“Carnivale du Vin,” the nationally-recognized charity wine auction that took place on November 10, 2018 as part of Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s two-night signature fundraising weekend, brought 600 patrons to wine and dine following the food and music festival “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer.”
Patrons were welcomed by a grand entryway swagged in green silken drapes with a boxwood hedge welcome sign with the “Carnivale du Vin” logo in fresh herbs, flanked with colorful purple, white and green florals. This year’s theme was “At the Roots,” enhanced by elaborate floral centerpieces by Johnny Lopez of Perfect Presentations, which featured coral peonies with fresh purple and white kale, basil, rosemary and purple dahlias.
The Bacchus Reception entertainment was provided by the Gregory Agid Quartet. The menu featured tastings from guest chefs Masaharu Morimoto, David Kinch and Traci Des Jardins paired with wines from Honorary Bacchus Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines.
The Krewe du Vin menu featured five courses paired with fine wines. Trombone Shorty entertained with a lively concert.
The auction display featured 200 items ranging from Salmanazar bottles (nine liter bottles of wine) to a custom art drum kit. Among all the fabulously displayed bottles of wine, to complement the theme, the tables featured fresh vegetable décor such as eggplants, sloshes and gourds with fresh cut green asparagus. Flanking the Bacchus winemaker station, concrete columns were wrapped in curly willow with golden lemonleaf and basil leaf to create lifelike trees. Live auction highlights included a vacation to South Africa with Travel Sommelier, an exclusive trip through Napa with retired race car driver and winemaker Danica Patrick and private dinner at Emeril’s home paired with wines from Dan Kosta.
Event at a Glance
What: “Carnivale du Vin,” benefiting Emeril Lagasse Foundation
When: Saturday, November 10
Where: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Jim Clendenen and Mark Romig
Suzanne Pride, Dan Costa and Katie Clatty
Mark Lagasse, Antonia Keller and Tommy Moore
Bridget Harrell and Rick Burgess
Tom Matthews, Sara Matthews, Mike Thompson and Bob Cabral
