Philanthropic Fun: Sipping with a Story

A quintessential New Orleans evening set the stage for “Amazing Grapes 2018:” string lights overhead, jazz music wafting through the air and the historic garden in bloom. The event benefits the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses in the ongoing challenge of preservation of the two 19th century historic houses: Hermann-Grima House, built in 1830, and Gallier House, built in 1861.

The Patron Party featured Veuve Clicquot donated by the Chart Room Bar and Woodford Reserve Bourbon donated by Brown Forman. Cava Restaurant also donated delicious wines.

The signature cocktail of the evening comes with a story. A letter from between the Grima brothers from September of 1857 was discovered, where one brother requests the other to bring certain ingredients for a drink. He also says that he’s taking the Creole from Bay St. Louis to New Orleans and wants the ingredients for the weekend. They are similar to a French 75 (champagne, cognac, lemons and ice), so the drink earned the title the Grima 57 as the event’s signature cocktail, which was served out of the home’s historic wine room.

At the gala, the New Orleans Jazz Trio, led by board member Julie Simpson’s father, Ronald Simpson, played on the balcony. Broussard’s was the exclusive caterer, with selections including Angus beef tenderloin, pan-roasted Gulf fish, a Mediterranean table and more. Food was served out of the Hermann-Grima House open-hearth kitchen, the French Quarter’s oldest original open-hearth kitchen still in operation.

Auction items were displayed in the back gallery of the house, which was open for docent-led tours during the party. Top prizes included a staycation package at the Omni, a Rip Van Winkle 12-year Bourbon, a getaway to Perdido Beach, Florida and a keg party at F&M.

Lori Paige and Katherine Raymond served as Event Chairs.


Philanthropic Fun: Sipping with a Story

Caroline Ferguson with John and 2017-2018 TWE President Holly Nieset

 

Philanthropic Fun: Sipping with a Story

Dr.Scott and Julie Habetz

 


Event at a Glance

What: “Amazing Grapes Wine Auction,” benefiting Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses
When: Friday, March 16
Where: Hermann-Grima House


 

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