Hosted by the Louisiana Chapter | Submitted for AIA CES Approval
Join the ICAA-Louisiana Chapter's 2023 Spring Salon featuring exclusive access:
What is a "salon"?
A salon is a gathering of people held by an inspiring host. During the gathering they amuse one another and increase their knowledge through conversation. These gatherings often consciously followed Horace’s definition of the aims of poetry, “either to please or to educate.” Historically, the “French salon,” a product of the Enlightenment in the early 18th century, was a key institution in which women played a central role. Salons provided a place for women and men to congregate for intellectual discourse. The French revolution opened the exhibition to foreign artists.
Part I. Guided architectural tour of the Greek Revival/Egyptian Revival U.S. Custom House with John Klingman.
The U.S. Custom House in New Orleans is one of the oldest and most important federal buildings in the southern United States and one of the major works of architecture commissioned by the federal government in the nineteenth century. This monumental granite building was begun in 1848 and built over a period of 33 years. The grand Marble Hall in the center of the building is one of the finest Greek Revival interiors in the United States.
Located a few blocks from the Mississippi River, the great waterway that enabled New Orleans to become an important port city, the U.S. Custom House was planned in the 1840s in response to increasing trade through the Mississippi Valley. The building was also designed to accommodate other Federal offices, most notably the main post office and federal courts.
Part II. Decadent two-course lunch at Chemin A La Mer in the Four Seasons Hotel.
Two-course lunch at the new Chemin A La Mer in the Four Seasons Hotel, formerly known as the World Trade Center of New Orleans (1968).
Donald Link honors his Louisiana heritage in his newest venture, Chemin à la Mer at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. Chef Donald’s artistic blending of Louisiana flavors prepared with classic French technique honors and respects the river and its coastal Louisiana home. With sweeping panoramic views of the Mississippi River, the menu showcases a grand oyster bar, specialty steaks, and Gulf seafood and subtly incorporates inspired flavors from the West Indies and neighboring local regions.
First Course - Choice of Gumbo - Crab, Shrimp, Oysters, Okra and Louisiana Rice; or Field Green Salad with French Vinaigrette
Second Course - Choice of Pan Roasted Ora King Salmon, Beluga Lentils and Fresh Herbs; or Duck Confit with White Bean Pistou.
Part III. Vue Orleans Museum & 360° Outdoor Observation Deck with Poppy Tooker.
The best way to start a New Orleans experience. Vue Orleans takes the visitor on a deep dive into New Orleans history, music and culture via a multi-level interactive cultural experience that brings New Orleans into sharp focus.
The attraction offers an eye-popping 4-D experience with nine original films, seven interactive exhibits, and the city’s only rooftop 360-degree panoramic viewing platform. It’s more than bells and whistles. Vue Orleans pairs style with substance, using technology to shine a focused spotlight on the vast array of art, music, food, history, and culture found only in New Orleans.
You must be an ICAA Member to participate in this event. If you need to become a member, you're welcome to sign up as an individual, business or sponsor here or at classicist-la.org. Our event is open to 25 people, max!
We hope that you can join us!
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
John P. Klingman, architect and Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Tulane University, has spent over 30 years teaching architectural history and preservation and is a renowned expert in the architecture and history of New Orleans. He has authored several books on architecture and writes an annual “Best of New Orleans Architecture” for New Orleans Magazine. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee of the New Orleans Historic District Landmark Commission, he has received numerous awards and recognitions in the field of preservation as well as the Tulane School of Architecture President’s Award for outstanding teaching.
Poppy Tooker, author and host of Louisiana Eats! WWNO 89.9 is a native New Orleanian who has spent her life immersed in the vibrant colors and flavors of her state. Poppy also appears weekly on the WYES public television show, Steppin’ Out, with spicy food commentary. After being tapped to update one of the earliest Louisiana cookbooks, Madame Begue’s Creole Recipes of Old New Orleans Creole Cookery, which was first published in 1900, Poppy went on to continue the story of Begue’s with Tujague's Cookbook, Creole Recipes and Lore in the Grand New Orleans Tradition. As a culinary activist, Poppy has been instrumental in reviving endangered local foods, such as Creole cream cheese and rice calas. As a leader and a friend, she was a key element in the success of the Crescent City Farmers Market. Her on-camera flair has been on national television alongside celebrities that include Bobby Flay, Andrew Zimmern, Jeff Corwin, Mo Rocca, and even Wynton Marsalis. She’s a cultural ambassador on a mission. In fact, you can call it destiny. “It has been my lifelong dream to bring my great-grandmother’s favorite saying to life. When I was a little girl, she would never tell me to clean my plate. Instead, she’d say 'Poppy, eat it to save it!'” This became her life’s mantra and fueled her desire to work as a culinary activist promoting and preserving food culture and history, while safe guarding the planet’s biodiversity. Poppy brought her motto to life through a television pilot, Eat It To Save It!