Family Life

Mom About Town – Jessie Wightkin Gelini 

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.

Newsletter Signup

Your Weekly guide to New Orleans family fun. NOLA Family has a newsletter for every parent. Sign Up