As I arrived at the Vieux Carre on Thursday evening to meet the special guest Chef Allison Vines-Rushing of MiLa restaurant in New Orleans I walked into a room filled with a mouth-watering aroma that stimulated happy childhood memories of my mother lovingly preparing her special dishes in the 1940s. I was escorted into the kitchen by my dear friend Lynda Gavioli who was so excited to introduce me to the delightfully notorious chef of the evening. The staff in the kitchen were all of one accord with the spirit of dining perfection for the evening.
Allison was stirring one of her secret sauces in preparation of the grand event and I told her to not stop stirring to greet me, but finish the sauce. It was not my intention to distract her from perfecting her wonderfully smelling sauce. Watching her over the pot of sauce was like watching an artist deeply obsessed and entranced over creating a masterpiece painting. She moved about the kitchen effortlessly.
I stood there watching her quietly so not to disturb the delightful atmosphere of art in progress. After the sauce was prepared she turned the fire off and gave me her undivided attention. Allison was vivacious and animated as we talked, anticipating a celebration of happy guests who will make MiLa restaurant the first stop when they arrive in the crescent city.
Chef Allison, is a West Monroe native and daughter of Ralph Vines and Sylvia Rusche. We talked of her fond memories of growing up in Louisiana eating crawfish, sugar cane and salted watermelon. NELA Ovation opened the three-day fund-raising weekend for the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana and Chef Allison was a magnificent choice. Allison is a national leading star chef, having been named the 2004 James Beard Rising Star Chef under 30.
Featured on the menu that evening was Allison's "Smoked Pepper Dusted Tuna" with black-eyed peas and molasses. The wonderful staff at Vieux Carre did an outstanding job and Chef Robert Fava added his own creative courses for the pampered crowd. Chef Fava is an outstanding man in our community and we are so proud to have him in our area. His parents are top notch and have been devoted friends of mine for a long time.
Among those enjoying the wine tasting dinner was the supreme couple Wendy and Mark Napoli
Designer Prom Dresses, Emile Barrow, Gretchen Dean, Amy and Jim Norris, Patti Nelson, Ann and Shirish Lal, Nell and Bob Seegers, Lou Gavioli, Dr. John Hull, Judy and Don Marx, Faith and Daryl Marx, Jay Morris, Linda and Joe Ford, Brady and Paige King, Kent and Charlotte Breard, Cynthia and Thomas Parker and Amy and Hill Hinkle.
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The most exciting and luxurious event of the weekend for me had to be the wine-tasting party at Wendy and Dr. Mark Napoli's elegant landmark home that was once a country club and built in 1923. At that time it was Monroe's most elite and most adored private club. The ladies would arrive wearing their finest dresses, adorned in fashionable hats and gloves for afternoon teas and at night there were fancy balls held there. The party would always end on the beautiful levees of the river where the moon reflected so brightly as if it were there to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the evening. Things have not changed much since then.
The Napolis' home is gorgeous and the company was so fine that I remained in awe the entire evening as I sipped on the finest of wines. The Napolis had recently renovated the estate and every detail of the home was meticulously thought out and designed in the most exquisite of fashions. No one entertains at home with more charm and whimsy than Mark and Wendy. They are two of the most hospitable people who never cease to amaze with their charitable giving
ball gowns 2011, such as to help the Children's Coalition with this wine-tasting event.
The evening had all the glitter and glamour created with unstudied panache. As Marie and I wandered throughout the home, we were intoxicated and spellbound by the mood and atmosphere. Every room in the old country club came to life as if we could envision the beautiful balls held there years ago. The upstairs room overlooking the river has one of the best views and the tranquil setting is heavenly for letting the body recharge. The ceiling in the room was hand painted in a dark color with flecks of gold in eccentric designs by the talented Wendy. They both express their talents in so many ways.
The master bathroom is dramatic with its dressing tables, chandeliers, mirrors and garden views. The white setting looked so decadent I could almost imagine turning around and seeing the movie star Jean Harlow sitting in one of the lounging chairs. The master bedroom was a peaceful sanctuary decorated in pale soothing shades. Later in the evening we all went outside on the green grounds to the front porch which was transformed into a theater to watch the performance of the Twin City Ballet. The performers danced in full white skirts with cowboy boots and hats to "Crazy," the song made famous by Patsy Cline. It was an exhilarating performance that received standing ovations throughout the crowd. Even the horses on the levee seemed to perk up along with the dance.
Marie and I left that evening with hearts filled with joy and an experience never to be forgotten. Also, if one could envision the perfect beauty of the Garden of Eden a few standouts in the crowd were Sue and Dr. Walter Sartor, pretty Carolyn Barnes in a pretty green silk dress, Lana and Dr. Vince Forte, Kim Read, Amy Taylor, Claire Gordon, Lynda Gavioli, executive Director of the Children's Coalition and I always love working with Lynda on whatever team she is chairing, Dr. Jerry Fontenot, Jim Norris, Dr. John Hull, Stewart Ewing, Amy and Randy Taylor, George and Janelle Snellings, Gretchen Dean, Nell and Bob Seegers, Kristi and James Jones, Ann and Shirish Lal, Nicole Barron
plus size prom dresse 2011, Melanie Liles, Pam Woods, Mary Emery Ellis, Amy Norris
purple prom dresses 2011, Mary Kate Smith, Angela and Louis Bremmer, Linda and Joe Holyfield, the delightful couple David and Beth Emery, Janet Durden along with Susan Duke and I had a very nice visit about the past, Judy and Dr. Don Marx, Marilyn and Ron Koepke, Angela and Mayor Jamie Mayo, Tommy Usrey, Gregory Hudgins, Brenda and Charles Marsala, a devoted couple, Steven Harrison, Hollis Ann Robinson, the attractive couple Monica and Taylor Cagle, Claire and Hardy Gordon, Mark and Lynn Clark and everyone's favorites Michele and Dr. Bill Zollinger and more. To round out the evening, guests were invited on to the Monroe Symphony Orchestra concert "Proud to be an American" with Ben Utecht. All in all, a Saturday to be remembered and savored, more about parties next week on this event.
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Marcus Davis, a waiter at Bayou Desiard Country Club is one of the best, who takes care of his clientele He has a personable personality, big smile and is always professional. We would like to wish him and his wife Tyhesia Davis a happy anniversary. They celebrated April 18 with friends. We also wish Larry Patrick, who also works at the club, and his wife Peggy a happy anniversary and celebrated on April 14. Many more to these outstanding friends
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It was a magical carpet ride at the home of John Lolley, who has one of the chicest houses in our area filled with exceptional taste. The reason for the celebration
long prom dresses, Alison Lolley Draper requested the pleasure of your company at a cocktail buffet honoring celebrated photojournalist Mark Petty and his wife Marty. The evening was outstanding, and a few friends called around 6:30 p.m. to be whisked away on a journey of the best food, flowers created by June Salomon
plus size prom dresse, and a gourmet buffet. I am so honored to be John's friend. It is a treat to be included in the magic he makes at his home for friends.
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The Masur Museum of Art offered a unique opportunity to meet famed Cajun artist George Rodrigue. It was a huge success and may friends gathered at the home of Gabriella and Dr. Ralph Armstrong for a delightful evening after the Masur Museum show.
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Good morning and let's have a cup coffee with my good friends Kenny Cagle, Jerry Hightower, Mark Leath, Ray Newman, Bill Vallery and Raymond Agnew. Have a nice Sunday Jan Hales, one of our area's great decorators. I will have a cup of coffee and some of Chef Eric Petrus' homemade lemon pie.
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Remember Run for the Roses for the Cancer Foundation League Saturday May 7. Dinner and dancing with entertainment by Code Blue and The Flatliners �� I look forward to seeing you there.
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Coldwell Banker Group 1 Realty enjoyed a luncheon meeting together. Enjoying the company of friends were, Brandace Holley, Sandy Johnson, Ashley Arat, Mark Sisk, Reagan Avery, Cathy Hannibel, Debbie Campbell, Emily Lane, Sharon Robinson, Lesli Thomas
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Cocktail dresses, Paula Beasley, Joel Colvin and Sheryl Foot.
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The Divas always have a grand time when they meet for a birthday celebration. They were celebrating the birthday of Katharine Guerriero Baugh from Groves, Texas, accompanied by her husband Jack. Among the merry ladies were pretty Barbara Corry, Katie White, Patsy Moore, Kay Morgan, Mary Louise Crenshaw and Sue Grivet.
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It is always an outstanding evening when Kindra and Eddie Neitz get together with friends for laughter and a good time. Also enjoying the evening with their friends were Ryan and Michelle Jefferson and Megan and Will Shelby.
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Good friends gathered to catch up and enjoy lunch in the Twin Cities. Among them were Janice Little
Bridesmaid dresses, Carrie Marbury, Annelle Kahn, Kelly Stevens and Matthew Edmonds.
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Susan Williams enjoyed dining with Martha Young, Susan Williams, Maggie Huey, Rosemary Luffey, Barbara Lee, Pat Lary and Joyce Tyner.
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Having a gathering of friends were Linda Terrell, Shirley Shaw, Linda Tarkington, Mildred Parker, Elizabeth Tickner and Yvonne Sims.
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Among the fine group of fellows at the SAR luncheon meeting were Fred Huenefeld, Jim Padgett, Joe H. Brown, Bo Shaw Jr., Marcus Bailey, Tripp Faulk, Chris Johnson and John McCarter.
Victor Cascio is a guest society columnist for The News-Star. The News-Star reserves the right to edit submissions for content or photo quality.
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