"MY NEW ORLEANS" BY ALEXIS WALTER

Photo via thegrovestreetpress Instagram

A little over a month ago, I shared the work and a glimpse into the life of one of my favorite artists, Alexis Walter. Not only is she extremely talented and her art beyond gorgeous, she’s quite a warm, interesting, and well-rounded person. During my interview with her, I asked her to share some of her favorite spots in the city she calls home, New Orleans. I expected one or two places, but Alexis outdid herself and gave me a bundle. I decided to share that information in a future post instead of taking the spotlight away from Alexis and her talent. So, today’s the day.

Photo via thegrovestreetpress Instagram

I was fortunate enough to travel to New Orleans with my company for a meeting about a year after Katrina’s devastation. Our company was rebuilding like New Orleans, so it was a perfectly chosen spot. I was amazed at how much seemed back to normal, while not making light of that which was still in despair. I thoroughly enjoyed my time, and I actually snuck off on my own for a bit to wander into art galleries all those years ago. But my memory is not terrific, so thankfully, Alexis graciously provided us all with a very current list of NOLA hot spots. I’m going to visit them virtually now, but my hope is that I’ll get back there someday very soon. My first stop will be Alexis’s gallery. And then I’ll likely have to stuff myself with doughnuts (explanation below) to console myself since I won’t be able to travel home with every piece in her shop. So here it is…from the heart, soul, and mouth of Alexis Walter…Welcome to New Orleans!

Photo via thegrovestreetpress Instagram

The question I asked Alexis was, “What are your favorite things about New Orleans? Your favorite restaurants? Favorite shops? If we only do one thing when visiting New Orleans, what should it be?” And she replied…
(ALL QUOTES FROM ALEXIS ARE IN BOLD TYPE.)

EATS

Where to start! I love it all. I love the laid back, slow-paced, friendly, creative vibe of the city. The architecture and gardens are just a dream. The music and cuisine are beyond amazing.

Choosing a favorite restaurant is nearly impossible. Our favorite would probably be Irene’s Cuisine, but Galatoire’s is a must, as well.

Peeking into Irene’s

Irene’s is in the French Quarter and has been one of the hottest tickets since it was established in 1993. Its owner, Irene DiPietro, is a baby boomer from Sicily. What should you order? They recommend the cannelloni, duck, lamb chops, and eggplant soup. And a favorite crowd pleaser is bruschetta, which is complementary and given to all diners when they are seated.

Galatoire’s was founded in 1905 by a family from a small village in France. The menu looks amazing, creatively weaving traditional French cuisine into New Orleans Creole favorites. When I visit, I plan to order Duck and Andouille Gumbo, Foie Gras, Bouillabaise, and Shrimp Creole. And it’s located right on Bourbon Street, so you can conveniently partake in some of the wild nightlife after dining if you choose.

If you’re here during sno-ball season, Imperial Woodpecker has the best sno-balls around. The owner has created some of the most scrumptious flavors. My favorite is the grapefruit mint.  

I had to look up what a sno-ball is. Shaved Ice that is soft and fluffy, drowned in your favorite flavor of syrup. Delicious! Refreshing! The owner of Imperial Woodpecker is originally from New Orleans and has fond memories of standing in line waiting for sno-balls during the summer months of her childhood. After a career in fashion in New York, she returned to where her heart led her—home. These treats look so amazing and the presentation so darling. There were too many flavors for me to count, so suffice it to say, they’ll have a flavor you like.

District Donuts — Alexis recommends you order a lavender latte when visiting this spot. Beware, she says it’s dangerous to get hooked. I’m guessing she drinks a lot since they are located a hop, skip, and a jump from her gallery. And wait, can you just look at these donuts and a few of the flavors they offer? O to the M to the G!

COCKTAILS & WINE

If there is one thing you have to do when visiting, it is to spend the prettiest day of your trip at Bacchanal Wine, which is the cutest little wine and music spot. Any visit there will be a memorable one you won’t forget.

I want to travel to New Orleans just to visit this joint. Imagine hearing the best live jazz music in New Orleans while sipping the best Old World-style wine from small producers of various regions in a quaint little back yard. There is live music every day. And there are two free wine tastings every week: Saturdays 3-5 pm and Wednesdays 1-3 pm. They feature a wine of the week, making it effortless to try something new and fantastic. The inside bar has a daily happy hour from 11 am - 5 pm…my kind of place. All wines by the glass are $5, classic cocktails are $6, and beer at the bar is $1 off! Can I just pitch a tent in the back yard of this place? Oh, and they have food, and even a cheese of the week. I almost forgot to mention food after dreaming about the cool setting, wine, and music.

MUSEUMS

If you’re a fan of museums, I love The Historic New Orleans Collection. They have the most unique exhibits pertaining to New Orleans. The museum is in the most beautiful building and certain times of the year they’ll have music in the courtyard. Their book selection is pretty amazing, too. 

SHOPPING

Seriously, I need to do some sort of shopping and restaurant guide because my answers will take up the entire post. Top shopping hits would be: 

Shaun Smith Home — A shop owned and curated by one of the most amazing interior designers.

Malachite Home — Unique interior design finds from furniture to accessories to mirrors.

Leontine Linens — A collection of the most amazing linens for the bed, bath, baby & child, and even cozy, luxurious robes.

Empire Antiques — Located at 3617 Magazine Street. Tel: 504-897-0252

Karla Katz Antiques — The finest collection of French antiques.

Anne Koerner — Fine antiques.

Cole Pratt Gallery — Alexis recommends checking out the Bucci paintings. And personally (Jennifer speaking), I love the work of Hayley Gaberlavage.

Julie Neill —The most amazing lighting! I die every time I see one of her plaster fixtures.

Maison de Provence — I could die and go to heaven here dreaming of furnishing my mas in Provence with all of the treasures.

Mac Maison — French and Italian antiques.

Lucullus Culinary Antiques — “AMAZING” to quote Alexis. I’d seriously die among all of the unique flatware and objects. I want to go buy a mortar and pestle.

The French Library — Alexis says it’s the most darling children’s shop!

And let’s not forget Alexis’s neighbors …

Victoria — Women’s clothing and accessories.

Pied Nu — Fabulous women's clothing and accessories.

Scriptura — The most amazing stationery store. Am I the only one who could look at fine paper for days?

Thank you, Alexis Walter, for the most amazing virtual tour of New Orleans. I can’t wait to visit again! Art, shopping, doughnuts, wine, and live music. Perfect trip!

Finally, Alexis Walter’s studio is located at 5702 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Tel: 504-568-0316. Stop by for a visit. You’ll love her work! And you’ll love her! You can always visit Alexis on Instagram, as well.

Photo via Paloma Contreras Design Instagram
Two of Alexis’s pieces hanging in Paloma’s design of the Southern Style Now Showhouse