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2008 Southwest Regional Assemblage

New Orleans

October 16 - 17 - 18 -19

By Jim Ray, Vice Chargé de Presse

Exactly six months before this event took place, our new Bailli Provincial, Joel Klein, sent out this letter:

Dear Confrère

It is with pleasure and pride that I send you my first communiqué as Bailli Provincial Southwest elect.

Our first official regional event, the Southwest Assemblage, is scheduled for October 16-19, 2008 in New Orleans, LA. . .

The recent elections have brought us . . . .

We will have an excellent educational and social program, and if you have not visited New Orleans since Katrina, you must come to see what Rufus and Yvette Cressend, our Assemblage co-chairs have put together for us! We're even starting a day earlier than usual, so that we can fit in all the dinners and tours and lunches and meetings and music and beignets and muffalettas and turtle soup and crawfish etouffee' . . . well, you get the picture

See you there!

Joel Klein, Southwest Bailli Provincial Elect

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

There were some folks here in San Antonio who thought this sounded like an excellent idea. Below are the San Antonio Chaine members who were able to get out of town for a while and take a short vacation to the " land of jazz":


*Joel Klein* *Bailli Provincial SW-Region*	*Carol Klein* *Vice Chargée de Missions Honoraire*	*Bill Salomon* *Bailli*	*Judy Salomon* *Vice Chargée de Presse Honoraire*	*John Wade* *Vice Conseiller Gastronomique*

*Randy Mathews* *Vice Conseiller Culinaire*	*Diane Mathews* *Madame*	*Jim Ray* *Chargé de Presse*	*Vivian Ray* *Dame de la Chaine*	*Janace Wade* *Madame*

*Robert Schmerbeck* *Chargé de Presse Honoraire*	*Shirley Schmerbeck* *Dame de la Chaine*	*Wilmer Carroll* *Chevalier*	*Elaine Carroll* *Dame de la Chaine*	*Rebecca Cohen* *Dame de la Chaine*

*Larry Cohen* *Vice Echanson*	*Joe Hoelscher* *Chevalier*	*Carol Hoelscher* *Dame de la Chaine*	*Michael De La Vega* *Professional du Vin*	*Angel Cantu de La Vega* *Madame*

The Bailliages that make up the Southwest Region are as follows:

In Texas: Austin, Beaumont, Dallas, Etoile Solitaire (in Houston), Lacs et des Bois (in Houston), Houston (in Houston), Fort Worth, Galveston, and San Antonio,

In Louisiana: New Orleans, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Lafayette

In Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa

In Colorado: Denver, Vail

In Arkansas: Little Rock

In Kansas: Wichita

The only bailliage that had no representation was Denver, possibly Fort Worth -- I believe. However, don't quote me on this.

** Special mention for Edward and Diane Keay from Santa Barbara California who visited with us during this time frame. Hey guys, it was great meeting you. Thanks for coming down.

All-in-all we had about 76 Chaine members and guests attend this function.

First Day - Thursday

Most individuals arrived around noonish to early afternoonish -- enough time to unpack, eat lunch, and attend Chaine meetings starting at 2:00 p.m.

By 4:00 p.m. all meetings adjourned and it was time to get ready to hit Bourbon Street

At 6:45 we met in the lobby of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where most of us were staying, and walked up Bourbon Street to the Galatorie's Restaurant.


*First photo of the trip. The ladies are all decked out and ready to go.*	*Everyone is walking up Bourban Street. The sign above the ladies says "Home of the Hustler Honeys"*	*Here is Joe H. bringing up the rear, checking out all the bars as we go by.*	*We are now in the stair well and heading up to the second floor where the restaurant is.*	*Ahh, seated at last. Bring on that good wine.*

*After looking at this shot. I had to take another one because Carolyn really had to stretch to see the camera.*	*This should make Carolyn feel a little better. Whoops, now I have Vivian all P.O'ed. I think she's giving me the finger - all four of them!*	*Here's the boss's table. He and Carol were picked to sit with the big winery folks who were there. They had a great time.*	*Currently, the restaurant is under the guidance of fourth generation ownership. Here is the great grandson*	*Here is the usual wait staff photo at the end of each meal.*

The Galatorie's Restaurant has been around for 103 years, since 1905. It's a restaurant that anyone who is anybody tries to visit when in New Orleans. For example: one Friday, back during President Ronald Reagan presidency, Reagan placed a call to then retired U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston who happened to be waiting in line for a table. After the President’s call had ended, Senator Johnston graciously returned to his position in line. He wanted to make sure that he did not miss his call for the dinner table.


*This is a tale about two good looking women walking at night up Bourbon Street.*	*They stop and ask the cops "Wow, how big are those horses? The cop says "19 hands high". The girls say, "Wow, that's a lot of hands??"*	*The girls say "These cops are so nice. They are going to give us an escort back to the hotel."*	*Vivian says "Isn't that nice. He's giving us the peace sign." Carolyn says "No he isn't. He's saying "You got two minutes to get out of my face!"*	*"Hi ladies, do you want a little shot out of one of these test tubes? Only a buck and a half per gulp!"*	*The ladies say "No thank you. We're going to have one of those huge ass beers up the street."*

Friday, Second Day, Free Day

First on the agenda on this free day (free day meaning no Chaine business meetings, just go and have fun . . .) So, first on the agenda after breakfast is to get on the bus and head for the San Francisco Plantation House, known also as the Marmillion House. The Plantation House is less than an hour's drive from New Orleans and was built on the banks of the Mississippi River. Edmond Marmillion started building this house in 1853 to replace the original house that was destroyed by flooding during the disastrous levee break of 1852.

Originally, the house was called the Marmillion Plantation (sugar crops), but later costly redecoration prompted Edmond's son Antoine, who was head of operations then, to comment wryly that he was "sans fruscins". In the lingo of the area and time, this meant he was in "reduced financial circumstances". The comment stuck, but later evolved into St. Frusquin, a name that appeared on crop reports of 1860-1861 and later evolved to San Francisco (1879-1780). And that's how the San Francisco Plantation got it's name.

let's take a photo tour . . .


*We are on the bus and ready to go.*	*Rufus and Yvette have prepared bloody mary mix, brought Champagne, and other goodies to keep us happy while in route to our destination.*	*Off the bus and heading for the plantation house. Here we have the Carrolls and the Kleins out in front.*		*This is the front entrance. Sitting on the Louisiana-Creole floor is a modern chair and terracotta Grecian statues on marbled pedestals.*	*Part of the upriver drawing room. (very small part), off to the left as you enter the main door.*

*Master bedroom, equipped with chamber pot and all.*	*Woman's bedroom or private sitting room*	*Cherubs with adult faces on the ceiling in woman's bedroom.*	*The girls bedroom. Everything, including the cradle is draped in mosquito net.*	*The Brother, Charles, bedroom.*	*The dining Room*

Here is where the young man will visit with the families' young daughter facing each other with a solid chair arm in the middle. All the chairs around are for family observation during the date.	*Whoops, we have a ghost from the future reflected in the mirror. It sort of looks like that Mr. Carroll fellow from 2008 that's been flying airplanes for the past 40 years.*	*This was the latest thing in bathing in those days. One would stand inside, pull the chain, and have a most refreshing wash down on hot summer days.*	*We are told that the ladies preferred to use this instead of the shower. One would sit on narrow ledge and servants could assist if need be.*	*Speaking of servants, here are their quarters. Back in 1853, which was 8 years prior to the beginning of the Civil War, I suppose these would be called slave quarters.*	Other than chamber pots, there were no "inside facilities." This photo has been imported, but we can imagine outside facilities in these days would probably look something like this. (well, maybe not for this house

One more thing about this house before we leave. See the cistern on the left side of the house. The rain water from the roof is collected in these cisterns for drinking as well as washing. (one on each side of the house. Just out of sight in this photo.) The high water table in this area causes ground water to be contaminated too much for either purpose.				*Ok, out the front door, down the steps, out the walkway and on to lunch . . .*


	While in route to our next stop, the bus driver got lost, and I mean really lost. Not only did we drive around on the New Orleans side of the Mississippi for 45 minutes, we crossed the Mississippi four times going and coming . I really kicked myself in the rear when we went and returned the first time without getting a photo of the Mississippi River; but when I saw that we were going to do it again -- A haw! the first photo above is going, and the second shot is coming (during the second time we went and came) By the way those lines right down the middle of the picture are support poles on the bridge, taken at 60 mph. The first one is when there was a vehicle lane between the camera and the pole. The second shot is when the window was only a few feet from the pole. Not a bad camera shot ehh?
*Ok, we have made it to the Houmas House for a quick lunch and a tour of the house and grounds* Humm, this looks very similar to my guest house in the back.



In the late 1700's, early 1800's the land where the Houmas House sits belonged to the Houmas Indians. As the white man settled into this area, it wasn't long before the Indians were forced/tricked off the land. History tells us that for $150 in goods, the white man was able to get all Houmas Indians to leave the area of the sugar cane kingdom. That is how the Houmas House got its name. The Houmas House is also known as the "Sugar Palace" and the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road"


*What we have here are some quick shots of the grounds, above and below. Everything is just beautiful here. Click on, Click off, keep moving. . .*

			*Our guide is on her way. It's slightly raining.*
*It's been a long morning after crossing the Mississippi River four times. It is time to eat.*


*The restaurant layout*	*Ms. Sandra Miller and hubby. Sandi is Bailli National Executive Vice President (Chancelier)*	*Here is Rufus and wife Yvette, New Orleans #1 & #2 who organized this event*	*Carol, Joel, and Shirley*	*The Rays sitting with the Ebrahim's from Shreveport*	*The Cohens and the Hoelschers*

		*This looks like a painting. It's not. It is one of the actual mini submarines used in the Civil War*	*Damn the torpedo's, full speed ahead. Open and read the plaque.*	*Well, here is the group with the tummies full. Time to go tour the inside of the gorgeous Houmas House..*




When the construction of the present Houmas House mansion began around 1810 by the owner, General Wade Hampton of Revolutionary War fame, the plantation was already producing sugar. The home was not completed until 1828, and was completed by the General’s daughter, Caroline, and her husband, Colonel John Preston. Eventually, the Houmas House Plantation became the largest producer of sugar in the country. Several movies and TV shows have been filmed at the plantation including Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte with Bette Davis in 1964, and Fletch Lives with Chevy Chase in 1989.


	*This is our guide. She's the lady coming down the lane approaching Yvette (five rows up in the center)*	*Wow, look at the stairwell reflection.*	*See note and "blow up" on next photo concerning this photo.*	*These are the photos and miniature doggy dolls that are products of the famous dog wedding that occurred on the premises.*	*Whoops, I just happen to have a photo of the happy bride and groom. I will tell you this story one-on-one at our next get-together. (photo courtesy of Houmas House)*
Back to the hotel at 5 and only have time to clean up, put on some clean clothes and get ready to head for Café Adelaide for dinner.

*Ok, we are at Café Adelaide. Here is the lady that made it all happen, and here is the place.*

			ADELAIDE BRENNAN (aka: Queenie, Auntie Mame) The Inspiration
			Adelaide worked hard (late at night – she didn’t do mornings), but squeezed more fun out of each day than anyone else.

*Let's look around the room and find out what is going on.*


*You might know. . .Joe has found the head honcho of the Cockerell Wines Estate in Napa Valley. She will be giving a wine tasting tomorrow at the hotel.*	*Bill is speaking: "Ok guys, you have to eat this particular stuff a small piece at a time, otherwise, it will cause you to pucker!"*	*The stranger in this photo is the Bailli from Dallas. He makes every event -- solo.*		*Here is Rufus, who put this shindig together and two pretty girls from San Antonio. If you look closely, you can see Mr. Schmerbeck in the background.*	*All of the Bailli's are lining up for a photo opportunity.*	*After dinner (no photos) we all walk back to the hotel down Bourbon Street. Nope! it's not like walking down main street in San Antonio. That's for sure!!*

Saturday, Third Day, Last Day

Morning hours from 8:45 to 11:00 a.m. Chaine business meetings.

At noon, we meet for a bus ride to "The French Market Restaurant" for a "small lunch."

I have not gone into detail with any menu during this story (I don't do menus well). I am going to do so with our lunch here at the French Market Restaurant. The cost of the lunch was $60. Most individuals would say that is too much for lunch. As a result, only 31 out of 76 attendees participated in this lunch. However, if you ever have the chance to visit New Orleans, and you have not been to this place for lunch, do so just for the experience -- one time!!

When you come, make sure you have not eaten breakfast and that you had an early dinner the evening before . . . Why?? Well, let me explain the menu . . .

(My only regret is that I did not get a photo of each serving. It would have made this story much more interesting.)

Lunch at The French Market Restaurant
Serving	Food Item	Food Weight	Drink Item	Drink Weight	Total Weight
1	Reception Drink	-->>	Abita Turbodog Beer	12 oz	12 oz
2	Lacombe Blue Crab Gumbo	6 oz	I.P.A Jockamo Beer	12 oz	18 oz
3	Red Beans and Rice with Ham Shank and Smoked Sausage	8 oz	Abita Fall Fest Beer	12 oz	20 oz
4	Lobster and Crawfish Etouffee	4 oz	Abita Light Beer	12 oz	16 oz
5	Grand Isle Shrimp Creole	6 oz	Abita Golden Beer	12 oz	18 oz
6	Jumbo Lump Crab French Remoulade	4 oz	Abita Amber Beer	12 oz	16 oz
7	Dessert, White Chocolate Bread	4 oz	Abita Turbodog	12 oz	16oz
totals	(this doesn't count all the bread)	32 oz		84 oz	116 oz

What does this story tell us? It tells us that if anyone ate and drank everything that was presented to him or her, he or she would be exactly 7 1/4 pounds heavier than when he or she walked into the place!


*Here are the 7 beers that were part of the lunch*	*Our table from the front.*	*Our table from the rear.*	*Other Chaine members at the restaurant*	*And again, more Chaine members*

Yep, you got to do it once, but that's it!!

The food was "down-right delicious". It made you eat more than you really had room for!!

Ok, it's time to walk back to the hotel, via Bourbon Street.

Ok, as we look up the street and down the street, we don't see anything (everyone is sleeping during the daytime). Whoops, wait a minute. I think I see a street walker waiting for me under the lipstick sign. . . No, this is not a street walker. I would recognize this lady anywhere, even in the dark. She has this special situation about her "big toe" on her left foot. Whenever she gets a little impatient, the toe glows bright red, just like the nose on "Rudolph-the-Red nose" Reindeer.


A little wine tasting for those who are interested before getting ready for dinner. We saw this lady last night hanging out with Joel and Carolyn Hoelscher. She's the head honcho of the Cockerell Wines Estate in Napa Valley.	*Looks like Joe is getting a little happy here after all that wine tasting. He said "Jim run outside and take a picture of me and Carolyn on our balcony!*	*The*re you go Joe. Now everyone knows you got the best view in the whole hotel. Now you run back down to the lobby and take a picture of me and Vivian.	What Tha? Joe, straighten yourself up. You've cut off my head. You know my head is the prettiest part of me.	That's better. Now you and Carolyn go get ready for our mini Mardi Gras and jazz band march down Bourbon Street. We'll see you in an hour or so.

It's Mardi Gras Time!!

*President Bush dropped in for a surprise visit. He wanted to say hello to Wilmer and Elaine.*	*Aha, we have some folks ready to party. And here is our jazz band who we will follow down Bourbon Street.*	*The white hankie's are for swirling around while marching down the street following the jazz band.*	*Aha, here are some of the girls. Carol is missing.*	*We are heading out to Bourbon Street for a parade.*


*Whoopee, here we go . . . Shirley, Janace, Vivian, John, and Bill.*	*You didn't believe that was Bill behind John in the other picture. Here is a rear view.*	*Different view point with Joe Hoelscher.*	*You don't think we can back up traffic when we want to. Michael (new member) behind Cheryl Kenny Bailli , Les Lacs et des Bois Houston.*	*Aha, we finally found Elaine and Wilmer.*

*Reception around the big fountain*	*You know, I wanted this mask that Joel was wearing so bad, that I challenged him to a contest of arm wrestling. However, he won.*	*Here is our newest member, Michael de la Vega, Professional du Vin being inducted into the Chaine.*	*Here we go, a full frontal of Michael. He's wearing the SW Assemblage pin given out for this event.*	*Congratulations to Randy. He's got the same job. The only difference is instead of Bailliage level, he is Regional level.*
				*The next morning everyone scatters in 40 different directions and returns to "normal" life. We will all return next year at a different place and time (plus others). See you there.* *The End*
*Here is a quick shot of the room. There is still one row of tables behind me.*	*Dinner complete with "Cherry Bounce Painted Yellow Fin Tuna" and a 12 piece dance band.*	*Get a load of these guys. These were our table mates. Great masks. . . With that, the dinner, the dancing, the yak yak, the party is over. Time to go to the bar.*	*Well, look who we found at the bar. San Antonio #1, Bill; National #2, Sandi; South Central #1, John, and our own Vice Echanson Larry Cohen!!*