Hazelnut has become something of a pilgrimage for fans of AMC’s Mad Men, in which co-owner Bryan Batt gained a following for his role as closeted art director Salvatore.

The elegant home furnishings store sits in the Uptown section of commerce-lined Magazine St, and when Batt is not working in New York or LA, you will likely find him talking to shoppers at his store.

The store is dedicated to high-quality smaller items, many of which easily fit into suitcases and make for interesting, albeit more pricey, souvenirs. “Over my dead body,” Batt laughs when talking about featuring items in the store that he and his partner Tom
woouldn’t have in their own house.

“New Orleans is like no other city in this country,” Bryan gushes. “We have our own unique way of living. It’s much more easy here!” Case in point, Batt will also sign a copy of his “momoir” She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother, should you ask politely.

And ask him about his aunt Hazel – “She was a nut!”