French Quarter Events |
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Upcoming Neighborhood Happenings
We recommend that you check with the organizers of any event before making plans to attend.
Update, March 10: All parades scheduled for the weekend of March 13/14 have been cancelled by the city.
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Highlighted FQ EventsClick below to find out more on our FB Events page.
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Margarita's Top Shelf
top events of the past weeks
Greasing of the Poles and more...
February 21, 2020
Contestant Kenny Lopez, of WGNO's News With a Twist.
Friday before Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite days of the year. I usually start it by attending the always fun "Greasing of the Poles" at Royal Sonesta Hotel. This unique New Orleans tradition started 50 years ago. Over the years, the event has marked the official beginning of the Mardi Gras weekend in the French Quarter. The Royal Sonesta originated the ritual of greasing the building's support poles to deter overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the balcony space.
After the fun-loving event and having a delicious breakfast courtesy of the Royal Sonesta, I wandered to Royal Street and St. Louis where the Krewes of Iris and Hermes were doing their usual toast before lunch. I stopped by the residence of my darling longtime girlfriend, talented Chris Owens, who filled my champagne glass with Veuve Clicquot. I caught the beginning of the Bosom Buddies seventh parade with Captain Paige Vance at its helm.
Now it was time to head to lunch at Galatoire's where my host Donna Hemsler was already waiting for me with a bottle of champagne. I always love being at this fun lunch and wished that I was feeling better, but after a delicious lunch and mingling with all my friends, i went home to rest to start again in the evening. Never a boring minute and I am grateful.
After the fun-loving event and having a delicious breakfast courtesy of the Royal Sonesta, I wandered to Royal Street and St. Louis where the Krewes of Iris and Hermes were doing their usual toast before lunch. I stopped by the residence of my darling longtime girlfriend, talented Chris Owens, who filled my champagne glass with Veuve Clicquot. I caught the beginning of the Bosom Buddies seventh parade with Captain Paige Vance at its helm.
Now it was time to head to lunch at Galatoire's where my host Donna Hemsler was already waiting for me with a bottle of champagne. I always love being at this fun lunch and wished that I was feeling better, but after a delicious lunch and mingling with all my friends, i went home to rest to start again in the evening. Never a boring minute and I am grateful.
Krewe of Cork Parade and Party
February 14, 2020
2020 Queens of Krewe of Cork's with Lieutenants at breakfast at the Rex Room of Antoine's.
Mother Nature blessed the 2020 Krewe of Cork with beautiful weather as its 20 Queens, perennial King Patrick van Hoorebeek and 2020 Grand Marshal Wine Maker Charles Smith along with lieutenants paraded and celebrated wine. It's not everyday that I am invited as one of the 20 Queens of the Krewe of Cork to go to the airport to pick a Grand Marshal, who was arriving in his own plane. Award-winning wine maker Charles Smith is owner of Wines of Substance, the largest winemaker-owned winery in Washington and the fourth largest producer in the state. After his arrival, the entourage was invited to Peche. Charles selected the dishes and the wine for this very special l and delicious culinary experience.
Broussard's Centennial Anniversary Celebration
February 6, 2020
I was in heaven when the iconic Broussard's celebrated its centennial of fine dining!. Moet Chandon was flowing freely from everywhere I moved and of course, I loved it! Since Broussard’s first opened its doors in 1920, the sensational French-Creole cuisine and historic French Quarter architecture have delighted locals and visitors alike. I have been coming to Broussard's since I arrived to New Orleans in 1978. I love the courtyard and the elegant dining rooms - and of course its beautiful Empire Bar. will always cherish my memorable experiences at the beautiful Broussard's. A toast to another centennial!
The annual Mardi Gras Round Table Luncheon
January 25, 2020
“Let Us Entertain You” was my theme and as such we had live entertainment by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, along with talented, beloved entertainers Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack, Jim Walpole and additional entertainers, Grand Marshal Marty Graw and Professor Carl Nivale. The luncheon was co-hosted by Yours Truly, Margarita Bergen and Lisa D. Alexis, Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy. It featured as special guest speakers:
- Artist Andrea Mistretta
- Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum
- New Orleans Opera General Director and Resident Conductor, Robert Lyall
- Social Columnist and actress Nell Nolan
- Alyssa Fletchinger,Vice President of Plush Appeal/The Mardi Gras Spot
- Sandra Herman, Co-Chair of the upcoming 2020 Mad Hatter's Luncheon
- Leslie Kramer, Founder of Equest Farm Stables in City Park
- Carl Mack and Marshall Harris, Co-captains of the Krewe of Stars presented an award from the Krewe to photographer Frank Stansbury.
French Quarter Business Association Annual Gala
January 16, 2020
Thanks to my longtime friend Joey DiFatta, President of the New Orleans Patio Planters Associations, I joined the members of the Patio Planters at the French Quarter Business Association’s annual fundraising gala on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 at Harrah’s casino. Guests enjoyed the sounds of D.J. Raj Smoove, bid on fabulous silent auction items, and tasted delicious offerings from many French Quarter restaurants including Acme Oyster House, Backspace Bar & Kitchen, Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard, House of Blues New Orleans, Landry’s Seafood House, and more!
For more than 35 years, the FQBA has been a long-standing recognized group for its dedication to enhancing the business climate in the French Quarter. Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the neighborhood.
For more than 35 years, the FQBA has been a long-standing recognized group for its dedication to enhancing the business climate in the French Quarter. Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the neighborhood.
Preservation Resource Center President Circle
January 15, 2020
The exquisite, art-filled residence of Daniela and Elie Khoury in the French Quarter was the setting of the annual soiree celebrating the PRC’s President’s Circle members on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Libations were provided by the Khoury family and Moet Chandon, and hors d’oeuvres provided by Catering by Laura Arrowood. Remarks were made by PRC Executive Director Danielle Del Sol, PRC Board President Jeanne H. Boughton and host Elie Khoury.
The Preservation Resource Center was organized by the Junior League of New Orleans as a community group of individuals involved in preservation and urban planning. The non-profit was founded in 1974 to promote the preservation of New Orleans’ historic architecture by expanding the constituency that understands the economic, cultural and aesthetic importance of historic preservation, and by involving citizens in preservation projects and services that enhance living in New Orleans.
The Preservation Resource Center was organized by the Junior League of New Orleans as a community group of individuals involved in preservation and urban planning. The non-profit was founded in 1974 to promote the preservation of New Orleans’ historic architecture by expanding the constituency that understands the economic, cultural and aesthetic importance of historic preservation, and by involving citizens in preservation projects and services that enhance living in New Orleans.
King's Day MG Kick-off at Gallier Hall and King Cake Hub
January 6, 2020
On January 6, 2020, I felt that God was smiling and sending us the most glorious weather to enjoy Epiphany, Twelfth Night and the beginning of The 2020 Carnival Season. I started my day by attending the Will Samuels' King Cake Hub at the Mortuary. Will Samuels, and his wife Jennifer created King Cake Hub, an aggregator and reseller of cakes from bakeries across the region. King Cake Hub’s second season began on Kings’ Day, Jan. 6, in the Mystere Mansion (4800 Canal St.), home to the Mortuary Haunted House at Halloween, with more than 50 varieties of king cake, including some far-out flavors.
On Monday morning, Mayor LaToya Cantrell along with City Council members and representatives from the Carnival Krewes kicked off the Mardi Gras season with a King`s Day event at Gallier Hall. Members of the Rex and Zulu organizations participated and unveiled The Rex Proclamation and the Zulu Poster.
The 2020 Rex Proclamation, the work of noted New Orleans artist Molly McGuire, was unveiled at the Mayor’s Twelfth Night event. Ms. McGuire’s artwork illustrates “Omens and Auguries,” the theme of the 2020 Rex procession. Images of prophets and portents appear along with Rex symbols in the colorful style that has made Ms. McGuire a rising star in the vibrant New Orleans art scene.
The memorable ceremony concluded by eating the traditional King Cake.
Later that day, I had the most amazing honor to be the 2020 Queen of Joan of Arc for the first official parade of the Mardi Gras season. Some highlights of my reign are below! And don't miss French Quarter Journal's photo albums of the Coronation and of the 2020 Joan of Arc Parade itself. It was a splendid night!
On Monday morning, Mayor LaToya Cantrell along with City Council members and representatives from the Carnival Krewes kicked off the Mardi Gras season with a King`s Day event at Gallier Hall. Members of the Rex and Zulu organizations participated and unveiled The Rex Proclamation and the Zulu Poster.
The 2020 Rex Proclamation, the work of noted New Orleans artist Molly McGuire, was unveiled at the Mayor’s Twelfth Night event. Ms. McGuire’s artwork illustrates “Omens and Auguries,” the theme of the 2020 Rex procession. Images of prophets and portents appear along with Rex symbols in the colorful style that has made Ms. McGuire a rising star in the vibrant New Orleans art scene.
The memorable ceremony concluded by eating the traditional King Cake.
Later that day, I had the most amazing honor to be the 2020 Queen of Joan of Arc for the first official parade of the Mardi Gras season. Some highlights of my reign are below! And don't miss French Quarter Journal's photo albums of the Coronation and of the 2020 Joan of Arc Parade itself. It was a splendid night!
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Margarita as 2020 Queen Yolanda of Joan of Arc with 2010 King David Villarubia
Margarita Bergen was born in Santo Domingo, but she was born to be a New Orleanian. She’s a fan of the ballet, symphony, theater, opera and the visual arts – not to mention champagne. Margarita describes herself as a “party animal” and doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the Quarter’s jazzy social scene. Margarita’s master’s was in education and her career in school administration, but her passion now is celebrating. In a city with so much going on you can’t possibly do it all, here’s the woman who gives it the old college try. She’s fabulous, dahling!
