CONGRATULATION SAINTS 7-0!

Darling friends,

I am still recuperating from 2009 Halloween. I had a blast and most of the parties that I attended were fundraisers in which I won, in one way or another.

I started my week by attending the opening of the fabulous production of "Cats," a special presentation of Broadway Across America. It felt so good to have a Broadway play back in town. There was a great cast party afterward at the Monteleone Hotel where I got to talk to the members of the cast and extend them a very warm welcome.

• Click here to see Margarita's photo gallery!

The next day, I attended the delicious annual luncheon of the New Orleans Garden Society at the Tea Room of the Audubon Zoo. My costume won as the Scariest Halloween Costume. The following day, I went to the lighting of the marquee for the Saenger Theatre and rushed out to Harrah's Theatre where I was cast in the role of celebrity waitress to raise funds for the Second Annual YMCA Educational Service “Say Yes! to Adult Literacy” Celebrity Waiter Gala. I am happy to report that thanks to the generosity of the guests in my table I was able to raise the most funds ($2,500). I hope you see the photos of my friends and the celebrities that I was competing against.

I did not attend the Voodoo Festival that I heard was a lot of fun but I did attend a fun-filled kick-off party at the lovely penthouse of Stewart and Julie Juneau above the Ritz Carlton. I got to meet festival producer Steve Rehage, which was a treat.

I also attended a lovely luncheon as part of the Louisiana Cultural Economic Summit at Galatoire's on Friday, Oct. 30. I have forgotten how much fun that could be. All my friends were dressed in costumes. I will be there in costume next year.

On Halloween night, after attending a few private parties in the French Quarter and watching the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade down Bourbon Street, I was ready to go home and prepare myself for the next day when I donned skeletal clothes and dressed as a Mexican Katrina for the Dia de Los Muertos’ celebration at the Old U.S. Mint.

This week is going to be very busy as well. I am going to start it by attending the 2009 New Orleans City Business' 50 Women of the Year Award Presentation. My nominee, Amy Kirt from the French Market, will be honored. Congratulation Amy. I was honored with the award in 2005. Every year City Business honors 50 women whose successes in business and contributions to the community have set the pace for our region’s future. A luncheon will be held at noon at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, where the overall Woman of the Year will be announced.

Here are some other fun events:

November 3-7
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT The Old U.S. Mint
A celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead traditions with authentic arts, music, food, and family fun presented 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: Traditional Day of the Dead altar by artist Cynthia Ramirez and photography exhibit of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico. Ground floor gallery, through November 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays. The Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade

Wednesday, November 4
"Dusk at Degas" COURTYARD CONCERT SERIES
Featuring the Panorama Jazz Band. Food by Daniel Esses. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; music 6-9 p.m. $10 at the door. $5 for Degas House members. Cash bar. Free parking. 2401 Esplanade.

Wednesday, November 4
AN EVENING OF CULTURAL INDULGENCES
Experience An Evening of Cultural Indulgences from 5:30-8 p.m. at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists The Quilting Group of the Uptown Shepherd's Center under the direction of Beatriz Soco Ocampo. Live entertainment by Raphael Bas and Pierre Pichon -"Gypsy Swing Duo". Spirit tasting and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Wednesday, November 4 The New Orleans Mayors: Moon Landrieu, 1970-1978
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities presents Part III in series on the New Orleans mayoralty, getting you ready for 2010. 7- 9 p.m. Errol Laborde will moderate a panel with former reporters Gene Bourg and Rosemary James, and former Landrieu staffers Anthony Gagliano and Bob Tucker. Audience Q&A and the following reception gives you a chance to ask about recent city history and what we need to know when choosing a mayor. Free to the public, doors open at 7. 938 Lafayette Street. More info: Brian Boyles 504-620-2632 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wednesday, November 4
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
The month of November will bring Young Professional Society to Rio Mar Restaurant, 800 South Peter Street. Rio Mar is truly an exotic experience filled with international wines and other unique drink specials such as Sangria. Come sample tangy ceviche and other tasty exciting foods, while you enjoy old friendships and make new ones at the YPS event. 6-9 p.m. 504-525-3474.

Thursday, November 5
“Meet-n-Sniff”
Canine Connection and Walkin’ the Dog host a singles dating event that will benefit the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA), and will be held at Canine Connection, 4920 Tchoupitoulas St., from 6-8:30 p.m. Singles looking for “Playdates” may register by bringing a photo of themselves and their pet. Their pictures will be posted on a wall by their assigned ID numbers. When a participant spots someone he/she would like to connect with, they can discreetly place an "I Want to Meet You" card in that person's envelope on the wall beneath their photograph. The $10 registration fee benefits the LA/SPCA. Food, wine, giveaways, & more! Visit www.canineconnectionnola.com or http://www.la-spca.org/ for more information.

Thursday, November 5
“An Evening at Emeril’s” to Benefit Covenant House New Orleans
Covenant House New Orleans will host its 4th annual fundraiser, “An Evening at Emeril’s,” at the famous Tchoupitoulas Street restaurant. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a private reception featuring a performance by Ingrid Lucia at Emeril’s Restaurant and a silent auction at Soren Christensen; both locations will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to start the evening. At 7:30, patrons will enjoy dinner at Emeril’s including a chef-designated signature drink, followed by an award presentation by Covenant House Executive Director Stacy Horn Koch to Judge and Mrs. Philip Ciaccio for their continued support.

After dinner, WWL’s Eric Paulsen will emcee the live auction that will begin at 9 p.m. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Covenant House New Orleans. Tickets are on sale now at $250 per person. For more information about “An Evening at Emeril’s” or raffle tickets for the 2010 Kia Soul, please contact Renee Blanche at (504) 584-1103 or Jennifer Doepp at (504) 584-1132.

November 5-Jan 29, 2010
Keith Haring: A Print Retrospective 1982-1990
The colorful and vibrant mastery of the late New York City artist Keith Haring will be the subject of the next exhibit on display in the Collins C. Diboll Art Gallery at Loyola University New Orleans. An opening reception will kick off the show that day at 5 p.m. Art Exhibit Opening Collins C. Diboll Art Gallery, located on the fourth floor of the Monroe Library, Loyola University. FREE ADMISSION

Friday, November 6 – Sunday, November 8
LADYFEST 2009
Visit http://www.ladyfest.com/ for schedules and venues.

Friday, November 6
A CHRISTMAS CAROL!
Presented by Loyola University Department of Theatre Arts & Dance. A Christmas Carol will run Nov. 6,7,12,13, and 14, at 7 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., in Marquette Theatre, located on the 2nd floor and accessible from the outdoor stairway of Loyola's Marquette Hall. The performances on Sunday, Nov. 8 and Thursday, Nov. 12, will be Loyola Theatre's Second Harvest Donation Days. In this production, director Artemis Preeshl examines how societal addiction to technology can render one isolated from direct human contact.

November 6
OBITUARY COCKTAIL SOCIETY OBers will gather as always from 6 to 7p.m. at this great New Orleans saloon...Harry's Corner Bar, 900 Chartres (504) 524-1107. Bring your Obituary Cocktail book and have your friends sign it.

November 6
SOUTHERN DOMINICAN NEW ORLEANS GALA
Mr. and Mrs. John LaBorde will be the recipients of the award given by the Southern Dominican Province. Dinner, silent auction and award presentation will take place at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 614 Canal Street. For reservation call 837-2129, ext 16

Friday, November 6
ROBERTO CARCASSÉS IN CONCERT
The CubaNOLA Arts Collective and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro present Jazz Pianist direct from Cuba, Roberto Carcassés with Ricky Sebastian on guitar and David Pulphus on bass. Sets at 8:00 & 10:00 p.m, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen St. For more information call 504-949-0696 or visit http://www.cubanola.org/ . Come enjoy one of Havana's top jazz funk musicians during his first visit to New Orleans. Roberto Carcassés is the popular and inimitable leader of a new movement in Cuban music, better known as the fun and funky ever-evolving jazz, timba, rumba, trova, party band Interactivo. During his one night of performances at Snug Harbor, Carcassés will perform jazz and of course bring some of the fun to the Crescent City.

November 7
WHOLE FOODS MARKET LOUISIANA STORES CELEBRATE TASTE OF THE SEASON
The Whole Foods Market Louisiana stores will celebrate a Taste of the Season and have scrumptious sampling in all departments, featuring the holiday menu and many more ideas for a festive spread. The event is complimentary and open to the public. Join the stores and be inspired for your next celebration!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH
1 TO 3 P.M.
Whole Foods Market Arabella Station 5600 Magazine St., (504) 899-9119 Whole Foods Market Veterans 3420 Veterans Blvd., (504) 888-8225

November 6
THE KINGFISH AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
The off-Broadway revival of "The Kingfish", a one-man show depicting the life and times of Huey P. Long, will begin its run at the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel this Friday, November 6th.The show features New Orleans' own John "Spud" McConnell, actor and WWL Radio host, as the legendary Louisiana Governor. Performances will be held every Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. in the Les Continents room on the 2nd floor.

Saturday, November 7
SUZAUNE AND CO
8:00 to 11:00; Coconut Club, Royal Pal Restaurant, Fountain Park Center, 1901 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey. No cover charge, but call 644-4100 for reservations in the restaurant. November 7-8
LOUISIANA SWAMP FESTIVAL
Audubon Zoo's signature festival spotlighting the food, music and history of South Louisiana. It's all about everything Louisiana - the 25th annual Louisiana Swamp Fest at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, This family-style festival draws thousands of people each year with Cajun cuisine, Cajun and Zydeco music, cultural demonstrators and one-of-a-kind crafts - all against the unique backdrop of Audubon Zoo in uptown New Orleans.For information on the Louisiana Swamp Festival at Audubon Zoo, call 504-581-4629 or 1-800-774-7394, or visit www.AudubonInstitute.org .

November 7-Dec 13
LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Open weekends from Nov 7 to Dec 13, 2009 and Friday Nov 27th (day after Thanksgiving) 10am to 5pm, rain or shine! http://www.larf.org/default.asp

November 7
An Opening Night to Remember at Octavia Art
Saturday, November 7th, 6 - 9 pm Performances at 7 pm and 8:30 pm Adults Only-at Octavia Art Gallery,4532 Magazine Street http://www.octaviaartgallery.com

November 7 20 th MIRLITON FESTIVAL 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Admission $5.00 - BNA Members $3.00 - Children Under 5 Free -at Markey Park on the corner of Piety and Royal Streets in Bywater.

November 7
BAYOU BACCHANAL CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL
Bayou Bacchanal 2009 will be in downtown New Orleans at Lafayette Square located at 500 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans. The festival kicks off with a parade from Harrahs Casino at 10 a.m. and ends at Lafayette Square to start the festival lasting until 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 7
The Victory Stomp
Come Experience the Victory and to celebrate the Grand Opening of The National World War II Museum’s exciting new attractions, including a 4-Theater experience! Bring friends and family to revel in an evening festival with live music by New Orleans’ own Deacon John’s Big Band, Irma Thomas and Ingrid Lucia, plus dining selections from the American Sector, a Chef John Besh restaurant, with a spectacular fireworks finale. 6 to 11 p.m. For additonal information visit http://www.nationalww2museum.org/

Monday, November 9
To Have and Have Another - The Hemingway Bartender's Companion
Presented by Phil Greene at the Museum of The American Cocktail at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk. 6:30 p.m. Visit http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/Events/Default.aspx

Please put in your calendar:

Wednesday, November 11
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON
“Hot, hot, hot!” will be way to describe the monthly Round Table Luncheon hosted by yours truly at noon at Begue's Restaurant. Firemen featured in their annual calendar will be present to autograph and sell the calendar. The featured speaker will be James Bernazzani, President of the Youth Rescue Initiative and former Special Agent in charge of New Orleans Division for the FBI. Vocalist Mary Flynn Thomas accompanied by pianist Jim Walpole will provide the entertainment. The popular Round Table Luncheon takes place at noon at Begue's of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The three-course gourmet luncheon is only $35 and includes complimentary parking and wines to compliment the food. For reservation: Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

November 12
HISTORIC HOUSES SOCIETY FALL GALA
Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses will be the beneficiary of the elegant gala that honors the members of the Historic Houses Society and its dedicaated donors. The evening features cocktails and dinner at 18 Englewood Parkway. Contact :522-5661

November 12
2009 ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE AWARD GALA
Phyllis M Taylor will receive the United Way’s highest award at its annual fundraiser at the Roosevelt Hotel. Contact 297-2647; unitedwaynola.org/tocqueville

November 13
THE 44TH ODYSSEY BALL
The New Orleans Museum of Art will host at the Museum its 44th Odyssey Ball themed “Dreams Comes True: Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studios,” to reflect it’s major organized exhibition opening November 15. Un addition to fine dining and spirits, the Odyssey Ball will feature a silent auction, trumpeter Jeremy Davenport and special guests from the soundtracks to Disney’s new animated feature, the Princess and the Frog. For tickets contact 658-4121 or visit noma.org

November 14
Howling Success, “Hooray for Howlywood”
The LA/SPCA annual fundraiser Gala features entertainment from Johnny Angel and the Swingin Demons and Damion Yancy, food from over 25 New Orleans restaurants, and full service bars with specialty drinks from Old New Orleans Rum. The Patron Party begins at 7:30pm with a private bar and exclusive Patron auction. The Gala begins at 8pm. The Grand Oaks Mansion at the New Mardi Gras World, located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, on the Eastbank will host the costumed attendees. Join Stella, Stanley, and the LA/SPCA as we find our desire on the dance floor at the 2009 Howling Success! Visit www.la-spca.org for more information

November 19
STAKE OUT FOR JUSTICE The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation will be the beneficiary of the Stake Out for Justice Soiree in which the honorees will be William Goldring of Republic Beverage Company and Col. Terry Ebbert,founder, New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. Speakers will be James Carville and his wife Mary Matalin. The event wil be at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans. Contact 232-0890

November 20
CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue will be the featured entertainment at the monthly Historic New Orleans Collection’s series of concerts and cocktails. Cocktails provided by New Orleans Rum . 6 to 8 p.m. $10 at the door-free for members. 533 Royal St. 523-4662

November 21
AZUCAR BALL PRESENTS CABARET TROPICANA
The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation is presenting its annual black-tie, elegant affair with the theme “Cabaret Tropicana 2009” at the Hotel Intercontinental New Orleans.

The evening will feature a night full of Latin dancing to the music of Julio and Cesar and Rumba Buena, great food and a silent auction. The patron party stars at 7 p.m. sponsored by Rio Mar Restaurant and the Gala at 8 p.m. The fundraiser will feature creative small plates served by New Orleans Finest restaurants. The recipient of this year Galvez Cup Award is Eugene Schreiber. Please visit www.NOHHF.org OR CALL Rosa Rodriguez at 523-2600. All proceed will benefit the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Scholarship Funds.

November 21
“Walk In Our Shoes” Wall of Fame Gala
Early Childhood & Family Learning Foundation (ECFLF) hosts an elegant gala to honor New Orleans natives who have achieved national acclaim and are role models to New Orleans’ children. Proceeds benefit Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood & Family Learning Center. The majesty lobby of the First NBC Bank,201 Baronne Street will serves as the setting for the fundraiser which will be from 7-10PM Celebrity Honorees: (All Will Be Present) are Vernel Bagneris, Award Winning Playwright, Choreographer & Producer; Bryan Batt.Award Winning Television & Motion Picture Actor; Alex Beard, Contemporary Artist; Ti Martin & Lally Brennan Restauranteurs Par Excellence,Captain Charles,Cultural and Community Leader,Entertainer & Disc Jockey,Leah Chase,“Queen of Creole Cuisine”; Fats Domino, Rock & Roll Legend & Hall of Famer; Pete Fountain, “King of Jazz”; Ronnie Kole, Award Winning Piano Impresario and Philanthropist; Senator Mary Landrieu,United States Senator, State of Louisiana; Moon Landrieu, Former Secretary of HUD, Judge & Mayor of New Orleans; Irvin Mayfield,award Winning Jazz Trumpeter and Louisiana Cultural Ambassador; Chris Rose, Award Winning Author & Columnist; Ernesto Schweikert III, Radio and Television Pioneer; Mackie Shilstone, Sports Trainer & Fitness Guru; Irma Thomas “Sweet Soul Queen Of New Orleans.”

Black Tie Preferred. Entertainment: Joe Simon Jazz Orchestra.

Emcee: Norman Robinson, WDSU News Anchor.

Have a great week!

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