The Buzz – May 2006

Hello again!
Congratulations go out to our 2006 Spirit Award recipients and our Lifetime Achievement Spirit Award honoree, Ambassador Lindy Boggs. SW/NOL proudly celebrated its second annual Spirit Awards fete honoring outstanding achievers at a recent dinner gala at Harrah’s Casino Theater. Kudos!
And happy happy to E. Ralph Lupin, as in doctor, lawyer and general, that is. Billed as: Ralph Loves Life! Ralph Loves NOLA! Ralph Loves to Party!, a bevy of nearly one hundred kith and kin had a ball in the courtyard of the award-winning Broussard’s during the surprise celebration of his 75th, replete with delicious repast, the signature “Smile” cocktail and a cake modeled after the doctor’s medical satchel. What a party that was!

Arthur Mendoza has visited his pied-a-terre in our beloved French Quarter again, this time to partake of the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. The famous voice and talent coach to Hollywood stars is a big fan of Williams and read from The Rose Tattoo at the Faulkner Society Salute to the writer. He was spotted at the Rib Room, Feelings, Napoleon’s Itch and the Windsor Court’s Polo Lounge. Now that’s high cotton for sure! Speaking of the Windsor Court, Ashish Verma, general manager of that establishment, continues to host his post-Katrina roundtable discussions on Thursday evenings. Verma is devoted to the expedited recovery efforts in New Orleans and attendees encompass movers and shakers from business, city and state government, the financial community, the media and citizens of New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Thank you, Verma, and keep up the good sessions.

Have you seen the national TV news spot featuring our own Scott Boswell, chef of Stanley and Stella!, with floral designer guru Glenn Vesh in the background? It all revolves around the $100,000 renovation of Stella! and the three-day, pre-grand reopening dinner parties featuring Japanese celebrity Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai. Scott had literally been cooking up a storm at Stanley on Decatur while he anticipated reopening fine-dining restaurant Stella! in the Hotel Provincial. A grand treat for you awaits.

Vickey Bayley and hubby Brett just opened their sophisticated 7 on Fulton restaurant in the Warehouse District with an over-the-top party that made one feel as if a piece of the Big Apple is in the Big Easy. Good going! Uptown, Nardo’s is a fun, casual place serving Northern Italian cuisine. Very palate-pleasing. Alberta on Magazine Street boasts of sous chef Brent Christian Bond, formerly of Gautreaux’s, working his magic on their continental cuisine. Give it a go, too.

Habitat for Humanity recently whooped it up with artist Freddie Guess, hosting in his Rue Royale studio, and movie producer, Susan Hoffman, hosting the patron party at her to-die-for digs “The Marie Antoinette,” also on Royal. The Benefit for Humanity Musicians Village featured John Boutte, Tim Laughlin, Wanda Rouzan and Sunpie and the Sunspots performing. It was loads of fun, thanks in part to Glazer’s, Cafe du Monde, Cafe Amelie and all those auction donors including Freddie’s masterpiece.

I can’t be everywhere at once, so keep me informed of your comings and goings and what’s hot, hot, hot! If you know of an event I need to attend, e-mail me at [email protected].