In perfect NOLA fashion, local chef Jessie met her musician husband, Joe Gelini, at a Jazz Fest party 10 years ago.
Now married six years, she’s celebrating her 10th year as a culinary instructor at NOCCA, he’s drummer in Cha Wa (the Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian funk band), and they’re parents of 20-month-old Lovie.
5 Things I’m Loving Right Now
CRAB BOILS
My dad boils most Sundays at home in his backyard for family and friends. My favorite is crab season – we love boiled crabs!
THE BROADSIDE
It has been such a joy during the pandemic to see live music here, and especially Joe and Cha Wa playing. The Broadside, 600 N Broad St.
POP-UP
During the pandemic, I started cooking Jewish specialties and Shabbat dinners, and also doing private chef jobs and dinner parties at clients’ homes. FB & Instagram @iloveyoulatke
DESTIN
My mom loves Destin; my grandparents used to live there. My brother, his daughter, my mom, and I go every June. This was Lovie’s first year.
TEACHING
I love teaching the Level One basics and Level Three international foods classes. Working with Frank Brigtsen and Dana Tuohy is amazing! NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St.