King of White Linen
Community member and attorney Josh Rubenstein holds the reputation of "King of White Linen." Keep reading to find out why and learn a little bit more about his New Orleans favorites.
Q: What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
A: The food. Hands (or forks) down, there is no other city with so many incredible restaurants.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being Jewish in New Orleans?
A: The community is close knit and active and one can make a meaningful impact immediately—if you want to contribute in New Orleans, you don’t have to wait years or make a big donation to become a leader, there are opportunities for everyone.
Q: We hear that you have gained the title “King of White Linen” – tell us about it!
A: I live in the Warehouse District near Julia Street so I’ve hosted a post-White Linen Night party for the past 10 years. A few years ago, a friend asked artist Darren Butler to make a piece from a White Linen Night photo from the invitation and the piece was inscribed with “Rubenstein: King of White Linen”. It’s one of the most amazing presents I’ve ever received.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in New Orleans?
A: It all depends on what kind of food I’m looking for, but for casual neighborhood style-food, I’ve been going to Mandina's since I was a child and I always try to take visitors to Mosca's if there’s time. For fine dining, my favorites are Commander's Palace, Galatoire's and Emeril's, and I always enjoy Friday lunch at the Rib Room.
Q: You’re on JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, right? What have you enjoyed most about it?
A: I’ve met leaders who are doing some amazing things in their own communities and, through Cabinet, feel very connected to what is going on domestically and abroad. Through our study missions, I’ve had the privilege of seeing how our Federation donations make a significant difference in Jews' lives throughout the world. In the past four years, Cabinet has traveled to Russia, Finland and Sweden, Azerbaijan and Turkey, Romania and Hungary, and Germany and Israel. This year, I’m co-chair of the study mission, which is going to India, where Jews have lived for 2000+ years!
Q: Are you in a Mardi Gras krewe? Which one and tell us a fun memory!
A: I am in a krewe, but I’m not sure I’m allowed to publish the name. Let’s just say we roll on a Friday night. I love that so many people get into Mardi Gras and make it a point to be in the same spot every year to see their friends’ floats go by. And I love how Mardi Gras has spread New Orleans culture—I was in Winter Park one year during Mardi Gras when I was in elementary school and there were so many New Orleanians skiing that the town had a Mardi Gras parade!