Subject: A Toast to New Orleans January 30-Feb 6: Tabasco Week/ An American in Paris/ Krewe of Cork Parade/ Mardi Gras Mambo Parade/ Mystic Krewe of Barkus Parade and More.....
Darlings,
I hope you are enjoying our 2018 Carnival Season and this blog will find you in good health!
I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that the Krewe of Cork and the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, in which Duchess Chiquita Linda and I will be participating, is this coming weekend.
It shouldn't surprise me though, since I have been attending and participating in Carnival oriented activities such as the fabulous
Krewe of Stars Show Ball 2
OMG! What fun! I loved participating in the Krewe of Stars' Annual Show Ball 2. This year’s theme was “Legendary,” and each of the members becomes a Star!
Reigning monarchs 2018 were Legends Al "Carnival Time" Johnson as King and Grammy Award-winner Irma Thomas as Queen and returning monarchs concluding their reign were Angela Hill and Dennis Assaf. The magnificent Jefferson Performing Arts Center was the setting for the fabulous Ball. Congratulations to Marshall Harris' Artboy Productions and Carl Mack Presents and staff for an incredible, unforgettable evening of entertainment in the Spirit of Mardi Gras!https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154988571625870.1073743070.581200869&type=1&l=22fda8a133
Another unforgettable evening was the premiere of “Tabasco: A Burlesque Opera” at le Petit Theatre.
Premiere of “Tabasco: A Burlesque Opera”
BRAVO Maestro Paul Mauffray!
Last Wednesday, I was invited to attend the very elegant and delicious opening of “Tabasco: A Burlesque Opera” sponsored and underwritten by the McIlhenny Company at Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré. The Tabasco sauce producing company is celebrating its 150 years and my darling friend, Conductor Paul Mauffray, rediscovered and compiled this opera that was originally titled and composed in 1893 by George Whitefield Chadwick and premiered in Boston in 1894.
“Tabasco: A Burlesque Opera” is part of the lineup of the New Orleans Opera 75th Anniversary Season celebration for 2017-2018 and was presented to sold-out crowds from January 25-28 at Le Petit. I enjoyed it very much and would love to see it again. It was very funny and well performed and staged. Congratulations Paul Mauffray for persevering and finally getting the opera completed and out to the public!
And very very special thanks to Tony Simmons, President and CEO of the McIlhenny Company, for generously underwriting the costs of the production. In addition to being a generous benefactor, Tony is a wonderful person as well. I enjoyed meeting and chatting with him.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154983047145870.1073743067.581200869&type=1&l=680e447c6c
2018 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Honoring Chef Emeril
The 2018 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award presentation to Chef Emeril Lagasse at the Ritz Carlton was delicious and very inspirational. I adore and admire Ella Brennan and Chef Emeril and I have known both of them for a very long time. I enjoyed seeing so many old-time friends in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Congratulations Chef Emeril for a well-deserved award.
The Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award recognizes one individual, or partners, each year that has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to the community. The Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award is named for restaurateur legend Ella Brennan, for whom Emeril worked at Commander’s Palace before launching out on his own in the late 1980s. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154985705280870.1073743068.581200869&type=1&l=e4bac04d5f
Club of New Orleans Luncheon at Briquette
Darlings, I have been enjoying joining the Club of New Orleans for its weekly luncheon at Desi Vega's Restaurant. This past Thursday's luncheon was very special since our good friends, AJ and Anna Tusa, invited us to have our Club meeting this week at their elegant new restaurant, Briquette's, 701 South Peters Street. It is a gorgeous new restaurant, restored from an old molasses warehouse that is now open for lunch as well. They used the old wood to make the tables. It's very impressive and the food is divine! Cyndi Nguyen, Councilperson-elect for District E, along with Russ Herman and Dr. Tarun Jolly were some of the many distinguished people at this delicious luncheon. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154985755415870.1073743069.581200869&type=1&l=42972b479d
TANGO FIRE
On Saturday night, the entire stage of the Mahalia Jackson Theater was on FIRE! 
The New Orleans Ballet Association's presentation of “Tango Fire” was a visual/auditory explosion of sensuality, acrobatics and virtuosity of the tango dance style. I have seen numerous performances of tango companies here in the US, as well in Buenos Aires, Argentina but last night’s performance was the best that I have ever seen. The audience was mesmerized by the dancers as well as the talented musicians. I loved the musical selections, the wardrobes and the entire performance which was followed by a lovely, delicious party where we got to meet the talented cast. Champagne and Argentinian wines cooled off the fire and was the final touch to an incredible unforgettable evening. Congratulations to choreographer/director German Cornejo for a wonderful performance!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154991314775870.1073743071.581200869&type=1&l=0fb8460957
Darlings, believe me on Sunday, I was exhausted and had to stay home to recharge my batteries.
| Tuesday Lafete News Link January 30, 2018 |
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| http://conta.cc/2GrAG0d |
Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
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I am looking forward to starting my social week by attending the opening night of “An American in Paris” at the Saenger Theater this evening.
Jan 29 - Feb 3, 2018
TASTE OF TABASCO® WEEK
Dine out at some of the best restaurants in New Orleans with special prix fixe menus inspired by TABASCO® Sauce.
Dine out at some of the best restaurants in New Orleans with special prix fixe menus inspired by TABASCO® Sauce.
January 30-February 4
“An American in Paris” Presented by Broadway in New Orleans at Saenger Theatre
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new hit musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015
Tony Award®‐winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris...
See MoreTony Award®‐winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris...
1111 Canal St., New Orleans
Show times: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 6:30 pm 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm
View Website: http://www.saengernola.com/shows/an-american-in-paris
On Friday, I am looking forward to parading as the former Queen of Krewe of Cork II and X.
The festivities for me will start very early at the Queens's Breakfast hosted by 2018 Paulette Slone. From there I will go to the Court of Two Sister where the annual brunch takes place.
Friday, February 2
Krewe of Cork Luncheon and Parade
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www.mardigrasneworleans.com
Founded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world-famous Mardi Gras and wine industry phenomenon, celebrating wine, food and fun!
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Court of Two Sisters Lunch
The day will start with Bloody Marys in front of the Court of Two Sisters. When the music starts, you know you are in the right place. At 1.00 pm, take your seat for the Lunch. The gourmet menu includes Shrimp Remoulade, a cup of Turtle Soup au Sherry, Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Sauce, Whipped New Potatoes, Roasted Baby Carrots and Chocolate Expresso Torte. Champagne, as well as red and white wines, will be available.
Reservations were due on January 17 but there may still be openings. Inquire by emailing reservations@kreweofcork.com. The Parade forms at 3:00 pm
The parade will form on Royal Street with the New Orleans Police clearing the way for Captain Bill Trufant to take the lead. Mike Mays is the Royal Banner Bearer. We are delighted to welcome to New Orleans, Andrew Browne of Precept Wines from Washington State, as the Grand Marshal 2018. He will be dressed in a royal cape of the krewe.
King Patrick Van Hoorebeek, Queen Paulette Slone, the Royal Lieutenants, and the Royal Coordinator, Gillian Pierce will take their places at the front of the parade. Freddie Lonzo's Cork Poppas from the Region will provide jazzy parade music while the Sparkling Members delight the French Quarter crowds with custom-made beads.
The walking route extends down Royal Street to Bienville, then down Bourbon to St. Ann. It turns right on Bourbon to St. Ann and on to Chartres. The parade passes in front of the St Louis Cathedral then turns right on St. Peter to Royal St. The parade will end at the Ballroom at the Royal Sonesta at 5 pm for the King and Queen’s Party. A tasty buffet created by the Royal Sonesta’s outstanding culinary staff awaits hungry parade-goers. You will need the wrist band for admission to the King and Queen’s Party. Keep the official krewe wine goblet with you during the parade and party.
Founded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world-famous Mardi Gras and wine industry phenomenon. Krewe members father on selected Fridays, usually the first Friday of each month, at restaurants throughout the area for T.G.I.C.D. (Thank Goodness It’s Cork Day).
The krewe’s two main events of the year are its Mardi Gras parade day festivities and participation in the annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience’s Royal Street Stroll in May. Throughout the year the Krewe of Cork invites members to wine dinners and other special occasions such as road trips and wine tastings.
Friday, February 2 
2018 Mardi Gras Mambo Parade
On Friday Evening, February 2, as the 2017 Mardi Gras Mambo Queen, I have been invited to participate in the first-ever Mardi Gras Mambo Parade at 6 pm starting at the Old US Mint. Afterward, join us in the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Mint for the 2018 Mardi Gras Mambo and toast this year's King Tulio Murillo and Queen Triness Kuhn. Tickets include admission, food and open bar. Click on the link to purchase your tickets today.
Sunday, February 4 
Mystic Krewe of Barkus (the only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans for the canine population)
With the theme “Games of Bones,” once again the Krewe of Barkus will be sniffing its way through the French Quarter. I will be there, near the beginning of the parade with Duchess Chiquita on her special float, designed by my longtime parade partner, Janelle Crescioni, whose Chihuahua, Isabella, will once again be riding with us. My darling friend and editor, Dean Shapiro, will be steering the float for the 14th time, so be looking for us. We’ll be looking for you . . . !!!
SCHEDULE OF BARKUS PARADE EVENTS:
- 10:30 am: Parade Pawty starts (Armstrong Park, entrances marked on map)
- 12:00 pm: Costume Promenade (Give spectators and other krewe members a chance to see your caninish -costume creation.) Time permitting we will promenade as many fab costumes as possible.
- 1:00 pm: Introduction of King Barkus and his Queen, and any Royal Court present. Krewe member/parade pass lineup begins (see map for your color designation area):
- 2:00 pm: Lineup for “PURPLE” Members. Please be polite and orderly; this is a fun parade! Sniffing allowed, biting NOT!
- 2:30 pm: Lineup for “GREEN” Members.
- 3:00 pm: Lineup for “GOLD” Members.
For more details about the event go to https://www.barkus.org/
For a detailed parade map go to https://www.barkus.org/pages/parade-route
Enjoy this first weekend of Carnival parades. Lots more to come between now and Fat Tuesday!
