Keeping up with what's new in town and always being on the look out for new friends, Party Girl was very excited to be invited to attend the grand opening celebration of Shinto, Lafayette's newest hibachi grill and sushi bar on Ambassador Caffery across from Philippe's Wine Cellar. Keeping up with Japanese tradition and their emphasis on the artful arrangement of food, the beautiful presentation carried over into every dish they served. These highly skilled chefs make it look easy, but I think I'll leave sushi making to the experts. I sat next to obviously experienced sushi buffs at the hibachi grill who could name the fish in each sashimi and in all the various pieces in my sushi-filled boat. I was happy to see one of my favorite deserts, banana tempura, appear just before I called it quits. After a few hours of conversation and round after round of sushi, I concur the best way to cook a fish is not to!
It was truly a storybook wedding for photographer Philip Gould and his bride Margot Hasha. The soggy Saturday turned clear and cool just in time for the guests to gather at La Belle Maison in Girard Park. The sweet ceremony included some very personal vows with music provided by Michael Doucet on solo fiddle. Margot's dress was a real show-stopper, and her beaming groom chose a pastel pink striped tie to complement her full-length gown. Chef Patrick Mould prepared a fabulous buffet for the scores of friends and family who joined the celebration. The gumbo and shrimp cocktail were definite favorites, but the groom's cake had everyone talking ' and guessing! Robin May and Alyson Haymark finally figured out it was an accordion with a camera lens, capturing two of Philip's passions. Patrick Little sported bright red Crocks, surely the most sensible shoes for the evening, and a fabulous silk tie to complete his ensemble. A wedding trip to South America will come later, but that evening the couple danced to the music of Charlene Howard and her band and lingered long with their guests, including Steve and Cynthia Schneider, Sharon Doucet, Barry Ancelet, Michelle Vallot, Conrad Comeaux and Jackie Lyle.
Greetings from Italiano! F. Camalo and The Italian Trade Commission brought a few days of celebration ' Italian-style ' to the Oil Center with Festa Italiana. Celebrating 30 years in business, F. Camalo had a trunk show featuring more than men's tailored clothing. On March 28-30 everyone was invited to a sneak preview of 2007's spring collection from brands like Canali, Mabro, Zanella and Gravati. Esquire recently hailed F. Camalo as one of the top 100 menswear stores in America for the seventh straight year, and I can see why, with his fine taste in Italian products. On display at his storefront were various hot rods, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and several vintage and competition Italian racing bicycles. Guests enjoyed antipasti and vino during the exhibit and trunk show and everyone was pleased to know that a percentage of the store's sales were being donated to the Dr. Tommy Comeaux Memorial Fund. But Italian street festival didn't stop there, The Italian Trade Commission and Frank Camalo headed to the relocated Bella Figura restaurant to end all festivities with Italian cuisine. Among the guests were Pete Rush, Dr. Ed Feinberg, Mark Miller, Mark Landry and Dr. David Legendre. Peace, love and wine. Ciao' Italian style!
Party On! - PG