Craftsman at Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights
BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS
( LIKE BEING A CAJUN IN A CANDY STORE )
By Ryan Tramonte
When I switched from Catholic school to private school in the fifth grade , several of my new classmates described me as “ fancy .” I took it as a compliment , given that I liked the metallic threads in my button-up shirts , I thought hair should only be feathered , and I covered my K-Swiss with inspirational quotes before inspirational quotes were a thing . “ Why be anything other than fancy ?” I would say to myself under my breath . “ You ’ re special and noticeable , and everything else pales in comparison to you .” I also liked the word because I could spell it . I was a terrible speller .
My love of being fancy was topped only by my love of candy . I was a sucker — see what I did there ?— for Lemonheads , gum drops , jawbreakers that changed the color of my tongue , and gumballs . God , how I loved gumballs .
22 | The French Quarterly
Even though I still love the word “ fancy ,” I have developed a tad more appreciation for words that say the same thing but a little , well , fancier . Words that include “ quality ,” “ beauty ,” “ sustainable ,” and “ locally-made .” All those words highlight the New Orleans institution that is Bevolo Lighting . With locations dotting the New Orleans map like cocktail stains , Bevolo has been responsible for lighting the city of New Orleans and specifically the French Quarter since 1945 . Family owned and operated , this New Orleans beacon of perfection is responsible for the handcrafted ironwork lighting much of the Quarter . You can catch a glimpse of their dynamic styles , crafted to last a lifetime , at the Cabildo in Jackson Square . You can dine under their glow and mesmerizing designs at Tableau , also in Jackson Square , and sleep amongst their stars at the Royal Sonesta , and the Bourbon Orleans .