Progressive Dinner An Exquisite Affair
Sold-out event offered fine dining, music and even a dance

By Roberta Grove

A crisp fall evening was the ideal backdrop for the recent 8th Annual Progressive Dinner to benefit French Quarter Citizens for Preservation. Only the finest local cuisine would suffice and patrons who attended were wined, dined and entertained at four of the most stunning homes in the Vieux Carré. Hosts Chuck Robinson and Ron Julian, Deborah and Bill Armington, Michael Murphy, and Carol and Doug Greve opened their homes adorned with floral designs courtesy of the talented Glenn Vesh.

New Orleans chefs presented their finest. Bacco and Bayona's delights were presented with their usual flair. Shinobu Morishito, dressed in traditional Japanese costume, greeted partygoers with delicacies from Samurai Sushi. G.W. FINS cooked up their famous lobster dumplings. Catherine Hall of Hall's Catering presented a scrumptious paté. Always a local favorite, the Rib Room salad delighted taste buds. Executive Chef Matt Caldwell of Gamay presented a virtual feast of encrusted mahi-mahi and Peruvian blue potatoes. Wines were carefully selected and presented by the Bistro's sommelier Patrick Van Hoorebeck, with his usual sense of style. To top it all off, Executive Chef Gus Martin of the Palace Café presented his signature white chocolate bread pudding while Windsor Court's Joy Jessup provided handmade chocolate bonbons artfully displayed.

To enhance the festive spirit of the event, a virtual "who's who" of local jazzers provided music at each home. The Pfister Sisters kicked off the night, John Royen shone as solo pianist, Tony Green and Gypsy Jazz had guests dancing with the entrée, and John Rankin displayed his talents as a solo guitarist.

For those patrons who endured well into the wee hours, Pat O's on the River provided the venue for "Dancin' on the River." Tim Laughlin and his Band, along with guest vocalist Debbie Davis, entertained everyone until the midnight hour. The evening's entertainment was underwritten by Sidney Torres, father and son, and the Hotel Royal. Local hotels and businesses provided exceptional packages that were given away as door prizes to lucky dance patrons. FQCP wishes to thank the following hotels: Astor, Inter-Continental, Le Meridien, LePavillon, Maison De Ville, Maison Dupuy, Monaco, Monteleone, Ritz-Carlton, "W" and Wyndham New Orleans, as well as Hurwitz-Mintz, the LPO, and the musicians who participated. Special thanks should be extended to the A&P French Quarter, Abita Springs Water Co., Beer League of Louisiana, CC's Coffee House, Documart, Matassa's Market, Mona Lisa Restaurant, New Orleans Event Rental, Robért Refrigeration Service, Verti Marte, and the Wine & Spirits Foundation, Sheriff Foti and his deputies once again generously provided security for the Dinner.

In all, over 170 guests enjoyed a truly magical evening which proved to be one of FQCP's most successful fund raising events. Honorees Jackie Clarkson and Tony Marino will long remember the 8th Annual Progressive Dinner, especially after each receiving a beautiful lithograph courtesy of artist Philip Flurry, with framing provided by Constance Tiel of the Magazine Street Oak & Cypress Co.

Mark your calendars and reserve November 7, 2003 as the place to be for the next Progressive Dinner. All proceeds support preservation efforts for the historic national treasure which is the French Quarter.