Darlings, first of all: I am mourning the lost of our 41st President of The US, George H.W. Bush. I admire him a great deal. He used his power to help people ! He will be missed by all of us. May his soul RIP. 🙏🙏🙏🙏💞
I was fortunate enought to first meet him along wih his entire family at the National Republican Convention when it was held here at the New Orleans Superdome in 1988.
I actually attended his inuguration in Washington and visited his office at the White House. Great memorable events in my life that I will always will cherish. .
I was fortunate enought to first meet him along wih his entire family at the National Republican Convention when it was held here at the New Orleans Superdome in 1988.
I actually attended his inuguration in Washington and visited his office at the White House. Great memorable events in my life that I will always will cherish. .
This past week, as anticipated was social tsunami for me. OMG, there were 2 or 3 parties every single night and I again wished I had a clone. My body is aching but I loved it.
I want to wish to all my Jewish friends - A very Hanukkah Celebration
Once again before I share my blog I ant to thank to all my friends that have donated to the Krewe of Barkus to make Chiquita Bergn -Quen 2019 of Krewe of Barkus. tHANKS TO YOU , We have raised over $2000 but we need $3,000 more so please help me - It is tax deductible and every dollar count.
I have set up a fund to sponsor my darling Chihuahua, Duchess Chiquita Bergen as Queen of the Krewe of Barkus 2019. For the past nine years Chiquita has been a Duchess in the annual dog parade through the French Quarter and I want to make her tenth anniversary in the parade a very special one.. Since today is "Giving Tuesday," Facebook and PayPal will match all donations received so far. So it is important that, if you're going to donate, please do it today. That will double whatever I am able to raise up to this point and will be a big help to my effort.If you are not on FAcbook and like to donate. Make a check to Krewe of Barkus and send it to me at M, Bergen, 811 Marigny Street, UNit C, New Orleans, La. 70117 . Thank you !
How much would you like to donate?
The 2019 Barkus parade is going to be on Sunday, February 24.
Among the many fun events that I attended were the following:
Sneak Preview of New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute
I was invited to the private sneak-a-peek ceremony of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute at 725 Howard Avenue and it was so much fun. I loved seeing so many longtime friends and I cannot wait for the Institute to be open.
2018 Lighting of the Lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel
As in the past, the lighting of the lobby of the historic Roosevelt Hotel was an incredibly memorable experience. I, along with my darling friends Sammy Steele and Melanie Cole, were part of the magic as their block-long, gilded Waldorf Wonderland Lobby came to life for the 2018 holiday season. I joined locals and international guests celebrating The Roosevelt’s 125th Anniversary and continuing their tradition at the annual lighting ceremony.
The lobby display features 44 birch trees, more than 22,000 twinkling lights and scores of festively dressed Christmas trees.
The 13th Annual Lighting of the Balconies
Every year I look forward to attending the popular Royal Sonesta New Orleans' Lighting of the Balconies and last night it was The 13th annual staging of this event.
A celebration of the hotel’s holiday theme “Royal Snownesta,” this year’s event was hosted by WGNO ABC 26’s Kenny Lopez and took place within the hotel’s lush interior courtyard. I loved the oranges-laden trees and the delicious culinary buffet enjoyed by all the guests.
With a ceremonial flip of the switch, two young patients from Children’s Hospital magically illuminated thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the hotel’s classically designed exterior fronting on Bourbon Street.
Men and Women of Fashion's Cocktail Reception
What a fun night! I started my night at the annual Men and Women of Fashion's Cocktail Reception at the Ritz-Carlton the Ritz to introduce the 2018 Prix d' Elegance Award Nominee.
I nominated my darling friend, activist Dottie Reese, and I am happy to report that 10 men and 10 women were selected, including my nominee.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, the Men and Women of Fashion will again honor 10 men and 10 women at the annual Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. With an expected attendance of more than 600, the afternoon will include a glamorous fashion show by Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery as well as an exciting raffle and silent auction.
LPO's “Pictures at an Exhibition”
Darlings, “Magical” is the best way to describe the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performances of “Pictures at an Exhibition” and Beethoven's “Piano Concerto No. 2” with dynamic Carlos Miguel Prieto as conductor and world-renowned pianist, Anne-Marie McDermott as featured guest soloist. I also enjoyed very much the world premiere of Jay Weigel's “New Orleans Concerto for Orchestra,” billed as a musical tribute to the city’s tricentennial which was reprised on Friday night at the First Baptist Church in Covington.
By the way, a big congratulations and round of applause for our talented and well-loved Maestro of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra - Carlos Miguel Prieto - on being named Musical America magazine's "Conductor of the Year.
The Maestro, who conducted a well-received performance of the LPO at Carnegie Hall this past February and who has been wielding the baton here since 2006, is in good company with Leonard Bernstein and many other notable past winners of the prestigious award. We here in New Orleans are so proud of him!
Here is the link to the story: https://www.musicalamerica.com/features/index.cfm?fid=337&fyear=2019
All of them, and the orchestra itself, were received enthusiastically by the audience and were greeted with standing ovations.
2018 Krewe of Cork Christmas Luncheon
The annual 2019 Krewe of Cork's Christmas Luncheon at GW Fins was true to its motto: we celebrated wine, friends, delicious food and friends.
The 2019 poster by artist Deborah Arbizzani was unveiled and the original was sold to the highest bidder, Joe Lacefield, for $2,000.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Maison Dupuy
The light drizzling rain did not dim the fun at the annual Maison Dupuy Hotel lighting of the courtyard Christmas tree! I gathered with my friends and enjoyed a fun and festive evening featuring “Sippin’ in the Courtyard” Happy Hour cocktails and live music.
Patron Party for 2018 Son a Saint Gala
Son of a Saint hosted its annual fundraising gala on Friday, Nov. 30, beginning at 7 p.m. in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Attendees were welcomed with a patron cocktail party presented by Moët & Chandon and a delicious seafood buffet by the Link Stryjewski Foundation, which preceded the main event held inside the Ritz grand ballroom.
Gala guests experienced musical entertainment from The Roamin’ Jasmine jazz ensemble, The Royal Boys Choir, and singer-songwriter Kristin Diable, along with show-stopping live performances by world-renowned pianist Davell Crawford and acclaimed trombonist Glen David Andrews to close out the night. The Gala featured keynote address from New Orleans Saints’ Benjamin Watson.
“Inaugural Founders Ball” to Benefit Louisiana Museum Foundation.
The lavish costume Inaugural Founders Ball opened an exhibition in the Cabildo celebrating the legacy of Don Andres Almonester and his daughter, Micaela Almonester, Baroness de Pontalba. Micaela’s descendants, Charles-Edouard and Isabelle, Baron and Baroness de Pontalba from the family’s ancestral chateau of Mont-l’Évêque, France, and other family members were in attendance as guests of honor to represent the family legacy. The family has also agreed to loan family heirlooms once owned by Micaela for the exhibition.
Azucar Ball 2018: Una Vez en Nueva Orleans
“Fabulosa!” is the word to describe the annual, elegant Azucar Ball. Presented by Pan-American Life Insurance Group and themed “Una vez en Nueva Orleans” (Once upon a time in New Orleans) to benefit the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, it was an very delicious and memorable night.
The fiesta held at the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, started with a Patron Party with delicious signature cocktails by Daniel Victory of Victory NOLA. The ball featured delicious food by legendary restaurants, great Latin music by the Julio and Cesar Band, Javier Olondo & AsheSon, Flamenco Dancer Eliza Gonzalez, The Paulin Brothers Brass Band and DJ Felipe Estrada. A fabulous silent auction followed and the Galvez Cup, the highest recognition by the NCHHF, was presented to the Brennan Family.
2018 Art Against AIDS
I loved attending briefly the always fun and delicious Art Against AIDS at the Club XVI. My feet were aching but I was there!
This year, the 31st Art Against AIDS took place on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2018. In addition to the food, drinks and entertainment, this year’s event highlighted how far we have come (and how far we still have to go) in the fight against HIV/ AIDS.
Christmas Galatoire's Table Auction
OMG, What a fun evening! I look forward to going every year to the Galatoire's Table auctions. Each year, the Galatoire Foundation holds Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in supporting local non-profit organizations. Started in 2006, the Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions have raised more than $1.7 million for local charities. Each fun and lively auction allows guests the opportunity to reserve a table on Galatoire’s famed first floor the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras, which are two of the busiest days for the restaurant. Celebrate the holidays with Galatoire's!
The Galatoire Foundation invited to attend its Annual Christmas Auction benefitting the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation and VIA LINK. During the lively auction, guests bid on table reservations at Galatoire's for Friday, December 21. Veuve Clicquot Champagne, cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvres were served. 100 percent of the auction proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, VIA LINK and the Galatoire Foundation.
“MANDATORY MERRIMENT”: A NEW HOLIDAY MUSICAL
What a fun play! I loved it and the talented cast was hilarious. It will be playing until December 23. It was the World Premiere of MANDATORY MERRIMENT: A New Holiday Musical, created and directed by Leslie Castay and Ian Hoch who wrote the book (script) for the production. Musical direction was by Alan Payne.
The funny play is about New Orleans’ first blizzard which has the city in the midst of a world gone mad! When circumstances beyond their control strand six strangers together at Benny’s Tavern in the French Quarter just two days before Christmas, they’re forced to find new ways to celebrate the season.
Darlings this upcoming week is not going to be different. There are so many fun events that will include the following:
I am excited to be attending tonight the Todd Price 's Feliz Navidad Dinner at Chef Edgard Caro's Zocalo Restaurant in Old Metairie.
Darlings, I hope you will enjoy the New Orleans Living Magazine December issue
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www.livingneworleans.com
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Holiday Festivities
Experience the events that make December in New Orleans so magical.https://holiday.neworleans.com/holiday-festivities/
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Home for the Holidays is a month long promotion to help the 377 animals currently at the Louisiana SPCA find a forever home All adoptables animals, 6-months and older, will be available for adoption for a reduced fee of only $60! If you want to surprise your loved one, you can even opt to have your new pet hand-delivered on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Hanukah or Kwanzaa for an additional donation of $100. To learn more about Home for the Holidays, visit
la-spca.org/homefortheholidays
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Cathedral Concerts
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la-spca.org/homefortheholidays
or call 504.368.5191
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The pedestrian corridor is turned into a winter wonderland through Dec. 27, with snow on the hour and lights, plus live entertainment certain nights. www.miracleonfulton.com
- Starting Friday, November 30th, 2018, repeats every day until Thursday, December 27, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Venue
Fulton Street
at Poydras Street near Harrah's Hotel
New Orleans, LA 70116
at Poydras Street near Harrah's Hotel
New Orleans, LA 70116
Thursday, December 6
Fifth Annual “Latkes with a Twist” to Benefit Jewish Children’s Regional Service
Join the JCRS on December 6 for what the Washington Post declared to be “one of America's most amazing Hanukkah parties!” JCRS will host its 5th annual community-wide Hanukkah party at Press Street Station located at 5 Homer Plessey Way.
The party that will feature food by Adam Biderman, chef and owner of Company Burger, who will be cooking up latkes and other amazing items all evening. The evening will also feature live music by the Joe Gelini Trio, drink specials and a silent auction. Tickets: $25/Ticket -Contact: 828-6334 or go online at JCRS.org/events/latkes-with-a-twist.
December 6-9
LUNA ART
6-10 p.m. Lafayette Square
LUNA (Light Up NOLA Arts) Fête is a visionary initiative by the Arts Council New Orleans. They utilize local iconic architecture and contemporary light, sound installation, motion graphics, and video-mapping practices to create a series of artistic large-scale outdoor light installations across the city each December. Gallier Hall, on St. Charles Avenue, opposite Lafayette Square, will be lit up in beautiful, moving colors.
December 7
Dress Fête, a design competition and culminating celebration for Canal Place’s Style Board Class of 2018, will take place on the second floor of Canal Place (333 Canal St) on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6-8 pm. This year’s theme honors New Orleans Tricentennial with each member’s design focusing on various decades, open to interpretation throughout the city’s 300 years.
The event is free and open to the public and will include cocktails, light bites and live music from the 1800s, 1900s and 2000s, as well as a design competition among the 2018 Style Board members based on their creativity, representation of New Orleans, representation of their decade and a popular vote from event attendees.
December 8
Presentation and Book Signing
@The Historic New Orleans Collection
Join award-winning author Jason Berry for a presentation and signing of his latest book, City of a Million Dreams: A History of New Orleans at Year 300 at THNOC. In City of a Million Dreams, Berry delivers a character-driven history of New Orleans at its tricentennial.
Saturday, December 8 | 2 - 4 p.m.
533 Royal Street
Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary.
December 7-9
PRC's “Holiday Home Tour & Patron Party”
Benefits: Preservation Resource Center
Event Info: Tour seven private Garden District residences all dressed up for the holidays while listening to local musicians and shopping at a festive holiday boutique.
Tickets: Home Tour Tickets: $30/Member Ticket; $45/Non-Member Ticket; $50/Day-of Ticket
Location: Tour headquarters: Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave.
Contact: 581-7032.
December 7
“Fete de Noel”
Benefits: Ladies Leukemia League, LLC
Event Info.: This annual event will feature a silent auction, door prizes, a parade of prizes, lunch and a fabulous fashion show by Dillards.
Tickets: $110 and up/Ticket; $850-$1,100/Table-Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St. Contact: 458-4288
December 8
@New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum's inaugural Improvisations Gala fundraiser takes place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. The event kicks off with the exclusive Patron Party, which will include a performance from CBS "Late Show" bandleader Jon Batiste. Enjoy gourmet cuisine from local restaurants including Ruth's Chris Steak House and Cafe Degas, open bar libations from Sazerac Company, complimentary portraits by legendary local photographers, a fabulous silent auction, live painting by Emilie Rhys, and experience the many jazz and art exhibitions within our museum, including the 2018 LUNA Fête display outside in the gardens. For tickets
December 9
Polymnia Quartet Performs Beethoven & Mendelssohn
Beethoven’s final opus, “Quartet No. 16 in F-major” for strings and one of Mendelssohn’s earlier works, “String Quartet No. 2 in A-minor,” will be performed one after the other on Sunday by the locally based Polymnia Quartet at the Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand Street). The quartet consists of Benjamin Hart and Kate Withrow on violins, Amelia Clingman on viola and Philip von Maltzahn on cello. Admission is free but a $20 donation is requested. 5 p.m.
December 9
Baton Rouge Symphony Holiday Brass
4:30 PM-Tickets Required
The beautiful grounds of Houmas House set the scene for a special edition of Holiday Brass, led by Associate Conductor David Torns. The Symphony brass players perform traditional holiday favorites, including some custom arrangements for the Baton Rouge Symphony. Stephanie Gustafson is highlighted as harp soloist.
The concert will take place outside in front of the historic mansion (weather permitting). Refreshments are available for purchase, and you can call ahead to make a reservation for a lovely dinner afterwards. Voted “Best Historic Mansion” by USA Today, Houmas House invites you to arrive early, stroll through the lush winter gardens, and take in the magic of the holidays.
December 12
Round Table Luncheon
The annual festive Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays will take place on Wednesday, December 12 at noon in the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans
Hotel, 717 Orleans Street in the French Quarter.
Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, will be the co-host, along with social columnist Margarita Bergen.
Invited as special guests are the following:
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser; City Councilwoman Kristen Palmer; Vincent Sciama, Consul General of France; Jimmy Coleman, Honorary Consul of the U.K.; and Nicholas L Gernon, New Orleans Police Department District 8 Commander of District 8.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser; City Councilwoman Kristen Palmer; Vincent Sciama, Consul General of France; Jimmy Coleman, Honorary Consul of the U.K.; and Nicholas L Gernon, New Orleans Police Department District 8 Commander of District 8.
As in the past, the luncheon will feature a tasting of red wine by winemaker, Dr. James Moises, and a tasting of Champagne and sparkling wines
by Republic National Distributing Company.
by Republic National Distributing Company.
Special guest speaker will be author,
Chef Poppy Tooker. The live entertainment will be provided by a myriad of entertainers that will include
Becky Allen, Carl Mack, Marshall Harris, burlesque dancer Trixie Minx, cabaret singer
Suzaune Yee McKamey and multitalented dancer Kenneth "Kynt" Bryan.
Chef Poppy Tooker. The live entertainment will be provided by a myriad of entertainers that will include
Becky Allen, Carl Mack, Marshall Harris, burlesque dancer Trixie Minx, cabaret singer
Suzaune Yee McKamey and multitalented dancer Kenneth "Kynt" Bryan.
There will be a special fashion show coordinated by
Tracee Dundas, founder of New Orleans Fashion Week.
Tracee Dundas, founder of New Orleans Fashion Week.
Guests are encouraged to wear their finest holiday outfits or costumes, and prizes will be given to the best ones! The $60, all-inclusive price includes
a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines
a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines
and valet parking.
ADVISORY: At last report, the luncheon is SOLD OUT but there might be some last- minute seats
available. Call Judy LeBlanc at (504)571-4672 or email her at
available. Call Judy LeBlanc at (504)571-4672 or email her at
Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com to inquire. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT ARE REQUIRED. Walk-ins will not be accepted, as the hotel will only prepare meals for the number of guests
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