“Twilight in New Orleans” for Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club

June 4, 2016

The Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club in Locust Valley, Long Island, hosted their annual “June Dance”, at the spectacular La Selva estate in Brookville, honoring Priscilla Smith Gremillion, the proprietress of the Hermes, Americana Manhasset boutique. A native of New Orleans, Priscilla, and the GBBGC committee, chose a “Twilight in New Orleans” theme, and the nearly 350 guests enjoyed an evening of “Southern Hospitality”, on a grand scale! Authentic trolley cars transported the guests from Planting Fields Arboretum to the vast, adjacent property where our Robbins Wolfe waiters greeted guests with a trio of special Southern cocktails served in mason jars (of course!): Louisiana Strawberry Limeade, spiked with Vodka(!), Southern Lemonade and Mint Coolers, spiked with Vodka(!!) and Naughty or Nice Spritzers (spiked with Gin!!!). Southerners really do love their moonshine!!! After strolling through the magnificent entrance foyer, stairwell rotunda, and ballroom of La Selva, guests stepped out into the opulent original formal gardens of the estate. As guests mingled, our wait-staff passed Bayou hors d’oeuvre including Andouille Sausage Hushpuppies with Cajun Remoulade, Cauliflower Fritters with Bourbon Maple Mustard Sauce, Sweet Potato Hash Cakes with Pepper Relish and Mini Blues Burgers on Toasted French Baguette, to name four! Just before dinner was announced, waiters passed Demitasse Cups of Classic Bayou She-Crab and Gulf Shrimp Gumbo, adding a spicy Bayou zing, as the cocktail reception ended! Guests then sauntered on to the dinner (across the vast lawn) by century old trees and into the billowing white tent, where “supper” included a Salad first course with Louisiana Creole Tomatoes and Mixed Greens with Dijon Vinaigrette, along with Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs and Down-Home Style Corn Pudding, and String Beans Amandine. The grand finale, comprised of Priscilla’s family’s favorites, was a colorful Dessert Trio of: New Orleans Lemon Ice Box Pie, Mississippi Mud Cake, and Louisiana Strawberry Pecan Shortcake-YUM! OH-MIY-GOUDNESS (say all this with a Southern accent, OH-KHAY!). After dancing the night away and raising more $$ than in the past 20 years, waiters served Mini Croissants with Ham and Gruyere while the guests waited for the trolleys to whisk them back to their cars nearby! Whaaat ahhhh niiiite!