,000 celebrations. Vanessa Van Vrancken, daughter of Johnny and Valerie, reflects on her and her brother Jay taking over the family business. “My parents have put a lifetime into this business and are ..read more

Empowering Hearts in February and Beyond AS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF DEATH in our nation, heart disease claims a life every 33 seconds—whether it is a man, woman, or child. The American Heart Association is committed to fostering impactful community change worldwide and in New Orleans. Their mission is clear: reduce the fatalities from heart disease and stroke while striving to enhance cardiovascular health for men, women, and children. WHY GO RED FOR WOMEN? The leading cause of death among women in The United States is heart disease. Heart disease surpasses the combined toll of all cancer types a ..read more