Aaaaah! A little rain finally begins the cool-down of a hot and humid summer that might feel and look more like the more tropical climate of South Louisiana: steamy and lush with foliage. One thing you can say about true Southerners, no matter the season, the reason or the weather, we relish in providing and enjoying hospitality, comfort and refreshment with family and friends.
Whether serving a cold drink in mason jars or fine crystal, the art is in the presentation and the joie de vivre. Mix things up – use your best dishes or your favorite heirloom pieces, chipped and careworn though they may be. Whatever you do, do it with aplomb ... just one finishing touch to make it special. A sprig of mint, a flower on a dinner plate or whimsical food choices for your treasured guests.
On these pages, we welcome you to Fairfield Manor, the latest creation of party-giving chef and bon vivant John Cariere. Cariere has been literally at the top of the local culinary scene for decades, and his talent and enthusiasm show in everything he does. Along with Julie Martin, his weddings and events coordinator, they commit to a stress-free, charm-filled overnight stay, dinner or special occasion. The beautiful Irish cottage was built around 1909, and Cariere and crew took a year to remodel and get things just right. It is an everchanging work in progress – a livable work of art – as it will constantly be re-imagined to give guests a unique experience. Every visit brings something new to the table.
The gardens and outdoor areas are beautiful and and green – ripe for festivities of any kind. Their lighted gazebo is a standout attraction for weddings. Inside, Old World charm, vivid color and rich appointments dazzle and invite exploration as well as admiration. Enjoy the beautiful images they have shared with us of some of their special food and events. We thank photographers Keegan Self, Casey Habich, Beth Hontzas, Lora Fairchild and especially bride and groom Cindy and Landon Koos. A very special image of Tessa Guthrie from their wedding is on the cover, and we thought it was a perfect invitation to invite you to glimpse inside Fairfield Manor.
Not to be outdone for finding fun, our Lady Who Lunches hits the best happy hours for women and shares food and drink standouts from around the area. Check out Ernest’s Orleans, Superior’s Steakhouse, Vintage Wine & Spirits, Cantina Laredo and more as we offer you a shot of fun. Shaken, stirred or simply chilled, there is something for all tastes.
Writer Susan Reeks rounds out the issue with her take on wine, from the basics to the inspirational. She visits with restauranteur Enrico Giacalone of the Vintage Wine Bar and Chianti Restaurant for a professional opinion on food and wine pairings.
Spotlighting an entertaining staple, cheese in all its forms, is the job of Krisha Iles, the head cheesemonger at Cuban Liquor & Wine. Iles recently competed in The Cheesemonger Invitational in New York City. She complemented her cheese selection in the plating competition with a refreshing Elderflower Gin & Tonic. She invites you to ask questions, so drop by and see her.
Inside this issue, we’ve covered entertaining essentials, happy hour options, family relationships, beauty and fitness, food and wine, and visited a most charming home. And we have pages of party people you’re sure to recognize.
Let’s relax, go with the seasonal changes and engage in the joy of living. Have a beautiful September, and don’t forget to add that one extra-special touch whenever you can! Beautiful living has its own rewards.
– Jay Covington
