events

Where to find Réveillon dinners in Uptown neighborhoods

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Five Uptown restaurants are honoring the Revéillon tradition with prix fixe menus that reflect their style and cuisine. 

The Revéillon dinners were inspired by the early Creole residents celebrating the start of Christmas with a big family meal after midnight Mass. This European tradition was used to break the daylong fast leading up to Christmas Eve. The word “revéillon” in French can mean “awakening,” but it has come to mean “Christmas Eve.” 

In contemporary New Orleans, Revéillon dinners have shifted to restaurants serving specials often inspired by the 19th century Creoles, with creative twists. These menus are offered in the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, instead of on Christmas morning. The current and historical Revéillon meals have one thing in common: They are lengthy, multi-course meals that give us a chance to savor the food and the time with loved ones.

Find gifts, hear music and enjoy community spirit at holiday markets

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Christmas shoppers have a choice of holiday markets Uptown, where they can find that perfect gift while supporting local artists and organizations. Among the top choices this weekend are Le Marché d’Hiver at Lyceé Français in Leonidas on Saturday (Dec. 10) and the Where Black NOLA Eats Holiday Marketplace at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Saturday and Sunday. Le Marché d’Hiver

In the French tradition of the winter market, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans will be transformed into Le Marché d’Hiver — a festive experience for shoppers, foodies and families. Marché d’Hiver will feature local artisans showcasing art and other hand-made and thoughtfully curated items including jewelry, apparel and decor.

public safety

Roadwork ahead: Weekend water main repairs planned in Central City

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Repairs to two water mains will necessitate temporary road closures and low water pressure in Central City this weekend, the Sewerage & Water Board reported. Beginning on Saturday (Dec. 10) at 8 a.m., Sewerage & Water Board crews will temporarily close one lane of riverbound traffic in the 2800 block of Martin Luther King, between South Claiborne Avenue and Magnolia Street, for repair work and road restoration. The roadway is expected to reopen the same day at around 4 p.m.

This closure is required for repairs to a 4-inch water main that runs along Martin Luther King Boulevard. Signage will be in place to direct traffic.

opinion

Viewpoint: New Orleans voters need a voice in who runs the NOPD

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For perhaps the first time since Mayor LaToya Cantrell appointed Shaun Ferguson as chief of police almost four years ago, Ferguson spoke candidly in public. “I want to encourage our city leaders to have better communication lines. This isn’t able personal agendas. It’s about the safety of the people of New Orleans,” Ferguson said Wednesday (Dec. 7) during his remarks on what influenced his surprise decision to retire in less than three weeks.

public safety

Maintenance at S&WB plant may reduce water pressure in the Garden District

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The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans crews will perform maintenance work beginning Wednesday (Dec. 7) that could result in lower-than-normal water pressure in the Garden District, the S&WB states in a press release. The repair work will begin at 7 a.m. is expected to last at least 12 hours. As a part of the Water Hammer Hazard Mitigation Program, crews will isolate and close a 43-inch water main located within the Carrolton Water Plant. The water main they will be closing supplements much of the water supply to the Central Business District and the Garden District.

Hobby Lobby buys historic church on Magazine with plans to lease it to local congregation

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Hobby Lobby Stores, a national craft-supply retail chain, has purchased the former Valence Street Baptist Church, a historic property on Magazine Street, records show. The NOLA Baptist Church, a fledgling Uptown congregation, plans to lease it from Hobby Lobby, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Kyle Jagers, confirmed on Monday (Dec. 5). “We have entered into a lease with them as the tenant,” Jagers said. “As the tenant, we will begin work to restore the property to its historic value and appearance.

events

PRC’s Holiday Home Tour showcases Garden District homes, plus local authors at a Holiday Book Fest

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A New Orleans tradition — the Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home Tour — has returned to its pre-pandemic format. The PRC’s 47th annual Holiday Home Tour opens the doors to six Garden District homes and one bonus building, all dressed up for the holidays. Festivities also include live musical performances, a gift boutique, book signings, author talks and more. The PRC’s Holiday Boutique offers handmade jewelry, artwork and other gift items. As part of the boutique, the PRC will host its second annual Holiday Book Fest with a full schedule of talks by local authors. The PRC Holiday Book Fest and Holiday Home Tour Boutique are free and open to the public — no ticket required.

traffic fatality

Driver killed in one-car crash while exiting I-10 at Carrollton

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A man was killed and another injured Sunday night (Dec. 4) in a single-car crash in the Interstate 10 exit lanes at Carrollton Avenue, the New Orleans Police Department reported. The car, a Honda Civic, had hit the neutral ground and flipped over multiple times, police said. At about 10:50 p.m., NOPD Second District units responded to a reported crashed vehicle in the westbound exit lane of I-10 at Carrollton. Officers located the silver Honda Civic under the elevated interstate.