From the July 17 Round Table Luncheon
New Orleans socialite and long-time French Quarter denizen Margarita Bergen doesn’t miss a beat - or a party - when it comes to the Quarter’s jazzy social scene.
There are three sections to each column: Social Swirl (where Margarita's been), The Fabulous Future (what's ahead) and Quarter Buzz (things knows about that we mere mortals aren't privy to).
Ever since I arrived from New York in 1978, I have considered the French Quarter my home. That's over 30 years. The exquisite Lower Pontalba Building at the corner of St. Ann and Decatur streets was home for a decade, followed by 20 years above my gallery -- Bergen Gallery at the corner of Royal and Orleans.
After I sold the gallery in 2000, I moved to the Faubourg Marigny. And believe me, you can take me out of the French Quarter but not the French Quarter out of me. I have my present home for sale and I cannot wait to return to my beloved Vieux Carré. The Social Swirl
Looking back, there were so many cultural and social soirees that made the long summer days seem short! Below are just a few special occasions happening in the French Quarter, the center of my world.
Grand Illusions
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Venue: THNOC Tricentennial Wing, 520 Royal Street |
September 20, Friday
River Vieux Soirée
River Vieux Soirée
Venue: Riverview Room (600 Decatur, Level 4)
Hosts: Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates (VCPORA), Riverview Room
Patron Party 7pm - 7pm, Gala Party 7pm - 10pm
Tickets: Patron - Champagne wall, hors d'oeuvres, music by Rainy Day Band. Gala - Hors d'oeuvres and culinary action stations, specialty cocktails, desserts, music by Bon Bon Vivant, silent and live auctions, cocktail attire.
Margarita says: I wouldn't miss this. It should be fabulous with a wonderful view of the river!
September 24 & 25, Tuesday & Wednesday
Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner! Literary Festival
Happy Birthday, Mr. Faulkner! Literary Festival
Venues: Cabildo at Jackson Square/Peter & Paul in the Marigny
Hosts: The Faulkner Society and The Louisiana State Museum
September 25: Wild Palms Gala with signature cocktails, concert, buffet dinner, program, dancing.
Complete information and tickets
Circled in Red! - November 1
French Quarter Citizens Annual Fundraiser - "Jazz and Joie de Vivre"
French Quarter Citizens Annual Fundraiser - "Jazz and Joie de Vivre"
Benefit: French Quarter Citizens
Venue: Orleans Ballroom of the historic Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Frances and Rodney Smith, of the historic Soniat House - 2019 Gala Honorary Chairs.
Joe and Becky Jaeger, of the New Orleans Hotel Collection - Hosts
Ms. Angela Hill, TV and radio personality - celebrity auctioneer
Phillip Manuel - Music
Dining, open bar, dancing, live and silent auctions
Tickets
The list above represents just a few of the French Quarter (and surrounds) events found on Margarita's extremely crowded social calendar. You'll find many (many!) more on her blog,"A Toast to New Orleans."
Quarter Buzz
From a Drag Queen Brunch at Tujague's
to the Rex Room at Antoines
Danny Starnes and Poppy Tooker
Talking about parties, you all know that I am known for going from one to another in a matter of minutes!
I did so on Sunday, July 21. I had the pleasure of stopping at Tujague's Restaurant where my darling long-time friend, author Poppy Tooker, was hosting a Tales of the Cocktail event titled Drag Queen Brunch. Multi-faceted Poppy Tooker has spent her life immersed in the flavors of her native New Orleans. She's the hostess of “Louisiana Eats,” a featured speaker at WYES's Stepping Out, author, cooking instructor and culinary consultant.
The brunch was so much fun, I hated to leave. But at the brunch, I learned that Poppy is actually releasing her latest book, "Drag Queen Brunch," on Aug. 28 at Brennan's. I was so excited that I invited her to be my co-host for my Nov. 13 Round Table Luncheon at the Bourbon Orleans. Stay tuned; more details to follow!
I did so on Sunday, July 21. I had the pleasure of stopping at Tujague's Restaurant where my darling long-time friend, author Poppy Tooker, was hosting a Tales of the Cocktail event titled Drag Queen Brunch. Multi-faceted Poppy Tooker has spent her life immersed in the flavors of her native New Orleans. She's the hostess of “Louisiana Eats,” a featured speaker at WYES's Stepping Out, author, cooking instructor and culinary consultant.
The brunch was so much fun, I hated to leave. But at the brunch, I learned that Poppy is actually releasing her latest book, "Drag Queen Brunch," on Aug. 28 at Brennan's. I was so excited that I invited her to be my co-host for my Nov. 13 Round Table Luncheon at the Bourbon Orleans. Stay tuned; more details to follow!
Well, I rushed out of Tujaque’s to go to the Rex Room of Antoine's to celebrate the 85th birthday of my longtime friend and former French Quarter resident, Alexandra Monet. It was simply lovely.
A Visit With Marda
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Speaking of other old friends and French Quarter darlings, on my way to Nashville for the national Red Hat Society convention, I stopped in Laurel, Miss., to see beloved journalist and longtime French Quarter resident Marda Burton.
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Among many other accomplishments, Marta co-authored the classic New Orleans book, "Galatoire's, Biography of a Bistro," with Tennessee Williams scholar, Kenneth Holditch. She sent greetings to all her French Quarter friends!
Krewe of Stars Announces 2020 Royalty
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At a Royalty Reveal Press Party on Sept. 6,Krewe of Starswill formally announce its king and queen for 2020: TV personalities Eric Paulsen, Morning Show anchor at WWL-TV and WUPL-TV and Margaret Orr, the chief meteorologist for WDSU in New Orleans.
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The party will take place on Friday, Sept. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. at The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, 1010 Conti St. in the French Quarter. The Krewe of Stars “Show Ball 4” will take place on Jan. 18 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center. I cannot wait because as member of the media and the Krewe of Star, I have been invited by co-captain Carl Mack to participate!
Hard Rock Heating Up
Dennis Pearse, third from left, with his London guests at Arthur Roger Gallery.
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Another event that I can't wait for is for the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel, located on the corner of Canal and North Rampart directly across from the fabulous Saenger Theater. My longtime friend,Dennis Pearse, has been appointed general manager of the hotel. He recently hosted three famous London designers who were hired by Hard Rock to design the uniforms for the hotel. Dennis asked me and my darling friendTracee Dundas, founder and director of theNew Orleans Fashion Week, to join him in showing the London visitors our beloved New Orleans. Among the places we took them - besides the French Quarter, of course - was to a Julia Street art opening that included Arthur Roger Gallery.
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Expecting the best!
Reagan Charleston and Reece Thomas
Talking about babies, I was recently invited to celebrate National Tequila Day with a four-course Patrón Dinner at Nolé Restaurant owned by Al Copeland Jr. While there I got to meet the beautiful baby girl of my longtime friend, Southern Charm New Orleans star, Reagan Charleston and husband Reece Thomas.
Darlings, I am going to be an Auntie ! At the July Round Table Lunch, talented Robin Barnes Casey announced that she is expecting a baby and I cannot wait for its arrival, since Robin already calls me "Auntie Margarita."
Al Copeland Jr. with wife Elizabeth, and Joe Jaeger Jr.
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At the same festive event, I also enjoyed seeing longtime friend,New Orleans business and hotel magnate Joseph Jaeger Jr., who owns 15 hotels in and around the French Quarter -plus the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport Hotel in Kenner, and the Nottoway Plantation- in addition to The Royal Orleans and the Omni Riverfront— which he owns 50-50 with hotelier Darryl Berger.
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Do Tell!
My darling readers and friends: I want to hear all about your French Quarter celebrity sightings and other exciting news! Who's got a new job, who's retiring, who's moving into our neighborhood? Email me here!
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