SATURDAY, JUNE 23
TIMELESS TREASURES TOURS
See new and old sites surrounded by brand-new FestiBesties and long-time friends! Start the morning off in class, with a morning presentation and breakfast at the MS Rau Antiques Gallery , Presented by Two Chicks Walking Tours. Follow us to the Historic New Orleans Collection as we celebrate New Orleans' Tricentennial by looking back at its past.
After lunch, we invite you to pick your passion: choose between a tour of the New Orleans French Quarter, guided by the unique feminine lens of the women of Two Chicks Walking Tours, or climb aboard New Orleans' only steamboat, The Natchez , for a cruise along the sparkling Mississippi River. Whatever you choose, expect complimentary cocktails, camaraderie, and stunning views! End the night the only way we know how to in New Orleans: with food, drink, and conversations about food and drink! Join us at Tujague's, New Orleans' second-oldest restaurant, for a 3-course meal and conversation with Louisiana Eats! Host, Poppy Tooker.
Speakers & Guides
Rebecca Rau
Rebecca Rau oversees Strategic Development at M.S. Rau Antiques, a 106-year old family-owned business that has grown to be one of the largest fine art and antiques galleries in the country. She simultaneously directs the Rau for Art Foundation, which awards scholarship money to talented local high school artists and was founded to celebrate the business’ centennial. Rebecca received a Master’s of Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She is the chair of the board of YPO Next Generation Louisiana and is involved with and supportive of various fine art and cultural causes.
Christine Miller
Christine Miller is a New Yorker by birth and has called New Orleans home for more than 30 years. When she’s not engaged with tasks related to being the Head Chick in Charge at Two Chicks Walking Tours, she can be found strutting on the streets as a proud member of the Pussyfooters. Christine and her talented assistants take their roles as glittery cultural ambassadors seriously, sharing their love of Louisiana and enthusiasm for all things Cajun and Creole.
Poppy Tooker
Poppy is the host and executive producer of the weekly show, Louisiana Eats! Food personality, culinary teacher and author, Poppy Tooker is passionate about food and the people who bring it to the table. Poppy provides weekly restaurant commentary on, “Steppin’ Out” (WYES TV). Her book, The Crescent City Farmers Market Cookbook received a Tabasco cookbook award and was named “Cookbook of the Year” by New Orleans Magazine. For over 25 years, Poppy’s cooking classes have centered on history and tradition as well as the food science behind her preparation.
MS RAU ANTIQUES
BREAKFAST AND TOUR
9:00AM
Enjoy light bites, mimosas and an exclusive tour of one of Royal Street’s most elite antique and art galleries.
TOUR OF THE WILLIAMS RESIDENCE AT THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION AT 533 ROYAL STREET
The Williams Residence at The Historic New Orleans Collection showcases the elegant French Quarter home of the institution’s founders, General L. Kemper and Leila Hardie Moore Williams.
Vieux Carre Tour by
Two Chicks Walking Tours
2:00PM
Explore the Vieux Carre with a distinctly feminine lens. New Orleans women have shaped the history of this fascinating city in incredible ways and this two-hour tour will focus on them and their unique contributions. A featured cocktail will also be included to toast the ladies to whom we owe so much. Stroll with us, won't you?
Steamboat Natchez Cruise
2:00PM
As the Natchez glides past the French Quarter and through one of the world's most active ports, you begin to understand the magic of the experience. For all its history and romance, the excitement of riding a steamboat is as real and rich and genuine now as it was a century ago. Come aboard, sip a cocktail, and enjoy New Orleans hospitality...Steamboat Style!
Poppy Tooker
Author and food historian, Poppy Tooker will walk guests through 300 years of delicious New Orleans food history. As the author of the Tujague’s Restaurant Cookbook, Poppy will tell the story of New Orleans’ second oldest continuously operating restaurant, complete with the tale of New Orleans' first rockstar chef, Madame Bégué, and the restaurant's cross-dressing ghost, Julian Eltinge!
Visit our wine sponsors' sites to lift your spirits!
