Sequins, fringe and the Charleston were en vogue among the 600-plus revelers at the eighth annual “Carnivale du Vin” on Saturday, November 3, the roaring 1920s-themed highlight of a philanthropic weekend. “Speak Easy, Bid Loud” paired with Friday night’s second annual “Boudin & Beer” fest to raise $2.2 million for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
The sold-out gala and wine auction kicked off with Emeril’s Bacchus Reception, where chef Emeril and Alden Lagasse toasted the 2012 Event Honoree, Bob Cabral of Williams Selyem in Sonoma, Calif. Cabral is a devoted member of Lagasse’s Krewe du Vin and was honored last year as “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast.
A Lagasse event could not bear his name without boasting a fine selection of vittles to go with it. Krewe du Vin, a cast of celebrity chefs selected to prepare the event’s five-course wine pairings meal, featured Mario Batali, Joseph Lenn, Tyler Florence, Marc Forgione and Michelle Gayer, as well as Arista Winery, Caymus Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Crocker & Starr and Williams Selyem.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band featuring Cassandra Wilson and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue kept the night Gatsbian and above all, great.
Now celebrating its first decade, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports children’s education and nonprofit organizations that provide culinary, nutrition, garden, arts and life skills programs. “Carnivale du Vin,” its signature fundraiser, ranks among the “Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auctions” in Wine Spectator magazine.
Event at a Glance
WHAT
“Speak Easy, Bid Loud,” eighth annual “Carnivale du Vin” gala, benefiting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation
WHEN
Saturday, November 3
WHERE
New Orleans Convention Center
