Party Girl 07.21.10

Vive la France! was the motto at the Bastille Day fête hosted by Chez Jacqueline in Breaux Bridge. France's own Jacqueline Saiser-Tellier prepared a fabulous six-course meal, starting with a refreshing kir royale apéritif followed by cantaloupe with Port, fresh fruit cup, Mediterranean shrimp cocktail, glazed pork or grilled tilapia with shrimp and scallops, salad (served after the meal in the true French tradition) and the most decadently delicious desserts - among which was dobash cake (Jacqueline makes the absolute best). A highlight was hearing the Rev. Gerard Boulanger of Sulphur belt out beautiful French songs, "J'irai la voir un jour" and "C'est le mois de Marie," leaving the audience spellbound. As Frenchman Jean-Louis Lavergne strummed traditional tunes on his guitar - "La Vie en Rose" was a favorite - the crowd sang along to "Frere Jacques," "Alouette," "Sur le pont d'Avignon" and, of course, the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise." Salut!

Artists from Lafayette and beyond gathered to showcase their paintings at the Gallery at City Club's opening reception of the July/August/September show. While sipping wine and champagne and noshing on nibblies, the art-appreciative crowd admired the works of Mobile, Ala., artists Caroline Chunn McCarthy and Joy Gardner; Schriever, La.'s Helen Robichaux; Metairie's Anne McLeod; New Iberia's Susan Carver; and Lafayette's own Linda Moncla, Giselle Whittington and Leslie Tammariello. Giselle looked fetching in a strapless orange and purple maxi, while Kim Landry Mallia sported a precious mod mini. Enjoying the tableau were aspiring artist Eddie Granger, established painter Melissa Bonin (check out her art on ABC's new vampire show, The Gates), and art admirers Pit and Elizabeth Hesterly and Julie and Barry Bleichner.