Tuesday, July 15, 2014

A Spirited Toast to New Orleans : Round Table Luncheon and Tales of the Cocktail.





Darlings,
With the celebrations of the Running of the Bulls, Casa Argentina‘s Tango and Dinner Dance and 2014 Bastille Day, I have been toasting to New Orleans to no end. See and open the links
2014 Bastille Day! Wreath laying ceremony at the foot of the St. John de Arc Statue —)
Darlings, in between seeing the exciting final of the World Cup in which Germany came victorious, we attended the fun-loving French Market's Fifth Annual Bartenders and Waiters Race on Decatur Street. First-place winner was Mike Lane of H... See More
 — atSt Joan of Arc Statue.

Duchess Chiquita Bergen and I sneaked out of working at Casell Bergen Gallery to attend the Bastille's Day Fete at the Spanish Plaza.
We enjoyed so much being judges for the Dogs Dress-Up Contest with French and Jules Verne Themes
 (6 photos)
Like
Would you believe I actually got up early this morning to watch the Running of the Bulls from my friends Linda and Bruce Thomas'' balcony on Tchoupitoulas Street. It was so much fun!


Darlings, last night Casa Argentina commemorated the
198th Anniversary of Argentina’s Independence with a Dinner, Tango Show and Dance Tango Celebration at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott
Blaine Kern Ballroom. The celebration included ... See More
 — at New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center.
In addition to the above events, I also attended the delicious Krewe of Cork's Bastille Day Luncheon (14 photos)Krewe of Cork's Bastille's Day Luncheon (14 photos)
Yesterday was a busy day that I started it at the delicious Krewe of Cork's Bastille's Day Luncheon at La Louisianan Room at the Hotel Mazarin. Chef Agnes prepared a special luncheon for the Krewe and King Patrick selected the wines.


and the lovely
Susan G. Komen 's Thirteenth Annual Summer Cure -Chefs Wine Dinner (21 photos)Susan G. Komen 's Thirteenth Annual Summer Cure -Chefs Wine Dinne (21 photos)
I was invited to cover the fabulous Susan G. Komen 's Thirteenth Annual Summer Cure -Chefs Wine Dinner at the elegant Windsor Court Hotel. The delicious 5 courses- diner was prepared by James Beard awards Chefs Sue Zemanick of Gatreau's an... See More
 — atWindsor Court.
This upcoming week is one that is going to be non-stop. I look forward to kicking my week off by hosting the “All Hail the Cocktail” homage to Tales of the Cocktail at the Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday July 16 at noon
The art of a good cocktail reigns over the Big Easy as the Luncheon will shake it up. Talented mixologists and industry professionals will share a peek inside the world’s premier cocktail event. Hosted by  yours truly  in the hotel’s elegant Acadia Suite, the popular luncheon promises lively discussion, delicious cuisine, and free flowing champagne with plenty of surprises! 
Founder and Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, Mrs. Cocktail herself, Ann Tuennerman will kick things off by divulging insider tips what to look for in this year’s programming. Chairman of the House of Sandeman and seventh-generation Porto expert,George Sandeman will lead a cocktail demonstration featuring Sandeman Sangria stirred up by Restaurant R’evolution’s talented mixologist Jonathan Nunez. 
As head bartender for the historic Carousel Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, Marvin Allenwill discuss his personal cocktail philosophy and his new book “Magic in a Shaker: A Year of Spirited Libations.” Allen will top things off with a demonstration of various bar tools and share helpful hints on how to set up your own home bar. Then Elizabeth Williams, New Orleans native and President of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, will share SoFAB’s mission of discovering, understanding and celebrating the food, drink and unique culture of the South. 
For entertainment, guests will enjoy a live performance from the incomparable bass-baritoneIvan Griffin who will be accompanied by Round Table resident pianist Jim Walpole. Griffin currently serves on the faculty of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and is a member of Opera Créole, a professional New Orleans-based classical vocal ensemble dedicated to preserving and performing repertoire rooted in Créole culture.
The Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking is complimentary in the hotel’s parking garage. For reservations, please contact Shari Appel at 504-553-2221 or email her at sappel@sonesta.com. (see calendar below for menu.
And, as for the main event, Are you ready for the BEST Tales yet? Don't Miss the Annual Tales of the Cocktail Kick-Off: Toast to Tales on Wednesday, July 16 at the  Hotel Monteleone’s front steps at 2 p.m. 
Tales of the Cocktail® is the world’s premier cocktail festival, bringing together the international spirits community for five days of what’s now, what’s new and what’s next in bartending. Held annually in New Orleans, Tales of the Cocktail® has something for bartenders and spirits professionals with opportunities to mix and mingle with the brightest minds in mixology during an always-spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions, tasting rooms and new product launches. Join us in New Orleans July 16-20 for the 12th Annual Tales of the Cocktail® where for five days the cocktail reigns supreme. All Hail the Cocktail!* Visit http://talesofthecocktail.com/tales-of-the-cocktail-2014/ orhttp://talesofthecocktail.com/tales-of-the-cocktail-2014/2014-new-orleans-events/?event-type=complimentary#events
On July 16,Wednesday at the Point presents Honey Island Swamp Band, John Mooneyand  DJ El Camino. Concerts are held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Algiers Ferry Landing every Wednesday evening for eight weeks. The Algiers Ferry Landing  is at 200 Morgan Street, on the west bank of New Orleans
St. Anna's Medical Mission and Anna's Arts for Kids are joining with The Tremé Choir on Wednesday, July 16, to hold an evening of Champagne, Chocolate and 1950s music. The pastor of St. Anna's, Fr. Bill Terry said, "What a great way to raise monies for these vital and life saving missions - chocolate and fun too!"
This event will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm (6th Street entrance).  You are encouraged to wear 1950s styles.  Prizes will be given for the best costumes (7:30 pm).  Other prizes will be given at 8:30 pm. Tickets are available on line at http://stannanola.ejoinme.org/chocolate14 and at the door.     https://stannanola.ejoinme.org/chocolate14
On Sunday, July 20 - The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society will host a multi-author "My New Orleans" event Sunday, July 20 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate's Alley, New Orleans. The event will be free and open to the public and will include refreshments.
Authors to be honored at the reception are:
—New Orleans native Laura Lane McNeal, author of the newly released novel set in New Orleans in the Civil Rights era, “Dollbaby.”
—New Orleanian Amy Conner, author of the new novel, “The Right Thing,” which also deals with the impact of class and race differences on personal relationships.
—Journalist Angela Carll, also a New Orleanian, who is author of the new book “Where Writers Wrote,” a look at the residential properties in New Orleans with a literary history.
— Michael Mofiftt, a Chicago native who grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has lived in New Orleans for most of his adult life. Mike, a well known businessman and cultural activist is author of the new memoir, “Granddad's Dictionary,” which centers on the values which made America exceptional.
Michael Murphy, formerly publisher of William Morrow and former literary agent, who fell in love with New Orleans and moved here some years ago and is now a tourist industry executive. His new book, “Eat Dat,” zeroes in on the number one topic in New Orleans, food.
Following a social hour, authors will discuss their books beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Trinity Artist Series presents, on Sunday, July 20 at 5 pm:
Sophie Kuhn, soprano and Albinas Prizgintas, pianist with “A Summer Afternoon of Classical, Jazz and Musical Theater.”  
Do not miss from July 20-27, the 2014 New Orleans International Piano Competition and Keyboard Festival / Piano Institute presented by Musical Arts Society of New Orleans  at Roussel Hall, Loyola University New Orleans.

Tuesday, July 15
   'ROYAL & ST. LOUIS' BOOK LAUNCH SCHEDULE JULY 15 AT OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS IN FRENCH QUARTER·       Meet Author, LA.-native, LSU Law Grad Renée Harris Austell at Meet and Greet·       Fast-paced Thriller Travels From Streets of Paris to L.A., NYC and New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (June 30, 2014)--The Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis St., will host native Louisiana author Renée Harris Austell on Tues., July 15 for the launch of "Royal & St. Louis," a newly released fast-paced thriller named after the iconic street corner in the heart of the French Quarter where the historic luxury hotel sits. "Royal & St. Louis" takes readers from the streets of Paris to New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans, with pivotal scenes at the Omni Royal Orleans and nearby landmarks.

The book launch will coincide with the most French of American cities' Bastille Day celebrations with interviews and meet and greets with the "Royal & St. Louis" co-author beginning at 1:30 p.m., and a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m., July 15.
Austell, whose family is of French descent, was asked by co-author Robin Gohsman to spearhead the female lead character and scenes taking place in New Orleans, South Louisiana and Paris. A Louisiana native and graduate of LSU Law School, Harris Austell spent her childhood between the levees of the Mississippi River in New Orleans and the crawfish farms of French-speaking southern Louisiana. She studied in Paris and Belgium, where she worked for NATO before advising the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. She currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.
In the book, a main character, Tucker Hamlin, stays in a balcony suite overlooking the Louisiana Supreme Court building, experiencing the sights and scents of the French Quarter--its Spanish wrought-iron galleries, horse-drawn carriages, spirited tourists and the sounds of New Orleans music.
"The Omni Royal Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate the launch of our novel, as the title, 'Royal & St. Louis,' is the very cross-streets of the esteemed hotel, and poignant scenes take place at this historic icon of New Orleans," Austell said.
Co-author Robin Gohsman stated, "Renée has a certain je ne sais quoi, is as unique as New Orleans and is as intriguing as the Cajun culture. Her French Quarter intimacy, international experience and legal expertise are woven into the fabric of 'Royal & St. Louis' in a way that will authentically connect the reader with the wonder and mystery of the storyline."
"Royal & St. Louis" has garnered early critical acclaim and outstanding reviews. Kristin Clark-Taylor, Author and former White House Communications Strategist, wrote, "'Royal & St. Louis' is filled to the brim with intrigue and authenticity. It picked me up and plopped me right down into the streets of Paris, New York, L.A., and gritty New Orleans. The ride of a lifetime! My only hope is that Gohsman and Austell don't make us wait too long for the sequel."
"Royal & St. Louis" is available for download at www.amazon.com and on the book's official website, www.royalandstlouis.com. Information about "Royal & St. Louis" can be found at http://www.royalandstlouis.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/royalandstlouis.
About "Royal & St. Louis"
Multi-billion dollar international conglomerate SYNX Global is melting down. Top executives murdered, and founder and CEO Godfrey Dolan squeezed out of his company for reasons beyond his control. Two power brokers are left standing in the corporation, Emile Fontaine, a mysterious suave sophisticate and Robert Collier, a long serving SYNX executive with many secrets. Speculations on the motive behind the murders run wild and chaos seems to rule the day as young corporate attorney Gillian Claire is thrust into a web of intrigue and deceit when she is tasked with representing the man accused of the murders. Completely out of her element, Gillian must separate fact from fiction and piece together the truth behind the murders. Can she save marketing executive and aspiring screenwriter Charlie Best from a lifetime prison sentence? Is former phenom Hollywood director Tucker Hamlin involved? Along the way she learns more than she bargains for. Each revelation spirals her deeper into the clandestine personal lives of the über wealthy and puts her at greater risk of becoming a killer's next victim.
"Royal & St. Louis" is a fast-paced thriller that spans New York, Paris, Los Angeles and New Orleans. 

July 16

  •  All Hail the Cocktail at the
    Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon
    Wednesday July 16th at 12 Noon
    iRoyal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon  
  • Wednesday July 16th at 12 No–We’re getting into the spirit for the 12th  Annual Tales of the Cocktail when the art of a good cocktail reigns over the Big Easy. On Wednesday July 16th at 12 Noon, the Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon will shake it up when talented mixologists and industry professionals share a peek inside the world’s premier event Tales of the Cocktail.  Hosted by Margarita Bergen in the hotel’s elegant Acadia Suite, the popular luncheon promises lively discussion, delicious cuisine, and free flowing champagne with plenty of surprises!  
  • Founder and Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, Mrs. Cocktail herself Ann Tuennerman will kick things off by divulging insider tips what to look for in this year’s programming. Chairman of the House of Sandeman and seventh-generation Porto expert,George Sandeman will lead a cocktail demonstration featuring Sandeman Sangria stirred up by Restaurant R’evolution’s talented mixologist Jonathan Nunez.  
  • As head bartender for the historic Carousel Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, Marvin Allen will discuss his personal cocktail philosophy and his new book Magic in a Shaker: A Year of Spirited Libations.  Allen will top things off with a demonstration of various bar tools and share helpful hints on how to set up your own home bar.   
    Then Elizabeth Williams, New Orleans native and President of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, will share SoFAB’s mission of discovering, understanding and celebrating the food, drink and unique culture of the South.  

    For entertainment, guests will enjoy a live performance from the incomparable bass-baritone Ivan Griffin who will be accompanied by Round Table resident pianist Jim Walpole. Griffin currently serves on the faculty of the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and is a member of Opera Créole, a professional New Orleans-based classical vocal ensemble dedicated to preserving and performing repertoire rooted in Créole culture. 
    Our expert culinary team has prepared an elegant three-course spread just for the occasion. The array of starters include an amuse bouche of Spiced Honeydew Melon with Campari Froth, then a Bunderfleisch and Grana Padano Cheese Soufflé with Brick Dough Pastry, George Dickel Whiskey Bell Pepper Coulis, and finally a Champagne Scented Vidalia Onion and Brie Cheese Soup with Black Berry Compote. 
    For the main entrée, guests will enjoy a duet of Herbsaint Lobster Thermidor and Neuskie’s Bacon Wrapped Veal Tournedos with Porcini Mushroom and Carpano 
    Antica Sweet Vermouth Demi Glace, Forbidden Jasmine Rice, Buttered Asparagus, and Yellow Crookneck Spaghetti. You’ll want to save room for Executive Pastry Chef Solandie Exantus’ sweet creation, a Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Chantilly Cream & Luxardo Liqueur Dark Cherry Sauce.  
    The Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking is complimentary in the hotel’s parking garage. For reservations, please contact Shari Appel at 504-553-2221 or email her at sappel@sonesta.com.-
  • Wednesday, July 16
    1950's Evening with Champagne and Chocolate
    To Raise Funds for Medical Unit, Children's Arts
     
    NEW ORLEANS (6/25/14) - St. Anna's Medical Mission and Anna's Arts for Kids are joining with The Tremé Choir on Wednesday, July 16, to hold an evening of Champagne, Chocolate and 1950's music. The pastor of St. Anna's, Fr. Bill Terry said, "What a great way to raise monies for these vital and life saving missions - chocolate and fun too!"
    This event will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm (6th Street entrance).  You are encouraged to wear 1950's styles.  Prizes will be given for the best costumes (7:30 pm).  Other prizes will be given at 8:30 pm.  Tickets are available on line at http://stannanola.ejoinme.org/chocolate14 and at the door.
     
    St. Anna's Medical Mission offers free health care, screening and referrals especially for the uninsured.  Anna's Arts for Kids provides academic enrichment, music training, and conflict resolution skills through the school year and during summer camp. The Tremé Choir is a local group of musicians who enjoy performing a wide range of musical styles and represent the missions and outreach programs of St. Anna's faith community.
     
    For more information about the concert contact Darryl Durham (504) 249-1901
  • Wednesday, July 16 
  • Swirl Women's Cycling Event Series Kick Off Party, July 16, 6-8pm  - Swirl will host a kick-off party for a new event in town called the New Orleans Womens Cycling Series which runsfrom July 16th to July 20th. Each day there will be a variety of fun events and rides geared towards promoting women's cycling in Greater New Orleans. The party at Swirl will be Wednesday night, July 16 from 6-8pm with drink specials for attending participants. Come over and make some new cycling friends and find out what it's all about!  Check out the facebook page for a schedule of events and details: NO Women's Cycling
3143 Ponce de Leon Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
504.304.0635

7-16-14
 Are you ready for the BEST Tales yet?

Don't Miss the Annual Tales of the Cocktail® Kick-Off:
Toast to Tales

Wednesday, July 16th at 2:00 pm
Monteleone Front Steps


 July 16-20, 2014

About Tales of the Cocktail®
Tales of the Cocktail® is the world’s premier cocktail festival, bringing together the international spirits community for five days of what’s now, what’s new and what’s next in bartending. Held annually in New Orleans, Tales of the Cocktail® has something for bartenders and spirits professionals with opportunities to mix and mingle with the brightest minds in mixology during an always-spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions, tasting rooms and new product launches. Join us in New Orleans July 16-20 for the 12th Annual Tales of the Cocktail® where for five days the cocktail reigns supreme. All Hail the Cocktail!
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS) is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique cocktail culture in New Orleans and around the world through education and outreach. Every year the NOCCPS produces a number events including Tales of the Cocktail®, Tales of the Cocktail® on Tour, and Tales of the Toddy® with proceeds being invested back into the international spirits community through educational programs, scholarships, training programs and financial aid.
 


Wednesday, July 16
 Things To Do This Week
Bin 428 is proud to be partnering with Belladonna Day Spa and Retail Therapy on Magazine Street to present a book signing and bourbon tasting event with Kayleigh Kulp, author of Booze for Babes. Per the author's website: "The book is about teaching women how to drink better. It's about helping them understand their relationship with the hard stuff. It's about encouraging them to pursue the finer things formerly outside of their comfort zone through education, historical context and plenty of tasting." For tickets or more information regarding the event, please contact Belladonna Day Spa and Retail Therapy at (504) 891-4393.
Free Friday Wine Tasting
DATE: July 18th
TIME: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
For this Friday's tasting, we will be sampling some of staff member Darrell's picks from our shelves. A fan of Old World producers, Darrell has decided to showcase four French selections. Come on out and sample some of these lighter summer wines, all of which work well with a chill
Bin 428
2801 Magazine Street, Corner of Magazine and Washington
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 269-6200


Sunday, July 20
The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society will host a multi-author "My New Orleans" event Sunday, July 20 from 2:30 to 4:30 p. m.
at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate's Alley, New Orleans, LA. The event will be free and open to the public and will include refreshments.

Authors to be honored at the reception are:
—New Orleans native Laura Lane McNeal, author of the newly released novel set in New Orleans in the Civil Rights era, Dollbaby.
—New Orleanian Amy Conner, author of the new novel, The Right Thing, which also deals with the impact of class and race differences on personal relationships.
—Journalist Angela Carll, also a New Orleanian, who is author of the new book Where Writers Wrote, a look at the residential properties
in New Orleans with a literary history.
Michael Mofiftt, a Chicago native who grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has lived in New Orleans for most of his adult life. Mike, a well known businessman and cultural activiist, is author of the new memoir, Granddad's Dictionary, which centers on the values which made 
America exceptional.
Michael Murphy, formerly publisher of William Morrow and also a literary agent, who fell in love with New Orleans and moved
here some years ago and is now a tourist industry excutive.  His new book. Eat Dat. zeroes in on the number one topic in New Orleans, food.

Following a social hour, authors will discuss their books beginning at 3:30 p.m. 

While the event is free to the general public, RSVPs are requested for purposes of refreshments planning. To RSVP, e-mail, Faulkhouse@aol.com or call 504-524-2940, the phone number for Faulkner House Books, which also will be taking 
advance reservations for books with credit card information.

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