Since La Nouvelle-Orléans was established in 1718 by the French, the city’s Gallic ambiance has survived wars, hurricanes and much more.
To celebrate the city’s enduring ties — as well as France’s the architectural and cultural legacy — the Louisiana Chapter of the French Heritage Society hosted an Intimate Creole Dinner on Jan. 11.
This black-tie soirée held at BK House and Gardens included cocktails, then a seated, three-course dinner from Ralph Brennan Catering: French bistro salad, coq au vin with roasted potatoes and brown-butter haricots verts, and bananas Foster bread pudding with caramel sauce and whipped cream.The accompanying wines, of course, were French.
Guests of honor were Louis Fagniez and Marin Riviere, who spoke about their Hôtel Particulier in the city of Bordeaux and their Creole cottage on Réunion Island.
Proceeds wil support restoration grants selected for further funding by the Louisiana Chapter. The FHS aims to ensure that treasures of French architectural and cultural heritage endure for today and future generations.
Event chairs were Susan and Pierre G. Villere, Michael Harold, and Brent Day. Honorary Chair was Rodolphe Sambou, the French Republic Consul General in New Orleans.
Fun Fact: The FHS mission is fostering French-American friendship and cross-cultural exchange. To date, the society has awarded more than $16 million in grants to over 701 châteaux, historic properties and gardens, including a restoration grant in 2019 for BK House and Gardens.
Dining and Cooking