The Buzz – December 2006
Congratulations to the recipients of New Orleans Living Magazine’s Salute to Philanthropy Awards! We are very proud to honor the Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes, Catholic Charities; Laura Politz, Junior League of New Orleans; Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Lagasse Foundation; Deuce McAllister, Catch 22 Foundation; Rita Benson LeBlanc, New Orleans Saints; and Jim Bridger, New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
Many wonderful people are back raising funds for very important causes, and the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala was no small fete, raising $200,000 for the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Presenting sponsor, Citigroup Smith Barney prevailed, and Louis and Sandra Wilson graciously spearheaded the event, while chefs Tom Wolfe, Dominique Macquet, René Bajeux, John Besh, Philip Chan, Vincent Catalanotto, Tenney Flynn, Brian Landry, Donald Link, Matthew Murphy, Peter Moore, Michael Sichel, Chuck Subra and Andrea Apuzzo presided over the culinary delights. Thank you very much! Seen mingling and dancing to Rockin’ Dopsie were Martha Conovoer, Buddy Butler and Debbie Byrd, Dr. Barry and Madeline Goldman, Murray and Gerri Valene, birthday girl Suzy Parker with Philip Mollere, Katherine Chamlee and Ingersoll Jordan, Sammy Steele, Evelyn and Gunter Preuss, Michael SanMiguel, Austin and Angela Westbrook, honorees Mitchell and Christie Mintz with daughter Cheryl, Patricia and Mark Fullmer Everett and Kay Bonner, Dr. Juan and Ana Gershanik (co-chair of the January 13 LPO Symphonica Hispanica), Juli Miller Hart and Angela Isbell. Dr. Warren and Becky Gottsegen were ecstatic as high bidders of the “City of New Orleans” 1927 Pullman parlor observation car party for 20 donated by generous Jim Bridger of New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. By the by, he is restoring a second similar railcar to be auctioned for charity events, so be on the lookout.
I sincerely hope you made it to the Saks Fifth Avenue Grand Reopening Gala. The red carpet brigade was out in full force that glitzy evening. Carolyn Elder, vice president and general manager–New Orleans, and Steve Sadove, CEO Saks Fifth Avenue–New York, along with their host committee, had something for everyone. What with Ya Ya Sol and the Treme Brass Band on Floor One, DJ Vice and the David Torkanowsky Quartet on Two, Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans on Three, all capped off by Oscar de la Renta’s runway splash. The crowd of over 3,000 was in heaven. Emeril Lagasse supplied all the repast with his chefs Shane Pritchett, Michael Ruoss and Chris Lynch, while the always generous Bill Goldring of Republic Beverage, supplied the libations. More premier sponsors were Jerome S. Glazer Foundation, Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans, the Shops at Canal Place, Darryl Berger, Roger Ogden and the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. Kudos to all of you!
Did you hear the rumble at Crumble? The Warehouse District is ahead of the pack … again. The Crumble Party was in celebration of the bulldozing of a cinder block warehouse building to make way for Tracage, a Luxury Living Condominium. The Sunray Grill at Annunciation and John Churchill Chase was the venue for the party, replete with the blessing of the bulldozer. How about those petunias!
Just in time for the holidays … chef Andrea Apuzzo of Andrea’s Restaurant has done it again. His third cookbook, My Home Is Your Home, in collaboration with veteran author and food editor John DeMers and award-winning photographer Kerri McCaffety, is a veritable musthave. The book features his favorite recipes for special at-home meals with family and friends. Bon Apetito!