Tuesday, June 9, 2015

A Toast to New Orleans: FestiGals/Creole Tomato Fest & upcoming Round Table Luncheon

A Toast to New Orleans! 
Darlings,
This past week I had a lot of opportunities to toast to New Orleans. My toasts started at The Columns Hotel, where the celebration was going on for its 100-year anniversary and my darling friends Claire and Jacques Creppel's 35 years of ownership. I saw so many friends who used to hang around there like me.

On Friday I attended the lovely luncheon of the Fashion Group International at Antoine's.

 FGI presented Fête des Chapeaux!‏

'Having a fashionable delicious time at the Fashion Group's luncheon at Antoine's'


 I also stopped by Galatoire's to toast the birthday of my darling friend Linda Alexander and I had been invited to stop by the Rib Room where my darling friends Paul Aucoin and Vic Planetta were holding Court.

On Friday evening it was time to dress up in my pastel colors and attend The Faulkner Society’s annual overture to the summer social season and fundraiser, Juleps in June. The Faulkner Society is partnering with ONE BOOK, ONE NEW ORLEANS this year to present literacy programming for at-risk teenagers and adults, focusing on the new book by Brian Boyles about an explosive period of recent city development, “New Orleans Boom and Blackout: 100 Days in America’s Coolest Hot Spot.” Brian was among guests of honor for Juleps in June.

Also honored was renowned art collector, designer, and dermatologist Dr. Nia Terezakis, whose new book, “Artful Feast,” is a dazzling reference book for the creative life. Joining them as an honoree is one of our city’s best and most entertaining fiction writers, Patty Friedmann, master storyteller of wacky Southern family drama, whose new book, “Do Not Open for 50 Years,” is the final installment of her Cooper family trilogy. Juleps in June saluted these authors, and took place at the residence of Honorary Chairs Tia & James Roddy, 26 Audubon Place. The event funds literacy and writer initiatives.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152762584365870.1073742465.581200869&type=1&l=a737bd631f

The party opened with mint juleps, Mr. Faulkner’s favored libation, served in traditional, silver julep cups—the party favor for patrons—and hors d’oeuvres. It continued with music by Robert Eustis and the Jasper Brothers, open bar, and a sumptuous buffet presented by Chef Glenn Vatschell of Palate New Orleans.

On Saturday, I celebrated at the 16th Annual French-American Chamber of Commerce Summer Wine Festival at the second floor of the Shops on Canal Place. As in the past, it was delicious, the wines and champagnes were decadent and the entertainment was superb.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152764504905870.1073742466.581200869&type=1&l=d0c09d1e68
Margarita Bergen's photo.
That evening, before I went to Canal Place for the Summer Wine Festival, I stopped by several art galleries on Julia Street: Ariodante and Callan Contemporary, as well as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for The Rising Exhibition Opening Reception. It was very fast but I enjoyed seeing all the talented artists.

Darlings, if there is one thing I love is to see it is other women wearing beautiful, elegant hats. On Sunday,  at the annual birthday brunch of the English-Speaking Union New Orleans Branch's "A Buckingham Palace Garden Party'' in celebration of the Official Birthday of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the New Orleans Country Club, I was in heaven. I remembered when a few years ago, I was the judge. It was very difficult. As you are going to see by the photos, there were many great hats.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152765827245870.1073742467.581200869&type=1&l=06957571f6
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After that luncheon, I was so exhausted that I could not keep going so I missed the WYES “Chocolate Sunday,” which I heard was divine. 


I am looking forward to resting a little bit so I can enjoy the upcoming week since it will feature the much-anticipated FestiGals, as well as the French Market's Creole Tomato Fest.  
On June 9, The Historic New Orleans Collection celebrates the release of its latest book, "Henry Howard: Louisiana's Architect," which is co-published by THNOC and Princeton Architectural Press, is written by Robert S. Brantley with Victor McGee and features photographs by Brantley and Jan White Brantley.
 A New Orleans-based architectural photographer, Robert S. Brantley and his contributors pieced together the legacy of one of the most prolific, yet historically elusive, architects of 19th-century New Orleans.


The historic French Market transforms into an elegant dinner setting on Wednesday, June 10, when Justin Devillier, Executive Chef of La Petite Grocery and Balise, and a team of award-winning chefs come together to prepare a family-style dinner reflecting fresh local, seasonal food. The chefs include Slade Rushing, Executive Chef Brennan’s; Vishwesh Bhatt, Executive Chef of City Grocery Restaurant Group (Oxford, MS); Rebecca Wilcomb, Chef de Cuisine of Herbsaint; and Kristen Essig, Executive Chef of Meauxbar. A cocktail reception of handcrafted cocktails by Cane & Table will begin the evening, featuring handcrafted vodkas by Cathead Vodka.

That evening I have been invited to cover the annual soiree in honor of the members of  The WYES Producers Circle. The WYES Producers Circle is a dedicated group of donors who provide significant support to WYES through annual gifts of $1,200 and more. Producers Circle members are a diverse group united by their commitment to quality public television service for the people of New Orleans, southeast Louisiana and surrounding communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
This summer, Rebirth, Johnny Sansone, Bonerama, The Write Brothers, and more will head across the river to the 2015 Wednesdays on the Pointconcert series in Algiers.
The eight week summer concert series will take place every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from June 10 through July 29.
Last year, the event hosted more than 20,000 attendees over the eight week run.
On Thursday,  June 11, as a Have-Been Grand Diva for the FestiGals, I have been invited to attend the coronation our Soul Queen Irma Thomas as the 5th Grand Diva of the Stilleto Stroll Parade. See calendar below for all the events. 
That evening is also Pause 4 Paws that benefits the Louisiana SPCA. Various restaurants in the Greater New Orleans Area will be donating 20 percent of their proceeds from breakfast, lunch or dinner to the LA/SPCA. The LA/SPCA is a private nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of animal suffering.
Darlings- The OTHER  place to be on Thursday, June 11 is at "Thursdays at Twilight" at City Park when the fabulous YAT PACKwill be performing at Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden
Gates open at 5pm; music begins at 6pm-Parking: There is a free parking lot across the street from the Botanical Garden.Admission: $10/person
Yat Pack is a New Orleans based -and modeled on the 60's Vegas swing era. They will perform classic big band numbers by Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin as well as contemporary artists like
Michael Bublé, Billy Joel, and Harry Connick, Jr. They will also mix in a heavy dose of good old New Orleans R&B. www.theyatpack.com

On Friday, June 12 is the 2nd Annual Opera in the Piazza, a romantic evening of arias under the stars in the Piazza d’Italia.  Enjoy a festive setting with Italian food and drinks, presented by the American Italian Cultural Center with a performance by members of the New Orleans Opera. The talented singers will include Kathleen Halm, Tyler Smith, Elizabeth Evans, Jacob Penick, Kameron Lopreore and Hayley Whitney, accompanied on piano by Timothy Todd Simmons and two other musicians. They will perform arias from famous operas in the Italian repertoire, plus other Italian-language favorites.
Tickets: $10 per person in advance or $15 per person at the door.  VIP tickets are available for $50 per person. Read all about it in this Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate’s BEAUCOUP magazine pullout; also posted on the Advocate’s website on Wednesday evening.
That evening is also the Spotlight on Success that benefits the March of Dimes. This event pays tribute to a group of outstanding professionals in the Greater New Orleans Area. There will be a silent auction, and all proceeds go to the March of the Dimes, which has funded many scientific breakthroughs in the field of infant prematurity and birth defects.
This is also the weekend of the Creole Tomato Festival, June 13-14 at the French Market in the French Quarter. (See calendar for complete schedule.)
Darlings, on Saturday, June 13, you are invited to an Evening with CCH Pounder at the Contemporary Arts Center. Join in for an evening with acclaimed actress CCH Pounder reading from Donald Rawley's “Slow Dance on the Fault Line.” This singular event will feature a poetry and spoken word performance by the actress, live music and an exclusive post-show experience, through which the audience will have the opportunity to meet the award-winning actress. As part of this special event, guests will have the chance to participate in a jewelry raffle for a necklace designed by the actress herself. (See the calendar below for complete details.) 

On Saturday, June 13 is the 610 Stompers Ball Crawl. This is the sixth annual “Ball Crawl” around Uptown New Orleans.The 610 Stompers is a diverse group of men in an all-male dance krewe who desire to entertain the world with their “extraordinary moves” and give back to the community they love.
On Sunday, June 14 it is the  25th annual Le Gala de la Bonne Vie that benefits the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana at the New Orleans Marriott. The gala will feature cocktails and bidding on their fabulous silent auction. The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana is a statewide voluntary nonprofit health organization dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease.
Before I conclude this blog I want to share the information about the ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY.

The monthly Round Table Luncheon, hosted by Social Columnist and bon vivant Margarita "Dahling" Bergen, will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Wednesday, June 17 at Antoine's restaurant, 713 St. Louis Street in the heart of the historic French Quarter. The event will start at 12 noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m.
The luncheons are styled after those of Dorothy Parker's Round Table Luncheons which were held at New York’s Algonquin Hotel between 1919 and 1929. The first New Orleans Round Table Luncheon was held on August 18, 2005 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, just ten days before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The event was put on hiatus for several months but it resumed in the spring of 2006 and has been held every month since then.
Over the years, the luncheon has featured leading cultural/artist figures, business and community leaders and other prominent individuals discussing a variety of topics that have impacted the Crescent City. During those years, the luncheon has helped shape the direction of New Orleans during a period of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.
The commemorative luncheon being held at Antoine’s on June 17 will feature the first guest at the first luncheon: nationally award-winning writer, storyteller, speaker and humorist, Verna Gates. And in the spirit of Dorothy Parker, talented “Wit and Wrath” star “Miss Claudia” Baumgarten will be channeling Ms. Parker with some of the great American writer’s most famous anecdotes and humorous observations on life.
Live entertainment will be provided by pianist Jim Walpole.
Guests will be greeted by a glass of champagne to go along with the menu of a Summer Salad (mixed greens, pecans, cranberries in a pepper jelly vinaigrette) or Alligator Soup, and an entrée choice of either Shrimp Creole over rice or Demi-Chicken Rochambeau. Dessert will be Antoine’s famous Baked Alaska with Chocolate Sauce
For this special 10th anniversary occasion, Antoine’s is offering the one-time-only discounted price of $39.99 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuities. 
For reservations call 504-495-9181 - The price will go up to $45 after June 15.


Darlings, have a great week -It is yours to be!

Photos from this past week
I stopped by several art galleries on Julia Street : Ariodante and Callan Contemporary as well as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for The Rising Exhibition Opening Reception. It was very fast but enjoyed seeing all the talented artists.

Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
y darling friend Linda Alexander celebrated her birthday at Galatoire's and I stopped by to take her photograph and her friends.

While at Galatoire's I saw my old-time friend Rich Hooper of Hooper's Carte des Vins along with Karen Stone, and Joe Briand, GM of Herb Saints

'And the fun continues at Rib Room'
The Columns Hotel where the celebration was going on its 100 years and my darling friends Claire and Jacques Creppel's 35 year of ownership. I saw so many friends that used to hang around like me there.
 — with Rebecca Conwell and Margarita Bergen at The Columns Hotel.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - For complete calendar listings visit : Lafete News 6-8-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-june-8.html…
  Tuesday, June 9
Few nineteenth-century architects ventured far from the pattern-book styles of their time. One architect not constrained by tradition was the Irish-born American Henry Howard, who started as a carpenter and stair builder in 1836 New York and arrived in New Orleans the following year, soon establishing a reputation for distinctive designs that blended American and European trends. His career gained momentum as he went on to design an extraordinarily diverse portfolio of magnificent residences and civic buildings in New Orleans and its environs.

 


          Book release and signing for "Henry Howard: Louisiana's Architect," featuring author and photographer Robert S. Brantley

 6:00-8:00 p.m.
     The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana  
         This event is free and open to the public. The book retails for $60 and will be available for purchase at the event. For details, visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662.

            On June 9, The Historic New Orleans Collection celebrates the release of its latest book, "Henry Howard: Louisiana's Architect," which is co-published by THNOC and Princeton Architectural Press, is written by Robert S. Brantley with Victor McGee and features photographs by Brantley and Jan White Brantley.
                                    A New Orleans-based architectural photographer, Robert S. Brantley and his contributors pieced together the legacy of one of the most prolific, yet historically elusive, architects of 19th-century New Orleans.
                                    Henry Howard (1818-1884) emigrated from Ireland to the US in 1836, arriving in New Orleans a year later. By 1844, he had established himself as an architect, launching a four-decade career.
                                    Howard's designs ranged from humble cottages to elegant urban residences to grand plantations, as well as civic buildings, churches and commercial properties. Nottoway and Madewood Plantations, the Robert Short house in the Garden District, Jackson Square's Pontalba Buildings, and Saints Peter and Paul Church in the Marigny are among the extant structures credited to Howard.
                                    With more than 350 pages and 330 images, including new and historical photos, plans and archival drawings, the hardcover volume continues THNOC's tradition of beautifully produced, meticulously researched books. Brantley will discuss his experiences creating this work at the June 9 event and will sign copies of the book. A light cocktail reception will follow.
                                    "Henry Howard: Louisiana's Architect" retails for $60 at THNOC's museum shop, independent bookstores and national retailers. The book release event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662.

533 Royal Street | 400-410 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana  70130
(504) 523-4662 | wrc@hnoc.org | www.hnoc.org

JUN 10
Big Sam's Funky Nation
+ Amanda Shaw
The concerts will take place every Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., in downtown New Orleans at Lafayette Square Between Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue, directly across from Gallier Hall).

June 10- Rebirth Brass Band at Wednesday at the Point
June 10, 2015
French Market 2nd Annual Summer Harvest Gala
6:30-10:00PM


Kick off the Creole Tomato Festival in style and help support the development of future farmers' markets at the French Market in New Orleans! The historic French Market transforms into an elegant dinner setting on Wednesday, June 10th, when Justin Devillier, Executive Chef of La Petite Grocery and Balise, and a team of award-winning chefs including Slade Rushing, Executive Chef Brennan's; Vishwesh Bhatt, Corporate Chef of City Grocery Restaurant Group (Oxford, MS); Rebecca Wilcomb, Chef de Cuisine of Herbsaint; and Kristen Essig, Executive Chef of Meauxbar, come together to prepare a family-style dinner reflecting fresh local, seasonal food. A cocktail reception featuring handcrafted cocktails by Cane & Table will begin the evening, mixed with handcrafted vodkas by Cathead Vodka. The event celebrates the culinary traditions that the French Market represent. Proceeds will support the development of the current and future farmers markets at the French Market.

Wednesday, June 10
- FREE Performance
with Bon Operatit! Featuring The Best of George Gershwin
 7:00 - 9:00 p.m....
10
 
 
We've "Got Rhythm"

A FREE Performance
with Bon Operatit! Featuring
The Best of George Gershwin

Wednesday, June 10 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter


541 Bourbon Street
$5.00 valet parking at the hotel
To reserve a table call (504) 524-7611 ext 146

For more information visit
www.BonOperatit.com or call (504) 232-1046
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Thursday, June 11
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 
5010 St. Charles Ave. (at Robert Street)

 
EVENT OVERVIEW

 
Visit a different historic neighborhood and renovation in-progress each month for this educational event.

 
Tour a four-story private residence on the Avenue dating back to approximately 1910. Drs. Naomi and W. Kenneth Mann are restoring the home's structural and architectural integrity with the assistance of historic rehabilitation tax credits.

 
Join PRC's petition to extend the historic tax credits and encourage progress through preservation!

 
EVENT COST

 
FREE for PRC members
$10 for non-members

 
Light refreshments provided, including complimentary "remodeled" classic cocktails by distiller Lucas Bols U.S.A.   

 Thursday, June 11 
"Dine Out For Paws"
 

The Louisiana SPCA's sixth annual  event will take place Thursday, June 11. Dozens of New Orleans-area restaurants will donate 20 percent of their proceeds from lunch and dinner service to the region's largest animal welfare organization.
A full list of participating restaurants can be found here, or you can click on the map and investigate places to eat in your own neighborhood.
A full list of participating restaurants
Andrea's Restaurant (L,D) - 3100 19th St., Metairie - 504.834.8583
Booty's Street Food (A) - 800 Louisa St., New Orleans - 504.266.2887
The Bulldog - Mid-city (D) - 5135 Canal Blvd., New Orleans - 504.488.4191
The Bulldog - Uptown (D) - 3236 Magazine St., New Orleans - 504.891.1516
Café Amelie (L,D) - 912 Royal St., New Orleans - 504.412.8965
Café Degas (D) - 3127 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans - 504.945.5635
Cafe Freret (L,D) - 7329 Freret St., New Orleans - 504.861.7890 (Will be closed June 11, dine out June 12)
Casa Tequila Mexican Restaurant (L,D) - 3229 Williams Blvd., Kenner - 504.443.5423
CoNola Grill & Sushi (D) - 619 Pink St., Metairie - 504.837.0055
Crêpes à la Cart (L,D) - 1039 Broadway St., New Orleans - 504.866.2362
Cure (D) - 4905 Freret St., New Orleans - 504.302.2357
Dis & Dem (A) - 2540 Banks St., New Orleans - 504.909.0458
Del Fuego Taqueria (L,D) - 4518 Magazine St., New Orleans - 504.309.5797
EAT New Orleans (L,D) - 900 Dumaine St., New Orleans - 504.522.7222
G.B.'s Patio Bar & Grill (D) - 8117 Maple St., New Orleans - 504.861.0067
Gautreau's (D) - 1728 Soniat St., New Orleans - 504.899.7397
GG's Dine-o-Rama (D) - 3100 Magazine St., New Orleans - 504.373.6579
Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant (L,D) - 200 Poydras St., New Orleans - 504.552.2739
The Irish House (L,D) - 1432 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans - 504.595.6755
Lager's International Ale House (D) - 3501 Veterans Blvd., Metairie - 504.887.9923
La Petite Grocery (D) - 4238 Magazine St., New Orleans - 504.891.3377
La Thai Uptown (D) - 4938 Prytania St., New Orleans - 504.899.886
Maïs Arepas (D) - 1200 Carondelet St., New Orleans - 504.523.6247
Mariza (D) - 2900 Chartres St., Ste. 100, New Orleans - 504.361.8293
Mark Twain's Pizza (L,D) - 2035 Metairie Rd., Metairie - 504.832.8032
Midway Pizza (L,D) - 4725 Freret St., New Orleans - 504.322.2815
Mona Lisa Restaurant (D) - 1212 Royal St., New Orleans - 504.522.6746
Nacho Mamas Mexican Grill (D) - 100 S. Clearview Pkwy., Ste. 1016, Harahan - 504.736.1188
Nonna Mia Café & Pizzeria (D) - 3125 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans - 504.948.1717
Noodle & Pie (L) - 741 State St., New Orleans - 504.252.9431
Old Arabi Eats (L,D) - 7005 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans - 504.563.0131
Ralph's on the Park (D) - 550 Bienville St., New Orleans - 504.488.1000
Redemption Mid-City Restaurant (D) - 3835 Ibervills St., New Orleans - 504.309.3570
Rock-n-Sake Bar & Sushi (D) - 823 Fulton St., New Orleans - 504.581.7253
Roundhouse Bar & Grill - Holiday Inn Westbank (L,D) - 275 Whitney Ave., New Orleans - 504.366.8535
Santa Fe Restaurant (L,D) - 3201 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans - 504.948.0077
The Scotts' Coffee & Tapas Bar (D) - 201 Carroll St., Mandeville - 985.231.7632
Vacherie (L,D) - 827 Toulouse St., New Orleans - 504.522.7222
The Velvet Cactus (D) - 6300 Argonne Blvd., New Orleans - 504.301.2083
Vine & Dine (D) - 141 Delaronde St., New Orleans - 504.361.1402
Zea Rotisserie & Grill - Westbank (A) - 1121 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey - 504.361.8293

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See the regional premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play by New Orleans native Lisa D'Amour, whose play AIRLINE HIGHWAY has garnered four Tony Award nominations!

 
DETROIT
by Lisa D'Amour
Directed by Aimée Hayes
Featuring Jessica Podewell, Mike Harkins, Laura Friedmann, Joshua Mark Sienkiewicz, and David W. Hoover

 
June  - 21 (LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!)
Ashe Power House, 1731 Baronne Street
Secure parking lot adjacent!

 
Thursday - Saturday Performances: 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinées: 3:00 PM

 
Tickets: $40
Discounts available for seniors, students, teachers, Blue Star Families, and theatre professionals by calling the Box Office at 504.522.6545.

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