Rickey Don't Lose that Drink... It's the Only One You Want!

As one of the few cities with an official cocktail, Washington, DC, has always had a vivid spirits history, dating back to the late 19th century with the Bourbon Rickey, which ultimately became the infamous Gin Rickey. DC’s spirit savant, Gina Chersevani, is paying tribute to the original DC drink at her restaurants and bars – Buffalo & Bergen, Suburbia, and Last Call Bar – and continuing the legacy of the Rickey. But of course, defying the rules breeds creativity, which is a trait of Chersevani. She does not sway from the character and history, evident in her drinks which focus of the evolution of flavor and taste. At Last Call, the Georgie’s Rickey incorporates Woodford Reserve, Lime Juice, Raw Dark-Brown Sugar, Curry Cherries, Soda Water, and MicroBasil. And, at Suburbia, the Cherry Tree is a frozen Cherry Gin Rickey – the perfect summertime sip.

Factoid: It all began at a Saloon on Rum Row, DC’s drinking hub. Col. Joseph Rickey, a Democratic lobbyist who frequented the popular political hangout, Shoomaker’s Bar – just steps away from the White House – had a hankering for something refreshing and balanced. A bartender added lime juice to Rickey’s usual highball of Bourbon and Carbonated Water, and with one squeeze, the Bourbon Rickey was born. The invigorating cocktail became popular worldwide, over time imbibers gravitated toward substituting Bourbon with Gin, given the spirit’s natural herbaceous flavor and ability to pair well with lime and sparkling water. The Gin Rickey was consistently popular for decades, even showing up in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby, in which a tray of Rickeys were served to visiting friends. More than 100 years after its inception, the Rickey was declared Washington D.C.’s official cocktail – an apt antidote for the DC summer heat.

Not long after the creation of the beloved drink, the history of drinking in the nation’s capital became riddled with secrets and scandals. While Prohibition became the law of the land in 1920, DC was already the model for the states to follow – having been declared a dry city almost three years earlier on November 1, 1917. Immediately following was a movement of disregard for the rules. Washington, DC, is said to have been home to more than 3,000 speakeasies with bootleggers supplying social clubs with rum and grain alcohol. Go figure – even politicians were dabbling under the radar. 

The District’s cocktail culture is rich with flavor, and Chersevani's Last Call Bar is no exception. It is believed that its building once housed one of the initial speakeasies. During Prohibition, the green painted door – remaining at Last Call Bar’s entrance today – was a telltale sign that it was safe to indulge in whatever was being poured, especially the Gin Rickey. Chersevani’s establishment is an homage to the underground, old-style bars with inexpensive drinks, dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, vintage neon signs, and a local clientele. Set in a converted brick building, it’s hidden from the main road behind warehouses and storefronts of various suppliers.

A Red Bean Love Story

The jubilee of the summer season is heightened in August with one man – affectionately known as “Satchmo” to his fellow New Orleanians and fans across the world – who is worthy of the most extravagant of celebrations. Described by his closest peers as a soulful, kind-hearted, and approachable man, Louis Armstrong is the true embodiment of the spirit of his beloved, native city. In honor of what would be the international jazz legend’s 121st birthday [August 4, 1901] the annual Satchmo Summerfest [August 6-7, 2022] is taking place in the heart of his hometown. There is no better way to pay tribute than with a steaming pot of his favorite dish, Red Beans & Rice.

Perhaps the best way to a man's heart is truly through his stomach, and Armstrong was no different. His favorite meal, the staple dish of his city, Red Beans & Rice – two of the greatest representations of the heritage and culture of New Orleans. So near and dear to him was the dish, that he asked his fiancé – Bronx-born Lucille Wilson – if she could make him a pot before they tied the knot. With the fate of their future resting in her hands, she impressed him with her culinary prowess just two days later. The recipe below is by Louis and Lucille themselves; it’s not only a perfect dish for Armstrong’s birthday, but an additional way to honor another New Orleans staple – and Armstrong’s bean of choice – Camellia Beans, as they approach their centennial birthday. Armstrong tooted his horn that he made the best Red Beans & Rice, and his little secret was in the sauce – Tomato Sauce, that is! He added it to his red beans when slow cooking as a finishing touch. It brought a creamier, richer consistency to the beans. Not sure if Satchmo mashed his beans, but I say don’t!

Armstrong signed his letters, “Red Beans and Ricely Yours” proving that no one was more connected to and passionate about their roots than him. Traditionally served on Mondays, left to simmer on the stove while attending to household chores, it’s a significant meal that gives a window to the history and culture of New Orleans. From reinventing popular music to his involvement in civil rights, Satchmo was always looking to “spice up” the lives of those in need with his light-hearted, big-hearted demeanor – and spice up his dinner, as well. 

Ingredients:

(Use 2 qt. pot with cover)

1 pound Kidney Beans

½ pound Salt Pork (strip of lean, strip of fat)

1 each Can of Tomato Sauce

6 each Ham Hocks, small (Or one Smoked Pork Butt)

2 each Onions, diced

¼ each Green Bell Pepper, diced

2 each Dried Peppers, medium

1 each Garlic clove, chopped

To taste Salt

Preparation

Wash beans thoroughly, then soak overnight in cold water. Be sure to cover beans. To cook, pour water off beans, and add fresh water to cover. Add salt pork or bacon, let come to a boil over full flame in a covered pot. Turn flame down to slightly higher than low and let cook for one and one-half hours. Add diced onions, bell pepper, garlic, dried peppers and salt. Cook for three hours. Add tomato sauce, cook one and one-half hours more, adding water whenever necessary. Beans and meat should always be just covered with water (juice), never dry. This serves 6 or more persons…

To prepare with Ham Hocks or Pork Butts: Wash meat, add water to cover and let come to a boil in a covered pot over medium flame. Cook for one and one-half hours. Then add beans (pour water off), add rest of ingredients to meat. Cook for four and one-half hours. Add water when necessary.

Suggestions

For non-pork eaters, chicken fat may be used instead of salt pork. Corned beef or beef tongue may be used instead of ham hocks or butts.

Rice

2 cups White Rice

2 cups Water

1 teaspoon Salt

1 Pot with Cover

Wash rice thoroughly, have water and salt come to a boil. Add rice to boiling water. Cook until rice swells and water has almost evaporated. Cover and turn the flame down low. Cook until the rice is grainy. To ensure grainy rice, always use one and one-half cups of water to one cup of rice…

Celebrating Coco Chanel

As Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!” In an important time to honor women, I would like to look to the wonderfully talented, style guru, and female icon Coco Chanel on her birthday, August 19. As a major fashion figure and empowered woman, she inspired many to have a sense of taste, poise, and style in their everyday lives. I’m a girl who likes “tootsie” shoes, to dress up in fine linens in the summer and cashmere in the winter. And while I may not go out and purchase Chanel on the spot, I can surely admire the elegant feel and glamorous designs.

French fashion designer and businesswoman, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, is as timeless as it gets. Coco’s famed Chanel No. 5 perfume, classic suits, and little black dresses showcased elegance with revolutionary design, making her a legend in the fashion world. Her iconic take on the color black, turning it into something chic yet simple, like her little black dress, is something that will never go out of style – us ladies can all thank Coco for that fashionable contribution. Above and beyond stylish, she was a determined, confident, and modern woman who did not take no for an answer, which is why she is still such an icon today!

While her success and fame seem to take precedence when remembering Coco, there are a few things that people often forget about her that were not so glamorous. After her mother died, she became an orphan, working as a peddler and was raised by nuns who taught her to sew, which inevitably played a key role in her lifelong career. She also was a singer for a brief time, where her nickname “Coco” was coined from a song she would perform – a shortened version of Cocotte, the French word meaning ‘kept woman.’ And if her beginnings weren’t as surprising as you may have thought, one thing that might shock you – as for me too – was her potential affiliation to the Nazi party. Some believe her relationship with a Nazi officer during the German occupation of France made her a collaborator – some would even say a spy. Although she was never officially charged as one, this is still up for some debate depending on how people want to remember her.

And while I applaud and admire Coco’s work in fashion, and continue to be surprised by her many experiences, I would not be able to celebrate her special day without remembering her biggest fan, my mother - Margaret Muir McIlveen. Just like Coco Chanel, my mother adored fashion and the artistry that came with it. As a young lady aspiring in fashion, she worked at a prominent women’s clothing store in New Orleans. Surrounded by ready-to-wear and designer fashion, she stood out with her fiery red hair, breathtaking beauty, and incomparable charm and wit. The epitome of elegance, honesty, spirit, savviness, and sophistication, my mother looked to Coco Chanel for much of her style inspiration – a reason why I to this day adore the designs of Chanel. I know I am not the only one who still admires Chanel – the simplicity and beauty she was able to bring to her designs continues to inspire people to mimic and honor her legacy as a designer. An example of this in an unexpected place is an ice cream shop that bears her middle name.

Coco Chanel’s designs are the foundation and overall vision of the chic and chilled ice cream and pie parlor tucked away in Easton, Maryland. Bonheur mirrors Coco Chanel’s graceful aesthetic featuring bold colors, Gracie wallpaper, unique floor tiling, and mid-century furniture choices. When I step into the parlor, I can vividly imagine Coco Channel and my mother enjoying conversation and a cup of ice cream together in this unparalleled setting. It embodies the dignified character of these two incredible women: it celebrates great style, individuality, and sophistication through an experience enhanced with a sense of prestige. Overall, Bonheur is a must try for all who appreciate Chanel’s iconic style and impressive accomplishments as an empowered woman. Happy Birthday, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel!

Summer Reading

Whether you are spending your summer lounging under a palm tree, working hard at the office, or jetting from city to city, everyone needs some unique summer reads to provide the perfect escape from their busy reality.

If you are looking for a true path of self-discovery, I have come across an impeccable guide that will inspire you to live your best life. It truly mirrors my mantra, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get!” You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living by Jen Sincero changes your mindset as you dive into the detailed endeavors that encompass creating a life that you will fall in love with. This book caught my attention because I am always striving to become the best version of myself — whether that is spending more time with my kids, putting in the extra hours at work, or taking some time for self-care. If you aspire to do the same, peek into this entertaining but impactful book as it encourages confidence and determination with added humorous remarks along the way (if you know me, you know I love a good laugh).

For those who are wishing to share their literary appreciation with the little ones, I have the cutest, yet most educational book that will surely entertain their young minds by sparking their seemingly endless imagination. A Topsy, Turvy History of New Orleans & Ten Tiny Turtles, written by yours truly, takes readers on an adventure through New Orleans’ history, including key events — such as Hurricane Katrina — while keeping it light with entertaining descriptions of Mardi Gras. The illustrations by Tania Lee of the adorable green turtles enjoying their home at the beloved Brennan’s courtyard will keep your kids intrigued as they learn about the crazy history of my cherished hometown. And thank you to my Alma Mater, Sacred Heart of New Orleans, for suggesting the book as well.

A not so common genre for pool or beachside reading is a cookbook you may keep on the shelf in your kitchen for when you need inspiration for a new dish. During Covid, we saw that so much of everyone’s lives is about food. However, I do love to flip through the pages of some timeless cookbooks like Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking or anything by the Barefoot Contessa. My husband has also written two cookbooks and I find myself — even though I know his dishes backward and forward — enjoying the recipes that fill the soft silky pages, salivating at the decadent desserts and listening to my stomach growl over the baby grilled veggies. Overall, cookbooks make great easy reads as some soothe my NOLA-craving heart with Cajun confections while others invoke my desire to start a health kick. (I will admit I more often enjoy the sugary treats!). The best things I can put together in the kitchen is a green salad or a cocktail that is all spirits and little chaser, so I find myself reaching for these books for some light reading or when I need a spark of inspiration.

On a more academic note, I recently bought Frederick Douglass, Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight, a book conveying the life of abolitionist and writer Frederick Douglass. I am too familiar with  his hometown of Easton, Maryland, where he once spent time in prison for attempting to escape slavery. Easton is also where Douglass gave his famous “Self-Made Men” speech in 1878. The intricate details in the book described the courageous experiences of Douglass, which created a lasting impression. This book influenced my own scope of the world considering that it broadened my understanding of Douglass, specifically his efforts of social reform. Although this is not much of a beach read, those looking for something a bit more historically impactful should give this a try. Through this captivating story you will learn crucial lessons that trigger your emotions and leave you feeling passionate about change.

 The world of summer reads is endless, and as it comes to an end, I challenge you to take a closer look at one of these alluring literary works to engage your mind into a new adventure. Any of these cool finds will certainly ignite your creative side, adding some fun to your remaining days of summer under the sun!  

Books Mentioned:

A Topsy, Turvy History of New Orleans & Ten Tiny Turtles by: Simone Simone Rathle

Dam Good Sweet: Desserts To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth, New Orleans Style by: David Guas and Raquel Pelzel

Grill Nation: 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro by: David Guas

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by: Julia Child

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by: Jen Sincero

Frederick Douglass, Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight

Make Way for Summer Travel

As I dip my toes into the cold, clear blue water, and walk along the hot grainy, white sand - a cooling sea breeze washes over me, and I’m reminded how oh so lucky I am to have the ability to travel once again! As Americans get vaccinated and venture out, Summer is earning its rightful name as “Shot Girl Summer” - or so the girls in my office tell me, and I am ready and anxious to get back out there (safely) - never taking for granted the adventures this world has to offer. 

The last year and half has been a tumultuous one, and the hospitality industry which I have dedicated my life to, has experienced total devastation. Staying in place was difficult, but I was incredibly impressed with the creativity of the industry, the innovation, and immense determination, that fostered new ways to keep us all involved and connected. But, the real deal was truly missed. I am curious to watch the next few months unfold as we come out of our shells and socialize again - as we interact and experience this new, post-pandemic era. I am hopeful, the important lessons in patience and an appreciation of the small beauties in our day to day lives is something that we all carry with us as we move forward. 

Although I recently caught a flight to Alys Beach in Florida, a pandemic ritual that I will use in my summer traveling is my road bike. Feeling restless, I bought a bike several months back to help fulfill my exercise routine which had been disrupted by COVID, and it has been one of the best things I ever did. The places you can get to on a bike are incredible. I have explored parts of the DMV that I never knew of even after living here for over 20 years and I would have never otherwise been able to experience. Aside from giving me peace each morning, riding my bike helps get all those creative juices flowing, with ideas for my life, my businesses and my clients, and new projects I want to explore. Weekends now sometimes include 20 to 30 mile bike rides, traveling along different trails, avoiding the cicadas, and discovering a new haven!  

As I kick off my summer, I know I am ready to experience destinations in a new way, their rich cultural histories, their unique communities, and the not so shiny and new under the radar restaurants, like the mom and pop places that are deserving of our business - which ultimately aid in telling the story of a city. Some of my bucket list trips include a visit to London to see my niece Aimee and a voyage to the African continent to visit places like Cape Town, Zimbabwe, and Egypt to share in my family’s history - which I plan to set off on sooner rather than later, because if the last year has taught us anything - it’s that time is precious! Big dreams aside, I am also looking forward to visiting my favorite locations more frequently once again. Whether it's enjoying a chilled glass of wine in the chic coastal town of Easton, Maryland, appreciating cultural discoveries in San Antonio, Texas, biting into the rich food scene of my native New Orleans, the ritual girlfriends trip get-a-way to Nantucket, or the limitless smaller journeys that I can take while riding my bike - I am ready to travel. Here’s to a summer of exploration, enjoying the outdoors, and going with the flow of the new!

Cuban Independence Day

In honor of Cuban Independence Day on May 20, I am sharing the story of how the pandemic encouraged my sister-in-law to push me into doing something I love, producing videos. Together, we co-produced a docu-series called Forbidden Feasts. The 8 episodes unraveled  the storied past of my husband, David Guas, a Cuban-American and his father, Mariano Guas - who was born and raised in Cuba and being forced to flee the country over five decades ago. 

In 2016, David and Marinao [Mari] were planning their second trip to Cuba and my sister-in-law, Alexandra Stafford Rathlé, and I jumped at the chance to join. My husband is a first generation, Cuban American, New Orleans-born, chef and explorer. And, Mari is a man who is always up for an adventure and a history lesson. Mari had escaped Cuba, secretly, over 62 years ago - as he was on a plane, solo, on the cusp of the Cuban revolution. Landing in Louisiana to stay with his Mother’s family, then sent off to boarding school. His childhood became a distant memory. Mari needed to return and with his son, to uncover his past through sights, senses, and smells. Planning for the trip kicked my creative mind into full gear - the people, the culture, the food, the experiences were all going to be important to document. Alexandra and I put on our producer and director hats and planned everything to the finest detail, but little did we know, mojitos sometimes would get in the way! We hired a film crew for two days and they followed us as we uncovered the rich history of the Guas family. 

We had all this footage - but the question became what to do with it? Some for a pilot, some for family holiday watching, and then the call came! Alexandra had a brilliant idea for us to take this unprecedented time and said “Let’s make a movie!” We sat in our respective, safe households - talking everyday, her in New Orleans and myself in Virginia, and started combing through the film. With a collective vision in mind, we began reliving every moment of the trip from start to finish. It was an extraordinary journey of the forbidden land through the eyes of Mari, sharing his heritage with his son. I could taste the Hemingway Daiquiris from the El Floridita all over again; I could feel the beating music beneath my feet as I reminisced about the show at the Tropicana, and I felt the wind in my hair as we traveled via Cocotaxi from one historic spot to the next. But, most importantly, my mouth watered as I remembered the Flan - from the day we visited Mari’s old house and made a connection with the new owners, who unsurprisingly became like family in 24 short hours. It was a truly authentic and unforgettable time. 

As Alexandra and I dug deeper, it became more and more clear with the footage taking shape, that this was an important narrative, of a journey to Cuba, that had to be shared with more than just our family and friends. The simoneink team jumped on board and we all started splicing, editing, and putting film to “reel,” with a shared passion to tell this story. 

The footage came together with aspects of history, culture, self, community,  and exploration - something that should definitely be on Netflix today, but made it to YouTube first! The beginning episodes recount the path of Mari’s family exile from Cuba and the single photograph that David carried around to help us recount his father’s childhood. Each day was a new discovery, while keeping a low profile - careful not to say the Guas name out loud. The rich political history in Cuba encompassed David’s grandfather, and his great-great-uncle, Dr. Rafael Guas Inclan - a lifelong member of the liberty part of Cuba, the youngest person elected to the Cuban House of Representatives, and the first elected Mayor of Havana. As we walked around Cuba, Mari remembered his life as a 13 year old boy in a lush pre-Castro era - a place full of love, family, and tradition - and of a course young, innocent, rebellious behavior-  that he passed down to my husband later in life. 

A major component of the trip - which in turn became the last several episodes of the docu-series - was the connective power of food in the Cuban community. We ate some of the most incredible cuisine, full of distinct flavor, the freshest farmer’s market ingredients, and cultural influences from the Caribbean. The chefs and business owners we met on our travels were inspiring individuals that have faced great obstacles to gain access to the ingredients for these creative, culinary masterpieces. We visited true, organic farms and apiaries that have been in some of these families for generations and a gelato shop owner who works around the clock to perfect her craft - spending her hard earned dollars to get the finest Italian machines brought into Cuba. Street vendors offered authentic pressed cubanos that seasoned chefs would never dare attempt to recreate, along with homemade guava preserves and pastelitos. The love and passion that goes into these dishes, oozed in each and every bite. Aside from tasting these signature dishes, learning about what it takes to be a chef or restaurant owner in Cuba was eye opening. Two weeks in the states is equivalent to two months for Cuba in terms of revenue, supply chains, and general operations. With what the islanders experience daily - I’ve wondered during the past year and a half just how many of these businesses struggled to get food and supplies and how many months it may have taken to arrive, if they arrived at all.

Instead of waiting for someone else to document this compelling journey about history, family, and food - I loved every moment spending hour upon hour with Alexandra as we forged a path together to produce this docu-series that would share a very raw and truthful story of Cuba, [it also gave me a chance to enhance my video skills for other projects with my simoneink gal Maddie Caywood!] Creating something from almost nothing was only possible with David and Mari’s desire to explore and meet the people of Cuba and in turn the passion of the Cuban people, who welcomed us into their homes and businesses. The process of developing this show was a far greater and rewarding exercise than I could have ever imagined.

Earth Day 51

Feeling moons away, our country continues to search for solidarity to become a united front, but there is a day, in particular, worth focusing our efforts: Earth Day 51. In a time of such confusion and frustration amidst the pandemic, Earth Day is just what we need to ground us as a global community. It signals us to remember what’s important - to raise awareness of climate change and to engage in the crucial conversations that will make the necessary impact. It is a day of praising our beautiful, diverse, and epic world. And April 22, 2021 could not come at a more perfect time, uniting us in a cause worth fighting for - to protect our environment, which we all call home.

While most Earth Day 2021 “clean-up” activities will be virtual discussions rather than hands-on action, it is important for everyone to participate in one way or another. Thinking back to this time last year, when our world and everyday lives were put on hold, it was amazing and astonishing just what positive impact – perhaps the silver lining – the pandemic had on water quality, air pollution, and the environment. Michael Gerrard, an environmental law expert at Columbia University, put it simply when he said, “It’s the worst possible way to experience environment improvement and it has also shown us the size of the task.” It is our civic duty as a visitor on this Earth to take time to appreciate the world around us, but to also be aware that it is up to us to make sustainable changes for our children, neighbors, and those to follow. Whether it’s limiting your use of electricity in your home, taking a shorter shower, or focusing on recycling - these adjustments to our everyday routines ultimately contribute to making a larger impact.

We celebrate the work of our clients, positive changemakers by land and by sea, in connection with our environment. Collectively, we understand that through sustainable sourcing, coastal restoration, recycling and composting, and many more smart practices, that going green in the hospitality industry positively affects our environment. It’s humbling and eye opening to see how every change makes a real difference, and it’s the dedication to enacting these changes that makes the work of our clients that much more inspiring.

Here at simoneink, our office is an environmentally friendly space with bamboo floors, strong recycling practices, and large windows to replace air conditioning on most days in the spring and summer. Our office is conditioned to have its eye on protecting the future. We only have one Earth, and we cannot take it for granted! So, respect the mission of Earth Day 51, and aspire to make a brighter, cleaner, and greener future for the generations ahead.

Below are some stories from writers we admire from across the globe sharing the impact of travel, and food tips and tricks to sustainable, eco-friendly travel and dining!

The Biggest Sustainable Travel Breakthroughs From The Past 50 Years | Conde Nast Traveler - Juliet Kinsman

How to Start Composting This Earth Day | Southern Living - Melissa Locker

10 Planet-Friendly Wines to Drink On Earth Day | Food & Wine - Markham Heid

How Travel Has Evolved in the 50 Years Since the First Earth Day | Conde Nast Traveler - Ali Wunderman

The Fascinating History Behind Why We Celebrate Earth Day | Travel + Leisure - Cailey Rizzo

7 Travel Stories to Help You Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day | The New York Times

The Sustainability Terms You Need to Know for Earth Day and Beyond | Vogue - Emily Chan

Earth Day 2021: 60 Everyday Switches To Make | Conde Nast Traveler - Juliet Kinsman

The Women's History Month Series, Continued

As today marks the finale to our spotlight series of inspiring women during Women’s History Month, it is only fitting that we conclude with a tribute to an aspiring young woman, Amanda Gorman.  She has captured our hearts and ears as a voice of hope for the future. 

“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” As the youngest inaugural poet EVER in the United States, she joins a small group of poets  - and only two other women, Maya Angelou and Elizabeth Alexander - who have been recruited to help commemorate a presidential inauguration. At just 22 years old, a woman and African American, she faced a difficult challenge - our country was [and is] under such stress with a global pandemic, partisan division, and political unrest as seen with the Capitol riots. At President Biden’s Inauguration, her words reached deep into America’s hearts as millions listened to her melodic poetry - bringing wisdom, hope, and a sense of collective purpose. Gorman is a voice for women, men, children, young adults, people of all races and backgrounds, and those who have not yet been heard. She continues to capture her listeners with intense, emotional, and organic language.

At simoneink, we admire her wit, charm, character, and ability to convey to others, with relatable words, empowering messages, while never shying away from the truth.  She connects to people, and in turn her words resonate with others - allowing her narrative to impact those who can hear her from an accepting place. That is what we strive to do each and every day at simoneink - to not only represent the voices of our clients, but to ensure they are being heard. At President Biden’s Inauguration, her lasting words “The Hill We Climb,” [which is also the title of her books of poetry, just released] is exactly what simoneink wishes to encourage teenagers and adults alike to remember - our future depends on an America that is united, to form a better future for our country. It is our opportunity to write this next verse together. 

The Women's History Month Series, Continued

As we approach the end of Women’s History Month, we are continuing to recognize the incredibly gifted, powerful, and eloquent women that have had a major impact throughout history. During an era of the mid-19th century when women’s voices were not welcomed, the revolutionary author, Louisa May Alcott, penned what needed to be said with great style, truth, and a whole lot of grit. Known for her literary work of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott flourished with success at an early age, and made a mark on society that still remains today.

Growing up in Concord, Massachusetts, the daughter of a Transcendentalist, Alcott learned at a young age to speak about ideological ways of life. This, as well as being the eldest of her four sisters, allowed her to mature quickly - often coming across as older than her age. During her youth, Alcott was having discussions with abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, the women’s suffrage activist Julia Ward Howe, and the women’s rights activist Margaret Fuller.  Althoughthe Alcotts were a poor family, they prioritized their involvement within the Underground Railroad and their support of women’s rights. Her father’s inspirational friends, including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Nathaniel Hawthorne were significant poets, philosophers, novelists, and most of all naturalists. 

The mix of all of her experiences and exposure to so much knowledge - picking the brains and listening to such influential people - encouraged Alcott, whose mind was overflowing with stories and ideas that she had to put on paper.  As a teenager, in between jobs as a teacher and servant to earn money for her family, Alcott began writing. She became a published author at the age of 19 when a women’s magazine printed one of her poems. However, she went by the pseudonym Flora Fairfield until she was 22 years old when she published a set of poems titled Flower Fables, written for Emerson’s daughter.  

Alcott later went by a different pseudonym, using the name A.M Barnard when publishing Perilous Play and Pauline's Passion and Punishment. It is believed that she did so because she thought she would be more respected as a male author and that her career, or repertoire, was not yet in a place for her own name to be used. Because of the vast differences between the sensationalized themes of these works and the more wholesome and honest ideas shared in other works, it wasn’t until Alcott wrote Little Women that she authored a book in her own name. [She was all about her branding and personal PR!]

As she continued to write and provide for her family, she felt inspired to also help others and became a nurse during the American Civil War. After helping many, she unfortunately became very ill, after being exposed to mercury poisoning - causing her health to remain compromised for the remainder of her life. This experience pushed her to write Hospital Sketches, which kicked her fame into gear. However, it was not until her publication of Little Women in 1868 that Alcott hit her peak.

Men and women of all ages responded to Alcott’s writing, and with the Little Women, inspired by her own childhood experiences, many young readers connected to her more than ever before. She became an influential voice, especially in the early women’s suffrage movement. Alcott wrote for a women’s periodical, knocked from door-to-door throughout Massachusetts encouraging women to vote, and in 1879 she became the first women to register to vote in Concord - after the state passed a law allowing women to vote in local elections relating to education and children.  And while the nineteenth amendment was accomplished decades after she passed away, Alcott is recognized as a trailblazer in the forefront of women’s suffrage and equality.

simoneink is continuously striving to be the best communicators possible by sharing the truth, the stories, and the ideologies of great leaders within the hospitality industry, who we have the privilege to work with on a daily basis. We believe it’s about disseminating information so that others may learn more about those who exhibit strong leadership qualities, fine skills at their craft, creative minds, institutional knowledge, empathy towards others, and a genuine aspiration for success. Through attention to detail - diving in to pull out the most important message - simoneink is able to tell these great success stories. And, we owe it to women like Louisa May Alcott for giving us the ideas and inspiration to think this way, write this way, and continue this way! 

Why My Mom Turned Down Hollywood

During this period of honoring women that bloom like flowers with greatness, who better to celebrate than my mother, Margaret Muir McIlveen  - the epitome of elegance, honesty, spirit, savviness, sophistication, and a strong businesswoman. Let me tell you a charming story of my ideal lady, a woman of great character and wisdom. In the late 1940s, her beauty was breathtaking and caught the eye of gentleman callers as well as Hollywood executives. For those of a certain age group, everyone knows Gene Wilder from the movie “Young Frankenstein” or as the husband of Saturday Night Live’s Gilda Radner, but it was Gene’s father, Billy Wilder, who was the Hollywood magnet of my mother’s day.

Nicknamed Greta, she was a young aspiring gal in fashion, starting as a clerk for ready-to-wear clothing at a prominent clothing store in New Orleans. A talent agent spotted her and sent a message straight to Hollywood. He found the gal they were looking for – a fiery redhead with a striking look to star in a new comedy show about a woman with a Cuban-born husband. Billy Wilder, along with a few other execs, flew to New Orleans to meet my mom. They arrived at the store, spoke to her and she agreed to take some professional portrait photographs. The courting of her went on for a few months. Billy Wilder was ready to pop the question, not marriage, but for my mom to move to Hollywood and become the next Bette Davis or Joan Crawford.

Invited to lunch at one of the old-line restaurants in the French Quarter, Wilder knew Greta liked meatballs, so when the group sat for lunch, she - of course - ordered the meatballs. As she sliced into her first meatball, a modest diamond ring appeared. Wilder said something to the effect that there would be a lot more diamonds if she accepted the offer to move to California for a test pilot of this potential show. Greta graciously did not accept.

Here, I have to jump in – I can’t help but think, was she just crazy?! My mom could have played the character we know now as Lucille Ball, which I proudly explained to her when she told me of her experience. But, back to the story…

My mom was told that respectable women did not belong in Hollywood and that the women on the big screen had to do things that are against their better judgement. That was not acceptable – she wanted to earn an honest living, work hard, use her brain, and follow a natural career path. They followed up again, but it was a firm “No.”

Funny enough, Greta was a woman that did not take no for an answer. Hence, she became one of the most admired clothing buyers for designer and ready-to-wear clothing for all three of the family-owned top stores in New Orleans – Gus Mayer, Godchaux’s, and D.H Holmes.

I’m grateful she did not move to California, otherwise I would not have learned the importance of a strong work ethic and respectable character. Plus I would not be here exactly...hmmm! And also I would not have known my best gal! 

The Women's History Month Series, Continued

As we continue on our journey to highlight amazingly talented, pioneering women from politics, arts, and literature to culinary masterminds – we’re also celebrating inspiring women athletes who have competed with stamina, strength and grace throughout American history and today. In thinking of athletic achievement,  it’s hard not to recognize those most impressive women who have the added obstacle of being physically challenged. Through perseverance and a refusal to quit when others said they could not do it, they won!  While there are those women who look elegant next to the pool, there is nothing more majestic than those women who look amazing in it. Today, we are going for gold and honoring two Paralympic legends: Trischa Zorn-Hudson and Jessica Long – women who rule in the pool! 

Blind from birth, Trischa Zorn-Hudson is the most decorated Paralympic athlete of all time with 55 medals - 41 gold, 9 silver, and 5 bronze. As a champion swimmer, Zorn-Hudson faced adversity with each stroke that met the water. Despite being born with aniridia, a genetic disorder that prevents the irises of the eyes from developing, she found a love and talent for swimming at an early age and competed in 7 Paralympic games. What began as her debut in Arnhem in 1980 and the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, Zorn-Hudson’s Paralympic success was just beginning. Her non-specialized style of swimming allowed her to compete in a wide range of events including freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, and individual medley with distances ranging from 50 to 100 meters.  And while she was undefeated at the Seoul Games - winning 10 gold medals in 10 events, setting 10 world records - she faced a difficult time at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. 

Trischa Zorn

As Zorn-Hudson’s career skyrocketed, she had to handle criticism and doubt from disbelievers in her disability, as her visual impairment could not be “seen.” However, Team USA did not doubt her and she was chosen as one of the few Paralympians to train and live at the Paralympic facilities in Colorado. But when her success fell short of expectations, she questioned whether or not to continue onto the 2004 Games in Athens. However, she gave it one last go at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and earned her final medal – bronze – before retiring at the age of 40. In 2012, she was inducted into the Paralympic Hall of Fame and USA Swimming honors a disabled swimmer with the Trischa L. Zorn Award every year.

Zorn-Hudson has once again impressed us – while  she is no longer swimming in a pool, she did “swim” through law school. And she is now an attorney with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the fiduciary unit. While Zorn-Hudson wished the life of Paralympians at that time had been approached differently, she believes the challenges that she and others overcame helped pave the way for future Paralympic athletes; bringing us to the second most awarded Paralympic medalist of all time, Jessica Long. 

Born in Russia and adopted by U.S. citizens at 13 months old, Jessica Long was raised in Baltimore and grew up swimming in her grandparents’ pool. Like many children, Long pretended to be a mermaid; but unlike many children, Long was born with fibular hemimelia - a birth defect where part or all of the fibula bones, as well as ankles, heels, and most of the other bones in the feet are missing. This very rare disease led to the amputation of both of her legs below the knee.

Jessica Long

While this disorder altered Long’s everyday life, her dream of becoming a professional swimmer would become a reality when she debuted her magnificent, gliding strokes at the age of 12 as the youngest Team USA member in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, winning three gold medals. Proudly packing 23 medals, showcasing incredible athletic ability, Long is the second most decorated US Paralympian in history, but she isn’t done just yet. Long is expected to return for her fifth Paralympic Games in Tokyo and is set to continue her great success. 

Whether it’s the grit mentality, inspiring beginnings, or overarching success, it is impossible not to admire these two exceptionally gifted women. It may not be what we think of as the typical gifts of a great athlete, but I would say it is far more than what we can fathom. Beyond just Paralympic gold medalists, these athletes are legends and leaders for future generations both within Paralympic history and in everyday life.

The Women's History Month Series, Continued

From raising a family to leading an army into battle, women have shown incredible power, along with strong hearts, and compassion for centuries. Some women never had the opportunity to be recognized,  while others have chosen to take a quiet, humble approach. It is our job at simoneink to create a platform for some of those women who have continued not to have the spotlight they deserve.

Today, I bring to you Addie Wyatt - one of the 12 women recognized in 1975 as Time Magazine’s “Women of the Year.” She was, and still remains, one of the powerful women to change the way organized labor is viewed – the impact of her activism is felt still to this day.  

Addie Wyatt on the cover of Time Magazine in 1975

For me, Wyatt represents someone I personally admire for her stamina, will, foresight, and dedication to what is fair and right - maintaining strong values and the respect of others. This is at the foundation of simoneink and important to remember along the way in one’s journey through society.

Wyatt was a trailblazer in fighting for workers’ rights and eliminating wage discrepancies during the height of the American feminist movement and changed the way for organized labor. Mississippi born and eldest of eight children, she called Chicago home – growing up, she learned the important skill of how to be responsible for others.

As an educated young adult seeking a career in public speaking and communications, Wyatt originally applied for a job as a typist for Armour and Company in 1941; but because African American women were excluded from holding administrative positions, she was sent to the canning department to pack canned stew for the army. Contracts between Armour and Company and the United Packinghouse Workers of America [UPWA] caused Wyatt to earn more money than she would have in the aspired, original position. Upon realizing this and the fact that UPWA did not discriminate against its members, she left Armour and joined the UPWA which inevitably changed the trajectory of her career path from a normal day job to her role as a major voice in the civil rights movement.   

At the UPWA, Wyatt began to make some major moves and was viewed as an innovator. In 1953, she was elected as Vice President, and a year later became the first woman president. As her accomplishments continued to soar, she became the first female international vice president in the history of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen and later served as director of its Human Rights, Women’s Affairs, and Civil Rights Departments of over 550,000 members.

In the civil rights movement, Wyatt played an integral role as a leading civil rights campaigner in Chicago during the 1960s.  She served on the Action Committee of the Chicago Freedom Movement, helping to organize protests and joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in major civil rights marches - including the March on Washington, the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and the demonstration in Chicago. 

 As a passionate spokeswoman for women’s rights, advocating for greater inclusion of women and minorities within the labor movement, Wyatt co-founded the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the country’s only national organization dedicated to union women, and was named to the United States Commission on the Status of Women by Eleanor Roosevelt [simoneink’s first profile]. As if this was not impressive enough, she then went on to found the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the National Organization of Women.

Addie Wyatt is a name you don’t hear of everyday, but someone you must know now – and not forget! Her devotion and will to voice her belief in equal rights made a difference. At simoneink, we value and honor her feats – we share the belief that you cannot be silent, but that you must be a voice for what is right in the face of something that is wrong. Step with the right foot forward every day and make a positive change - live like Addie did.

International Women's Day

My passion and appreciation for the fine arts began as a child surrounded by artists - from my father, whose gift was painting in the wavering styles of Cezanne and Monet, to my Uncle Henri [Dr. Henri Rathle], who was taught by my father and painted over 1,000 oil paintings in his free time. This gained him much notoriety for his work was exhibited all over Alabama. He was even commissioned to paint a portrait of President Nixon, which still hangs in the President’s Library in Yorba Linda, California today.  

Historically, in the arts, women were mostly the subjects or muses of male artists and were not always recognized for their talents and skills.  Women artists were ultimately overlooked by society - and many erased from art history all together. 

Mary Cassatt, the Pennsylvania born artist, was 17 years old when she began her journey as a painter in 1861, and in 1865 her career truly took off as she traveled to Europe.  After becoming aggravated by her slow male classmates at the Pennsylvania Fine Arts Academy in Philadelphia, she decided to take her studies elsewhere. As Cassatt and her mother traveled throughout Europe, she became inspired by the different applications and styles of painting which brought her to study at L’ Academie des Beaux Arts in Paris. Women were not allowed to attend, but Cassatt’s refusal to conform to these rules [sounds like someone I know] earned her the ability to privately receive her masters. She began taking classes with Charles Chaplin and Thomas Couture, where she felt much more challenged as an artist and her skills became more refined, and found her own comforting style. 

It did not take long for artists to notice her work, and in 1868 one of her paintings was accepted for the Paris Salon - making her one of the first two American women to exhibit there.  A massive feat in itself, Cassatt was still on the path for more success and she barely had scratched the surface.  Sadly, she had little to no success in the United States in 1870 after deciding to build her brand back home, and relocated back to Paris permanently in 1874. She broke free from the Paris Salon after realizing that its conventional ways and failed representation of female artists. It did not resonate how she wanted to be perceived as an artist. In doing so and staying true to her own convictions, she caught the attention of Edward Degas and was invited to join him in the Impressionists exhibit. Cassatt earned a reputation as a respected Impressionist painter and began to gain great success - and developed a friendship with Degas. 

Cassatt was one of only three women impressionist painters, and the only American to fully integrate the most important artistic movement of the 19th century. Her legacy carried on with her, but as she aged and her eyesight deteriorated, she was unable to paint in her last 15 living years. Fortunately, because of her dedication to printmaking, she produced more than 220 prints during the course of her career - which remain as beautiful works of art throughout museums all over the world. 

Cassatt’s commitment to ending the stereotypes against “women artists” was a priority and she became an advocate for women in the arts and provided a strong, supporting voice within the woman’s suffrage movement. As women continue to be overlooked in society in varying ways, Mary Cassatt is a true testament to forging a path for modern day female artists to speak out and champion their achievements in visual, performing, and literary arts.

The Women's History Month Series

During this uncommon year, people find comfort in the ability to continue to celebrate holidays and important events - even in a different, new normal, way. One holiday that we like to celebrate every day at simoneink is Women’s History Month -  which is deserving of more than just a one-month long commemoration. As I began my career in media relations on a corporate level in 1988, I knew that I wanted to be a voice and advocate for women within the industry and beyond. For 22 years, simoneink has been an independent, women-driven company that has been dedicated to the success of our clients within the hospitality industry.  

In looking at all of the influential and inspiring women throughout history, it’s hard not to be amazed. One woman, in particular, that I admire is First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt - I share a deep appreciation for her humanitarian efforts as an advocate for equality of women and civil rights. Though mighty and dominant in all of her accomplishments, Eleanor led with grace and a humble attitude.  She found ways to be diplomatic even in going against the grain, which allowed for her message to be heard by more than those with just a willingness to listen.  Known as a spokeswoman of civil rights for African Americans, as well as for her campaigning for equality and fair opportunities for American workers, the poor, young people, and women during the Great Depression - Eleanor knew what it took to make an impression.

Her focus on equal human rights and her active and dedicated nature in the face of its challengers allowed her to gain the respect of others. While her work began early on, it was amplified when she was appointed by President Harry Truman after World War II to be part of the first US delegation to the United Nations, where she later went on to chair the Human Rights Committee. During her time as a delegate to the UN, Eleanor oversaw the drafting and adoption of the Universal Human Declaration of Rights - which she considered as one of her most significant achievements, and is to this day a model for how people and nations should peacefully engage with one another.  The delivery of her most famous speech in September 1948 on “The Struggle for Human Rights,” ultimately led to the formal adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.  Eleanor stated, “The basic problem confronting the world today… is the preservation of human freedom for the individual and consequently for the society of which he is a part.” 

As a female business owner, daughter, sister, and mother - I am inspired by fierce, humble, and dedicated women who uphold strong values, like Eleanor Roosevelt. She did not waver in the face of adversity and rose to the occasion when she saw a desperate need for change. During National Women’s Month, we highlight these women and their accomplishments.

Factoid: Roosevelt wrote 27 books and more than 8,000 columns.

Inauguration 2021

As the truths of 2021 begin to sink in with more unexpected antics, drama, and harsh realities than one could have imagined - and of what we thought was to stay in 2020 - a breath of fresh air that comes with any new administration is heading our way. On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, the 46th President of the United States will be inaugurated.

Lucky for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the traditions of Presidential Inaugurations tend to evolve over time. Whether it’s a change in venue due to inclement weather or a change in date due to the 20th Amendment [Thank God for that!], switching up a couple of words in the oath here and there, or even having to re-do the oath itself, many presidents have added some flair to their inaugural addresses and ceremonies regardless of it being spontaneous or a mistake.  Due to these instances, many Presidents have left an impact and precedent as the first presidents to do a certain act during their inaugurations. During his second inauguration President George Washington gave the shortest speech ever delivered, while President William Henry Harrison gave the longest speech, speaking 10,000 words. And on a sad note, President Harrison died of pneumonia only 32 days after his inauguration.  The youngest president-elect at their inauguration was President Theodore Roosevelt at 42 years old. President Dwight Eisenhower was lassoed by a cowboy named Monty Monatana during inaugural festivities - the Secret Service gave permission of course. The first president to bring a poet into a ceremony was President John F. Kennedy - however, the first time wasn’t a charm! Famous poet Robert Frost couldn’t read due to the glare, causing him to go off of his original recitation of “The Preface,” and instead recite his own poem “The Gift Outright” which he knew by heart. President Jimmy Carter was the first president to exit his limo outside of the Capitol and walk down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House with his family, waving to his fellow American bi-standers - he is also the longest living former president at the age of 95. President Barack Obama had to repeat his oath of office due to some jumbled up words by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court which led Obama to mix up his words, becoming the first president to ever have to take the oath a second time - Obama became the President of the United States of America [again!] in a matter of 25 seconds.

The 59th Inauguration will be nowhere near imperfect, but rather a newly accepted tradition of being virtual during a Covid-19 pandemic that has plagued our Nation.  On the eve of the inaugural, Tuesday, January 19, 2021, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris attended a memorial service honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial. The ceremony featured 400 lights turned on around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. "To heal, we must remember. It's hard, sometimes, to remember. But that's how we heal. It's important to do that as a nation," remarked Mr. Biden before taking a moment of silence. What a glorious way to reflect on those who have perished with a light shining bright on these individuals. I personally lost a close friend due to Covid and who was like a cousin to me. Rest in peace Gerard Beauregard Gelpi, “Beau,” he was a bright guy who went to University of Virginia and Tulane Law School. And, he had a serious gift - music - and played the guitar with his brother, Gus. When music plays, I will think of him,  as if he is making sure we are listening. God Bless You Beau!

And I would be remiss to not bow my head down to those who lost their life at the Capitol protecting our democracy. It was shameful, hurtful, and inexcusable what happened. Those people who tarnished our history and our faith that day, January 6, 2021, are not Americans. It was the day of the Epiphany, one of the holiest days in Christianity - celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the three wise men traveling to Bethlehem to recognize him as the son of God.

And while Americans are being told to enjoy the inauguration from the comforts of their homes, the National Mall in Washington D.C. is still an overwhelmingly, beautiful sight even when viewing it from a television set. Instead of a crowd filled with hundreds of thousands of people, the National Mall has been masked in a “Field of Flags,” representing the Americans of all 50 states, and 6 US Territories, who cannot attend this year’s inauguration due to the pandemic. 

We have witnessed so much history over the past year, and the unity of our country is needed now more than ever before. Biden has pledged “to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify,” and that this victory is “a victory for ‘We the People’.” As a country we should be hopeful of his promise and excited to see what his term will bring for all of us, if all are willing to accept change. Let your PATRIOTISM soar on Wednesday, as you watch the 46th President of the United States recite the oath to all of us and celebrate the AMERICAN WAY! 

It's A New Year!

Exhaustion is defined as a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue, otherwise known as the year 2020. And what a year it has been… Similar to most people’s thought process in looking back on 2020,  breathing techniques, and a stiff drink, are required.  Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, it is evident that we as a country and community have tried to stay resilient and keep in a forward motion as best we can.  Whether you have dealt with Covid-19 on a personal level through its various trickle down effects, we as a global community have felt its contagious nature. 

The year of 2021 is the year of the Ox in the Chinese Lunar calendar, which is just the sign we needed. The ox, known for its use in agricultural tools, is the symbol of diligence, persistence, and honesty - three things we are in desperate need of in the New Year!

In reflecting on 2020, and looking forward to 2021, many have realized what they missed most, what they can and cannot live without, and what really matters are people - existing as equals - and what they have found to be less important - the antics and rhetoric. Along with this, together, we can look back with maybe a small smile, as we got to see how creative people could be during this pandemic - finding ways to keep spirits afloat, giving to one another, spending time with family, and enjoying the simplest of things. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and 2021 seems to be shining bright!

Stuff It!

Stuff It! 

A Nexus to Change is Not the End All, Be All This Holiday

Thanksgiving is different this year, with less friends and family gathering around the table, but familiar smells and taste add a welcomed comfort as cooking permeates kitchens across the country. Do something besides the anchor dish - Turkey! That’s for the birds, as they say, if one thinks that’s their ‘fave’ for the Thanksgiving meal. It's the popular extras that rule the roost! Make a dish that shares an essential flavor and ingredient beloved by your family - it will bring solace and reassurance that this year’s Thanksgiving is not out with the trash! 

For me it is all about the “dressing” - specific to my New Orleans roots - we respectfully “dress” the bird rather than “stuff” it. You want to treat the “pardoned” fowl with the dignity they deserve and serve a dish alongside it that can compliment the flavor. Actually, a dish you don’t mind ‘stuffing’ yourself with second and third helpings! 

Cornbread stuffing is not that interesting enough to be the prize winning dish, in my book. Cornbread should only be in our bread basket, accompanied by room temperature butter with chunks of Kosher salt. Oysters rule! Those tender mollusks get mixed in with the day-old French bread, bits of cranberry, and secrets from the pantry that “Granny” tucks away on the shelf. How does oyster dressing taste so damn good? Nobody knows, but her! It’s the gift that keeps on giving - she makes more than enough, sneaking a pint or two in the freezer for us, the hosts, to savor after the guests are long gone! 

Lucky for us, the immediate family has been isolated before gathering together. Each member is doing their part to be safe, as we needed this connection with each other after a long 8 months endured without seeing one another. I could have taken a “gap year” from oyster dressing, cornbread, and turkey - but I am grateful for the loving hands that will prepare these dishes this Thanksgiving, and the family who comes along with those impeccable hands. Love is what I am gobbling up this year - and, I am incredibly blessed for all of us being in good health. 

Thanksgiving is a day of different likes, tastes, and personalities - as diverse as the nation itself. It is important to reflect on this holiday as a time for all to share and to love. This is essential and bigger than any dish served at the table! 

I must speak out! It’s not Political. It’s Personal. It’s Healing.

This is one of the most important elections in my lifetime and the stance I took to vote was a personal one. I have been thinking a lot about my sister since her birthday on September 24, when she would have been 62 years old. I saw her last when she was 35, in a hospital bed, with only 10% of her brain functioning. I have been reflecting a lot lately on her life; a persistent tug with my memory about how often she was bullied as a teenager. It’s an awful memory to have, but I cannot escape it right now. During COVID I’ve had the time to think deeper and re-evaluate the vow of silence I’ve kept for her, the torment, and her death. May the truth and my awakening allow her soul to heal. When I voted, I voted for her. It was personal.

The door has opened for my sister’s voice to be heard, but it will take my actions to start to repair her wounds and mine. My sister wasn’t just bullied; she was also raped. What plays like a record in my mind on constant replay, are the appalling words that Donald Trump uttered, “Grab them by the pussy…” That was no laughing matter, no locker-room banter, as he claimed. Four years ago when he was revealed to have said it, I was reminded that the person(s) who took my sister’s virginity thought of it as a laughing matter. She kept silent. She was young and afraid. She opened up to my mother in secrecy, and my mother broke her silence after my sister’s death.  I did not understand the severity of my sister’s mental distress and the pain she suffered until Trump spoke. How could this man have a position of leadership and be the face of our nation? All that our country has done to combat sexual harassment head-on was thrown in the trash. No matter how much business knowledge he might have, or how he might boost the economy, there is no place in our government or any respectable place of business for someone of such wicked character. I have to believe that in this world, evil does not trump the good. What Donald Trump has done, taking what is not his, is sexual harassment of the highest level. I am dumfounded that this is not the single-most central election issue. He has a sick need to bully and to control women, and I don’t believe he holds a single one in any regard except as a means to feel more powerful. What man would publicly speak such crudeness? How does our country allow a President to speak that way? What person, President or not, would call people such ugly names to bring them down? It is flat-out bullying and harassment. Can’t his supporters see it?  

Our country has gone to great lengths to address bullying amongst our younger population. How many lives do we have to lose because teenage boys and girls are shamed, and cannot find hope to live any longer?  That is a dark place to be, and a darkness my sister battled all her life because of the cruelty of others. She was blessed not have to bear it any more after her death, and though that is not technically what killed her,  I could say a good part of her died the day she faced her assailants. The bullying continued in her 20s and 30s, in the workplace. As we have learned all too clearly in recent years, women were not accepted and respected in professional kitchens, and especially not in the old-line New Orleans restaurants. She was a gifted saucier  [a chef who is an expert at making sauces.] At one restaurant that shall remain nameless, the head chef did not like the fact that her hollandaise was considered superior by her peers in the kitchen. He brutally abused her one evening by throwing boiling water on her arm when he did not like how some poached eggs were cooked. She left, and remained silent.  

But now, her voice can be heard. I will help to break the cycle of silence by telling her story. I do not want, nor would she want, my children to look up to this President in any way. Donald Trump does not represent my family’s values or ethics, and is not fit to be anyone’s role model. I see the abusers of my sister in him. The persistent ugliness that is sweeping across this country must be checked immediately or our nation is in for a devastating divide. It’s not about political parties. We have to put our faith in leaders who best represent the people of the United States. We need to trust the basic morals and values that gave us our democracy.

Vote for Hope! Simone

Black Lives Matter

At the age of 6, in 1969, I got a powerful lesson about injustice in the kitchen of our New Orleans home. I was looking forward to my birthday party, to which all 56 or so of my classmates at Sacred Heart were invited for cake and ice cream at Monkey Hill in Audubon Park -- a coveted spot, being the highest point in a city that is mostly below sea level. The night before the Saturday party, the telephone rang and my mother picked up the pale yellow receiver of the kitchen wall phone; my ears perked up, as it was a mother of one of my classmates calling. I was sitting in the den, where I could hear the conversation as well as if I were on the phone; then, the long cord stretched far to the other side of the kitchen, as my mother attempted to shelter me from the remainder of the conversation. Not happening: as she walked away, I followed closer behind. The caller asked, "Are all the girls attending the party?" My mother replied, "But, of course!" I could not hear the rest, except for my mother saying, "Well, I am sorry we will not see your child at the party." Then, three more calls came in one after the other, from other mothers with the same question. Finally, on the last call, my mother had enough. Her voice rose higher than usual as she declared that she would never exclude a child from her daughter's birthday party because of the color of her skin - all the children are welcome. “You call yourself a good Catholic? It will be your child missing out on the gathering,” she told the caller.. My mother knew it would be hard for me, at the age of 6, to understand what had transpired, as that kind of attitude was simply not a part of our household. My mother believed in people as individuals and respected them.  My mother assured me that my classmates were like my sisters and that I must not to break that bond or judge because of size, shape, or color.  My mother did not bow down to the pressures of racism and stood strong for all to be treated fairly and as equals. My mother used her voice, and her example helped me to find my own. 

Those four girls did end up attending the party, after all, though my mother never spoke to those women again. Nor was I allowed to play at their houses. My mother may not have changed the minds of the parents, but she certainly made them think. More importantly, she made a positive impact in the lives of all of us gals in that kindergarten class. 

Protesting in Washington, DC [June 6, 2020]

Festing It! Where New Orleans Likes to Play!

It’s hard not to find yourself daydreaming about nostalgic memories during these unprecedented times. Celebrations with friends and family, vacations to new and exciting places, or maybe dining at your favorite local restaurants. What I would do to be in New Orleans in April...

Simply put: New Orleans in the Springtime is magical. The magnolias are in bloom, their irresistibly sweet perfumes fill up the French colonial streets. The weather switches from heavy, warm rainstorms to bright, clear blue skies. Everyone rushes to plan their weekend crawfish boils, a New Orleans tradition consisting of boiling nightmarish-looking crustaceans, corn, potatoes, and drinking enough booze to sedate a village. 

By this time, everyone is scrambling to get their JazzFest plans in order. The race to figure out who lives closest to the Fairgrounds begins, and more importantly, is willing to host the pre-festival party. I can already feel the hot sun beating down on my sun screened skin as I walk through the gates of the festival. Trumpets, saxophones, belly-deep vocal cords echo around the racetrack. My friends and I have a dedicated path. We get there in just the right time that we are hungry enough to chow down. We go straight to get an ice-cold beer, then hang a “Louis” to the one strip of eats in from Cajun country. Mrs. Wheat’s Crawfish Pies are the best I’ve ever tasted in my entire life! Martin’s Wine Cellar is a few strides behind, coming in second and third. The rich flavors of the seasoned crawfish are coupled with smokey, robust tastes that captures the earthiness of the perfectly cooked roux. The spice that sits on your lips begins to tingle where the chill of the beer, freshly picked from the ice bucket, will cool the fiery sensation crossing your lips. 

Next stop is the crispiest fried stuffed shell crab po boy with the airiest French Bread that is purely a tasty vehicle to keep all the condiments in place as a side show to the crab. That’s paradise in every bite. It’s imperative to your JazzFest experience to have the infamous crawfish bread and mango ice. You stand in line for the food, with a Hot Toddy or second beer in hand, blissfully chatting away with your festival crew. You hear the music from that random band from your teenage years who reunited just for this moment. Miraculously, you remember all the words to their Top 40 hit and belt the lyrics at the top of your lungs. You secretly thank the liquid courage.

On the way To JazzFest!

The music never really stops in New Orleans. Rain or shine. Hurricane or Saints game. In the Springtime, when the real swamp heat has yet to set in, you can walk around the streets of the French Quarter or the Garden District and hear the distant sound of a trumpet player or perhaps a young drummer using the old empty paint buckets from his father’s garage. Crowds will form to listen and dance to the rhythmic beat that defines the soul of the city. Up above in the oak trees, stranded Mardi Gras beads from a few weeks past dangle and glisten in the sun. The city never really skips a beat. 

Even now as the city copes with the uncertainty and hardships this pandemic brings us, there’s a sense of reassurance knowing that future Springtime’s are there awaiting on the horizon. The city has survived catastrophic hurricanes, economically devastating oil spills, and decades of disappointing Saints losses. The vibration of life runs deep in every New Orleanian and the soil they stand on. We’ll be back soon again! 

Sending out a blessing to our Jazz Patriarchs who have left us this past year, and that they are forever happy on their next journey! R.I.P. Dr. John, Art Neville, Ellis Marsalis Jr, and Dave Bartholomew.