“Bal Masqué,” the glitzy masquerade opener of Carnival season, which took place on January 18th this year, once again supported the Link Stryjewski Foundation’s mission to nourish, educate and empower New Orleans youth. James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewsk brought together a star-studded lineup of nationally renowned celebrity chefs and mixologists to celebrate with rich food, lively music and carnival traditions.
Participating chefs included Nina Compton, John Currence, Vishwesh Bhatt, Suzanne Goin, Paul Kahan, Mike Lata, Richard Reddington, Andrea Reusing, Maggie Scales, Chris Shepherd
and Frank Stitt.
Neal Bodenheimer and his team from Cure created specialty cocktails for the evening.
Co-Founders of the Link Stryjewski Foundation, as well as Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, delivered remarks to the revelers.
The party featured live New Orleans brass, Creole Zydeco and Afro-Champeta from Colombia’s Caribbean coast, including the talent of Tribu Baharu from Colombia, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, The Roots of Music and DJ El Camino.
Free-flowing champagne and accompanying caviar treated guests in the Champagne Henriot Lounge.
A glitter bar by Elektra Cosmetics added extra sparkle to the evening. Event Design by CHL Linens and floral design by Nice Day enhanced the elegant ambiance in The Sugar Mill.
Sponsors included Champagne Henriot, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Buffalo Trace, Wheatley Vodka, Sazerac Co., NOLA Brewing Co. and The Times Picayune/New Orleans Advocate.
Event at a Glance
What: “Bal Masqué,” benefiting Link Stryjewski Foundation
When: Saturday, January 18
Where: The Sugar Mill
Stella de Lis, Gary Solomon Sr., Martha Solomon and Phathoms
Bill Hammack, Janice Parmalee and Fred Holley
Emery and Kristian Sonnier
Sam Carter, Leighann Smith and Rebecca Wilcomb
Keith Liederman and Heather Lolley
