Crispy quesadillas, sizzling fajitas, and mouth-watering margaritas were the order of the day for the long-awaited ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies at Agave Mexican Grill and Cantina, located at 200 East Vermilion in downtown Lafayette. On Friday, Aug. 24, the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce was out in full force ' with the big official scissors ' to help Nidal Balbeisi and his staff cut the ribbon and open a little slice of Mexico right here in the Hub City. Supporters and revelers feasted on South of the Border delicacies and danced to the smooth sounds of The Steven Cohen Band. Colorful artwork was featured by youngsters from The Little Paintbrush, and lovely, handcrafted tissue roses enhanced the bright colors of the cantina. Everyone who attended agreed that this place is muy caliente. Party Girl definitely gives it one big Ole!
When it comes to recapping past parties and to looking ahead to parties to come, the Krewe of Xanadu has it down pat. And what better way to do that than with a party? The Krewe held its spring general membership meeting on April 30 at a la carte in the Oil Center. This year, there's a whopping 235 members in the krewe, and all of them were invited to the meeting to hear a recap of last year's Mardi Gras season. Members also learned about events and activities for the upcoming 2008 Mardi Gras year. I was glad to be there, to get the inside scoop on what's in store for the year's festivities. Everyone enjoyed delicious food and drink from a la carte, and I got to visit with several members of the Xanadu Krewe. I was quite impressed with the assorted memorabilia from Xanadu's years past that was displayed on the tables throughout a la carte. And like the Krewe of Xanadu, I'm already gearing up for the 2008 Mardi Gras season early in the year.
Party On! ' PG