Mardi Gras

King Cake Hub to ring in Carnival season at Zony Mash

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King Cake Hub is back this year at Zony Mash Beer Project and will kick off the Carnival season season with a party and pageant. The seasonal pop-up is a one-stop shop for king cakes. Local bakeries send a daily supply, so that lovers of the Carnival confection, or anyone buying a king cake for their workplace, have myriad fresh choices in one place. King Cake Hub was founded in 2019 by Will and Jennifer Samuels. The couple got their first taste of the king cake business with their own king cake at their gelato shop La Dolce NOLA on Metairie Road in 2011. 

When Will died of esophageal cancer in September 2021, Jennifer knew she would continue King Cake Hub, as it was such an important part of the couple’s life together.

events

New Year’s Day second-line calls for end to violence

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The Perfect Gentlemen and the Brasshoppers social aid and pleasure clubs will host a New Year’s Day second-line — while calling for an end to the violence in the city. Da Truth Brass Band will provide the soundtrack for the first second-line of 2023 on Sunday (Jan. 1). The second-line’s theme is “Help Us Save Us,” aimed at addressing the deadly violence that continues to rank New Orleans as one of the most murderous cities in America. Travis Lyons, with the Perfect Gentlemen Social Aid and Pleasure Club and one of the event’s lead organizers, offered his perspective: “I travel all over the country, and no matter where I go, New Orleans continues to make the national news for the murders and violence that occur here,” he said.

events

Where to celebrate Hanukkah in Uptown New Orleans

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Hanukkah, or Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians, begins on Sunday (Dec. 18) evening and ends the evening of Dec. 26. Here are some of the public events held Uptown in celebration of Hanukkah. Chanukah First Night Celebration
Temple Sinai
6227 St.

Advertiser specials

There’s still time to donate to the Holiday Food & Fund Drive hosted by District 98 and Second Harvest (sponsored)

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District 98 Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman and Second Harvest Food Bank host Third Annual Food & Fund Drive! 

Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman is excited to announce the Third Annual District 98 Food & Fund Drive for Second Harvest kicked off this week. Donations are accepted until Friday, Dec 23, at 200 Broadway St., Suite 212. Community members are encouraged to support with food and funds to help feed families in need across Louisiana. Click here for a list of most needed items.

Every dollar collected up to $125,000 is matched, thanks to the Goldring Family Foundation and Atmos Energy. A donation box will be outside Rep. Freeman’s office at 200 Broadway St, Suite 212.

arts, books and music

Mart for Art’s Sake: ‘Direct sales to art lovers are such a benefit’

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Uptown resident and artist Emma Fick will be showing her work at the two-day holiday Arts Market on Saturday (Dec. 17) and Sunday (Dec. 18) in Marsalis Harmony Park. 

These holiday markets are special, said Fick, a veteran of the Arts Markets scene. There are usually many more artists participating, so it feels like a village. And because they run for two days instead of just Saturday, the booths do not have to be broken down at the end of the first day, so the artists take more time and effort to create their own atmosphere and a look that is not feasible for a one-day, six hour market.

city government

Lesli Harris seeks input on search for new police chief

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District B Councilwoman Lesli Harris will be holding a morning coffee event called “Neighborhood in Chief” this Thursday (Dec. 15) to allow residents to discuss the process and possibilities for the new police superintendent. What: Neighborhood in Chief morning coffee event to receive community feedback on the NOPD superintendent search
When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: Coast Roast, 3618 Magazine St.All residents are encouraged to come out to Coast Roast on Magazine from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning, before the City Council meeting, to give their input before the mayor’s Friday (Dec. 16) deadline of this Friday for City Council members to submit their recommendations on the matter.

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.

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.

Christmas

Uptown holiday concerts make the season bright

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You can fill your ears and your spirit with sweet yuletide sounds, and enjoy a respite from holiday frenzy, at Uptown holiday concerts during December. Traditionally an Uptown mecca for music lovers, especially during the holidays, Trinity Episcopal Church on Jackson Avenue is currently under renovation and will not be presenting their usual holiday concerts. However, they plan to be back next year. There are plenty of other choices, listed below. Whether your taste runs to classical, gospel, jazz, funk or reggae, you can find a concert to make the season brighter.