"No Crashing the Party. Just Joining"
In the Weekend Financial Times of 11/23-24 I came across a terrific piece about a new book that’s a lot of fun titled, Born to Party, Forced to Work by the party planner, Bronson van Wyck. If there ever were words that deserved a second look – those six were it. I checked out Amazon and saw that the book sold for $50. Nope, that’s not for me, I thought.
Bronson van Wyck, the party planner, who counts Barack Obama and Beyoncé among his clientele says, “There’s no crashing the party in New Orleans: it’s just joining the party” – Photo courtesy of the Financial Times
So I decided to put it on hold at the 42nd Street Public Library in NYC. I handed the starchy librarian a note with the title/author written on it and she quickly informed me that it was persona non grata and couldn’t be reserved. Maybe it’s my imagination but I had the feeling the title really threw her. For the record, I love it.
The remarks that are excerpted in the Financial Times are all about New Orleans – one of the author’s favorite spots on planet Earth. He starts by saying, “The house where I grew up in rural Arkansas, was built of 100-year-old materials from a dilapidated building in New Orleans. My mother fell in love with the patina of the brick and the slate roof, so we floated the materials up the Mississippi. I’ve felt a deep connection with New Orleans ever since.”
HE LOVES THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM because he’s a history nerd. “I love the amazing Cajun swamp boat that was built in New Orleans and was the model for the landing craft used by the Allied armies at Normandy,” he says. This museum is located at 945 Magazine Street.
FOR LUNCH IT’S THE DOMILISE RESTAURANT AND BAR that has been offering shrimp, roast beef and ham po’boys plus beer in a counter-serve space since 1924. You’ll find this 96-year-old no-nonsense joint at 5240 Annunciation Street.
AFTER LUNCH TAKE A STROLL DOWN TO 3963 MAGAZINE in the Garden District and stop at Mac Maison Ltd. a shop that has the best selection of French and Italian chandeliers you’ll ever see.
IF YOU’RE A GUY BE SURE AND STOP AT AIDAN GILL FOR MEN, a barbershop run by an Irishman who does great haircuts and straight edge razor shaves. You’ll find this place at 2026 Magazine.
FOR DINNER GO TO GAUTREAU’S AT 1728 SONIAT STREET a glam restaurant where you may have the Mayor at one table, a Voodoo Queen at another or singer Harry Connick Jr. at another if he’s singing at Preservation Hall that night. Try the roasted duck with chocolate mole. Delicious!
THEN HEAD FOR COCKTAILS AT TONIQUE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER at 820 N. Rampart which is a dive bar (sawdust on the floor) but they make the best cocktails you’ve ever had. Try the Sazerac: cognac mixed with bitters, a sugar cube and a little Herbsaint (a ainse-flavored liqueur).
FOR “THE-DAY-AFTER” COCKTAILS WHEN REALITY SETS IN head for Brennan’s Restaurant for their fabulous hair-of-the-dog milk punch. They’ve been around since 1946 and can be found at 417 Royal Street.
AND THEN HAVE BRUNCH AT COMMANDER’S PALACE (one of my favorite restaurants). They’ve been in business since 1880 and can be found at 1403 Washington Avenue. Their turtle soup and eggs Sardou are sublime.
Finally, treat yourself to a New Orleans Saints American football game where – when the team appears – they play When The Saints Go Marching In. This is a totally unique New Orleans’ experience you’ll never forget!
CLICK HERE to hear and sing with the fabulous Weavers – we’re giving you both the music and lyrics to this terrific song.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick