Darling readers,

Last Sunday, I was attending the fabulous March of Dimes patron party and I found it amusing that the patrons were glued to the flat screen TV until the score assured that the Saints were going to be victorious. Immediately afterward, the legendary chefs formed a second-line parade and entered the ballroom to the tune of “When the Saints Come Marching In.”

The fundraiser was a gastronomical fete and honored my friend Marlene Donavan for her years of community involvement. Congratulations Marlene for a well-deserved award.

Click here to see Margarita's full photo gallery!

I am sorry to say that last week I missed a lot of parties including the Houston Ballet, the Krewe of Boo parade and a few worthy benefits and soirées, but I have learned that I cannot be everywhere. I did attend the release of two cute calendars - The Hot Firemen Calendar was released at a block party by the Bienville Hotel, Iris Restaurant and the fire station. I have already invited a few of those hot firemen to be my guests at my monthly Round Table Luncheon on November 11.

The other calendar was a very special Canine Calendar  by New Orleans photographer Stephanie Hierholzer, benefiting Southern Animal Foundation. The calendar show legendary chefs , their pets and recipes . You  can pick up a copy of Culinary Canine today from 6-9 p.m. at Ampersand (1100 Tulane Avenue) when there will be a Launch Party and booksigning with all 12 chefs presents.
This is going to be a very busy week for me since I will be attending the opening of the Broadway Across America production of Cats, and I will be a special waitress for "Saying Yes to Literacy" at the Harrah's Theatre on Thursday. This is going to mean that I will have to miss the “Death by Opera!” 21st Annual Wine and Spirits Auction on Thursday night but you shouldn’t. I will stop for a few minutes to  celebrate "Turn Up the Lights" on the Saenger Theatre Marquee on Canal Street.

On Friday, I will be hosting a fundraiser with my friend, Burlesque Queen Perle Noir, "Tassels and Gowns," to raise money to send her to Las Vegas for a national competition, and I will also be attending some of the many private parties to celebrate Halloween.

Here’s what’s going on this week:

Tuesday, October 27

The Culinary Canine Calendar Launch Party and Signing!

* Great food by all 12 featured chefs who will be in attendance to sign calendars

* Wine tasting courtesy of Majestic Fine Wines

Cost is $60 per person and includes one calendar. This is the ONLY time that ALL 12 chefs will be together, so come have your copy signed by them all! Tickets will be sold only through Southern Animal Foundation in advance only and are very limited! Call, 504-416-8361 TODAY !6-9 p.m. at Ampersand (1100 Tulane Avenue) 100% of all dollars raised will be donated to Southern Animal Foundation!

October 27- Sunday, November 1

CATS

As a special attraction to the return of the Broadway plays to New Orleans after a four-year absence, Cats will be presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. For information visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com   or call 1-800- 218-SHOW.

October 27-Through Saturday, October 31

Historic Haunts: The Myths and Legends of the Vieux Carré presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection @ The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum

Just in time for Halloween, The Historic New Orleans Collection announces a new tour examining the folklore behind the ghosts and ghost stories of the French Quarter. The tour ties each location and theme with items in The Collection’s Louisiana History Galleries and reveals the city’s more colorful and mysterious past. “Historic Haunts” is intended for an adult audience. Admission is $5, free for THNOC members. 533 Royal Street Tuesday–Sunday, October 20–30 • 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31 • 10 & 11 a.m. and 2 & 3 p.m.

Tuesday, October 27-Saturday, November 7

Day of the Dead festivities

Come out for a weeklong celebration of Mexico's “Day of the Dead” traditions with authentic arts, music, food, and family fun presented at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade, by the Mexican Consulate of New Orleans, the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University and the Louisiana State Museum. All events are free and open to the public. Exhibits include a traditional Day of the Dead altar by artist Cynthia Ramirez and photography exhibit of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico. Ground floor gallery, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Plus, you can enjoy the Third Annual Family Fiesta with a Mariachi band, folkloric dancing, a taqueria truck and other family-friendly fun. Outdoor courtyard, Barracks Street side, Sunday, November 1, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28

A  BETWITCHING AFFAIR

The New Orleans Garden Society invites you to their Annual Halloween Hat Contest, Fashion Show, and  Luncheon at Audubon Tea Room. The Bewitching Affair will feature the ultimate in style, fall and winter collection of Ballin’s Ltd. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets $45 per person.

Wednesday, October 28

Gowns and Tassels
Burlesque Sensation Perle Noire, the Black Pearl, and yours truly present "Gowns and Tassels" a Burlesque Benefit. This one-of-a-kind benefit brings burlesque and fashion together. The benefit will include performances from Burlesque Queens, poets and special surprise guests. You will be in heaven as you soak up the latest fashions during a spectacular runway show from up-and-coming designers, including Ottilie Brodmann. All proceeds will go to Perle Noire's "Vegas or Bust!!" (pun intended) campaign to compete at the 2010 Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant and be crowned “Reigning Queen of Burlesque.” For more information please contact Perle Noire at 218-5778 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 7 p.m. at Allways Lounge (Marigny Theatre), 2240 St. Claude at Marigny Street. Tickets $20.

Thursday, October 29

21st Annual Wine and Spirits Auction-“Death by Opera”

The Junior Committee of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association will host their annual wine and spirits auction fundraiser entitled "Death By Opera." Some of opera's most renowned death scenes will be reenacted and celebrated at the Inn on Bourbon in the Bourbon Ramada Hotel, which stands on the site of the storied Old French Opera House. Enjoy live entertainment and a most evilly SPIRITED live auction of wine and spirits, courtesy of private donors, local and nationally known wineries, vineyards, and distilleries. Transform yourself into a favorite opera denizen, diva, or devilish paramour at the best pre-Halloween party in town.


October 29-November 22

Save Our Cemeteries Cemeteryscape 2009 Opening Reception

Save Our Cemeteries (SOC) is hosting its 18th Annual Cemeteryscape photography exhibit from October 29-November 22. Cemeteryscape is designed to develop a public awareness and appreciation of the artistic and historic value of cemeteries. The exhibit will be on display at the International House Hotel, 221 Camp Street. 6-8 p.m. FREE for everyone to attend.
Thursday, October 29

A Benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic
The House of Blues presents a benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, starring Dr. John and the Lower 911 with special guests, Irma Thomas, George Porter, Jr. and the Rebirth Brass Band. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at
www.TicketMaster.com, www.LiveNation.com  or www.HouseOfBlues.com.
Thursday, October 29-Friday, October 30

Annual World Cultural Economic Forum

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu invites the international community to the third annual World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) in New Orleans on October 29-30 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel . WCEF will continue to explore the intersection of culture and commerce, offering like-minded leaders from around the world the opportunity to share best practices, explore new partnerships and expand markets.  

Thursday, October 29

2009 Harvest the Music Concert series @ Lafayette Square presents the last of the series: Blues Traveler plus Shannon McNally FREE at Lafayette Square (located in the 500 block of St. Charles Avenue, across from Gallier Hall). Enjoy food from local favorites and visit the Artist's Village to purchase artwork and crafts from regional vendors.


Thursday, October 29

Chef John Besh - My New Orleans: The Cookbook - Tasting/Signing @ Octavia Books,513 Octavia Street ,(504) 899-7323 phone, at 6 p.m.
October 29

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Mendelssohn Scottish @ First Baptist Church New Orleansat 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.Music

Auerbach: Symphony No. 1& Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 "Scottish"

Principal Guest Conductor: Klauspeter Seibel

Ogden After Hours: New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars @ Ogden Museum of Southern Art-Ogden Museum of Southern Art 925 Camp St. (504) 539-9600 phone
Thursday, October 29

Voodoo Experience Kick-Off Party
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this year’s Voodoo Experience on Halloween weekend offers three full days of performances by more than 60 renowned artists, including Eminem & D12, KISS, Jane’s Addiction, Lenny Kravitz and Widespread Panic.Howlin' Wolf 907 St. Peters St.(504) 522-9653 phone 10 p.m. FREE
Friday, October 30

OBITUARY COCKTAIL SOCIETY

OBers will gather always from 6 to 7 p.m.  at this great New Orleans saloon...Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, 123 Baronne St. (504) 648-1200

October 30-November 1

Voodoo Music Experience 2009
City Park, New Orleans behind the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) For schedule visit www.thevoodooexperience.com

Saturday, October 31

ARTS MARKET OF NEW ORLEANS
The Arts Council of New Orleans  presents the monthly market featuring art and music at Palmer Park, South Clairborne and  Carrollton Avenue from 10 to 4 p.m.
Oct 31

HALLOWEEN HOBGOBLIN TEA

This popular event is for the young and young-at-heart prior to All Hallow’s Eve in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Canal Street. Children and their parents are encouraged to dress up for this ghoulishly good time. With the assistance of the hotel’s chefs, children can create their own one-of-a-kind cookies, cupcakes and candies. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $39 non-inclusive of tax and gratuity (per adult or child). Reservations required

Saturday, October 31

HALLOWEEN AT THE INSECTARIUM
What are some of the myths and fables behind our most notorious bugs? Find out in special presentations throughout the day at Audubon Insectarium. Be sure to visit the roaches, spiders and maggots in honor of Halloween! 10 a.m.-5 p.m.


Saturday, October 31

VOODOO ON THE BAYOU
The annual Voodoo on the Bayou benefiting the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association will be held at the historic Pitot House, 1440 Moss Street. The fundraiser features open bar, live music. The attire is costume or black tie. Visit www.fsjna.org.

Saturday, October 31
Pontchartrain Vineyards' Jazz'n the Vines @ Pontchartrain Vineyards
CELEBRATING LOUISIANA’S RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE -Food, Wine, Music- Pack your lawn chair, flashlight, umbrella, and picnic dinner. Join us in the vineyard to listen to the DON VAPPIE & THE CREOLE JAZZ SERENADERS (“Halloween Night Special”) Pontchartrain Vineyards wines and food from Windfield Farms will be available for purchase. Please Do Not Bring: Outside beer, wine or other alcohol, pets or fire pits. 81250 Old Military Rd. Bush .$10
November 2-3

Loyola hosts Spanish playwright and performers
T“Minimal Theatre: Dramatic ‘Fleas’” dramatic reading by José Moreno Arenas Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Multimedia Room 2, located in Loyola’s Monroe Library
FREE-“The Singer,” “The Accident” and “The Parking Space,”Three short plays by José Moreno Arenas -Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. Roussel Hall, located in Loyola's Communications/Music Complex. FREE!
Have a great week and check local listings for other Halloween parties events I might have inadvertently left out. Or just put on your scariest or other favorite costume and stroll around Bourbon or Frenchmen streets. You’ll be in good company with others dressed up as well!

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