nola lifestyles and living guide june 2012
DESCRIPTION
Your Local Guide to Services, Products, Entertainment, and Events.TRANSCRIPT
Lifestyles & Living GuideYour Local Guide to Services • Products • Entertainment • Events
www.nolalifestyles.com
FREEFrench Quarter - New Orleans, LA
June 13 - July 18, 2012
Page 2 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Your Guide To The French Quarter
The French QuarterThe French Quarter - or Vieux Carre’ - or the Quarter to the locals, isNew Orleans’ most famous and oldest neighborhood. With it’s very unique architectureof historic buildings, row houses, cottages, art galleries, shops, restaurants and museumsthat are adorned with cast iron balconies, stoops, porches, walled courtyards, shuttereddoors and windows and iron gates, decorated with hanging plants and foliage and deco-rations of the Quarter, they are some of the most photographed streets in the world.
You’re best to spend your time in the Quarter on foot so you can leisurely enjoy andsavor the sights and sounds of this area so rich and famous for it’s history, culture,music, cuisine, shopping and romance. With so much history, entertainment and culture,there’s an exciting experience around every corner. Make sure to check out the car-riageway entrances or courtyards accompanying many restaurants, cafes, galleries,shops and clubs where you may find gardens and fountains you can relax in.
ShoppingShopping - The French Quarter’s Shopping experience features Art Galleries(many manned with the artists), unique and eclectic Shops and Boutiques thatinclude Antiques, Jewelry, Hats, Clothing, Trinkets, Spices and Candy and muchmuch more. From Royal, Chartres, and Decatur Streets, The French Market, JaxBrewery, to Canal Place including the side streets throughout, you can find shop-ping around every corner. Including those featured on pages: 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19,21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31
DiningDining - Known for it’s cajun, seafood, creole and favorites such as jambalaya,seafood gumbo, red beans and rice and crawfish, the Quarter is a diverse culi-nary experience from casual dining, cafe’s and bars to the many world-class finedining restaurants. Including those featured on pages 8, 14, 22, 25, 26, 32
EntertainmentEntertainment - Enjoy the sights and sounds of local musicians throughoutthe streets, Clubs or Jackson Square day and night. The energy of the live bands,artists and DJ’s, whether it be local blues, jazz, R&B, Cajun, Zydeco or othermusic simply piped in, with such a diverse venue you can enjoy it all. Includingthose featured on pages 6, 11, 12, 21, 25, 26
Salons/Spas/Hotel/ServicesSalons/Spas/Hotel/Services - Whether you need a trip to the Salon or Spafor you or your pet, a room for your next trip, groceries, housing or just needsomething different, the Quarter has all it. Including those featured on pages 8, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29
Map of the QuarterMap of the Quarter - Pages 16-17 - your helpful aide to help guide youthrough the Quarter.
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 3
CRAIG TRACY GALLERY
(504) 592-9886 827 Royal St. French Quarter
WWW.CRAIGTRACY.COM
THE MOST CREATIVE GALLERY IN NEW ORLEANS
Fine Art Bodypainting
Page 4 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Lifestyles & Living Guide
Within these pages it is our goal to be agreat resource to valuable informationthat will help maximize your time andefforts when searching for products andservices of local merchants in your area.Whether it’s dining and entertainment,shopping, local attractions, places to stay,or housing and related services, let us helpyou with your search.
For those of you coming to town for avisit, browse through our website andeBook version before you arrive to helpyou make the most of your trip by plan-ning ahead.
Pick up a copy of our printed publicationat any participating merchant location foreven more information, including valu-able coupons and savings.
Featured Advertisers
Craig Tracy’s Painted Alive - 3
Mickey Nolan Salon - 8
American Bicycle Rental - 9
The Spice & Tea Exchange - 15
Francher Perrin Group - 19
Studio 831 - 24
Gallery Burguieres - 31
French Market Restaurant - 32
www.nolalifestyles.com
Publishers: Karen Hough & Craig Platz
(504) 233-8655
On The Cover
Touchdown Jesus - 1
715 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
This statue of Jesus is located in the
garden behind the Saint Louis
Cathedral In Jackson Square. View
the statue from Orleans Street at
night and you will see the shadow of
outstreched arms on the cathedral.
View the online version of Lifestyles & Living Guide at
www.nolalifestyles.com
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 5
1
3
8
31
24 15
32
9
Page 6 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Things To Do For Free In The French Quarter
1 - The French Market - French Market Place - 250+ year old marketwith fresh produce, handicrafts and flea market type booths.
2 - Royal Street - Stroll and take in the entertainment local musicians,performing artists, the art galleries, upscale antique stores, landmarkhotels and interesting specialty shops.
3 - Jackson Square - Enjoy the sights and sounds of local musicians,street corner painters, mimes and much more.
4 - St Louis Cathedral - Take a self-guided tour of the oldest catholicchurch in the United States in Jackson Square.
5 - Bourbon Street - 8 blocks of people watching day and night, bars,shops and many fine restaurants.
6 - Shops at Jax Brewery - 600 Decatur St. - 110 year old old brew-ery for a taste of New Orleans history and shopping.
7 - Riverwalk Marketplace - 500 Port of New Orleans Place - withviews of the Mississippi, visit the retail shops and restaurants or simplyto window shop.
8 - Canal Place - 333 Canal Street - Many fine shops to browse.
9 - Spanish Plaza - 1 Poydras St - Dedicated by Spain this convenientresting spot’s focal point is the fountain surrounded by the seals of theproviences of Spain.
10 - Lafayette Square - Just off Poydras St. between St. Charles Ave.and Camp St. during spring and fall months concerts every Wedneday.
11 - Canal Street Ferry - Ride to Algiers and Vantage Point atRiverwalk Landing - 1 Canal Street - witness some of the best views ofthe original city of New Orleans via a Canal Street Ferry ride across theMississippi River.
12 - New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park - 916 N PetersStreet - regular jazz performances, lectures, films, and visual displays, andit is also the starting point for jazz walking tours.
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 7
1
2
4
5
6
11
3
12
78
9
10
Page 8 Lifestyles & Living Guide
J A C KGALLERY
813 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70116
504.588.1777 FAX 504.586.0701
www.jackgallery.com
Croissant d’or
617 Ursulines Avenue
New Orleans, LA
504-524-4663
Wed-Mon: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tues - closed
Serving a variety of fresh croissants, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads.
MickeySalon
A Paul Mitchell Focus Salonfor Men & Women
Celebrating 9 Years in theFrench Quarter!
Featuring: Keratin ComplexSmoothing Blowout and SpecialEvent Hair & Makeup
Hours: Tues - Sat 10-6 Eves and Sun by appointment only
See: Mickey • Yvonne • Michelle today at:815 Toulouse St. • 504-587-7782 • mickeynolansalon.com
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 9
Present this ad for $2 off of a rental or$3 off of a tour. Not valid with any
other offers. Limit 2 coupons per party.
and
M I D D L E O F T H E B L O C K
www.freewheelinbiketours.com (866) 293-4037www.americanbicyclerental.com (504) 324-8257
Bring This Ad In For a
FREE Bag Of Treats!!
French Quarter Petasylum
Feed • Supplies • Grooming
513 Dumaine StreetNew Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 302-9845
907 Bourbon Street504-592-4666
SELLING NEW & USED
CD’S DVDS & VINYL
Store Hours
Sunday - Monday: 11-6Tuesday - Saturday: 11-8
Page 10 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Spices from Around the World • Hand-MixedBlends Made Daily • Unique Sea SaltsExotic Teas • Extra Virgin Olive OilNaturally Infused Organic Sugars
Gifts & Accessories
521 St. Louis Avenue, Unit 1
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-598-5689
www.spiceandtea.com
* Present this ad and receive one “Geaux” cup with purchase of custom blend. Limit one per customer. Notvalid with any other promotions. While supplies last. Copyright © 2012 The Spice & Tea Exchange
* Get a FREE authentic New Orleans “Geaux”
cup with the purchase of a Custom Blend
Get Dat Spice To Geaux
GAA Hair Salon of the Year 2011
900 Rue Dauphine • New Orleans
Walk-Ins Welcome 504.522.2666
Experts in
Weddings & Special Events
Wigs, Extensions & Waxing
30 years of service in the same location
HEAD QUARTERS
Hair Salon
712 Orleans @ Royal • French Quarter
New Orleans, LA 70116 • 504.529.8140
Latter-Blum.com/SteveRichards
Steve Richards
French Quarter Sales, Leasing
& Property Management
504.258.1800
June / July 2012Events In The
French Quarter
June 22 - 24, FestiGals Womens Weekend Getaway:
Want to be pampered? Ready to party? Just want to get away from it all? Whatever it
is you’re looking for, you’ll find it at FestiGals, New Orleans’ original ultimate women’s
getaway weekend celebration that’s ALL ABOUT YOU! Grab your gal pals and head
on down to New Orleans for the 2nd annual event taking place June 22-24, 2012, at
the historic Hotel Monteleone. Enjoy customized experiences and activities that range
from decadent to elegant to educational. www.festigals.org
July 4 = Go 4th On The River Fireworks:
Celebrate Independence Day New Orleans Style, at the 22nd Anniversary Celebration
of GO 4TH ON THE RIVER!!! Ranked 5th "must see" fireworks display in the U.S., by
American Pyrotechnic Association. Bring your radios to the river for this passionate
salute to America’s independence, which will feature the one-of-a-kind dueling barges
fireworks display along the New Orleans Riverfront. Simulcaston Magic 101.9 and
WWL AM, FM, and .com and heard in 38 states! This patriotic tribute is one unique to
New Orleans. www.go4thontheriver.com
July 6 - 8 = Essence Music Festival:
The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival rolls into New Orleans for another weekend of
good music, great food, and all around good times. We've got the best music and the
best artists live at the Superdome. Each night at the Superdome, the Main Stage will be
electrified with performances by the hottest stars in R&B, soul and gospel. Don't miss
each night's line up including a performance by The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin
who will receive the first ever Power Award! Doors open at 6pm each night. Main
Stage performances start at 6:30pm.www.essence.com
July 12 - 15 = San Fermin In Nueva Orleans:
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) is an annual festival in New Orleans featuring an
Encierro (bull run), which replicates and pays homage to the world famous Encierro of
Pamplona, Spain, or "The Running of the Bulls", only our bulls are none other than
members of the Big Easy Rollergirls and select participants from other rollerderby
leagues across the country! http://nolabulls.com/index.asp?id=0
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 11
Page 12 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Sing Sing Club418 Bourbon
Featuring Danny Herbert & Rock Solid
Tues-Sun: Doors Open At 5PM
Mon: Doors Open At 8PM
Live Music 7 Days a Week!
(504) 529-2201
418 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70130
THE OLIVER HOUSE HOTEL
828 Toulouse Street New Orleans, LA 70112(504) 525-8456
We offer off street parking, a swimming pool, freelocal and long distance phone calls, irons, ironingboards, and clock radios in all rooms, hair dryers,curling irons, and umbrellas are available uponrequest, 24 hour front desk and concierge services
offering complete tour, ticket and reservation information, wake upcalls, safety deposit box, customer faxservice, laundry and dry cleaning sendout service.
All suites include a kitchenette consisting of a refrigerator,microwave,coffee maker, and toaster. We do our best too accommodate any spe-cial requests that might make your stay here more enjoyable. Childrenare very welcome. We also have a few rooms that accept pets.
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 13
Page 14 Lifestyles & Living Guide
CAFE IGUANA908 BOURBON STREET
504-522-2639
FREE DELIVERY (PLEASE TIP WELL!)
ALL FOOD IS PREPARED TO ORDER.
ALL OF OUR BBQ IS HOME-SMOKED.
WE ONLY USE TOP QUALITY
INGREDIENTS. NEW UPDATED MENU!
MONDAY......... CLOSED
TUES - THURS. 10AM - 12 MIDNIGHT
FRI & SAT....... 10AM - 2AM
SUNDAY.......... 10AM - 12 MIDNIGHT
$25 Gift Certificate
*1st time local guests only, 18+ for all UV.
Restrictions may apply. See spa for details.
301 Burgundy Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-8266
www.planetbeach.com
UV Therapy • Mystic
Teeth Whitening Products
Oxygen Red Light Therapy
Hydration • Meditation
Weight Management • Nutrition
Massages • Facials • Air Brushing
*Services and Products may vary per location.
Concealed Carry NOLA
NRA Certified& LSP RegisteredInstructors
All of our training isdesigned for anyone who isinterested in learning thebasic knowledge, skills, andattitudes for owning andoperating firearms safely.
813 S. Carrollton AveNew Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 430-7409concealedcarrynola.com
When it comes to creativity, New Orleans artist Craig Tracy, never disappoints.Painting directly onto the human body, Craig has brought the primitive art ofbodypainting into the contemporary art realm. Two of Craig's most acknowl-edged images ("Butterfly" and "Immaculate") now grace the pages of the 2012Ripley's Believe Or Not! Volume 8. Ripley's is known for finding the exceptional,so his inclusion in this year’s collectors edition is fitting as many of Craig'simages are simply "unbelievable"!
Considered a cornerstone in Bodypaintings progressive movement, today CraigTracy Bodypaints exclusively as well he owns and operates the very first artgallery in the world dedicated to fine art Bodypainted images. The gallery allowseven the most seasoned art collectors and novices alike to see and experiencefirst hand what Bodypainting is ultimately capable of expressing. With a passion-ate and pioneering spirit, Craig personally meets and educates hundreds of peo-ple each week in his signature gallery located at 827 Royal St. The Craig TracyGallery is filled with spectacular photographic, paper and canvas prints. As well,there are numerous videos of the process and books that focus on this art form.Please feel free to visit the gallery if you are ever in or near New Orleans. Youwill not regret the experience.
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 15
Believe It or Not!
"BUTTERFLY" is one of CraigTracy’s greatest masterpieces. Theimage was also chosen by Ripley'sas part of this years Believe It or Not!
Collections, Volume 8.
Page 16 Lifestyles & Living Guide
French Quarter
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 17
- New Orleans, LA
Get Away in the Vieux Carre!
This summer “Get Away in the Vieux Carre” and reacquaint
yourself with what makes the French Quarter an enchanting
place to visit—the art and antiques along Royal St., shopping in
the boutiques on Chartres St., exciting nightlife on and off
Bourbon St., fine cuisine, tours, museums and more; fun awaits
around every corner. The French Quarter offers something for
everyone and the summer is a great time to enjoy it all!
For the fourth
year, the French
Quarter Business
Association and
its members are
encouraging you
to rediscover the
liveliest
neighborhood in
the world with
specials and
discounts
throughout the
season. Visit the FQBA website, “Like” FQBA on Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/FQBusiness) or “Follow” FQBA on
Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/FQBA) to learn about all the
special offers throughout this summer campaign. Register and
you could win a “Get Away in the Vieux Carre” of your very
own — a luxurious stay in a French Quarter hotel, dining gift
certificates from some of the Vieux Carre’s finest restaurants,
discounts and gift certificates to a variety of retail shopping
outlets, tickets to attractions, parking, nightlife, and so much
more. Visit www.FQBA.org for more details or contact the
association at 504.309.1423.
Page 18 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 19
Debbie LindseyPhilipe LaMancusa
Kitchen Witchcookbooks • music • art
631 Toulouse StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130
www.kwcookbooks.com
504-581-6633
241 Dauphine Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Great selection of shoes, dresses, exotic
hosiery, costumes, and accessories.
Francher Perrin Group
L. Bryan Francher | (504) 251-6400 Leslie Perrin | (504) 722-5820
“With a passion for perfection, weensure your real estate experience
will be Award Winning!”
Voted in theTop 3 Realtors in New Orleans
by the Gambit Reader Poll
www.francherperrin.com
1820 St. Charles Ave. | Suite 110 | New Orleans, LA 70130(504) 891-6400
®®
St. Peter House Hotel
St. Peter House Hotel1005 St. Peter | New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (800) 535-7815 | Fax: (504) 523-5198
A favorite retreat for the seasoned traveler, the St. Peter
House Hotel is the place to be for French Quarter
excitement! Located steps away from Bourbon Street,
you'll be surrounded by world-class restaurants, hot
nightspots and plenty of local flavor.
Location isn’t all St. Peter House has to offer. This
historical property boasts the tropical brick courtyards
and broad iron-lace balconies that make the French
Quarter so inviting.
Page 20 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 21
NAGHI’S
Diamonds, Platinum,
14K + 18K Gold
Jewelry, Sterling Silver
Judaicas Bronze
Sculptures, Antiques
633 Royal Street
(504) 586-8373
800 Royal Street
(504) 654-1940
637 Canal Street
(504) 585-5700
AUNT TIKI’SA 24/7 DIVE...
1207 Decatur St.
French QuarterJust steps off Frenchmen
(504) 680-8454
Logo Shirts Available534 Rue St. Philip
New OrleansLA 70116
Page 22 Lifestyles & Living Guide
HAWK & JETCAB
For the cleanest,
best cab in New
Orleans Call: Mo
504.220.7072
La Boucherie Coffee House & Cafe
335 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 324-6656
Mon - Sun: 7:30 am-4:00 pm
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11AM-230PM
91 French Market Place
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 596-2022
Where everyday is “Italian
Sunday Dinner” served
Family Style.
Royal Blend Coffee & Tea
621 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA
www.royalblendcoffee.com
(504) 523-2716
Try our Biscotti Cookies or
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
(Family Features) Warm weather means fun-filled days spent in the sun by a pool or at
the beach. Style and beauty-on-a-budget expert Lilliana Vazquez of
www.CheapChicas.com shares the following tips to help you get summer-ready.
Look for pops of colorThis season, don't be afraid of color. Neon is
back in a big way, but it can be a tricky look to
pull off. To make it more wearable, Vazquez
suggests working this trend into smaller
accessories like a lime green belt or fuchsia
clutch to instantly punch up a neutral outfit.
Go for shoes with height
This summer is all about the wedge, a
comfortable and stylish option you can wear
by the pool or out on the town. Step out in a
neutral-colored pair to elongate the leg and
easily match every ensemble.
Bathing suits, back to basics
Choose a bathing suit that is not only stylish,
but flattering for every body type, like a retro-
inspired one piece. Make sure when you're
showing off more skin that you keep it smooth from head to toe. "Instead of spending
money on salon treatments, at-home hair removal gives you long-lasting smoothness for
a fraction of the price," says Vazquez. "My pick is Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Power
Hair Removal Cream, which works while you shower and lasts days longer than shaving."
Add bold prints
As the weather heats up, don't be afraid to have fun with your wardrobe and incorporate
bold prints like polka dots or florals. When styling, stick with solids for the rest of your out-
fit. One of Lilliana's favorite looks is nautical-inspired stripes - a classic style that's on
trend this year. Try a lightweight blazer or preppy skirt that can be paired with other items
from your closet.
For more information on Nair new line of Brazilian-inspired hair removal products for the
face and body, visit www.NairLikeNeverBefore.com.
Photo Courtesy Getty Images
#11017_AR
Source: Nair
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 23
Get Summer-Ready with Expert Style Tips
Greg Creason: Hint of Mardi Gras Oil on Panel Board
Juan Fransisco Adaro: Dancing GirlAcrylic on Water Color Paper
Jason Greigo: Before I Found a Way
Bone and Resin
(504) 304-4392
www.studio831royal.com
Jason uses techniques and materialshe’s developed over the last decade
to create sculptures of bone, resin and natural pigments.
i am a painter of life’s pictures, like any child i began painting for no particular reason butrealized then that painting was more than a stage in life.Painting is my way of being, is what i do.
greg creason is a classically trained artistoffering representational art with a twist.
532 Royal STReeT | New oRleaNS, la 70130 | [email protected]
Studio 831, located in the heart of the French Quarter at 532 Royal Street, showcases the works oflocal and emerging artists. The gallery space houses revolving original fine art pieces, sculptures inthe lush courtyard, and studio space for working artists and art lessons.
Page 24 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 25
711 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 324-4669
3-in-1 Venue
The Carriageway • Courtyard • Dance/Night Club
“The best hamburger in New
Orleans and possibly the world”
NadineBlake
interior decoration & lifestyle
1036 Rue RoyalNew Orleans, LA 504-529-4913
American Bicycle Rentals& Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours
325 Burgundy Street New Orleans, LA 70112(504) 324-8257 & (866) 293-4037
French Quarter Wedding Chapel333 Rue BurgundyNew Orleans, LA 70112(504) 598-6808www.frenchquarterwedding.com
Gallery Burguieres736 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116http://www.galleryburguieres.com
Open 7 Days a week: 10am-7pm
Page 26 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Francher Perrin GroupL. Bryan Francher(504) 251-6400Leslie Perrin(504) 722-5820
Aunt Tiki’s BarA 24/7 Dive...1207 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 680-8454
Cameron Jones1305 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 524-3119One Of A Kind Gifts
Craig Tracy's Painted Alive827 Royal Street New Orleans LA 70116(504) 592-9886www.craigtracy.com
Croissant d’or617 Ursulines Street(504) 525-1899Wed-Mon 6:30AM - 3:00PMTues - Closed
The Original French MarketRestaurant & Bar1001 Decatur Street(504) [email protected] accept Harrah’s Comps
Mickey Nolan SalonA Paul Mitchell Focus Salon For
Mean and Women.
815 Toulouse Street (504) 587-7782
NaghisJewelry and Antiques
633 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 586-8373
Head Quarters Hair SalonGAA Hair Salon of the Year 2011900 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 522-2666
Jack Gallery813 Royal Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 588-1777www.jackgallery.com
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 27
Out Of The ClosetAntiques & Things534 Rue Saint PhilipNew Orleans, LA [email protected]
Skully’z Records907 Bourbon StreetNew Orleans, LA (504) [email protected]
QT PieShoes, Dresses, Hosiery,
Costumes, and Accessories
241 Dauphine Street(504) 581-6633
Studio 831532 Royal StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130(504) 304-4392
http://[email protected]
Spice & Tea Exchange521 St. Louis Ave, Unit 1New Orleans, LA 70130(504) 598-5689www.spiceandtea.com
CHATEAU ORLEANS
Welcome to the Chateau Orleans French Quarter Resort. Located in NewOrleans historic French Quarter, the Chateau Orleans is the perfect destina-tion for travelers looking for relaxation and comfort, or travelers looking foradventure. Whatever you are looking for, the Chateau Orleans is the perfecthotel choice for your visit to the New Orleans French Quarter.
240 Rue Burgundy, New Orleans, LA 70112(504) 524-8412 • FAX (504) 592-9653
Pet AsylumFeed, Supplies & Grooming
513 Dumaine StreetNew Orleans, LA 70116(504) 302-9845
Planet Beach Spa301 Burgundy StreetNew Orleans, LA 70112(504) 525-8266www.planetbeach.com
New Efforts to Buoy Wedding Industry
Could Bring Big Dollars to Louisiana
Reverend Anthony Talavera knows romance. He and his wife of nearly twenty-
two years, Lou Ann, own the only wedding chapel in New Orleans’ historic
French Quarter. Talavera has operated the French Quarter Wedding Chapel –
a birthday gift from Tony to Lou Ann in 2002 – for the last decade, presiding
over so many nuptials that he stopped counting around the 10,000 mark.
But he thinks business should be even better. So in addition to his duties as
the chapel’s own “Reverend of Romance,” Talavera has almost single-handedly
lobbied on behalf of the New Orleans and Louisiana wedding industries since
2001. And it’s paying off. Over the last decade, New Orleans has quickly risen
in the ranks to become one of the premiere wedding destinations in the U.S.
Much of this success can be attributed to Talavera’s efforts. As co-founder of
the Louisiana Wedding Association and local “Ambassador of Romance,”
Talavera has consistently advocated to amend laws that he believes have held
New Orleans back from the kind of wedding industry boom times experi-
enced by cities like Las Vegas and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And, slowly, these
issues are being addressed.
A series of recent meetings with the Mayor’s Office, the Office of Cultural
Development, and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, suggest
that further progress may yet be on the horizon for the New Orleans
wedding industry. Mark Romig, the new CEO of the New Orleans Tourism
Marketing Corporation, has joined Talavera’s cause, as has city
Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, with whom Talavera met in late
January. This trio hopes to soon put licensing issues on the mayor’s agenda.
They will advocate, among other recommendations, for the ability to obtain a
marriage license after-hours and on weekends, simplification of the license
application process for divorced and widowed individuals, and a proposed
increase to the cost of a marriage license for out-of-state couples (the
$27.50 fee has not been raised in over a decade).
While other industries flailed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, weddings
appeared to be waterproof. The industry has also proven itself to be uniquely
recession-proof, with the average American couple budgeting an excess of
$25,000 to tie the knot. Talavera believes his proposal could infuse additional
billions in revenue into the state – stimulating the local economy and boost-
ing post-Katrina re-building efforts – as destination weddings benefit not only
chapels like Talavera’s, but local hotels, restaurants, and bars. “Move over Las
Vegas!” warns Talavera. By making it easier for couples to say, “I do,” Revered
Tony plans to continues to “rebuild New Orleans ’One wedding at a time.’”
Page 28 Lifestyles & Living Guide
Lifestyles & Living Guide Page 29
French QuarterWedding Chapel
(504) 598-6808
Cell: (504)915-1604
333 Rue Burgundy
New Orleans, LA 70112
www.frenchquarterwedding.com
Rev. Tony Talavera Ambassador of Romance
French Quarter Chateau LeMoyne301 Rue Dauphine - French Quarter
New Orleans, LA 70112(504) 581-1303
Embrace the energy of New Orleans and stay in the heart of the French Quarter at
Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic New Orleans lodging welcomes you with classic
hospitality just steps from Bourbon Street.
CONTEMPORARY ACCENT FURNITURE
cameron jonesEST. 1998
ONE OF A KIND GIFTS504-524-3119 OPEN NOON - 6PM
1305 DECATUR STREET • FRENCH QUARTER
COME VISIT OUR NEW LOCATIONLOCAL ART, GREAT LIGHTING, CUSTOM RUGS
AND BARSTOOLS MADE ANY HEIGHT
We travel the world to personally select each item inour stores. No village too small, no place tooremote. We travel regularly to India, Indonesia, China& Morocco to bring you our unique finds and one-of-a-kinds along with our own solid wood furnituredesigns. By shipping 40' containers worth of furniture& accessories directly from the artisan to our stores,we're able to offer you true WHOLESALE PRICES.
318 N. Rampart St. between Conti & Bienville 504-569-0310www.discoverieswholesalewarehouse.comHours: Mon - Sat: 11:00 - 6:00 & Sunday: 12:00-4:00
furnish Differentnot your typical furniture store
wholesale finds from around the world
Page 30 Lifestyles & Living Guide
736 royal street
new orleans french quarter
single-artist gallery and studio
artist ally burguieres
Prints & Originals
Small Gifts & Big InvestmentsOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Shipping Available
www.GALLERYBURGUIERES.comwww.Facebook.com/GALLERYBURGUIERES
THE ORIGINAL
FRENCH MARKETRESTAURANT & BAR
SINCE 1803
Twelve years before
Andrew Jackson won
the Battle of New
Orleans, The French
Market Restaurant &
Bar began serving outstanding seafood and ice-cold
drinks to visitors and natives alike. Today the ambience
remains the same. Join Chef David Picou in savoring
our grand traditions!
1001 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116504-525-7879 | fax: 504-525-7979
We accept Harrah’s Comps