More than 450 masked revelers paraded into “Bal Masqué” at the start of a spirited Carnival season. The masquerade party featured live musical entertainment, a lineup of celebrity chefs and mixologists dishing out their best bites and an auction offering up one-of-a-kind local pieces and experiences — all to benefit the Link Stryjewski Foundation (LSF).
James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link and Steven Stryjewski (of Herbsaint, Cochon, Butcher and Pêche) brought together a host of nationally renowned celebrity chefs and mixologists for an evening of New Orleans’ best hospitality. Participating chefs included: Nina Compton, John Currence, Suzanne Goin, Paul Kahan, Mike Lata, Nancy Oakes, Richard Reddington, Andrea Reusing, Slade Rushing, Frank Stitt and Maggie Scales. Neal Bodenheimer created specialty cocktails for the evening.
Henriot Champagne was free flowing all night in
the Champagne Lounge in addition to Caribbean and
classic cocktails.
The band lineup offered the Original Pinettes Brass Band, The Roots of Music, Vermillionaires, Cha Wa and Ram from Haiti.
Not limited to revelers at “Bal Masqué,” the auction allowed LSF supporters to bid on beautiful artwork, wine, masks and headpieces made by New Orleans artists.
Proceeds from the gala support the LSF’s work to address the cycle of violence and poverty in New Orleans and provide education and training opportunities to youth.
Event at a Glance
What: “Bal Masqué,” benefiting Link Stryjewski Foundation
When: Saturday, January 19
Where: The Sugar Mill
Debbie Scollard with Robert and Morgan Lewis
Trixie Minx, chef Maggie Scales, chef Slade Rushing and Heather Lolley
