Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A Toast to New Orleans: July 22-28


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Darlings, last week it was indeed, as anticipated, a fabulous spirited week!

By Friday, I could not raise a toast even if my mind wanted to do it. I started toasting at the annual Royal Sonata's Round Table Luncheon when I hosted the “All Hail the Cocktail” homage to Tales of the Cocktail 2014. An unforgettable, delicious and informative luncheon featured the Founder and Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, Mrs. Cocktail herself Ann Tuennerman, who kicked things off by divulging insider tips what to look for in this year’s programming.

She was followed  by Elizabeth Williams, New Orleans native and President of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum; Marvin Allen, the head bartender at the historic Carousel Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, who discussed  his personal cocktail philosophy and his new book “Magic in a Shaker: A Year of Spirited Libations.” As an additional treat, Chairman of the House of Sandeman and seventh-generation Porto expert, George Sandeman led a cocktail demonstration featuring Sandeman Sangria stirred up by Restaurant R’evolution’s talented mixologist Jonathan Nunez.  I had the pleasure of securing and presenting to George Sandeman the Key of the City of New Orleans, which he proudly wore around his neck during his entire visit to New Orleans; at the seminars, spirited diners and soirees he attended. 

For entertainment, guests enjoyed a live performance in French from the incomparable bass-baritone Ivan Griffin of Opera Creole, who was accompanied in the piano by talented Wilfred Delpin, Opera Creole pianist. Immediately after lunch, we second-lined to the Hotel Monteleone to join the kick-off celebration for Tales of the Cocktail.

Darlings, save the date August 13 for the August Round Table Luncheon which, I am sure, will also be delightful, informative and delicious.

A few hours after the kick-off celebrations at the Monteleone Hotel, it was time to attend  the Sandeman Stroll at Tales of The cocktails 2014 (19 photos)

Led by George Sandeman of Sandeman Port we donned our hats and capes to stroll down Royal Street. Our stroll started at Latrobe's and moved on to Dickie Brennan’s Oyster House and then to Patrick van Hoorebeek's Patrick's Bar Vin. It was great experience and the culinary treats were superb.

That evening, I attended Tales of the Cocktail's Absolute Welcome Reception (22 photos) at Mardi Gras World with a Circus  Theme. It was so much fun. 

On Thursday, in between working at Casell-Bergen gallery, I attended a few of the informative and decadent seminars as you can see by the photos.  Spirited Tales of the Cocktail's seminars (20 photos)The last event that I attended.

That evening, I was invited by  George Sandeman of Sandeman Porto to the Tales of the Cocktail's Sandeman Port Spirited Dinner at Rio Mar. It was an incredible culinary and savory port experience and at the end of the delicious spirited diner we were treated to a "Century of Aged Tawny Ports" 10, 20, 30 and 40 year old flight of Sandeman aged Tawny Port.

I concluded my participation in 2014 Tales of the Cocktail by sneaking out of Casell Bergen Gallery
 to briefly join the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and the Museum of the American Cocktail in raising a glass to new cocktail-related donations to the SoFAB Culinary Library and Archive. David Wondrich, Tomas Estes, David Solmonson, and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson donated their books and served a delicious a special welcome punch created by MOTAC Advisory Board members Julian Cox andJosh Goldman. SoFAB also added Laird’s AppleJack to the SoFAB National Culinary Heritage Register.  I am planning to donate my entire cookbook collection to them as well. 

On Sunday, The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society hosted a multi-author "My New Orleans" event at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate's Alley. Authors being honored at the reception were:

—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 the publisher at William Morrow and a former literary agent, who fell in love with New Orleans and moved here several 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.
 
Photo: On Sunday, The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society hosted a multi-author "My New Orleans" event at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate's Alley. Authors being honored at the reception were:  —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 the publisher at William Morrow and a former literary agent, who fell in love with New Orleans and moved here several 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.

Darlings, before I share all the events programmed for this week, I want to express my sorrow for the passing of our beloved trumpeter and vocalist Lionel Ferbos. He died this past Saturday at his home in New Orleans, just two days after celebrating his 103rd birthday on July 17 with friends and family in the French Quarter. He was the oldest performing jazz musician in New Orleans at the time of his passing; a regular in the house band at Palm Court until just a few months ago. He will definitely be missed.

This week is going to be a culturally busy one. For starters, the 2014 New Orleans International Piano Competition and Keyboard Festival/Piano Institute presented by Musical Arts Society of New Orleans  is going on until July 27 at Roussel Hall, Loyola University New Orleans.

"Cultural Crossovers," a lesson for students, parents and the general public, will be taking place at the Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas Street on July 22 from 6-8 p.m. It will feature a presentation by a visiting African social activist, delicious New Orleans cuisine, and music by Jamal Batiste and Friends with Kid Merv Jazz Trio and AJ Mallory, Lionel Williams and the NOSACONN (New Orleans South Africa Connection) Brass Band with Mardi Gras Indians and Guest Grand Marshal. It is a partnership between PRC and NOSACONN, and it is free and open to the public. 

District C City Councilmember Nadine Ramsey  is holding a Crime Prevention Meeting this coming Wednesday,  for the FQ, Marigny, and Treme areas from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at St. Jude Community Center, 400 N. Rampart St.

I am looking forward to Wednesday because my darling friend, Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House Garden and Plantation has invited my darling friend, AP photographer Judi Bottoni, my darling dogChiquita Linda and me to spend the night and enjoy the culinary delights of The Inn at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. I adore this beautiful plantation but I have never stayed overnighthttp://www.houmashouse.com/inn.htm

That evening, July 23, Wednesday at The Point in Algiers is presenting  The Soul Rebels, Tank (Tank and The Bangas) and DJ Rik Ducci.
The New Orleans Concierge Association is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, July 25 at The Country Club.  Proceeds will benefit LowerNine.org, as well as NOCA in our goal to host a National Congress for Les Clefs d'Or, the international concierge association, in July of 2015.  This convention will bring concierges from around the country to New Orleans to "reintroduce" the city with all the wonderful progress we've made post-Katrina. There will be a traditional Hawaiian luau, complete with live music by Hawaii 504 and dancing by Nola Hula.  


On Friday, July 25,  at 8 p.m.  Johnny Angel and Helldorado will be playing at the Old U. S. Mint.



On Sunday, July 27, Trinity Artist Series is presenting "SUMMERTIME and The Livin' is Easy..." Pianist/organist Albinas Prizgintas and Friends offer a program featuring the “BEST SUMMER SONGS EVER.”

OHNO Co. will present The 4th Annual New Orleans Daiquiri Festival, taking place at 548 Marigny Street (Marigny & Decatur) in New Orleans on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 & 27, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 
 By popular demand, Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse has rolled out their "Five at Five" happy hour. Now and throughout the summer, the Playhouse invites you to sit back and chill with $5 cocktails and creative small plates each weeknight from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Located at 300 Bourbon Street inside the landmark Royal Sonesta, the Big Easy's hottest Jazz venue offers outstanding live Jazz programing within a luxurious yet intimate club setting.  For a complete list of all performances at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, visit www.sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans


Darlings, have a great week and do not miss seeing the last week of “Under the Boardwalk,” playing at Le Petit Theater until July 26. Le Petit's summer offering is an encore production of the popular original musical revue “Under the Boardwalk.” The show celebrates some of the greatest hits of the 1950s and '60s, showcasing the classic harmonies of the Four Seasons, Beach Boys, Doo-wop, and Motown, accompanied by a live 'big band' orchestra. 
And, if you wish to support a good cause, come out on Sunday, July 27 when the Saenger Theatre presents local celebrity trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, of which he is the musical director. The concert and the Patron Party that proceeds it will benefit the Tipitina’s Foundation, which brings musical instruments, musical instruction, music scholarships and other benefits to the young people of New Orleans. The foundation also helps adult professional musicians in many ways through its music co-ops throughout Louisiana. The foundation is also renovating the Orpheum Theater in downtown New Orleans which has been shuttered since suffering Katrina damage nine years ago, hoping to get it back open by next summer.
To learn more about this gala event go to www.saengernola.com or www.tipitinasfoundation.org. Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tipitinasfoundation or either of the following phone numbers: box office (504) 287-0351; foundation office (504) 309-7934.



Photos:Please click and open the link to see all the other photos

WOW! The annual Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon saluting Tales of the Cocktail was awesome!
— at Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


OMG- Last night Tales of the Cocktail's Sandeman Port Spirited Dinner at Rio Mar was exquisite. I was invited by George Sandeman of Sandeman Port and it was an incredible culinary and savory port experience. At the end of the delicious spirited diner we were treated to a "Century of Aged Tawny Ports" 10,20, 30 and 40 year old flight of Sandeman aged Tawny Port. — at RioMar.
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Led by George Sandeman of Sandeman Port we don our hat and capes to stroll down Royal Street. Our stroll started a Latrobes and move on to Dickie's Brennan Oyster house and then to Patrick van Hoorebeek's Patrick's Bar Vin. It was great experience and the culinaries treats were superb.














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Tales of the Cocktail 2014 has provided us in the past few days with incredible fun-loving experiences such as the ABSOLUT WELCOME RECEPTION with a Circus theme at Mardi Gras World! — at Mardi Gras World.



































 Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, Philip M. Dobard, Tomas Estes, Dale DeGroff, Lisa Laird Dunn, Liz Williams, Laura Johnson McMillian and David Wondrich at SoFAB Culinary Library and Archive





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