Tuesday, August 15, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans and You: August 15-21: Sake Hop/Gold Medal Gala/BOW WOW LUAU /Love Letters and more.
























Darlings, I hope you are staying cool and dry. 
Fortunately, in between drops, I managed to attend quite a few awesome fun soirees. 
I started my week by attending an incredible, delicious and decadent Spanish Quarter Dinner. OMG! I am still savoring the delicious, decadent Spanish dinner at SOBOU. If there is a gastronomical orgasm, I had a very spirited one! Chef Juan Carlos Gonzales of SOBOU, along with Chef Danny Trace of Brennan's of Houston  Sous Chef Luke Hidalgo of Commander's and proprietor Ti Adelaide Martin took a gastronomical tour of Barcelona and San Sebastian, Spain that resulted in one of the most fantastic dinners that I have ever eaten. Chef Juan Carlos teamed up with talented Bar Chef Laura Belluci to prepare an incredibly delicious dinner, matched with decadent cocktails. The Louisiana Shrimp al Ajillo was a stand-out and I am happy to report that is in the menu so you can experience it yourself.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154573990390870.1073742905.581200869&type=1&l=af5d7bc4dc
On Friday, it was the U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District Change of Command Ceremony   where my darling friend, Rear Admiral David R. Callahan, was relieved by Rear Admiral Paul F. Thomas.


On Friday, August 11, my evening started at the elegant Windsor Court where the annual Susan G. Komen New Orleans Summer Cure Chef Wine Dinner was taking place. I could not stay for the dinner which I am sure was delicious but I enjoyed very much the cocktail party. The event was co-chaired by Pat Denechaud, Holley Haag, Kristi Post, Dottie Reese and Jordan Teich. The Event Coordinator was Joe Briand for a night with outstanding chefs paired with Wine Importers Extraordinaire.

The 2017 Spectacular Chef Line-up included Chef Bill Briand, Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina; Chef Michelle Weaver, Charleston Grill; Chef Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery, Balise; Pastry Chef Beth Biundo, from Beth Biundo Sweets; and the Host Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Charpentier, The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel. My darling friend Mark Romig was the Emcee and the auctioneer was Jeff CrouereSummer Cure Chefs Wine Dinner: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154578460055870.1073742907.581200869&type=1&l=c1ea4f61d9
That evening it was also the highly anticipated Project Lazarus Ball at The Monastery, 1236 North Rampart Street. I loved seeing so many of my friends all dressed up and for a great cause.
Accompanied by Dr. Tom Albert who is running for New Orleans Mayor and his lovely wife Laura Albert, we enjoyed the delicious food, the decadent SKYY Vodka cocktails and the entertainment by NO IDEA.

In case you did not know, The mission of Project Lazarus is to help heal and empower people living with HIV/AIDS by focusing on wellness, providing housing and offering important support services. Project Lazarus is a place of healing - physically, emotionally and spiritually. Their programs are designed to address the issues faced by our residents and help them gain skills that lead them to independence.
 Brian Chamberlain, Charles Franks with Dr. Tom Albert who is Running for Mayor and his wife Laura Albert at the Project Lazarus Gala
After all those parties on Friday night, I didn't get up to witness the beginning of the fun Red Dress Run on Saturday morning,  but no matter where I went, there was a sea of red dresses that kept going until late that night.

I started my day by attending the lovely funeral service for my darling friend, Rip Naquin, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. His passing was a huge loss to the LGBT community of New Orleans, as well as to the rest of the city. The newspaper he founded, AMBUSH, was a voice for the LGBT community since the 1980s and the publication was a wonderful supporter of the performing arts. R.I.P Rip. (http://www.tharpsontheimerfh.com/tributes/Robert-Naquin).

On Saturday, It was another one of those nights that I needed a clone because there were more parties than I could physically attend.

That evening, in addition to the annual Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street, there were three birthday parties that I was invited to. The first one was in Baton Rouge for former Governor Edwin Edwards who was celebrating his 90th birthday. I did not make it to that one but I did get photos from several attendees.

Tom Benson's 90th Birthday Celebration was indeed a celebration at the lovely, beautifully decorated New Orleans Museum of Art. I enjoyed so much seeing them and so many of my darling friends. I loved the entertainment by The Victory Belles, Soprano Sarah Jane McMahon and harpist Rachel Van Voorhess. Guests were treated to a pack of Dixie Beer at the end of the night! Tom Benson's 90th Birthday Celebration https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154580105725870.1073742909.581200869&type=1&l=cfa1a9728d.

The 3rd birthday celebration was a fantastic and delicious Cuban Fiesta in honor of Dr. Carlos Trujillo in occasion of his 60th Birthday. It was held at the courtyard of his residence, the historic former home of Mother Cabrini in the French Quarter. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet-style Cuban food that included a roasted 40 lb. pig, dancing to the sounds of AsheSon, the recipient of the Big Easy Award for Best Latin Band which was led by guitar virtuoso Javier Olondo. Congratulations to his companion Bryan Drude for an excellent job in putting this fabulous Cuban fiesta together! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154580742570870.1073742910.581200869&type=1&l=4cc80c00a1

Before, I share all the fun upcoming events I want to share the news of the passing of our darling friend Micaela "Kell" Kelly Bennett, beloved wife of Dorian M. Bennett and adoring mother of Delia Caroline Bennett. Kell passed away in her New Orleans home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, August 9, following a strong and inspiring fight against a rare form of cancer. Visitation at 11 am and funeral services at 1 pm will be held on Wednesday, August 16 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 1025 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans. Honorary pallbearers include Jamie Bernstein, Glade Bilby, Bob Edmundson, Greer Farris, Herbert Halpern, Allen Kelly, Tom Reagan, Jerry St. Pierre, Kelly C. Sills and Kenneth F. Sills. Complete obit may be found on The Advocate. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=micaela-kelly-bennett&pid=186353812&fhid=5630

Darlings, this upcoming week is going to be another fun one that I hope we will all enjoy. 
But I want to make sure that you have this date in your calendar: 

Save Date: 
Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Cultural Arts - Wednesday, September 13 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel (full details at the end of calendar below)

I am going to start my week by attending a lovely luncheon on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel hosted by The Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana. HEAL is hosting a gathering highlighting the Coordinated Care for the Whole Child Program to inform key supporters of their progress and to encourage and increase support from others.

Statistics show that at least 40 percent of our school children do not successfully complete school. Through this luncheon HEAL hopes it will inform people of the opportunity to provide Louisiana’s children with the health they deserve so they can succeed in school and become qualified and productive citizens. It is not a lack of resources holding them back; it is a lack of will to recognize the solution and to work to achieve a healthy and educated life for all.
Tonight, I am looking forward to attending  Sake Hop presented by New Orleans Hotel Collection. New Orleans Sake Hop, the city’s only sake bar crawl, will be held on Tuesday, August 15 from 5:30-8:30pm. The spirited “hop” through the French Quarter will feature complimentary Joto Sake samplings served by celebrity bartenders at each of the five participating locations. Additionally, each bar will feature a unique Asian-inspired cocktail made with NOLA Distilling Vodka (made from Louisiana sweet potatoes) that will be available for sale during the event. Tickets are $10 per person and are available in advance ONLY at sakehop.com. The event benefits Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Must be 21 or older to attend.
On Wednesday, August 16, I am looking forward to attending  from 5 to 7 p.m.  an  American Heart Association's  Research Reception at Tulane Medical Center, 1415 Tulane Avenue that will show  A hands on look at research being performed right here in New Orleans.


Lafete News Link August 15, 2017
http://conta.cc/2uYNu7g

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
Lafete News



Darlings, I am already salivating over the upcoming Gold Medal Chefs Gala, Thursday, August 17 at the Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom. The gala features a five-course seated dinner with dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, as well as an awards ceremony to honor those in our community who make a significant impact in the lives of others. 

The Gold Medal Chefs Gala provides a platform to publicly recognize those individuals in Louisiana's hospitality industry who have made a significant impact in the lives of others. Please join us to celebrate them!

Gold Medal Chefs Gala

 

The Gold Medal Chefs gala features a five-course seated dinner with dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, as well as an awards ceremony to honor those in our community who make a significant impact in the lives of others. 

Details
  • Thursday, August 17, 2017
  • Morial Convention Center, La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom
  • Ticketed Event, Individual Seats and Tables Available
  • Cocktail Hour with Open Bar
  • Silent & Live Auctions
  • Awards Presentation
  • Five-Course Dinner featuring Celebrity Louisiana Chefs

August 19
 Fifth annual “Mom’s Night Out” to benefit  New Orleans Moms Blog at Ogden Museum of Southern Art: 925 Camp St.
 Throw on your yoga pants or pajamas or bathrobe and make a night of it with plentiful food and sweet treats, spirits courtesy Sazerac, a variety of adult beverages, shopping and an evening of fun without the kids.Contact: NewOrleansMomsBlog.com
 
August 19
“101 Donations Presents ‘Bow Wow Luau’” at  City Bark-Arbor Room at City Park: 30 Zachary Taylor Drive
This year’s event will feature a tropical theme with music, a silent auction and specialty drinks and food with the goal of raising $60,000 for continued dog park improvements and amenities and ongoing major grounds and gate maintenance, as well as the start of an endowment and pet memorial area project.
$75/Presale Ticket; $101/Ticket; Tables available-Contact: 483-9377
 
August 19
Brewsiana: Craft Beer & Music Festival at the House of Blues
 The best of Louisiana's Brews, Bands and Bites all under one roof! 21+ / ID Required. LINE-UP: In the Music Hall - Dash Rip Rock, Where Y'Acht, DJ Otto in the Voodoo Garden - Fortifiers, Boogie Long, & Sexy Dex.


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August 2017

NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM MONTH is a collaboration between museums of all sizes across the greater New Orleans area. It offers museum members the opportunity to visit all participating institutions, FREE OF CHARGE, using their current membership throughout the month of August. Not a member of a local museum yet? Join a participating museum today!
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Don't miss the city's ONLY Sake bar crawl! 
Stroll through The French Quarter while enjoying complimentary sake tastings at each of the five featured bars and chatting with celebrity bartenders 
Sip specially created, Asian-inspired cocktails available for sale at each location
Win great door prizes including hotel stays by visiting each location and getting your Sake Hop passport stamped

Click here to purchase tickets! 
Ticket sales will benefit Southern Food & Beverage Museum
Date - Tuesday, August 15Time - 5:30-8:30pmPrice - $10
Start your cocktail journey at any of the participating bars to receive your Sake Hop passport, which will be validated at each visited location. Turn in your completed passport and you will be entered into a drawing to win great prizes including a two-night stay at one of New Orleans Hotel Collection's hotels.
Additionally, "Sake Hoppers" can vote for their favorite bartender, who will be named the Sake Hop Champion and receive a prize.

 $10 to attend - Space is limited so get your tickets today 
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TOUR THE PRIDE OF PLACE CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION
Wednesdays are free thanks to The Helis Foundation. Join us!

Free Wednesdays at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome, free admission is for Louisiana residents
How: Just show up
Free admission on Wednesdays for Louisiana resi
dents sponsored by the Helis Foundation
AUG17

Blues, Booze & BBQ

Public
 · Hosted by Windsor Court

Break out of the barrel in Cocktail Bar for an exclusive whiskey pairing dinner featuring live music and a barbecue-inspired, four-course menu. 

Menu and drink pairings include:
Creole tomato and watermelon salad paired with an Old Fashioned featuring Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, sugar and bitters.

Smoked brisket, baby back ribs, smoked sausage and sides paired with a whiskey flight of Old Forester Whiskey Row Series – 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond and 1920 Prohibition Style.

Berry cobbler with La Louisane, made with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Benedictine, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, bitters and Absinthe.

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey’s Sinatra Select farewell drink. 

Please call 504.522.1994 to make reservations.
$90 plus tax and gratuity.
Thursday, August 17




Join us for the second installment of our new favorite summer event! We'll be gathering at Salon by Sucré next Thursday evening from 5:30pm to 7:30pm to raise another glass to our beloved French Quarter.
We're inviting neighbors new and old to get to know each other and share stories about our little community. So if you've just moved to the Quarter, come meet some of the classic crowd. And if you've been here since Spanish rule, help us welcome the new krewe!
Happy hour will be in full swing, with specials on delicious cocktails and snacks, and a gorgeous balcony on which to enjoy them!
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JOIN US at THE MARIGNY OPERA HOUSE
725 St. Ferdinand Street. New Orleans, LA 70117

Added Performances:

Saturday, August 19 - 7:30PM (Closing)
Friday, August 18 - 7:30PM
Thursday, August 17 - 7:30PM
 


"Love Letters" and Luke


"Love Letters" with Nell Nolan and Dennis Woltering
Directed by Carl Walker
Written by A.R. Gurney


Friday, August 18th - 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 20th - 5:00 pm
Nell Nolan
Dennis Woltering
Great New Location: Little Gem Saloon
445 S. Rampart St @ Poydras St


Tickets $25 cafe table seating
$20 row seating

Call 504-267-4863
Parking in nearby paid lots or on the street
With permission: Dramatists Play Service
To benefit the Lucas Regnier Medical Care Account
Luke is Nell's nephew by marriage, who was in a devastating bicycle accident. He has been unable to return to work full time. He is married to Nell's niece/godchild Anna with whom he has four young children. 

Reduced adoptions fees continue into August! Adopt a new cat, kitten or adult dog for $50 every weekend this month. In addition to a fantasic new furry friend, your adoption package comes with your pet being spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. You can't beat that!

  for more info.
Regular adoption procedures apply.
New Orleans, LA 70118 
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The annual Krewe of OAK Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade  
7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 
to coincide with the upcoming solar eclipse.

The theme of the krewe's 31st parade is "Dirty One XXXI Coming In Hot." The logo illustrates a rainbow unicorn riding atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, crossing the path of the fiery eclipse ... with some possible Freudian implications.
The krewe's name refers to the Uptown Street, of course, but it is also an anagram for "outrageous and kinky."
The 2017 Queen is Stacy Morigeau and King Robustus XXXI is Doug Trager. Dance groups such as Tap Dat, The Organ Grinders, the Muff-A-Lottas and a contingent from the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus will march with the Krewe of OAK. Some estimates put the number of paraders as high as 10,000. 
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BOW WOW LUAU
Saturday, August 19, 2017
7-11pm
Arbor Room at City Park's Popp Fountain
Get your Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts ready for our FUN-raiser on August 19, 2017 in the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain. Proceeds benefit New Orleans City Park's NOLA City Bark. Board Members Dean Howard and Scott Discon are Co-Chairing the best doggone party of the summer!

City Park Catering will be serving tasty luau delicacies while you enjoy wine, beer and our signature Canine Kahuna cocktail from Velvet Cactus. Our very own Prescriptions Band will be performing live while you dance the heat away and bid on the celebrated competitive silent auction and raffle.

Check out the great Sponsorships perks and early bird tickets available now! http://neworleanscitypark.com/city-bark-test/events

 Get exposure for your business by donating an auction item or be a part by volunteering at the event.

Luau attire encouraged. Proceeds will help with capital improvements and major maintenance items of NOLA City Bark... WOOF!

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BB's Stage Door Canteen
Sunday Swing

Sundays, August 20, and 27

Now in its 12th season, Sunday Swing is a popular summer program featuring local swing bands and dance instructors.
August 13 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: BB's Stage Door Canteen
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dance lessons, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Live music, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Now in its 12th season, Sunday Swing is a popular summer program featuring local swing bands and dance instructors.
Tickets are $10 per person; free for Museum Members. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival. For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 267.

Save Date: 
Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Cultural Arts - Wednesday, September 13 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans hotel



Darlings, I am so excited that most of my invited guests to the annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Cultural Arts has responded that they are coming. 
The Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, September 13 at noon at the historical ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. 
The luncheon will be co-hosted by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Adviser to the Mayor for Cultural Economy and Society columnist and blogger Margarita Bergen. 
Among the speakers that has been  invited  are Lt.Governor Billy Nungesser; Jenny Hamilton, Director of  New Orleans Ballet Association; Conductor Robert Lyall , Director of New Orleans Opera, Maestro Dennis Assaf, Director of Jefferson Performing Arts;  James William Boyd, CEO of LPO; Neil A. Barclay, Director and CEO of CAC; Maxwell Williams, Artist Director of Le Petit Theatre and Dr. Maxim Samarov, Conductor of New Orleans Chamber Orchestra, Nick Stillman, 
President & CEO of Arts Council New Orleans and William Pittman Andrews, Executive Director of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Dave Hurlbert from Marigny Opera House 
Live entertainment will be by talented Soprano Kathleen Halm Simmons   accompanied on the piano by  Timothy Todd SimmonsExecutive Director at New Orleans Opera Association.
 Pianist Jim Walpole will play the piano before and after the Round Table Luncheon. 
So please make your reservation now before it gets sold-out like it last month. The $55 all-inclusive price includes a 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. Please make your reservations by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.comRESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT ARE REQUIRED. Walk-ins will not be accepted, as the hotel will only prepare meals for the number of guests who have made reservations.



collisionSave the date: Culture Collision 9 on August 30
August 30 | 5:30-8 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street
Admission is free.
Mark your calendars for Culture Collision 9, which will take place Wednesday, August 30, at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The free event serves as a cultural happy hour with displays from more than 70 arts organizations, including The Historic New Orleans Collection. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the featured organizations, enjoy live performances, and survey the city's upcoming cultural season. There is also a free raffle and a cash bar.
Save the date for this free annual event, and be sure to visit THNOC's table! We just might have a few goodies for you. Come put your historical knowledge to the test at THNOC's table, and we will have prizes for you.
Culture Collision is hosted by New Orleans Public Radio, 89.9 FM, WWNO, and is sponsored by DEVENEY. The annual event is organized by WWNO, DEVENEY, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Ballet Association, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Southern Rep Theatre. More information is available at culturenola.com.

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