Southwest Provincial Chapître
New Orleans, Louisiana  |  November 4-6, 2021

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

Let the good times roll in New Orleans during the 2021 Southwest Provincial Chapître where you can reunite with old Chaîne friends and make new ones! This unique city attracts people from all over the world who are drawn to its Cajun and Creole cuisine, charming Southern/French architecture, world-class museums, and incomparable jazz. The French Quarter promises unlimited opportunity for a memorable weekend.

Fun-filled times on the horizon! Incredible hotel room rates have been secured; interesting, fun and educational day time activities for your enjoyment; Black Tie Chaîne Induction; Cocktail Mondiale Induction; and last, but not least – time to sit, chat, learn, and share with others in the Province at our Officer’s Meeting. Come join us for what promises to be a spectacular Chapître!

Now, onto the details that will surround our fabulous weekend together!

Our Host Venue: Royal Sonesta Hotel

Located on world-famous Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta New Orleans effortlessly combines timeless elegance and southern refinement, setting itself apart from other French Quarter hotels. Its 483 guest rooms and suites, authentic hospitality, a Food is Art philosophy, wrought-iron balconies, and a lush courtyard create an experience unlike any other.

Booking through the Chapître Registration Form will provide you with a room rate that is significantly discounted (>50% off rack rate!!!), and includes all taxes, fees, plus complimentary basic internet, and access to the fitness center.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Welcome Reception

Welcome to NOLA! You’ve had a chance to get checked into the hotel, and now it is time to catch up with old friends and make new. We will meet in a French Quarter Private Garden for a Champagne Welcome Reception including light hors d’oeuvres before heading out to dinner at a restaurant of your choice at one of the suggested restaurants below. Champagne for this event will be provided by our sponsor Champagne Collet.

Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: $50 per person
Dress: Business Casual with Decorations 

Dine Around

Make your own reservation and enjoy the meal of your choice at one of the local restaurants. Suggest you make reservations prior to arrival in NOLA. When making your reservation at one of the restaurants below, please mention that you are with the Chaîne and participating in the Provincial Chapître hosted at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, so that they know the Chaîne is supporting them and we are great ambassadors for their business. Cabs, Ubers and Lyfts should be readily available for restaurants that aren’t within walking distance.

Acropolis On Freret

First up, not your normal Dine Around! We have a wine pairing dinner at Acropolis On Freret hosted by New Orleans Vice Echanson Bob Vaughn and Maître de Table Restaurateur CJ Jumonville, Proprietors, who have created a pre fixe mouth-watering four-course wine paired dinner for your enjoyment on your first night in the Big Easy! Known for their Mediterranean cuisine, Acropolis On Freret also puts out some delicious Italian dishes. For this evening, Chef Rickey Quevreaux has curated a special menu for Chaîne members. Each course will be expertly paired with wines selected by Vice Echanson Bob Vaughn and Echanson de Southwest Province William Ridlehuber. Maximum 80 guests. (15 min cab ride, 3 miles.)

Time: 6:15pm
Cost: $135 per person, all inclusive. Maximum of 80 guests.
Location: 4510 Freret Street. 504.309.0069

Bayona

430 Dauphine. 504.525.4455. Chef Susan Spicer opened Bayona in the spring of 1990. Bayona soon earned national attention and countless awards. Chef Spicer was awarded a James Beard Foundation Award for Excellence. The restaurant is known for its eclectic cuisine which features the freshest local ingredients. (3 min walk, .2 mile from hotel.)

Briquette

701 South Peters. 504.302.7479. Fresh fish is flown in daily to this contemporary, yet casual, restaurant in the Warehouse District. Tell them you are a Chaîne member, and they will give you a kitchen tour. Owners Maître Restaurateurs AJ Tusa and Anna Tusa are members of the New Orleans Bailliage. (15-20 min walk, .8 mile from hotel.)

Mr. B’s

201 Royal Street. 504.523.2078. Contemporary Creole. Opened in 1979 and it has become a true French quarter fixture famous for deft cooking of regional specialties in a casual bistro setting. Mr. B’s has been lauded for consistently vibrant Louisiana food and impeccable yet friendly service by Food & Wine, Gourmet, Travel and Leisure and Bon Appetit. (3 min walk, .2 mile from hotel.)

Galatoire’s Restaurant

209 Bourbon. 504.525.2021. Known for its classic Creole cuisine, Galatoire’s is also the location of our Saturday Night Celebration. David Gooch, one of the owners, is a member of the New Orleans Bailliage. No reservations; jacket required. (2 min walk, 450’ from hotel.)

Galatoire’s 33 Bar and Steak

215 Bourbon Street. 504.335.3932. This sister restaurant to Galatoire’s serves the finest cocktails and traditional steakhouse fare in a refined setting beneath crystal chandeliers. They do take reservations. (2 min walk, 400’ from hotel.)

The Italian Barrel

1240 Decatur Street. 504.569.0198. Italian. Italian Barrel was started by a family who are obsessed with making the best home-made sausages in the US. Very casual, good, solid food, very small place. (15-20 min walk, .9 mile from hotel.)

The Pelican Club

312 Exchange Place. 504.523.1504. Contemporary Creole. Chef/Owner Richard Hughes has a reputation for putting together seasonal menus that reflect both the robustness of his native south Louisiana and his experiences from restaurants while he lived in New York City. (3 min walk, .1 mile from hotel.)

Restaurant R’evolution

777 Bienville. 504.553.2277. Award winning Chef John Folse “touts“ modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Chef Folse was honored in 2020 with the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award. Conveniently located in our host hotel, the Royal Sonesta.

Muriel’s Jackson Square

801 Chartres. 504.568.1885. The original structure dates back to the 1700’s and has recently been restored to its mid-1800’s glory. Enjoy a fine meal featuring contemporary Creole Cuisine in the French Quarter. (10 min walk, .5 mile from hotel.)

Friday, November 5, 2021 Daytime Activities

French Quarter Garden Patio Tour

This guided tour will begin in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta at the Conti Street exit. Group will be led by a member of the Patio Planters Club, a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the French Quarter. Participants will enjoy six different French Quarter Garden Patios and at each one you will be greeted with either a light bite or a cocktail sampler. This is NOLA, so you can take your drink with you as your stroll the streets to your next destination! Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes as the sidewalk surfaces can be uneven.

Time: 9:00am – Noon
Cost: $50.00 per person
Dress: Casual with Decorations

Indulge in Champagne and Caviar!

Attendees will be Indulging in Haute Caviar Company’s selection of four different types of caviar that range from creamy and buttery notes to earthy flavors with notes of mineral; you are sure to find your new favorite type of caviar! Included in the tasting will be 10 grams each of Paddlefish, Hackleback, Kaluga Hybrid, and the legendary Russian Osetra Caviars! Traditional accoutrements of blini and creme fraîche will be included with the tasting, and of course, be paired with Champagne from our sponsor Champagne Collet!

You will learn the history of caviar, the oldest and purest way of indulging in caviar, what to look for when eating the delicacy, and more!

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Cost: Option 1: $380.00 per couple to share 40 grams of caviar (serves two people) or, Option 2: $245.00 for one person to enjoy the full 40 grams of caviar by themself. (This option cannot be shared.) Maximum of 30 guests.
Location: Briquette Wine Room, 701 South Peters. 504.302.7479.
Participants should meet at the Conti Street entrance to the hotel between 11:00am & 11:15am to get into Uber cars for transportation to event.
Dress: Casual with Decorations

St. James Cheese Company

Join Cheesemonger Rachel Heiligman and Echanson Provincial de Southwest William Ridlehuber as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the St. James Cheese Shop while they share their knowledge of some outstanding wines and perfectly paired cheese from some of the finest terroirs in the world. Do you prefer red or white wine with your cheese? Come to this event to learn about classic pairings and discover when white is the best choice and red is the best choice. During this tasting you will be exploring six cheeses and have an opportunity to see how each cheese pairs with three different red and white wines. As a little lagniappe, participants will receive a 10% off coupon for any purchases they would like to make in the shop. Sign up quickly as participation is limited to 30.

Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Location: 5004 Prytania Street.
Cost: $100.00 per person. Limited to 30 Participants
Participants should meet at the Conti Street entrance to the hotel between 2:30pm & 2:45pm to get into Uber cars for transportation to event.
Dress: Casual with Decorations

Friday Evening Event

Black Tie Reception and Induction

The Southwest Province is honored to welcome Chancelier des Etats-Unis Rufus Cressend who will be assisting Bailli Provincial de Southwest Cheryl Kenny in inducting new members into the Chaîne and elevating Officers from around the Province. Enjoy champagne as we head into the induction ceremony. Full reception with passed hors d’oeuvres following.

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom, Royal Sonesta Pre-Function Area
Cost: Included with Gala Dinner and Auction
Dress: Black Tie with Decorations

Gala Dinner and Auction

Immediately following the induction, we will continue the festivities with a champagne reception including butler passed hors d’oeuvres. Reception will flow into a fabulous five-course dinner featuring local delicacies, accompanied by excellent wines paired for the occasion. The Silent Auction to support the Chaîne Southwest Province will continue throughout the evening.

Time: 7:30pm – 11:00 pm
Cost: $235 per person
Location: Grand Ballroom, Royal Sonesta
Dress: Black Tie with Decorations

Saturday, November 6, 2021 Daytime Activities

Annual Provincial Meeting

While primarily designed for local and Provincial officers, all members are welcome to attend the annual Provincial meeting. The meeting will provide an interactive exchange of ideas with a goal of fostering the camaraderie of the Chaîne. Continental breakfast will be served with the meeting.

Time: 8:30am – 11:00am
Cost: Included with Registration
Location: Acadia Suite, Royal Sonesta
Dress: Business Casual with Decorations

Briquette Cocktails and Lunch

Join Maître Restaurateur and Proprietor, Anna Tusa and staff as they demonstrate Classic New Orleans Cocktails! Guests will be greeted with a welcome drink before watching demonstrations of three additional cocktails that will be paired with a three-course luncheon. Known for her engaging and entertaining style, participants will laugh while learning and then take-home recipes for each of the cocktail creations. If you would also like to enjoy the Old World Vintage Wine Tasting after lunch, please sign up for both as we will be able to seamlessly transfer you from the Cocktail Tasting and Lunch into the Vintage Wine Tasting Event!

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm
Cost: $92.00 per person
Location: Briquette Restaurant, 701 South Peters. 504.302.7479
Participants should meet at the Conti Street entrance to the hotel between 11:00am & 11:15am to get into Uber cars for transportation to event.
Dress: Casual with Decorations

Old World Vintage Wine Tasting: “Exploring why some wines are described as masculine and others from the same region feminine.”

Come join Echanson Provincial de Southwest William Ridlehuber as he guides you through a thoughtful tasting of Old World Vintage Wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Piemonte. Why are Pauillac, Pommard and Barolo described as masculine versus Margaux, Volnay and Barbaresco as feminine? Come join William and find out for yourself!  This is a Société Mondiale du Vin event but is open to all Chapître attendees. Sign up quickly as participation is limited to 30.

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $110.00 per person. Maximum of 30 participants.
Location: Briquette Restaurant, 701 South Peters. 504.302.7479
Participants should meet at the Conti Street entrance to the hotel between 1:00pm & 1:15pm to get into Uber cars for transportation to the event.
Dress: Business Casual with Decorations

Saturday Evening Event

The Best of Galatoire’s

Mondiale Induction!!!!

Founded in 1905 by Frenchman Jean Galatoire, the restaurant still features the recipes and traditions inspired by his homeland. Today the venue is run by the fifth generation of the family who have expanded the restaurant to include new trends while maintaining its time-honored traditions. David Gooch, the manager of Galatoire’s, is the former Vice Chargé de Mission of the New Orleans Bailliage.

Echanson Provincial de Southwest William Ridlehuber will induct new members into Société Mondiale du Vin with assistance from the Southwest Vice Echanson’s in attendance! Following the induction, our cocktail reception will include Galatoire’s famous fried oysters, and then we will sit down to a scrumptious five-course dinner in this NOLA classic restaurant. Be prepared to break out in song as the evening progresses and creative juices start flowing to give tribute in the true spirit of la Mondiale! Attendance limited to 130.

Time:  6:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost:  $225.00
Location: 209 Bourbon Street, The Balcony Room
Dress:  Cocktail Attire with Decorations (jacket required)

Sunday, November 7, 2021

While the official activities of the Southwest Provincial ChapÎtre are over, you may choose to stay and enjoy the endless opportunities for fun and entertainment that New Orleans has to offer. Some suggestions include:

• Take the oldest wooden streetcar past the historic architecture of the Garden District
• Tour some world-class museums:

– National World War II Museum

– New Orleans Museum of Art

– Ogden Museum of Southern Art

– Historic New Orleans Collection

• Catch some jazz at Preservation Hall
• Take a walking tour of the renowned Jackson Square
• Visit the Audubon Zoo
• Catch a short cruise up the mighty Mississippi

For a detailed guide to your stay, visit: https://www.neworleans.com/plan/neighborhoods/french-quarter/

Shout out to our Sponsor HollindenSmith for designing our registration materials!

Phoenix Tower | 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2250  |  Houston, TX  77027  |  713.520.5532  |  www.hollinden.com

A Special Thanks to All Our Sponsors

 Champagne Collet  |  Brooks Wine  |  Caymus Vineyards  |  HollindenSmith