The French Quarter Festivals marked its 35th year with a benefit and tribute to the late Fats Domino. The gala took place at New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, Antoine’s, and featured a full dinner menu and an open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Brown-Forman.
Guests enjoyed all of the restaurant’s famous rooms such the Mardi Gras-themed Rex, Proteus, and 12th Night Revelers rooms. The menu included oysters Foch, soufflé potatoes, creamed spinach, Creole andouille au gratin, shrimp remoulade, crabmeat ravigote, Gulf fish du jour amandine, beef tips Comeaux, oysters Rockefeller and baked Alaska. Patrons were treated to “A Taste of the Fest:” bite-sized versions of the festival’s most popular dishes throughout its history, including those from Lakeview Harbor, Mrs. Wheat’s Pies, Restaurant R’evolution, Wink’s Bakery, Rib Room and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Mike Harvey’s Hot Club entertained at the Patron Party. During the gala, the organization additionally recognized talented and notable culture icons with Al “Lil’ Fats” Jackson’s Tribute to Fats. Special guests included Fats Domino’s grandson Chevis Brimmer, Roger Lewis (of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Fats Domino’s Band) and Charmaine Neville.
Honorary Co-Chairs were Darryl and Louellen Berger, Sybil and Marc Morial, and Chevron Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mark Hatfield.
Event at a Glance
What: “French Quarter Festival Gala,” benefiting French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
When: Thursday, March 15
Where: Antoine’s
Rick and Lauren Blount
Steve and Beth Conner with Leah Brown and Martin Irons
