A Toast to NO July 21-27 : Dining out for Life-Summer Cure Chef Dinner

A TOAST TO NEW ORLEANS!

 

 

 

Darlings,

I should be wearing a big sign that proclaims “I survived a very Spirited Week.”

The Spirits were Calling – and of course I answered . I was there  for five days of seminars, tastings, product launches, competitions, networking events and so much more at the world’s premier professional cocktail event.

I started it at my annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting the “Tales of the Cocktail.” The spirited luncheon, attended by nearly 100 people, was a great success thanks to the speakers, including“Mrs. Cocktail” herself -- Ann Tuennerman, Founder and Director of the Tales of the Cocktail, who kicked  things off by divulging insider tips on what to look for in this year’s programming.

Ann was followed by cocktail historian Elizabeth Pearce, who prepared a special cocktail using champagne and Herbsaint. She also entertained us with a funny drinking song while accompanying herself on the ukulele. Guests enjoyed a live performance from talented pianist/vocalist, Giselle Bonfaire, who delighted the audience with beautiful songs in French and English. (I want to thank Giselle very much for providing the excellent sound system that enabled me and the guest speakers to be heard throughout the dining area.) Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the non-stop champagne, the wines and the delicious luncheon served at the historic Antoine's Restaurant.The next one will be at Antoine's on Wednesday, August 19, 2015.

Guests also enjoyed the presence of George Sandeman of Sandeman Port who invited the audience at the annual Sandeman Stroll that started at the Monteleone Hotel, site of the Tales of the Cocktail opening reception. PLEASE OPEN THESE LINKS TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS

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That evening I attended the big soiree  of the  Tales of the Cocktail at the National World II Museum hosted by William Grant and Sons, it was titled 

." 2084: Welcome to Yonderyear where anything is possible."

The Ambassadors of William Grant & Sons and their celebrity bartender friends from around the world invited us to the happiest night of your life, 69 years before it happens.  —It was spectacular, 

“The Don,” George Sandeman invited me to join him at this sold-out, Spirited Sandeman Port dinner at Emeril's. It featured Chef de Cuisine David Slater and our host, George Sandeman with mixologists Jonathan Pogash, Hal Wolin, and Pamela Wiznitzer. The delicious, awesome evening featured Haute Cuisine and Sandeman Port Cocktails. I will always treasure the memories of this unforgettable night. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152846739925870.1073742489.581200869&type=1&l=8d7887f67d

 The rest of the week, I actually was very selective since I needed to work at Casell-Bergen gallery and I could not be under the influence of decadent libations. I did enjoy attending delicious and informative seminars, though. 

Unfortunately, I missed the opening of the French Film Festival at the Prytania Theater but I made it up by attending a very lovely and informative documentary: “A Year in Champagne,” which was followed by the Champagne tasting hosted by Pearl Wines.

Darlings, before I share all the fun events that have been scheduled for this upcoming week, I want to express my condolences to my darlings fellow journalists Marda Burton who lost her husband Richard Burton in Laurel, Mississippi and Diane Sustendal who also lost her husband John Peter Labouisse III.http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/07/navy_veteran_new_orleans_finan.html

The city of New orleans also lost three other great pillars: Stephen Scalia, one of the longest-term residents of the French Quarter at 91. Steve and his late partner, Milton Melton, cherished the life they were able to have in this neighborhood, and were ardent advocates for its preservation. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theneworleansadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-scalia&pid=175312542&fhid=29859

Funeral home owner, Armand Louis Charbonnet, affectionately known as "Big Daddy," went on to eternal rest on the evening of July 9 at the age 84, surrounded by loved ones. Also Anthony "Tony" Angello, founder of Tony Angello's Ristorante, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, age 88. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theneworleansadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=anthony-angello-tony&pid=175304644&fhid=5630#sthash.oU25zAep.dpuf

Darlings, after the spirited week, I needed to get a few days of R&R and, as such, along with my brother, Lorenzo Bergen and my darling dog Chiquita Linda we are taking a brief sojourn to Destin. I really need it but I am looking forward to be refreshed for all the fun events that will include:  On Thursday, July 23, do what we do best in New Orleans - go out to eat with your friends and family. If you live here you love good food and time with your friends, so what could be easier than Dining Out For Life to help raise money for the programs and services of NO/AIDS Task Force? I will be in town for it. 

On Friday, July 24 at the Windsor Court., it will the annual fundraiser : Summer Cure Chefs Wine Dinner to Benefit Susan G. Komen New Orleans.  It will be an evening of live entertainment, live and silent auctions, a dinner by award-winning chefs, and selected wine by Wine Importers Extraordinaire. Susan G. Komen New Orleans’ mission is to save lives and end breast cancer. Contact: 455-7310.

On Saturday, it is  time to attend the Help Feed an Angel Reception at Belloc at Hotel Modern (see calendar below for all the details). The Mission of Help Free an Angel, Inc (HFAA) is to serve single parents of children with disabilities by providing the necessary resources and tools.

The French Film Festival continues until July 23. Raise a glass of champagne to the 12 films featured in this year's festival and toast their presenting partners, the  Consulat Général de France à la Nouvelle-Orléans and the  Prytania Theatre.  

http://tickets.neworleansfilmfestival.org/WebSales/pages/list.aspx?epguid=5a0707e5-c66d-4525-890d-387ece55b48b&

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde's comedic masterpiece, is being presented by the New Orleans Shakespeare  Festival presents from July 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the 25th. Call (504) 865-5106.

Thursdays at Twilight in City Park presents, on July 23, Cajun fiddler Bruce Daigrepont. When Daigrepont was growing up, no family gathering was complete without a little playing and singing. These days he spreads the joy to others, helping to popularize Cajun music and Cajun dancing in New Orleans.

Have a great week

I got to visit few of the seminars at Tales of the Cocktail with Dale DeGroff, Alexander Julian and George Sandeman. I have to leave fast because the drinks were divine and I needed to go to work

 — with Dale DeGroff and Julian Alexander.

The Ambassadors of William Grant & Sons and their celebrity bartender friends from around the world invite you to the happiest night of your life, 69 years before it happens.

 — at World War 2 Museum.

Calendar of events:  Please visit LaFete News 7-20-15

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-july-20.html…

Join us with David G. Spielman! At Garden District Book Shop- 2727 Prytania

Tuesday July 21st 6-7:30 PM      The Katrina Decade: Images of an Altered City includes 125 stark, black-and-white photos of New Orleans in the years after the storm. Acting as a window into New Orleans in the last ten years and providing an extension of the work done by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Farm Security Administration (FSA). With images whose simplicity evokes the work of FSA photographers Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and Gordon Parks. In the ten years since Hurricane Katrina's storm surge overwhelmed New Orleans's levee system, the catastrophe has lived in the public imagination as a parade of dramatic images. Often overlooked are smaller, more gradual changes.     For years, David G. Spielman has documented these inconspicuous changes. The photographs depict the devastation and despair of the storm, but also have a quality of the haunting melancholy beauty that has befallen the city. David Spielman discusses and signs his book, The Katrina Decade: Images of An Altered City. This book is available in hardcover ($39.95).If you cannot attend any of our events -

 Dining Out For Life - Thursday, July 23, 2015

On Thursday, July 23, do what we do best in New Orleans - go out to eat with your friends and family. If you live here you love good food and time with your friends, so what could be easier than Dining Out For Life to help raise money for the programs and services of NO/AIDS Task Force?

This year, dozens of the area's best restaurants will donate at a portion of their proceeds to NO/AIDS Task Force. All you have to do is dine at one of these restaurants and you will be helping those affected by HIV and AIDS in our community.

 Once again, our friend Poppy Tooker(Champion of Louisiana's culinary customs, cookbook author, and host of the NPR-affiliated "Louisiana Eats.") is joining us as Honorary Chair of Dining Out For Life New Orleans. Poppy invites you to make a day of it!  Start with coffee in the Marigny, lunch uptown,  a late afternoon snack on Freret, dinner in the French Quarter... and a quick trip to Mid-City for dessert! 

Making an additional donation is easier than ever. Ask your server for a Donation Envelope, or give $10 by texting NOAIDS to 20222. (A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance) Make an additional donation, and you'll be entered towin 2 Patron level tickets to Art Against AIDS, our exciting gala held at Club XLIV at Champions Square on December 4.

By Dining Out For Life you'll also help our restaurant friends and their staff who work as servers, bussers, cooks and restaurant bartenders.  One of our long-time participating restaurants said, "Thank you for inviting us to participate in Dining Out for Life.  We look forward to a fun night in the middle of our slowest season!"

For over 30 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana.  The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why our agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications, and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of our entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts.  For more information, please visit www.noaidstaskforce.org or call Michael Weber at 504-821-2601 X256.

I am looking forward to attending this elegant, delicious dinner: Summer Cure

Welliver Productions presents their 21st annual Bridal Expo at Lakeside Shopping Center. On July 25 and 26 enjoy this free event and visit displays from over 50 of the area's finest wedding professionals as you register for prizes and surprises, including a 7-night honeymoon stay!

Saturday, July 25 - 10am-4pm
Sunday, July 26 - 12pm-4pm