Downtown Living: January 2018
Business: Downtown Development District seeks applicants for the 6th annual Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch
In partnership with Idea Village, Creative Alliance of New Orleans and the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, the Downtown Development District will host the 6th annual Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch March 21 during the city’s premier annual business festival, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.
For the pitch, the Downtown Development District is seeking an arts-based business proposal that will emphasize and benefit Downtown New Orleans. The event for identifying and selecting the 2018 pitch is aimed at bringing to light local arts-based business entrepreneurs and supporting their efforts. Entrepreneurs interested in the pitch must fit the following criteria:
- The business must provide a product or service — whether through interactive art, digital media, mobile apps or any other means — to attract patrons to the Downtown area, while also enhancing their experience living or visiting Downtown.
- It must be an arts-based business (creative, digital media, technology, architecture, film/entertainment).
- The business must be committed to relocating to, or conducting business in, Downtown New Orleans.
- The business must contribute to making Downtown New Orleans a hub of innovative, cool arts-based business by attracting buzz, talent and economic activity.
A prize package valued at more than $40,000 will be awarded to the winner from the Downtown Development District and its partners, a value that will include legal, public relations and marketing services to aid the chosen entrepreneur in his or her endeavor. The winner selected will be the pitch that best embodies the spirit and culture of Downtown New Orleans in a sustainable project. downtownnola.com
Pets: Zeus’ Place Downtown
The Freret Street pet boarding and grooming shop Zeus’ Place has recently opened another location on O’Keefe Avenue in The Beacon at South Market District. This is the company’s third location (there’s another one on Napoleon Avenue) where pets can come in for expert bathing and grooming, plus short or long-term boarding. Most importantly, Zeus’ Place is known for rescuing unwanted pets and finding them loving, lasting homes all over the Greater New Orleans Area. Adopt a rescue pet into your family today! 715 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 324-3335, zeusplacedowntown.com
Shopping: Lukka Boutique
Baton Rouge’s women’s clothing store Lukka Boutique has opened its second location inside The Beacon at South Market District. Touting the “most current and sophisticated fashion,” Lukka offers a wide selection of designers including Mara Hoffman, Nanette Lepore, BCBG, Prose & Poetry, Feel the Piece, Michael Stars, Wilt and more. From sexy sandals to body bronzing lotion — and everything in between — Lukka is the perfect place to find the look you seek, whether you’re grabbing a po-boy at Mother’s or attending a cocktail party at Herbsaint. 1000 Girod St., (504) 218-7113, shoplukka.com
Dining: Briquette
Located in what used to be an old molasses refinery, Briquette is a new downtown restaurant with a focus on Louisiana seafood. Chef Robert Vasquez (also of Opal Basil, which moved from the North Shore to be next door) is in the kitchen creating a mouth-watering menu, including dishes like caramelized sea scallops in charred poblano butter; whole Greek sea bass with fennel slaw and lemon garlic aioli; and steelhead lox with shaved fennel, lardons and dill crème vinaigrette. Enjoy a stellar meal in a contemporary, but casual environment that offers a full bar and gorgeous open kitchen so you can watch as the magic happens. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com