Our Saints did it again. 45-14 over the Arizona Cardinals, proving once and for all “THEY ARE FOR REAL!”
On Sunday, January 24, we are hosting at the Superdome, the first NFC championship game ever played in New Orleans. The Saints will face the Vikings for the conference championship in what probably will be the biggest game in franchise history! A victory there will put them in the Super Bowl for the first time. They need our hometown support, so let’s get out there and root them on.
I did not attend the game since the last time I was at the Superdome, our beloved team lost, so I listened to it and immediately following the game, I headed to the Patron Party of the CAC's 2010 SweetArts Gala in honor of this year's honorees. The festive soiree held at the artsy home of Drs. Joy and Howard Osofsky. It featured a bubbly bar provided by Republic Beverage and delicious tapas and canapes donated by Food Art.
I must be getting old because, after the patron I was content to go home instead of keeping on going and going!
I did attend a lot of fun events that included my Round Table Luncheon at Begue's of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. 96 guests were dined and entertained by speakers Arthur Hardy, Errol Laborde, Gary Solomon, cabaret singer Becky Allen, and Suzaune Yee McKamey who sang “Happy Birthday” to my darling friend Dean Shapiro who turned 60 a few days later. Joshua Walker of the New Orleans Opera Chorus and the gospel group Shades of Praise sang Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” as a tribute to our boys in black and gold. As lagniappe we had Al "Carnival Time" Johnson singing his signature Mardi Gras anthem and premiering a new song for the Saints titled “Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Beat Dem Saints” in the “Carnival Time” melody. And, to top it off, the great Ronnie Kole played and sang at the piano. Also joining us for the first time was Brad Edelman, a former All-Pro offensive lineman for the Saints, Sandra Berry of the Neighborhood Gallery, and talented local actress Francine Siegel. Mary Katherine Lonatro, Captain of the Krewe of Shangri-La was also celebrating her birthday. After this luncheon it is going to be hard putting another one as great as it was, but I love challenges.
On Thursday, I attended the fabulous VIP ribbon cutting ceremony for M Bistro and The Davenport Lounge, the two newest hospitality venues to open in 2010 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Hospitality partners, celebrity chefs, farmers that supply the restaurant and public officials were on hand to cut the ribbon and celebrate the official return of Chef Murphy and the opening of his new namesake restaurant, M Bistro (formerly Mélange Restaurant). The ribbon cutting VIP’s all had a hand in the highly successful fundraiser for Murphy and his family in June of 2009, after the chef fell critically ill and wasn’t expected to pull through. As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, the lounge adjacent to M Bistro was officially renamed The Davenport Lounge (formerly On Trois/Lobby Lounge) in honor of the hotel’s headline entertainer Jeremy Davenport. Jeremy has been with the hotel since it opened in 2000 and Murphy has been with the hotel since 2002.
This week, I am looking forward to attending a lot of fun events but before I share them with you , I would like to express my deepest sorrow for the earthquake that devastated Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. In case you did not know, I was born in the Dominican Republic, the country that shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haitians in such a difficult time. I hope that the world focuses on the poverty and despair of the Haitian people and helps them on a permanent basis to reclaim their nation and their dignity.
One of the exciting things that this year has brought us was the opening of Mike's East and West at the former site of Mike’s on the Avenue in the Lafayette Hotel. Chef Mike has once again joined forces with seasoned restaurateur Vicky Bailey to open up a first class dining establishment in the great New Orleans tradition.
Last night, I was invited to taste some of the savory menu and I was in heaven. The food a cross between East and West was delicious. You need to check it out, I loved the sushi as well as the duck, the desserts, actually every dish that my brother and I tasted was out of this world. . The official opening will be Janaury 25th.
Another piece of great news is that PJ's New Orleans and the Royal Sonesta Hotel will celebrate the Grand Opening of PJ's Coffee Café this Tuesday, January 19 at 10:30 am. The Grand Opening ceremony will begin at 300 Bourbon Street with a special performance by Treme Brass Band. Al Groos, Vice President and General Manager of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, will be joined by PJ's Coffee CEO, Scott Ballard for a ceremonial ribbon cutting of the first café concept for PJ's Coffee.
This weekend you could complete your Saintly experience by attending the New Orleans Opera Association's Verdi Requiem on January 22 & 23, at the MahaliaJacksonTheatre for the Performing Arts. The date and time of the Sunday performance of the Verdi Requiem was changed. The 2nd performance of the Verdi Requiem was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 24, at the same time as the National Football Conference championship game. To avoid the conflict, the second performance of the Requiem is Saturday, January 23 at 8 p.m. For more details see the calendar below.
Here are some of the wonderful events that I am looking forward to attending this week:
the JW Marriott Tuesday,January 19
NEW ORLEANS TOURISM INDUSTRY LEADERS TO ANNOUNCE MASTER PLAN TO REINVIGORATE TOURISM New Orleans Hospitality Task Force will share the findings of a study conducted by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and unveil the resulting master plan which aims to reclaim New Orleans' position as a world-class tourist destination.Speakers: Lt. Governor Mitchell J. Landrieu Doug Thornton, co-chair of NOHT and senior vice president of SMG Darryl Berger, co-chair of NOHT and principal/owner of The Berger Company, Inc.
Representative of The Boston Consulting Group
3:30 p.m. Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, Rhythms I & II, second floor
Thursday, January 21 KICK OFF TALES OF THE COCKTAIL 2010!!!
With only six months to go before Tales of the Cocktail 2010, we're going to wake up the spirits a little early for a celebration of what's to come. Join us as we share a Herbsaint Original Frappé on the steps of the Hotel Monteleone to kick off the countdown to the most spirited event of the summer. We will unveil this year's theme; artwork created by Derek Yaniger and preview some of the events that will bring the spirits to life. Free Herbsaint Frappe's.12:30 pm to 2:30pm
Hotel Monteleone Front Steps Wednesday, January 20 GET IN THE kNOwLA AT THE JW MARRIOTT
Experience an evening of cultural indulgences from 5:30-8 p.m. at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists. Featuring: Paul Boudreaux (mixed media)Live Entertainment by: Raphael Bas and Pierre Pichon "Gypsy Swing Duo" Spirit Tasting and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Lobby Bar, JW Marriott New Orleans, 614 Canal Street, (504) 525-6500. Parking available at a special event rate of $5 on Common Street.
Thursday, January 21
Exposing Truth: Undercover Video, New Media and Creativity
Please join us for a luncheon on Thursday, January 21 at the Plimsoll Club in the WorldTradeCenter. Our featured speaker will be investigative journalist and filmmaker James O'Keefe. James' videos of ACORN employees providing advice on how to break the law created a sensation. Shortly after the videos were released Congress voted to defund ACORN. James has been a pioneer in the use of new media to drive these kinds of important stories. He will discuss the role of new media and show you examples of effective undercover video. RSVP today for this special event! 12:30 p.m. Plimsoll Club, WorldTradeCenter, New Orleans. $35 for lunch (cash or check only) RSVP to info@pelicaninstitute.org
Thursday, January 21
2nd Annual Good Apple Gala
It will be held on Thursday, January 21 at Basin Street Station from 7:30-9:30 with a patron party starting at 6:30 p.m. The honorees this year are:
Andrew Sandler, Co-Chair, BuckleySandler, for his vision and leadership aimed at expanding access to financial institutions for Latino immigrants, bringing together banks and regulators for our region and Washington, DC, to discuss barriers to access and solutions.
Andrew Capitelli, Associate, Sher Garner, for his continued dedication to Louisiana Appleseed's project to update the Disaster Resource Center manual for pro bono attorneys, in cooperation with the LSBA.
Louisiana Bar Foundation Fellows, Class of 2008, Class Project Participants, for their pro bono assistance to ensure equitable allocation of funding for special needs students in Louisiana public schools.
Thursday, January 21 through Saturday, February 6 Steel Magnolias @ Le Petit Theatre
Directed by HOLLY-ANNE RUGGIERO.Featuring LONI ACKERMAN, LESLIE CASTAY, BECCA CHAPMAN,CATHIE CHOPPIN, ASHLEY RICORD, JANET SHEA.
It may just be the funniest show to make you cry! STEEL MAGNOLIAS is written by Louisiana’s own Robert Harling (First Wives Club, Laws of Attraction), and is based on real life stories of Mr. Harling’s experiences growing up around strong, independent Southern women. Le Petit Theatre is at 616 Saint Peter Street, (504) 522-2081 phone
Friday, January 22 Obituary Cocktail Society
Obers will gather from 6 to 7p.m. at this local saloon in the French Quarter: Star Steak & Lobster House in Decatur Street
Friday January 22 OffBeat Magazine's Best of the Beat Awards
House of Blues.OffBeat Honors Louisiana's Finest in Music at the Best of the Beat;Deacon John, Quint Davis among the Honorees
The producer of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and one of the Jazz Fest's musical mainstays are among those who will be honored Friday, January 22 at the House of Blues when OffBeat Magazine presents the 15th annual Best of the Beat Awards. Blues guitar player Deacon John will be recognized as one of the city's consummate entertainers with the Lifetime Achievement in Music award, Quint Davis will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Music Business award for the role Jazz Fest plays in introducing an international audience to Louisiana music, and University of Louisiana-Lafayette's Barry Ancelet will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Music Education for his efforts to spread awareness of South Louisiana's Cajun heritage. OffBeat also awards its Heartbeat Award each year to someone or some organization that was important part of the music community, and this year it goes to Threadhead Records-Jazz Fest fans who met on the festival's message boards and came together to raise money for local artists to record. In 2009, they funded the release of six albums.
Saturday, January 23 Taste of Carnivalat Whole Food Market
The Whole Foods Market Louisiana stores will host from 12 to 2 p.m. at Taste of Carnival
The free event will include samples from each department to inspire simple to elaborate
Carnival party spreads.
The stores can be reached as follows: Arabella
Station - (504) 899-9119, Baton Rouge - (225) 218-0452, and Veterans -
(504) 888-8225.
Saturday, January 25
DIXIE JAZZ - ART FROM THE STREET- Opening Reception
-- A collection of original oil paintings by Jacob Vincent Manguno
The Vincent Mann Gallery, 305 Royal Street. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
January 22, and January 23
Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem (Requiem Mass)
New Orleans Opera Association Presents Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem at the MahaliaJacksonTheatre. The Verdi Requiem is considered to be the most operatic of all sacred works, composed in 1873 and taking its rightful place in a season of treasures from the late Romantic period. Please notice change of schedule from Sunday matinee to Saturday, January 23 at 8 p.m. Requiem@neworleansopera.org. Please contact the Box Office at (504) 529-3000 if you have any other questions or concerns regarding this change!
Saturday, January 23, 2010 New Orleans Masks Makers Market
1-6 p.m. 918 Spain Street
DeesGuise from N’wallins-(Beverly & Isaac, various media)
Sunday, January 25
Trinity Artist Series
Sundays at 5 pm: Albinas Prizgintas, organist -Greatest Hits on the Grand organ . 1329 Jackson Avenue - New Orleans -Call: Albinas 670-2520-aprizgintas@trinitynola.com
Monday, January 25
Galatoire's Annual Mardi Gras Auction Galatoire’s Restaurant will host its annual Mardi Gras auction, in which patrons bid on table seating for lunch on February 12, the Friday before Mardi Gras. The night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef Brian Landry and champagne compliments of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Auctioneer Ruthie Winston will take the floor at 6:30 p.m.Proceeds from the auction will benefit two local organizations, New OrleansCityPark and the Historic New Orleans Collection. Since 2006, Galatoire’s has hosted eight auctions, raising nearly half a million dollars for local charities. This year, Galatoire’s celebrates 105 years of business. Pre-registration for the auction is required. Contact Christi Gaudet, 504-525-2021 or cgaudet@galatoires.com, to reserve a paddle. For more information about Galatoire’s visit www.galatoires.com.
Monday, January 25 New Orleans Friends of Music present cellist David Finckel + pianist Wu Han @ Dixon Hall | Tulane University Ranked among the most esteemed and influential classical musicians in the world today, cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han appear in the world’s most prestigious concert series and festivals as soloists, as a duo, and in David’s case, as cellist of the Emerson String Quartet. They also serve as co-artistic directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Tuesday, January 26
Installation & Awards Dinner of the French Quarter Business Association
6 pm Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres,7 pm Dinner & Presentation
The Royal Sonesta Ballroom,300 Bourbon Street.
$50 per Person.RSVP no later than Jan 21st.Contact: Annie L. Flettrich, 504-309-1423.Email: Annie@fqba.org Through Friday, January 22
The Comedy of Errors presented by The Shakespeare Festival @ Dixon Hall, Tulane University
One of William Shakespeare's earliest plays, The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were separated at birth. Admission: Tickets will be sold at the door, one hour prior to the show. Ticket costs: $25 Adults, $15 Teachers, Seniors, Tulane Faculty & Staff, and $8.50 Student $8.50-$25 ..Call 865-5105 to order.
Through--Sunday, January 31
Let Freedom Swing! @ The Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum All the songs and jazz, sass and swing of the 1940s in this original musical production starring The Victory Players! Eight terrific singers & dancers will put you “In the Mood,” with “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Jukebox Saturday Night,” “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” and dozens more – the songs that bolstered the spirit of our soldiers and citizens during war years, at home and abroad. Dinner and Brunch packages are available. $30 Call 504-528-1943 to order. National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street; Entrance on Andrew Higgins Drive. 527-6012.
Have a great week and GO SAINTS!
Darling Friends:
