A Toast to New Orleans May 29- June 5 : Birdfoot Festival/ Juleps in June/ Big easy Brunch and info about Round Table Luncheon Saluting FestiGals on Wed. June 13

 A Toast to New Orleans May 29- June 5 : Birdfoot Festival/ Juleps in June/ Big easy Brunch and info about Round Table Luncheon Saluting FestiGals on Wed. June 13

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed this lovely Memorial Weekend and remembered to honor our fallen heroes. 

I am so grateful and thankful that we were spared the wrath of Tropical Storm Alberto so we could enjoy all the fun events scheduled for the weekend that included the New Orleans  Wine and Food Experience, the New Orleans Greek Festival and the Tremé/7th Ward Arts & Culture Festival among others. 

As anticipated, the annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience kept me deliciously busy for the weekend. 

NOWFE's Dinner at Kingfish with Alexander Valley Wines

WOW! Wine Dinner at Kingfish was a delicious way to start the 2018 NOWFE.  Randall Petitt, Regional Sales Manager of Alexander Valley Vineyards paired wines deliciously to an incredible menu prepared by Kingfish Executive Chef Thomas Robey. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155252491860870.1073743184.581200869&type=1&l=14b17d9568

NOWFE's VINOLA & Royal Stroll

Steve Reynolds, Owner and Wine Maker of Reynolds Family Winery was the 2018 Grand Marshal of Krewe of Cork— with Patrick van Hoorebeek, Mike Mays, Queen of Cork 2018 Paulette Slone and Royal Coordinator Gillian Pierce

Award winner Exec. Chef of Omni Royal Tom Wolfe, Margarita bergen & Chef Andrea Apuzzo 

I also feel so blessed that, once again, I was able to enjoy and participate in other NOWFE festivities that included VINOLA and The Royal Stroll. Steve Reynolds, owner and winemaker of Reynolds Family Winery was the 2018 Grand Marshal of Krewe of Cork Royal Stroll. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155254376690870.1073743185.581200869&type=1&l=0101e0f236

NOWFE Friday Grand Tasting     Executive Chef from Windsor Court VLAD AHMADYAROV 

Winning chefs from the Hyatt     

NOWFE Friday evening Grand Tasting at the Convention Center showcased wines from around the world and delicious food served by New Orleans Finest Chefs. Wine connoisseurs and dedicated consumers like me took pleasure in the opportunity to meet winemakers,as well as culinary chefs. I was present for the awards presented to the chefs- Congratulations. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155256435010870.1073743186.581200869&type=1&l=10a15fd7c5

 

NOWFE- 2018 Saturday Grand Tasting

Also, as in the past, I enjoyed so much attending Saturday afternoon’s NOWFE Grand Tasting which showcased wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans’ finest chefs. The Fleur de Lis Culinary Awards were bestowed upon the winners at the Grand Tastings. Congratulations to all the winners of the chefs’ competitions! 

Wine connoisseurs took pleasure in the opportunity to meet winemakers, ask questions and taste special appellations from across the globe. Novice wine drinkers simply enjoyed the experience of trying many new wines and learning what they like about different styles, varieties and price ranges. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155258419480870.1073743187.581200869&type=1&l=414f23c22e

But before I attended the 2018 NOWFE, I attended a myriad of fun events that included:

Opening of the 2018 New Orleans International Guitar Festival

The opening of the 2018 New Orleans International Guitar Festival: “Three Hundred Years of Music Influences” at the New Orleans Jazz Museum in the Old US Mint was awesome.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155249808990870.1073743182.581200869&type=1&l=2c8291e267

World Trade Center Member Social

At the WTC Member Social, I enjoyed complimentary wine and cheese while networking with members from the World Trade Center New Orleans, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana at the beautiful art-filled Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, 400A Julia Street. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155252467520870.1073743183.581200869&type=1&l=3538e99b16

I concluded my fun week by attending two fun and delicious soirees;

Casa Argentina's May 25 Celebration

Casa Argentina's May 25 Celebration or May Revolution Luncheon was so much fun and delicious at the historic Little Gem Saloon.

Ever since I came to New Orleans in 1978 and met members of the Diplomatic Corps that included Adolfo Zaracho, Consul General of Argentina to New Orleans who died last year, I have felt like I am an honorary Argentinian, thanks to my beloved friends Dr. Juan and Ana Gershanik, Dr. Nicolas Bazan, his family and other members of the Casa Argentina. I have been to Argentina many times and I love it! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155260629610870.1073743189.581200869&type=1&l=9482a57859

Crawfish Boil in Honor of Bethenny Frankel

I was delighted to have received an invitation from my darling friends, Russ and Sandra Herman, to a crawfish party on Sunday evening in honor of Bethenny Frankel of “New York Housewives” who was in town this past  weekend.

The delicious soiree was held at the New Orleans Creole Cookery, 510 Toulouse Street, where, in addition to the crawfish boil, it featured gumbo, jambalaya, alligator sausage and, of course, Skinny Girl margaritas and Skinny Girl Pinot noir -owned by Bethenny - who was with her daughter and boyfriend. A lovely jazz trio added to the New Orleans flavor.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155259820085870.1073743188.581200869&type=1&l=e19c8d103e

I also enjoyed very much attending the always irreverent Politics with a Punch

At Politics with a Punch with 

Dr. Laura Badeaux

Director; LA Center for Women in Government and Business  

Hon. Wesley Bishop 

  LA State Senator (D-New Orleans) 

Michael Dardant   

All-Star Comedian; Magician; Juggler; Actor, Model & Writer  

Russ Herman 

Celebrated Trial Attorney & Partner; Lawyer of Year Winner 

Eric Paulsen    

Morning & Mid-Day News Anchor; WWL-TV Channel 4  

Hon. Julie Stokes   

LA State Representative (R-Kenner); Candidate for Sec of State 

Mike Strecker

At the opening of the Goldbergs Bagel Company and Deli At 925 Common St

I am so happy that I rested on Monday because this upcoming week is going to be very hectic as well. 

Before I share the upcoming fun events, I want you to post in your calendar that on Wednesday, June 13 is the annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting FestiGals at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

The luncheon will be co-hosted by the founder of the FestiGals Weekend, Diane Lyons and Sandra Dartus, Partnerships Liaison. They will speak about the upcoming 2018 FestiGals Women's Weekend Experience that will take place in New Orleans from June 21-24. I have also invited the 2018 Grand Diva of FestiGals, Stephanie Burks, as well as the Honorable Councilwoman of District C, Kristin Palmer.

Tracee Dundas, founder of Fashion Week, will coordinate a small fashion show. The other invited guest speakers will Honorable Consul General of France to New Orleans, Vincent Sciama, to speak about the 2018 Bastille Day Celebrations and Frank Stansbury, publisher of La Fete News, who will speak about the upcoming Summer Wine Festival, Fete Du Vin, hosted by and benefiting the French-American Chamber of Commerce Gulf Coast (June 23 at the Shops at Canal Place).

Live Entertainment will be by Dr. Maxim Samarov,  Co-Founder/Music Director of New Orleans Chamber Orchestra; vocalist/comedian Becky Allen, to be accompanied on the piano by talented Jim Walpole. The $60, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. Make your reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.

Tuesday Lafete News Link May 29, 2018

https://conta.cc/2H0YCqd

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

Now, for starters, today - May 29 - is the first day of the 7th Annual Birdfoot Festival. 

May 29- June 2

2018 Birdfoot Festival  

Every year at the end of May the Birdfoot Festival brings audiences and artists together for a celebration of live chamber music that ranges from timeless classics to cutting edge contemporary collaborations. Concerts and events take place all over New Orleans in venues such as jazz clubs, community centers, theaters, and galleries – some of which are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of events go to their website,  https://birdfootfestival.org/concerts-events/2018-festival/

 May  29

Enjoy a delicious and musically memorable evening getting to know the artists of the 7th annual Birdfoot Festival. Hosted by Brennan's in their elegant Chanteclair Room, this year's Musical Feast pairs the innovative creole cuisine of Chef Slade Rushing (James Beard Award 2018 Best Chef South finalist) with exclusive preview performances of world-caliber chamber music.

May 29, 2018
7-10:30 PM

Brennan's
417 Royal Street
French Quarter, New Orleans

 

May 30:

2018 YLC Wednesday at the Square presents Shamarr Allen with co-headliner Robin Barnes and the Fiyabirds
The concerts will take place every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., in downtown New Orleans at Lafayette Square (between Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue, directly across from Gallier Hall).

May 31

WYES-TV, New Orleans' premier public television station, is pleased to bring New Orleans Saints and Pelicans fans its newest documentaryTOM BENSON: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A NEW ORLEANS SAINT presented by Ochsner Health System.  The documentary repeats  Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 10 at Noon; Wednesday, June 20 at 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, June 24 at 9:30 p.m. The hour-long documentary traces the life of the business tycoon, who hailed from New Orleans' 7th Ward. The program shares exclusive photos from the Bensons' personal collection.  TOM BENSON: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A NEW ORLEANS SAINT presented by Ochsner Health System Premieres WYES click here for additional airdates https://www.wyes.org/tv/wyes-originals/tom-benson/ June 1  “Innocence Project New Orleans 17th Anniversary Gala” This year’s gala will celebrate the Innocence Project’s freed, innocent clients and recognize the scores of innocent men and women still incarcerated and needing legal assistance. Dozens of their freed clients and with their loved ones will be in attendance. Tickets: $150/Ticket; Tables and Sponsorships available Location: The Cannery: 3803 Toulouse St. Contact: 943-1902 May 31 French Quarter Courtyards with FQBA The French Quarter Business Association is excited to announce a new after hours event to showcase some of the French Quarter's amazing courtyards! Unwind and network in the W New Orleans - French Quarter Courtyard at 5:30 p.m.  Tickets: $20 Click here to register for the event. http://members.fqba.org/events/details/french-quarter-courtyards-2623 Featuring Wine Tastings  June 1     Juleps in June This year's Juleps in June promises to be the best one yet! Inspired by our 2018 selection, "New Orleans: A Food Biography" by Elizabeth M. Williams, we will highlight our rich culinary history and the literature that has come from it. Guests will enjoy food provided by Tujague's Restaurant, a bar sponsored by Second Line Brewing, Mint Juleps with mix provided by the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society, Inc., flowers beautifully arrangedby Honorary Chair Pam Georges Dongieux and a few surprises that will be announced closer to the event date! Come dressed in your summer cocktail attire and your most fabulous hat! The guest deemed to have the best hat of the evening will win a cookbook signed by Chef Susan Spicer and a gift card to Bayona! All proceeds from this event will benefit our community outreach efforts and our festival, Words & Music. Tickets: $175/Ticket; $300/Couple Location: 1413 Philip St. Contact: (205) 310-8537 June 2 Grande Krewe #Rosé all day! Well...from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 2nd. #followyournola down to #TheMarigny for our #rosé #winetasting! 40 wines for $30. #music, friends, and #food by Jennifer Cole! Join us...(504)309-8309 for reservations.  This is one not miss ! Saturday, June 2 at 4 p.m.  SAT, JUN 2 AT 4 PM Tom Fitzmorris's New Orleans Food Octavia Books · New Orleans June 2-3 & 9-10 “Parade of Homes” presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans Benefits: The New Orleans Education League of the Construction Industry and its program, Jefferson Joining Forces The Parade of Homes is a free event presented annually by the HBAGNO to give the public an opportunity to see inside the newest homes being built throughout the metro area. Attendees looking to buy or build a new home can meet with multiple builders over the course of two weekends and benefit from their expertise. Tickets: Free Location: Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John and St. James parishes Contact: NolaPoh.org June 3  Southern Food & Beverage Museum “Made in Louisiana” A festival of food, beverages and culinary products made in Louisiana that will feature over 40 Louisiana purveyors offering samples and gifts of craft beers, snacks, andouille, breads, absinthe, rum, spices, Cajun caviar, jams, pies, sauces and more!. Tickets: $15/Ticket in Advance; $20/ Ticket at Door; $12/SoFAB members  SoFAB:M1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.-Contact: 569-0405 Sunday, June 3 BIG EASY BRUNCH is New Orleans’ newest festival and offers proof that the hottest parties don’t always happen when the sun goes down. Think of it as the ultimate breakfast and lunch mashup on a broad scale with a variety of classic New Orleans’ breakfast dishes with a unique only in New Orleans twist. NEW ORLEANS - On Sunday, June 3, 2018, the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) will host the BIG EASY BRUNCH at the Sheraton New Orleans - Armstrong Ballroom (500 Canal Street) from 11:00AM - 2:00PM. BIG EASY BRUNCH is proof that the hottest parties don't always happen when the sun goes down. This ultimate breakfast and lunch mashup offers a variety of classic New Orleans' brunch bites, bottomless mimosas, a Tito's Vodka Bar, a live auction and prize punch wall, and jazz entertainment by the Alex Owen Trio. Spring hats and bow ties are encouraged. All monies raised from this fundraiser will go to support the NKFL's programs and services which include: summer dialysis camp for children; financial assistance to patients; helping to ensure kidneys will be available for transplantation; research and training for physicians and other health professionals; and statewide patient education programs, like "Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy", a free one-day health screening program designed to identify individuals "at risk" for kidney disease due primarily to hypertension, diabetes, and/or chronic renal failure. Currently, Louisiana ranks #1 per capita in incidences of chronic kidney disease because of the high prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes in our population. Here in Louisiana, there are over 460,000 with chronic kidney disease, and over 10,000 on dialysis. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States, causing more deaths than breast cancer and prostate cancer each year. Thirteen people die each day while waiting for a kidney transplant. There are nearly 135,000 people on the national waiting transplant list, and 1,800 are right here in Louisiana. "More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a new kidney. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is 3-5 years; however, receiving a kidney from a living donor offers patients an alternative to years of dialysis and time on the national transplant waiting list. In order to start a conversation about living organ donation, we have launched a new initiative entitled "The Big Ask: The Big Give" to teach kidney patients, who are in need of a transplant, how to ask their friends and loved ones to consider living organ donation," said Torie Kranze, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana. Tickets are limited. Attendees must be 21 years old and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.kidneyla.org/bigeasybrunch until June 1st. A 21 and up event featuring food, specialty cocktails, bottomless mimosas, music and VIP perks. Attendance limited to 250. VIP includes entry into the event 30 minutes earlier (10:30 a.m.) than general admission, reserved seating and a VIP Gift Bag. Location: Sheraton New Orleans: 500 Canal St. Contact: 861-4500