Last week, was just a deliciously hectic week to experience all the social/cultural events that my beloved city of New Orleans has to offer.That evening I was looking forward to attend the exquisite LPO concert, "Becoming American- the Musical Journey," at St. Louis Cathedral and I was not disappointed. The annual free standing-room-only concert was presented by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. It featured dynamic Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor; Peter Collins, piano; James Dapogny, piano; Angela Hill, speaker; Thomas Ospital, organ; and Alissa Rowe, soprano. Immediately afterward, there was a reception at Muriel Restaurant where I got to mingle with the invited pianists and the Maestro.
On Friday, I was invited by my darling friend Dr. Byron C. Scott and his lovely wife, Suzanne Carpenter Scott, to attend the coronation of the Krewe of Iris. They are the respective Duke and Duchess this year. The krewe presented its annual Mardi Grass Ball at the Pontchartrain Center, and the theme of this year ball was "Iris, The Messenger of the Gods." Iris was organized in 1917 and is the oldest and the largest of all the female krewes in New Orleans. The ball was magnificent and I recognized a lot of my friends who are members.
On Saturday, I attended the private reception at the Cabildo for the exhibition titled "First Steamboat on the Western Rivers: The Legacy of the New Orleans, 1811-1812." The Louisiana State Museum is hosting exhibits for the Statehood Bicentennial Celebration and in honor of the 150th anniversary of the first steamboat to travel down the Mississippi River. Earlier that day there was a reenactment of that first steamboat trip using the Cotton Blossom, which docked at the Toulouse Street Wharf. Friends who were there told me it was a lot of fun but I was unable to attend.
Of course, that was not my only soiree, I was also invited to the joyful celebration of the invitation-only opening of the most anticipated hotel of the year. The Saint Hotel has officially opened its doors! To celebrate the new face and name of the Audubon Building, The Saint hosted an invitation-only evening full of libations and lite-bites from Chef Michael Stoltzfus’ Sweet Olive, inside The Saint Hotel. It was indeed a Grand Opening with an Old New Orleans Style Fête. Check out the photos.
From now until the end of the Mardi Gras Season, I am going to be very, very busy. Among the events that I am planning to attend is my Toasting With Margarita on Tuesday at Le Booze of the Royal Sonesta. My special guest is my darling friend and former Chef Adolfo Diaz. He now lives in Miami and is the VP of Lucky Player Vodka. I am looking forward to a delicious cocktail from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Immediately after that I will going to the Annual Installation and Award Dinner of the French Quarter Business Association. Then I need to leave early to catch the opening of the Blue Man Group at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
On Thursday, is the monthly ireverent politics with a Punch at the Eiffel Society on St. Charles Avenue.
On Friday, there is the wonderful Masked Ball of the Alliance Francaise at the Royal Orleans hotel. Check out the details below.
On Friday, and Saturday too many places and all at the same time. I am looking forward to attending my friend Mary West's Matchmaking by Mary West-Valentine's VIP Launch Party at the Monteleone Hotel on February 4 at the Queen Anne Ballroom from 7-10 p.m. That evening is also the Krewe du Vieux parade, in addition to the 19th King Cake Queen Coronation of the Krewe of Queenateenas. It will be a Carnivale in Rio on Bourbon Street at the Ambush Mansion by invitation only. I cannot wait, since one my most memorable experience was when I participated with the Caprichoso de Pilares in the Carnivale in Rio!
Darling, I need to recharge my batteries for the following week when I will be hosting my monthly Round Table Luncheon on February 8 at the Royal Sonesta. I am also looking forward to attending Gambit Classical Arts Awards presentation on February 9.
The following day, on Feb. 10, is the annual Krewe of Cork Parade and you know that is going to be a lot of fun. That evening is also the annual Ball of the Krewe of Barkus. I am happy to report that once again Chiquita Linda Bergen will be a Duchess of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus that will sniffing its way through the French Quarter on Sunday, February 12.
Enjoy your week as much as I am planning to enjoy mine.
Bayoubuzz's Best--Attend The
American Heart Association's Go Red For Women
Luncheon, fashion show and more
Friday, February 3, 2012 10:00am - 1:00pm
Hilton Riverside New Orleans 2 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70130
For more information please contact:
Shaney Cefalu
(504) 491-3809
Watch Bayoubuzz's videos of Go Red For Women's Luncheon and Fashion Show 2011
Tuesday, January 31
Toasting with Margarita at Le Booze
Come and meet my special guest Alfredo Diaz , VP of Lucky Player King CakeVodka from 5:30 p.m. to 7 at le Booze of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. He will be making delicious cocktail using his vodka. the image was produced by my darling friend artist Andrea Mistretta who I discovered and has celebrated her 25 years of making Mardi gras poster
January 31
FQBA Annual Installation & Award Dinner
The French Quarter Business Association hold its annual Installation and Awards Dinner starting at 6 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. For information call 309-1423
January 31- Feb 5
Blue Man Group
Experience the Phenomenon. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment
For more information on tickets, visit http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office.
Tuesday, January 31 - February 1
Free Wine Tasting at Swirl
Tuesday Tasting Event with Winemaker Baptiste Cuvelier, January 31, 6-8pm
Taste with French winemaker Baptiste Cuvelier who is making some stellar wines in South America.The press on these wines alone should make you curious about this tasting, with ratings ranging from 90-93 points, combine them with Baptiste French charm and passion makes this FREE tasting a don't miss! Check out the details below and click here for reviews and ratings on the wines: Cuvelier
Mediterranean Wine & Cheese with St. James, Wednesday February 1, 6:30pm
Join us for our monthly cheese and wine pairing nights with Casey Foote from St. James Cheese. And tonight we'll have a special guest as Nick Selby from Uncorked joins us for a taste of the Mediterranean where we will feature wine and cheese Greece, Sicily, Spain, Southern France and more! These seated tastings are always a sell out, so if you are interested make your reservations quickly. $25, call 504.304.0635 for reservations, prepayment is required to hold your spot. This tasting is at Swirl.
Wednesday Nite Flites, February 1, 6-8pm
Can't get into our wine and cheese pairing class, but want to taste a few of the wines and cheeses? Sommelier Kimi Kirivanna and Mike Fabianski will be at the bar featuring their three favorites from the tasting and cheese plates will be available to pair with the wines. Flites are 3-2oz pours of really delicious juice and a great deal for $12. No reservations necessary, just pull up a seat at the bar and pick up your boarding pass!
Check out the details on pricing and reservations for these great Events Swirl Wine Bar & Market, 3143 Ponce de Leon Street,504.304.0635
Thursday, February 2
Perfect Pairings at The Grill Room throughout February
On Thursday, February 2, Sommelier Sara Kavanaugh will lead guests through a sampling of four wines and foods that pair well with them. Attendees will discover how different food components complement and contrast with each of the wines.The class begins at 6 PM .Reservations are required and can be made by calling 504.522.1992. The cost of the class is $25. On Valentine's Day, Chef Drew Dzejak has created a four-course, romance-inspired menu that will pair perfectly with the sounds of Tim Laughlin and David Boeddinghaus' jazz from 6 PM - 10 PM.
February 2-3Tea for 2 at Longue Vue Collection
Tea is consumed on every continent and each culture over time has put its stamp on the vessels used to serve and drink it. Visitors to the exhibit will see this progression on display, with pieces from local collectors and the Longue Vue collection. The opening reception is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Gallery.On the 3rd,Join tea expert Mr. Marc Roberson from the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans in a delightful exploration of the history and culture of tea. Guests will adjourn to the Great Hall of the main house at Longue Vue for an exquisite afternoon tea set at intimate tables decorated by some of the area's finest designers, collectors, and artists. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and tour the fabulous exhibit during this very special event. The exhibit will continue through Sunday, May 13, 2012. LONGUE VUE HOUSE & GARDENS 7 Bamboo Road,| 504.488.5488
February 2
Politics with a Punch
The doors open at 6 p.m. for Punch Happy Hour as the Eiffel Society bar will offer a delicious menu of specialty drinks for our patrons. As an added treat, dining will be available for our patrons at the Eiffel Society. After our event ends, we invite you to stay with us for cocktails and socializing with our fellow patrons and panelists. During Punch Happy Hour, we are honored to present the incomparable Armand St. Martin, the “Piano Man” who will entertain in his unforgettable style. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. As usual, we have picked an outstanding panel with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. Check out our exceptional line-up of celebrities:
Dane Ciolino, Legal Analyst, Law Professor
Gennifer Flowers, Singer and Entertainer
Benny Grunch, Band Leader, New Orleans Legend
Stacy Head, New Orleans Council Member, District B
Lebron Joseph "LBJ", Host of "The Twist" on WGNO-TV
Mike Smith, Comedian, the Levee Newspaper Columnist
Tickets are only $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by sending me an e-mail reply. You can also purchase tickets in advance on-line at our website: POLITICS WITH A PUNCH ONLINE TICKET STORE
Friday, February 3
Le Bal Masque du Bicentenaire
L'Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans cordailly invites you to attend its Masquerade ball celebrating Louisiana's French Heritage and Transation into America Statehood in 1812. It will be held at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel with a Patron Reception starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the ball at 8 p.m. John Lawrence, Director of Programs at the Historic New Orleans Collection will be the guest speaker. Visit www.af-neworleans.org or call 504-568-0770 for additional information and reservation.
February 3
Obituary Cocktail
Obers will meet as usual from 6 to 7 at the carousel Bar of the Monteleone Hotel
February 4
Soul Revival 2012
The annual Soul Revival fundraiser that benefits the Legacy Donor Foundation will be an outdoor soiree at the residence of Danielle Kavanagh. You are invited to tempt your palate with the roving gourmet, inspire your heart with gospel sounds, and dance the night away with a jukin' band and DJ that will rock your socks off. For reservation 558-8900 or visitwww.SoulRevivalOnline.com
February 4
2012 Krewe du Vieux
Crimes Against Nature will be the Theme of the irreverent 2012 Krewe dy Vieux.Wearing a V for Victory and an A for the Apocalypse in carnival colors the 2012 Paradewill be rolling and stumbling through the Marigny Triangle and the Lower French Quarter. The Queen is Deon Haywood, executive director of Women with a Vision. TheKrewe du Vieux Doo following the parade will be at Project Restore Habitat
for Humanity.2830 Royal St. Doors open 9:00 PM . Music starts 9:30 PM.www.kreweduvieux.org
– The Royal Sonesta’s monthly Round Table Luncheon will take place on Wednesday February 8th at 12 Noon in the newly renovated
Fleur De Lis Suite. Hosted by social columnist Margarita “Darling” Bergen,, the luncheon will feature guest speakers, live entertainment, delicious cuisine,and of course plenty of champagne,
February’s Round Table presents a literary luncheon with a Mardi Gras twist. Key speakers at the luncheon will include
Bambi Deville Engeran, author of WWII Bakelite Jewelry; Dianne de Las Casas, author of the new children’s book Dinosaur Mardi Gras;
and
Jennifer Renee, designer of the 2012 Zulu Mardi Gras poster. Actress Becky Allen
and singer
Al “Carnival Time” Johnson will get you in the spirit with some Mardi Gras
classics.
Executive Chef Peter Page
has planned a three-course gourmet menu with wine
pairings. The luncheon is
$45 inclusive with advance reservations or $50 at the door.
Parking will be validated. For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at
504-553-2220-or
or call the hotel direct at 504-586-0300.
Suzaune & CO.
The Saint Hotel - Burgundy Bar - 931 Canal St. - corner of Burgundy, New Orleans
February Friday 3rd @ 9 pm to Midnight - Suzaune & Company
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mélange Restaurant & Speakeasy Bar - 2106 Chartres St, off Frenchman in the Marigny
February Friday 10 @ 7 pm to 10 pm. Suzaune & Company
February Tuesday 14 @ 7 pm to 10 pm Valentines Day Suzaune & Company
IRVIN MAYFIELD’S I CLUB
February 2012 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 1 – 8pm
An evening with Mia Borders
$5
Thursday, February 2 – 8pm
Good Southern Girls Night featuring Amanda Shaw
$10
Friday, February 3 – 8pm
Walter “Wolfman” Washington
$10
Saturday, February 4 – 8pm
Cyril Neville
$15
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Memorables and fun upcoming events: January 31- February 8 You are invited to view Margarita's album. This album has 34 files. |
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by Margarita Bergen
