Following the resounding success of our first Legacy Luncheon back in February, we’re getting very excited about our second Legacy Series Luncheon entitled: The Hotel Monteleone Makes Music which will take place on Tuesday 5th April at 12 noon. Here we present our panelists for the event:
John Blancher is the colorful owner of Rock ‘n’ Bowl in New Orleans Mid-City. In operation since 1988, Rock ‘n’ Bowl has become a New Orleans icon and one of the largest music venues in the city. It is a delight for both young and old. John recounts how he has seen boys and girls meet on his lanes, get married, and return years later with children of their own. He re-opened on November 10, 2005, less than three months after Hurricane Katrina. He has been an inspiration to New Orleanians and is an example of the power of optimism in the New Orleans business community.
Laura Cottingim has worked for Jazz Fest since 1983, starting as a volunteer. Thereafter, she joined the staff as the assistant ground transportation coordinator from 1984 to 1986, travel coordinator from 1987 to 1997 and travel & hotel director from 1997 to present. She also worked for 13 years as the travel director for the Essence Music Festival. Laura was named the 2008 Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional & Executive Women.
Jan Ramsey started OffBeat Magazine in 1988 to promote and market musicians and the music industry in New Orleans. It was an effort to improve and expand the local music culture and business. Known for her scathing “Mojo Mouth” essays, Jan has been a music activist since the early 1980s and loves local culture. In 1991, she also started publishing the Louisiana Music Directory online at www.LouisianaMusicDirectory.com.
Mike Shepherd, Founder and Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, has devoted nearly all of his time, energy and effort to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame concept since 2005. Inspired by the passing of his friend and music legend, John Fred, Mike decided to take up the cause of giving musicians of Fred’s stature the recognition they deserve. Not only has he self-funded much of the entity’s expenses, he has voluntarily semi-retired his video and audio production company to dedicate himself to the LMHOF work. All of the technology being used for this project – HD video cameras, editing and transferring/scanning equipment, IT architecture, etc. is made possible from the company’s and Mike’s resources.
Keith Spera is the music writer at The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans. He also writes The Paternity Test, a parenting blog on Nola.com where he chronicles the adventures of his son, Sam, and his daughter, Sophie. He has been in the industry for two decades and has written for a number of publications, including Rollingstone Magazine. Spera is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.
Vince Vance is the last original member of the Valiants. The group is known primarily for the singles, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Song charts on six separate occasions reaching its peak of #31 in 2000, and “Bomb Iran.” On Sunday, November 20, 2010, Vince was surprised during his performance at a “Louisiana Legends” fundraiser at New Orleans Rock ‘n Bowl venue, with induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding career. Vince Vance & The Valiants have played in just about every venue possible, from the White House and Universal Studios to the Super Bowl, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and dinner parties. Vince covers it all with style and showmanship.
Louis Prima during one of many Hotel Monteleone shows.
As part of our 125th anniversary celebration, we are taking a look back at the various elements that have made up our rich history including the musical performers who have stayed at or played in the Hotel.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011, we invite you to join us as we dedicate booths in the newly renovated Carousel Bar to five local musical legends who have enriched its musical history and delighted the bar’s patrons with their melodic sounds over the years. Honorees include Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Pete Fountain, Etta James and Louis Prima. Dr. John and Allen Toussaint will be in attendance along with Louis Prima’s two daughters, Lena and Joyce, and a representative for Etta James. Attendees can purchase the CD featuring the honorees, Monteleone Musical Memories, assembled by the Hotel Monteleone’s acclaimed pianist, John Autin.
Immediately following the dedication ceremony is the second luncheon, “Hotel Monteleone Makes Music,” in our 5-part Legacy Series. Hosted by local media personality, Jeff Crouere, the panel discussion will take an in-depth look at the various musical legends that have stayed at or performed in the Hotel Monteleone. Panelists include Laura Cottingim of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; Jan Ramsey, publisher of OffBeat Magazine; Mike Shepherd, founder and president of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; Keith Spera, The Times-Picayune music columnist, Vince Vance, singer, songwriter, band leader and inductee of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; and John Blancher, owner of Rock’n’Bowl.
The booth dedication ceremony will begin at 11:00AM followed by the second literary luncheon at 12:00PM. We are thrilled to share such an exciting time with you and hope to see you there. For tickets to the luncheon and more information on both events please click here.
To celebrate the history and legacy of the great playwright, Tennessee Williams, and in appreciation of his patronage to the Hotel Monteleone, we are excited to offer a themed menu in the Hunt Room Grill March 23 through 27 during the New Orleans‘ Tennessee Williams Festival.
The special Tennessee Williams menu will feature names nostalgic of the author’s work and will include items such as Stella’s Nightingale Martini, Baked Brie and Heirloom Yellow Tomato Menagerie, Beef on a Hot Tin Roof and Vieux Carré Salmon.
“As we celebrate Tennessee Williams’ 100th birthday and the Hotel’s 125th anniversary this year, we want to honor his legacy as he has forever captured the culture and beauty of this Hotel and the French Quarter in his writing,” said Andrea Thornton, director of sales and marketing at the Hotel Monteleone. “Tennessee Williams was one of many authors who hung their hat at the Hotel Monteleone. It is because of him and many other renowned authors who have stayed at and immortalized the Hotel in their works that earned it the distinction of Literary Landmark.”
As a sponsor of the Tennessee Williams Festival, we continue to support the French Quarter’s literary tradition and will help to make this event a citywide success again this year. In addition to serving themed entrées, we will sell its newly released history book, Hotel Monteleone: More Than A Landmark, The Heart Of New Orleans Since 1886, at the Tennessee Williams Festival book fair. The book retails for $45 and is also available in our Logo Shop.
Menu
Appetizers
Stella’s Nightingale Martini, A Combination of Deconstructed Oysters Bienville and Rockefeller with a Twist
Soup
Baked Brie and Heirloom Yellow Tomato Menagerie, With Grilled White Asparagus and Truffle Risotto
Salad
Summer and Smokey Salad, Wild Louisiana Greens with Balsamic Marinated Strawberries, Ricotta French Toast, Crispy Fried Figs, Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette
Entrees
Beef on a Hot Tin Roof
Angus Sirloin of Beef with Maitake ,White Beech, Chanterelle Ragout ,Golden Potato Puree, Garlic Jus
Vieux Carre Salmon
Rosemary Crusted Salmon, Braised Fennel, Glazed Baby Beets, Yellow Tomato Fondue
Desserts
Trilogy of Desserts
Chocolate Terrine ,Valrhona Crème Brulee, Berry Tarte Tatin with Assorted Sauces
For more information about the Hotel Monteleone and to make reservations, visit www.hotelmonteleone.com or call 1-504-523-3341. To stay updated on the latest activities surrounding the 125th anniversary, visit http://www.hm125.com/.
With the first in our series of Legacy Series Luncheons fast approaching, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take a moment to look at our illustrious line up of panelists who will be attending the luncheon on February 8th.
Bob and Jan Carr
Bob and Jan Carr are regarded as broadcast icons and are a happy marriage of entertainment and good common sense. This husband and wife duo of 60 years covers all aspects of show business from acting to business executive to set designer and producer. For several years, Jan was the Senior Broadcaster for WBYU and the spokesperson for East Jefferson Hospital while Bob worked at the World Trade Center of New Orleans, retiring as a Managing Director. Before Hurricane Katrinia, the Carrs hosted the ‘Bob and Jan Show’ on Saturdays from 7 – 10 AM on WGSO-Biz Radio. The Carrs have received numerous accolades for their accomplishments and are dedicated, active members of the community. Bob recently published a new book, Raising Our Children On Bourbon – A French Quarter Love Affair.
Marda Burton
A native of Laurel, Mississippi, Marda Burton moved to New Orleans 25 years ago. Her writing career has taken her around the world and into the fields of advertising, radio, television, public relations, travel journalism, photography, newspapers, magazines and books. In 2004, Burton co-authored the book, Galatoire’s: Biography of a Bistro, which will be coming out soon in paperback. Additionally, she is a contributor to various anthologies and is working on a personal travel memoir and a novel set in the French Quarter.
Jeff Crouere
A local political commentator and active member of the Louisiana Republican Party, Jeff Crouere is the host of Ringside Politics, a local radio show that airs weekdays on WGSO 990 AM. Crouere also hosts a television version of the radio program on WLAE-TV, is the editor a weekly e-mail newsletter and contributes regularly to CityBusiness. His popular Politics with a Punch is a monthly panel that pokes fun at issues of the day. He has served as a moderator for several political debates for local and national candidates and has been a featured speaker at several organizations across the state of Louisiana, including Loyola University.
Nell Nolan
A social columnist at The Times-Picayune for 31 years, Nell Nolan has written more than 9,000 columns. Her work has also been featured in The Daily Record, The Vieux Carré Courrier and Town & Country. Apart from being a journalist, Nolan also taught at Tulane University, De La Salle, the Academy of the Sacred Heart and Country Day. She is an accomplished artist who enjoys the performing and visual arts as well. Nolan has performed on stages in New Orleans; New York City; London’s West End; Scotland; and in Tbilisi, the Republic of Georgia. She is an accomplished dancer and earned first place in “Dancing with the Stars of the South.” Nolan received her B.A. from Tulane University and two master’s degrees for advanced work from Princeton University and La Sorbonne in Paris, France.
Mark Cave
Mark Cave is an oral historian and the curator of manuscripts at The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC). Over the past decade, THNOC has built one of the largest collections of Tennessee Williams memorabilia in the world. Cave has partnered with the Al Hirschfeld Foundation to create a new exhibition that features many of these pieces entitled, “Drawn to Life: Al Hirschfeld and the Theatre of Tennessee Williams.” The exhibition is available at the Williams Research Center at 410 Chartres Street through April 3, 2011.
Jenny Adams
Jenny Adams comes from a long line of Southern writers on her mother’s side. As an editor at Nightclub & Bar magazine, Adams gained a well-rounded understanding of being a journalist. An avid traveler, she has visited 43 of the 50 states, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Adams is the author of the Hotel Monteleone’s history book, Hotel Monteleone: More Than a Landmark, The Heart of New Orleans Since 1886, which is now available.
Susan Larson
Susan Larson, former book reviews editor at The Times-Picayune, is now a literary critic at WWNO Radio. She wrote The Booklover’s Guide to New Orleans and has co-authored 10 Roman novels. Larson is also a regular contributor to WYES-TV’s “Stepping Out.” In 2009, she served as chair for the jury which decided the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in fiction.
Dr. Kenneth Holditch
Dr. Kenneth Holditch is a literary historian who has taken his knowledge to the streets of New Orleans with Holditch’s Heritage Literary Tours and the Tennessee Williams Walk. For two hours, he makes the old buildings and streets in the French Quarter come alive as he tells stories of city’s most famous area and characters. Holditch was a research professor at the University of New Orleans for 32 years before retiring. He was one of the founders of the Tennessee Williams Festivals in New Orleans, LA; Clarksdale, MS; and Columbus, MS. Holditch has published several works on Tennessee Williams, lectured on Tennessee Williams and other Southern authors in the United States and Europe, and has appeared on BBC radio and other media. His play about the women in Tennessee Williams’ life and dramas was given a staged reading at the Lincoln Center.
Tickets are available to book now and are priced at $35. Reservations can be made here or by calling 1-504-681-4452.
New Orleans has seen a lot of changes in the past 125 years. It’s watched as political leaders have come and gone, as the Civil Rights movement has marched toward equality for everyone, and as technology has moved us into a future our ancestors could have hardly imagined.
But in New Orleans, we always remember our past, and through all those years, one lady has had a front-row seat.
She’s not a lady of flesh and blood. She’s the Grande Dame of the French Quarter: The Hotel Monteleone.
And in 2011, we celebrate her 125th birthday.
“The Hotel Monteleone invites employees, locals, and out-of-town guests to join the celebration all year long as we honor the people—our founder, our employees and our guests—who have made this elegant establishment a desired destination for a century and a quarter,” says Andrea Thornton, director of Sales and Marketing at the Monteleone. “From special events and book releases to vacation getaway packages, strategic partnerships and the unveiling of Antonio Monteleone’s wax statue at the 125th anniversary gala, the year-long anniversary of the Hotel promises to be another unforgettable year.”
Throughout the year, the Hotel Monteleone will be celebrating all the history which makes it truly unique in New Orleans and the world. It will acknowledge the literary figures—Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemmingway who have called this Literary Landmark home. It will pay tribute to the musical legends—from Etta James to Dr. John—who have wowed audiences in the famous Carousel Bar, often voted the best hotel bar in the city. The honor bestowed upon guests who are “gone but not forgotten” will not exclude the hotel’s famous ghosts, either. As one of the top haunted hotels in the country, the Monteleone is home to at least a dozen friendly spirits.
Hotel Monteleone will also find time to give back to the community this year. Team-ups with local organizations, including Catholic Charities, are in the works, and plans to improve the energy efficiency of the building will benefit the environment and guests alike. The Grand Dame also plans to continue honoring her own story by preserving the historical ambience, structure, and culture of the building. The hotel was even awarded with the 2010 Best Practices in Historic Marketing Award by Historic Hotels of America!
Join Hotel Monteleone as she celebrates her 125th birthday in 2011, and become a part of this New Orleans legend’s history for years to come. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.hotelmonteleone.com or call 1-504-523-3341. To stay updated on the latest activities surrounding the 125th anniversary, visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/125anniversary/.
All over New Orleans, we’re looking forward to a new year–and all the exciting events that come with it. And if a trip to our city sounds like a great way to start your year off right, you can’t miss the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 4! The game is scheduled for 7:30pm, and will be held at the world-famous Superdome.
Since the 1930s, New Orleans has held a football classic in January to the delight of local and visiting sports fans alike. 2011 marks the 77th game in the tradition, and pits the Arkansas Razorbacks—making their sixth Sugar Bowl appearance—against the Ohio State Buckeyes—their fourth visit. Don’t forget to pack your favorite team’s colors!
The day of the bowl, Hotel Monteleone is certainly the place to be. With our convenient French Quarter location, ticket holders are just blocks from the Dome. And although the Sugar Bowl is now sold out, the game will be televised on ESPN. You can be sure we’ll be tuned in at the Carousel Bar! Before you start tailgating in earnest, though, don’t miss country music’s rising star, Darius Rucker, performing at Jax Brewery on January 2nd and 3rd at noon and 6:00pm, respectively. It’s free, open to the public, and located just blocks from the hotel!
For reservations to stay at the Hotel Monteleone during the annual New Orleans Sugar Bowl, visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/ or call 800-535-9595. You can also email reservations@hotelmonteleone.com.
New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is an experience like no other. On that special night, the French Quarter is filled with revelers from the city and around the world, celebrating new beginnings in the city they love. It’s no surprise that Travel and Leisure named New Orleans the number one city in which to celebrate New Year’s!
This year’s festivities will certainly live up to that title. After all, the city is celebrating both our new mayor and our Super Bowl-winning Saints! And Hotel Monteleone is offering a very special New Year’s Eve package from December 29 through January 2.
You’ll enjoy three days and two nights of deluxe accommodations in the heart of the French Quarter, a welcome cocktail at our own Carousel Bar, and café au lait and beignets at the famous Café du Monde. Best of all, you’ll receive special admission for two to a fabulous Black Tie New Year’s Eve Party in the Riverview Room atop Jax Brewery. From there, you’ll have the perfect view of New Orleans’ celebrated Jackson Square festivities: at midnight, the city will drop a 9’-6’ fleur de lis (that sparkly ball in New York City doesn’t have anything on us). Immediately following, fireworks will paint the sky over the Mississippi River in a dazzling display of color, while a brass band serenades the night. See it all while enjoying a full buffet dinner, premium open bar, and live music.
This fantastic package is yours for $920; all prices are per room, double occupancy. For more information on the Hotel Monteleone and this spectacular event, please click here.
To make reservations, visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/ or call 800-535-9595.
When the holidays come to New Orleans, the entire town buzzes with excitement. This magical occurrence takes place—in part—due to the refreshing crisp change in the weather, the wide array of activities brought on by the season, and “Christmas New Orleans Style,” a month-long citywide promotion.
This celebration includes thousands of Christmas lights in the hundred-year-old oaks in City Park, nightly concerts in St. Louis Cathedral, and culinary delights wherever you go. The French Quarter balconies are dressed to the nines in holiday regalia, and costumed historical characters share stories of New Orleans Christmases past.
The Hotel Monteleone helps bring this magic to locals and visitors alike by offering special “Papa Noel” rates for its guestrooms, and the traditional Creole feast known as “the Reveillon” in its award-winning restaurant, the Hunt Room Grill.
Travelers can take advantage of the seasonal “Papa Noel” special through December 29, 2010 when room rates start from $99 per night based on availability. Meanwhile, from December 1 through 25, visitors can join the locals as they flock to fine dining establishments throughout the city to celebrate the Reveillon dinner tradition. The Hunt Room Grill is one of several restaurants with prix fixe menus – all with a minimum of three courses.
Throughout history, New Orleanians have celebrated this traditional dining custom during the holiday season on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. During that time, local families would attend Midnight Mass in the St. Louis Cathedral, and then return home to a breakfast that often lasted until dawn. The meal usually ended with a cake filled with jelly, dripping with wine or rum and whipped cream. Today, restaurants create special menus all month long to combine traditional Creole cuisine and contemporary New Orleans dishes featuring meat, game, vegetables and fruit popular during the Victorian era.
The Hunt Room Grill’s Reveillon menu is available December 1-25, from 6-10 p.m. and consists of the following appetizer, main course and dessert options:
Appetizers
Grilled Portobello Stack
With heirloom tomatoes, White Asparagus and Polenta With Braised Leeks
Warm Smoked Muscovy Duck Breast
Calimyrna Figs and Red Currants
Infused Rosemary Honey Gastrique
Soup
Sweet Potato and Andouille Bisque
With Fresh Cream
Salad
Red and Golden Beet Carpaccio
With Micro Mache, Frisee and Arugula
Mango and Ginger Vinaigrette
Entrées
Macadamia Crusted Snapper
Blood Orange Maltaise Sauce
Braised Swiss Chard
$65.00
Grilled Angus Sirloin
Maitake, White Beech and Chanterelle Ragout
Golden Potato Puree
Natural Jus
$75.00
Free Range Airline Breast Chicken
Tomato and Artichoke Concasse
Shaved Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Fried Basil Chiffonade
$55.00
Desserts
Valrhona White Chocolate Crème Brulee
With Grand Marnier Marinated Strawberries
Praline Charlotte
With Praline Chocolate Bavoroise, Sugared Lady Fingers
Candied Pecans, Raspberry Sauce
The cost for the dinner ranges from $55 to $75. Reservations are recommended for the Reveillon Dinner. To reserve your table, or for more information, please call the Hunt Room Grill at (504) 523-3341 ext. 4240.
Although independently owned, The Hotel Monteleone located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is proud to be affiliated with the Preferred Hotels Group, which is a collection of distinctive independent hotels located across the globe.
So what does it mean to be a Preferred Hotel? In short, Preferred Hotels strive to continually define the benchmark of luxury and sophistication for the most discriminating traveler. Exceptional and diverse in nature, Preferred Hotels share an intuitive approach to personal service that is truly extraordinary and we believe the Hotel Monteleone certainly embodies this recognition of excellence.
Additionally, all Preferred Hotels embrace the award-winning Standards of Excellence™, an extensive quality assurance program that has been honored with the “Best Practices Champion Award” by Cornell University. For more than 40 years, the brand’s legendary commitment to quality has ensured an unparalleled guest experience, from the very best amenities to superb service.
The Preferred Hotel Group also offers an excellent rewards program so if you’re a frequent visitor to the Hotel Monteleone, why not sign up to the I Prefer Rewards guest benefit program? As an I Prefer member, you will receive benefits such as space-available upgrades and late check out (when available). To become an I Prefer member simply register online by clicking here and take advantage of the I Prefer benefits during your next stay at The Hotel Monteleone.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
From school choirs singing familiar holiday carols and Monte the Lion entertaining children at his festive holiday teas to an evening full of yuletide spirits at Tales of the Toddy, the Hotel Monteleone, as the “Grand Dame of the French Quarter,” invites her guests and local New Orleanians to join in the merriment as it marks 125 years of history and grandeur. Additionally, the Hotel Monteleone is running Papa Noel rates from November 22 through December 29 with rooms starting as low as $99 based on availability.
This holiday season, the Hotel Monteleone is offering the following events:
Reliving History One Character at a Time
Back by popular demand, the Hotel Monteleone will once again feature historical characters from the Living History Project in the lobby Thursdays through Sundays in December at 12:30 p.m. These characters, who wander throughout the French Quarter, become the people they portray and take locals and visitors back in time with their tales, songs, dances and street theatre.
Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Teas
Monte the Lion, the official mascot for The Hotel Monteleone, is once again hosting his annual Children’s Holiday Party on December 11 and December 18 at 10 am and 2 pm. Some of the season’s favorite Christmas characters will join Monte including, Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s elves. Mrs. Claus will be read classic Christmas tales and a trumpeter will lead special guests in a musical parade. Savory treats, games and caroling will fill the air with joy. Monte the Lion will close the day by presenting each of his new friends with a Monte stuffed animal. We are also choosing one lucky family to win four tickets to the Monte Tea and a one night stay here at the Hotel Monteleone December 11th at 2PM! To make reservations for Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Party, please click here. Hurry tickets are going fast!
Local School Choirs
New Orleans area school choirs will once again greet guests and locals in the Hotel Monteleone lobby with the sounds of the season. Each weekday from November 29 through December 17, a different school choir will delight listeners with a selection of holiday songs. School performances are free and open to the public. Each performance will last one half hour.
Tales of the Toddy!
Join us for an evening full of yuletide spirits as the Hotel Monteleone hosts Tales of the Cocktail’s 5th annual Tales of the Toddy on Thursday, December 16 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. This year, attendees will vote for the top milk punch in the season and will receive a special treat as the men of the 2011 New Orleans Firefighters calendar will host a special “Shaker Boy line.” To top off the evening, jazz musician Larz Edegran will perform while guests sample holiday menus from 10 of New Orleans’ top restaurants and sip on holiday inspired cocktails from 14 of the best New Orleans bartenders.
For more information on the Hotel Monteleone and its events for the upcoming holiday season, please visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/calendar-events/. To make reservations, please visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/ or call 1-866-338-4684.
