A Toast to New Orleans and You! It Mardi Gras Time Round Table Luncheon on Feb. 10 at Andrea's and much more.
Good morning my darling friends. After a fun Superbowl Sunday, a lovely warm, Monday, February 8 awaits us. Let's welcome it with optimism and gratefulness for being alive and healthy. Today, I am looking forward to getting my second vaccine at Crescent Health and I cannot wait. I am praying for the sick and those that have passed away. Success is to wake up each morning and consciously decide that today will be the best day of your life. Wishing you a blessed week. Sending you a warm visual hug.
I am still salivating the delicious Bayona’s Venetian Carnival Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 .I was joined by my talented roommate Rick Tringali and my darling friend Laurie Scott. Talented Chef de Cuisine
Eason Barksdale
. stopped by to say hello. Being in costume transported me for a few hours to the lovely city of Venice that I have enjoyed so much!
Darlings, i am really looking forward to hosting my 15th annual "It is Mardi Gras Time Round Table Luncheon " on Wednesday, February 10 at Andrea's
n anticipation of the birthday of talented pianist Jim Walpole, the upcoming " It is Mardi Gras Time Round Table Luncheon " at Andrea's on February 10, will be a MUSICAL TRIBUTE to beloved Jim Walpole for his continuous support for 15 years of playing the Round Table Luncheons
Margarita Bergen will be once again hosting her masked Round Table Luncheon at Andrea’s Restaurant at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Owned and operated by renowned Chef Andrea Apuzzo, Andrea’s is located at 3100 19th Street (corner of Ridgelake Drive) in Metairie. All COVID-19 social distancing guidelines will be observed with tables of six or eight guests and masks are required for all attendees. The temperature will be taken at the entrance door.
The three-course luncheon tradition, which was founded in 2005, will feature its 15th annual “Salute to Carnival.” Attendees are encouraged to don their masks and Carnival-themed attire for a judging contest. One of the prizes will be a delicious Ideal Supermarket Tres Leches King Cake.
Live entertainment will be provided by Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Bill Hudson, Carl Mack, Suzaune Yee McKamey, Vatican Lokey, and Edward Cox. Jim Walpole will accompany the singers on the piano.
“I promise, as in the past, it will be a fun-filled, memorable event,” Margarita said. “There will also be delicious cuisine and unlimited champagne.”
Margarita also announced that “Since this luncheon is not going to benefit anyone, I am lowering the price to only $55.”
Reservations can be made via Zelle (Chase), Venmo, or by sending a check to Margarita Bergen, 811 Marigny Street, Unit C, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117. Credit will be given to all of those who paid for other RTLs that they were unable to attend.
For more information call Margarita at (504) 495-9181 or email margaritabergen@hotmail.com. Seating is limited so early reservations are strongly advised.
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Great article by Mardi Gras historian and publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide Arthur Hardy "Parading in Da Parish. " that appears in 2021 Mardi Gras Guide.
I had the honor of being the Millennium 2000 Queen of Shangri-La and the last Queen that paraded in St. Bernard (1974-2000)I paraded again 2001 on St. Charles Avenue.
Mardi Gras News from Arthur Hardy
City Announces Restrictions for Upcoming Mardi Gras Weekend and Mardi Gras DayNEW ORLEANS — Today the City announced regulations and enforcement procedures for the upcoming Mardi Gras weekend and Mardi Gras day, in addition to enhanced enforcement this weekend.
“We’re doing this in response to the health crisis that we are in. There are consequences of not taking action, the costs are simply too high,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “There are three new COVID strains out there which will have an impact on our city. We have to mitigate this virus the best way we can. It requires all of us to do the right thing.”
Beginning next Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 through Mardi Gras Day, Feb. 16, 2021 the following restrictions will be in effect:
- All bars will be closed both indoor and outdoor citywide, including bars operating as restaurants with AR-Conditional permits
- There will be no package liquor sales in the French Quarter
- All sales of to-go drinks will be banned
- Bourbon St., Decatur St. and Frenchmen St. will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles from 7 p.m. - 3 a.m.
- Restaurants and retail stores can remain open and residents and visitors will have access
- There will be no loitering on Bourbon St.
- The Claiborne underpass and corridor will also be fenced off
- Large gatherings are banned and will not be tolerated — including activities that encourage people to congregate, like street vending and performing
The recently announced plans to renovate the Municipal Auditorium into a new home for City Hall dashes the faint hopes of ever returning the building to its most prominent use, that of hosting Carnival balls. From 1930 until 1993, virtually every Mardi Gras Ball in the city was staged there, topping out with 68 balls in the 1973 season. From 1993-1997 the building was the site for Harrah’s temporary casino. Carnival balls returned in 1998 and continued until damage by Hurricane Katrina closed the Auditorium in 2005.
ZULU COMES TO METAIRIE
The Krewe of Zulu presents a Mardi Gras costume display at Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Metairie, Louisiana. Visitors during this Mardi Gras season will get a lesson in Carnival history courtesy of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The Zulu organization is exhibiting costumes in center court, giving patrons a behind-the-scenes look at Zulu traditions. The exhibit is open during mall hours, January 22, 2021 - February 19, 2021.
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FLOATS IN THE OAKS IS SOLD OUT
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KREWE OF ALLA'S online fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank has collected more than $7000.
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Need some last minute flowers, props, or fringe for your house float? Phil Floats has you covered but time is running out. Mardi Gras pop-up SALE. Sunday Feb 7th. 10-1pm 55 Louisiana Street Westwego, LA 70094 Masks and social distancing required. All pre-orders will be ready for pickup AND we will have a limited supply of purple, green, and gold flowers and irises available. Show your PRIDE!
Did You Know?
Royal Sonesta New Orleans keeps traditions alive with Mardi Gras MASKerade theme, will host virtual event for safe carnival revelry
NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 3, 2021) – Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 as a virtual event, with audiences invited to join the revelry via a watch party on the hotel’s Facebook page. This year’s theme, “Mardi Gras MASKerade,” incorporates the importance of safety into an event made famous by irreverent, audacious performances.
A cultural cross selection of contestants representing the distinct character of New Orleans will compete for the coveted title of 2021 Greasing Champion, showing off their talents for virtual audiences from around the world. This year’s contestants, all masked and socially distanced, include the number one burlesque figure in the world Jeez Loueez; WWL-TV reporter and host of “Great Day Louisiana” Malik Mingo; local entrepreneur and owner of Fringe + Co Kelsey Campion; and, for the first time in the event’s history, one lucky local will win a chance to showcase their greasing skills. Through Feb. 3, contestants can enter to become a 2021 Greaser by submitting a video on Instagram featuring their best family-friendly Mardi Gras dance moves and tagging @royalsonestaNO. Local burlesque star, cultural ambassador and emcee for this year’s event Trixie Minx will announce the lucky winner on Feb. 5 via her Instagram @trixienola and will be shared on the hotel’s social media channels @royalsonestaNO.
Celebrity judges, all masked and socially distanced, include weekend host of WGNO-TV’s “News with a Twist” and reigning 2020 Greasing of the Poles Champion Kenny Lopez; candidate for Louisiana’s second congressional district, founder of Badass Balloon Co., and 2019 Greasing of the Poles Champion Desiree Ontiveros; and renowned local musician and frontman of Big Sam’s Funky Nation Sam “Big Sam” Williams. Select members of local Mardi Gras Krewe the Merry Antoinettes will add their distinct flair and cheekiness to the virtual festivities.
Contestants will go head-to-head and pole-to-pole for the namesake task, each vying for the first-place title of 2021 Greasing Champion based on the judging panel’s scores. Watch party viewers who tune in to the virtual event via the hotel’s Facebook page @royalsonestaNO can cast their votes for the “People’s Choice” award by submitting the name of their favorite Greaser in the comment section at any time during the live stream. In honor of this year’s Mardi Gras MASKerade safety theme, additional titles will be awarded by the judges to the Greasers who show off their best “Safe But Not Safe For Work” and “Sanitized But Not Clean” performance skills.
Greasing of the Poles is considered by many to be the French Quarter’s official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. Royal Sonesta New Orleans originated the ritual of greasing the building’s support poles as a practical means to deter overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space. Over half a century later, the practice has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event, even spawning its own international fan club that will be joining this year’s virtual celebration from their home country of Switzerland.
Mardi Gras MASKerade keeps traditions alive with the 51st Annual Greasing of the Poles, reimagined as a virtual, safe celebration hosted by Royal Sonesta New Orleans!
WHO: Royal Sonesta New Orleans
WHAT: 51st Annual Greasing of the Poles, Reimagined as a Virtual Celebration
WHEN: Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Via Facebook watch party (@royalsonestaNO) https://www.facebook.com/RoyalSonestaNO
WHY: Mardi Gras MASKerade ensures the show will go on, safely!
HOW: Follow @royalsonestaNO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Follow #Greasing2021 and #MGMASKerade2021 hashtags on social media
- If parades had rolled this weekend many people would have gotten wet, just as the floats on display in City Park have. And the long range forecast calls for more rain on several parade days through Fat Tuesday.
- With many people trying to estimate the financial costs of a parade-less Carnival season, has anyone thought about the impact on members of the NOPD and their families? According to figures supplied by the City, during the 2020 Mardi Gras parade season, officers earned $ 4,771,478. How will they replace this income?
- The 1979 Police Strike didn’t cancel Mardi Gras but it did affect parades. Fourteen Orleans Parish parades cancelled—16 moved their parades out of parish—seven went to Kenner, three to Gretna and three to Slidell. Three other West Bank parades that traditionally included Algiers as part of their routes rolled in Gretna only. Krewes that did not parade included Babylon, Bacchus, Carrollton, Comus, Hermes, Hestia-Mecca, Momus, NOMTOC, Okeanos, Proteus, Rex, Tucks, Venus, and Zulu.
- Congratulations to the The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate by filling a need that has been on everyone’s lips—a book about house floats! It’s called Porches on Parade and pre-orders ($29.95) are being taken now. www.book.pediment.com
Royal Sonesta New Orleans keeps traditions alive with Mardi Gras MASKerade theme, will host virtual event for safe carnival revelry
NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 3, 2021) – Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12 as a virtual event, with audiences invited to join the revelry via a watch party on the hotel’s Facebook page. This year’s theme, “Mardi Gras MASKerade,” incorporates the importance of safety into an event made famous by irreverent, audacious performances.
A cultural cross selection of contestants representing the distinct character of New Orleans will compete for the coveted title of 2021 Greasing Champion, showing off their talents for virtual audiences from around the world. This year’s contestants, all masked and socially distanced, include the number one burlesque figure in the world Jeez Loueez; WWL-TV reporter and host of “Great Day Louisiana” Malik Mingo; local entrepreneur and owner of Fringe + Co Kelsey Campion; and, for the first time in the event’s history, one lucky local will win a chance to showcase their greasing skills. Through Feb. 3, contestants can enter to become a 2021 Greaser by submitting a video on Instagram featuring their best family-friendly Mardi Gras dance moves and tagging @royalsonestaNO. Local burlesque star, cultural ambassador and emcee for this year’s event Trixie Minx will announce the lucky winner on Feb. 5 via her Instagram @trixienola and will be shared on the hotel’s social media channels @royalsonestaNO.
Celebrity judges, all masked and socially distanced, include weekend host of WGNO-TV’s “News with a Twist” and reigning 2020 Greasing of the Poles Champion Kenny Lopez; candidate for Louisiana’s second congressional district, founder of Badass Balloon Co., and 2019 Greasing of the Poles Champion Desiree Ontiveros; and renowned local musician and frontman of Big Sam’s Funky Nation Sam “Big Sam” Williams. Select members of local Mardi Gras Krewe the Merry Antoinettes will add their distinct flair and cheekiness to the virtual festivities.
Contestants will go head-to-head and pole-to-pole for the namesake task, each vying for the first-place title of 2021 Greasing Champion based on the judging panel’s scores. Watch party viewers who tune in to the virtual event via the hotel’s Facebook page @royalsonestaNO can cast their votes for the “People’s Choice” award by submitting the name of their favorite Greaser in the comment section at any time during the live stream. In honor of this year’s Mardi Gras MASKerade safety theme, additional titles will be awarded by the judges to the Greasers who show off their best “Safe But Not Safe For Work” and “Sanitized But Not Clean” performance skills.
Greasing of the Poles is considered by many to be the French Quarter’s official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. Royal Sonesta New Orleans originated the ritual of greasing the building’s support poles as a practical means to deter overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space. Over half a century later, the practice has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event, even spawning its own international fan club that will be joining this year’s virtual celebration from their home country of Switzerland.
Mardi Gras MASKerade keeps traditions alive with the 51st Annual Greasing of the Poles, reimagined as a virtual, safe celebration hosted by Royal Sonesta New Orleans!
WHO: Royal Sonesta New Orleans
WHAT: 51st Annual Greasing of the Poles, Reimagined as a Virtual Celebration
WHEN: Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Via Facebook watch party (@royalsonestaNO) https://www.facebook.com/RoyalSonestaNO
WHY: Mardi Gras MASKerade ensures the show will go on, safely!
HOW: Follow @royalsonestaNO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Follow #Greasing2021 and #MGMASKerade2021 hashtags on social media
https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/article_d7449c60-680f-11eb-bd9c-2f0575e9a3c4.html
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