Last Sunday, I was attending the fabulous March of Dimes patron party and I found it amusing that the patrons were glued to the flat screen TV until the score assured that the Saints were going to be victorious. Immediately afterward, the legendary chefs formed a second-line parade and entered the ballroom to the tune of “When the Saints Come Marching In.”
The fundraiser was a gastronomical fete and honored my friend Marlene Donavan for her years of community involvement. Congratulations Marlene for a well-deserved award.
I am sorry to say that last week I missed a lot of parties including the Houston Ballet, the Krewe of Boo parade and a few worthy benefits and soirées, but I have learned that I cannot be everywhere. I did attend the release of two cute calendars - The Hot Firemen Calendar was released at a block party by the Bienville Hotel, IrisRestaurant and the fire station. I have already invited a few of those hot firemen to be my guests at my monthly Round Table Luncheon on November 11.
The other calendar was a very special Canine Calendar by New Orleans photographer Stephanie Hierholzer, benefiting Southern Animal Foundation. The calendar show legendary chefs , their pets and recipes . You can pick up a copy of Culinary Canine today from 6-9 p.m. at Ampersand (1100 Tulane Avenue) when there will be a Launch Party and booksigning with all 12 chefs presents .
This is going to be a very busy week for me since I will be attending the opening of the Broadway Across America production of Cats, and I will be a special waitress for "Saying Yes to Literacy" at the Harrah's Theatre on Thursday. This is going to mean that I will have to miss the “Death by Opera!” 21st Annual Wine and Spirits Auction on Thursday night but you shouldn’t.
On Friday, I will be hosting a fundraiser with my friend, Burlesque Queen Perle Noir, "Tassels and Gowns," to raise money to send her to Las Vegas for a national competition, and I will also be attending some of the many private parties to celebrate Halloween.
Here’s what’s going on this week:
Tuesday, October 27 The Culinary Canine Calendar Launch Party and Signing!
* Great food by all 12 featured chefs who will be in attendance to sign calendars
* Wine tasting courtesy of Majestic Fine Wines
Cost is $60 per person and includes one calendar
This is the ONLY time that ALL 12 chefs will be together, so come have your copy signed by them all!
Tickets will be sold only through Southern Animal Foundation in advance only and are very limited! Call, 504-416-8361 TODAY !6-9 p.m. at Ampersand (1100 Tulane Avenue)
100% of all dollars raised will be donated to Southern Animal Foundation!
October 27- Sunday, November 1 CATS
As a special attraction to the return of the Broadway plays to New Orleans after a four-year absence, Cats will be presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. For information visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or call 1-800- 218-SHOW.
Tuesday, October 27-Saturday, November 7 Day of the Dead festivities
Come out for a weeklong celebration of Mexico's “Day of the Dead” traditions with authentic arts, music, food, and family fun presented at the Old U..S. Mint, 400 Esplanade, by the Mexican Consulate of New Orleans, the StoneCenter for Latin American Studies at TulaneUniversity and the LouisianaStateMuseum. All events are free and open to the public. Exhibits include a traditional Day of the Dead altar by artist Cynthia Ramirez and photography exhibit of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico. Ground floor gallery, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Plus, you can enjoy the Third Annual Family Fiesta with a Mariachi band, folkloric dancing, a taqueria truck and other family-friendly fun. Outdoor courtyard, Barracks Street side, Sunday, November 1, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28
A BETWITCHING AFFAIR
The New Orleans Garden Society invites you to their Annual Halloween Hat Contest, Fashion Show, and Luncheon at Audubon Tea Room. The Bewitching Affair will feature the ultimate in style, fall and winter collection of Ballin’s Ltd. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets $45 per person.
Wednesday, October 28 Gowns and Tassels
Burlesque Sensation Perle Noire, the Black Pearl, and yours truly present "Gowns and Tassels" a Burlesque Benefit. This one-of-a-kind benefit brings burlesque and fashion together. The benefit will include performances from Burlesque Queens, poets and special surprise guests. You will be in heaven as you soak up the latest fashions during a spectacular runway show from up-and-coming designers, including Ottilie Brodmann. All proceeds will go to Perle Noire's "Vegas or Bust!!" (pun intended) campaign to compete at the 2010 Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant and be crowned “Reigning Queen of Burlesque.” For more information please contact Perle Noire at 218-5778 or theblackpearl98@yahoo.com . 7 p.m. at Allways Lounge (Marigny Theatre), 2240 St. Claude at Marigny Street. Tickets $20.
Thursday, October 29 21st Annual Wine and Spirits Auction-“Death by Opera”
The Junior Committee of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association will host their annual wine and spirits auction fundraiser entitled "Death By Opera." Some of opera's most renowned death scenes will be reenacted and celebrated at the Inn on Bourbon in the Bourbon Ramada Hotel, which stands on the site of the storied Old French Opera House. Enjoy live entertainment and a most evilly SPIRITED live auction of wine and spirits, courtesy of private donors, local and nationally known wineries, vineyards, and distilleries. Transform yourself into a favorite opera denizen, diva, or devilish paramour at the best pre-Halloween party in town.
October 29-November 22 Save Our Cemeteries Cemeteryscape 2009 Opening Reception Save Our Cemeteries (SOC) is hosting its 18th Annual Cemeteryscape photography exhibit from October 29-November 22. Cemeteryscape is designed to develop a public awareness and appreciation of the artistic and historic value of cemeteries. The exhibit will be on display at the International House Hotel, 221 Camp Street. 6-8 p.m. FREE for everyone to attend.
Thursday, October 29
A Benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic
The House of Blues presents a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, starring Dr. Johnand the Lower 911 with special guests, Irma Thomas, George Porter, Jr. and the Rebirth Brass Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com , www.LiveNation.com or www.HouseOfBlues.com .
Thursday, October 29-Friday, October 30 Annual World Cultural Economic Forum
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu invites the international community to the third annual World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) in New Orleans on October 29-30 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel . WCEF will continue to explore the intersection of culture and commerce, offering like-minded leaders from around the world the opportunity to share best practices, explore new partnerships and expand markets.
Friday, October 30
OBITUARY COCKTAIL SOCIETY
OBers will gather always from 6 to 7 p.m. at this great New Orleans saloon...............Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, 123 Baronne St. (504) 648-1200
Saturday, October 31
HALLOWEEN HOBGOBLIN TEA
This popular event is for the young and young-at-heart prior to All Hallow’s Eve in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Canal Street. Children and their parents are encouraged to dress up for this ghoulishly good time. With the assistance of the hotel’s chefs, children can create their own one-of-a-kind cookies, cupcakes and candies. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $39 non-inclusive of tax and gratuity (per adult or child). Reservations required
Saturday, October 31
HALLOWEEN AT THE INSECTARIUM
What are some of the myths and fables behind our most notorious bugs? Find out in special presentations throughout the day at Audubon Insectarium. Be sure to visit the roaches, spiders and maggots in honor of Halloween! 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, October 31
VOODOO ON THE BAYOU
The annual Voodoo on the Bayou benefiting the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association will be held at the historic Pitot House, 1440 Moss Street. The fundraiser features open bar, live music. The attire is costume or black tie. Visit www.fsjna.org .
Have a great week and check local listings for other Halloween parties events I might have inadvertently left out. Or just put on your scariest or other favorite costume and stroll around Bourbon or Frenchmen streets. You’ll be in good company with others dressed up as well!
