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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM Book of the Month I cannot say enough great things about my choice for book of the month for February. Spy The Lie was written by the former CIA agents (Philip Houston, Michael Floyd and Susan Carnicero) who considered among the world s foremost authorities on interrogation and recognizing deception. This book is a quick, interesting read that gives you the basic foresight to spot the signs if a person is not being forthright with you. Through many examples and case studies, this novel explores the basics of why people lie and how a layperson can detect the falsehoods. It also analyzes transcripts from actual interviews of public figures and notorious celebrities such as Jerry Sandusky, Anthony Weiner, Herman Cain, Dick Cheney and O.J. Simpson. From spotting body signals or facial movements to a person s language, this resource will show the average person how to the experts root out dishonesty. It also helps a person draw out the truth from an individual through their line of questioning. It gives helpful hints on how to talk to your staff, boss, children, co-workers and even spouse. This book is dead-on and a must read for those in business. Its insights will aid you in dealing better with clients and others in your work environment. Spy The Lie has textbook information presented in a informative yet entertaining way. But always remember to be careful what you ask, you may not be able to handle the truth (sorry I could not resist). Are You Ready To Sin Greed, Gluttony, Pride, Envy, Sloth, which deadly sin best describes you? Well on Friday, Feb. 28 you will be able to reveal your favorite sin at The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XV. This year s theme is 7 Deadly Sins, and is sponsored by Kettle One and Glazer Distributors. The event will be held at the Audubon Tea Room from 9pm to midnight. This costumed ball includes dancing with an amazing DJ, green screen photos so guests can have a memory of the night s festivities, culinary delights and of course lots of libations. I have been over the years and have to say it is one of my favorite parties of the year. There is something very surreal to be in full masquerade while you groove to the top dance hits in this elegant venue. So get your tickets now, and keep in mind for those who do not want to drive and face the traffic, the FNBMG supplies busses leaving from the French Quarter and the Marigny for a nominal fee. For tickets or more information, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. Fall in Love with Satyricon The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon invites guests to their 12th fabulous bal masque on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center. This year s ball is appropriately entitled Bal d Amour seeing that it is Valentine s Day and will be all about Love. The doors open at 7pm and the ball starts promptly at 8pm. Formal attire or costumes is requested for this fun filled evening. Single tickets and full tables are now available by going to either Facebook or visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.com. And the Balls Keep Rolling Along Welcome to Gay Ball season in New Orleans. Glamour, excitement and sequin are in the air as we celebrate the Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LIII. The theme this year is for you decide as they present the Fill in the Blank ball. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Doors will open at 8pm and the tableau begins at 9pm. This event is strictly formal so get out your tuxes and ball gowns. There are still tickets available for the balcony. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org. Barbara Ella Turns 21 I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my dear friend and glamorous entertainer Barbara Ella has been named King Cake Queen XXI. Her theme this year is Rome, Royalty & Intrigue as she takes her place alongside a long list of fabulousness as "The Borghese Queen." The Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas will celebrate her coronation on Sunday, Feb. 16th at the Ambush Mansion. Barbara Ella has been a great supporter of the gay community who is always lending a hand, or make-up bag for any fundraiser you may have. And, it is because of her, we won one of the top prizes for Best Costume two years running at Halloween New Orleans. Honey, no one deserves this honor more; congratulations on your reign. Now please make sure that your party does not end up like that dinner in Game of Thrones. East Meets West At The Saenger Theatre Shen Yun 2014 comes to the Crescent City on Feb. 18-19 to the Saenger Theatre with an all-new show complete with a live orchestra. This amazing group is reviving 5,000 years of the Chinese civilization. Through the universal language of theatre and dance, Shen Yun weaves a storyline that takes you from battlefields to imperial palaces. These performers incorporate aerial masters, jumping, spinning, and tumbling to create this dramatic event that is not to be missed. Based in New York, Shen Yun is entirely non-profit whose artists come from around the globe to revitalize this glorious tradition. Both shows start at 7:30pm. For tickets or more information, go to www.shenyun.com or call 504.287.0351. Party Down The Mardi Gras season is upon us and for those in the hospitality industry this means it is one of the busiest times of the year. This is also true for me; I had plenty of clients in town to keep me burning the midnight oil. Thursday was the first day I was able to attend anything not related completely to work when my friends and I went to the Forum for Equality s Mardi Gras Masquerade at the beautiful Jefferson Avenue home of Craig Magleby. There is no other city in the world where people will wear a costume at the drop of a hat like New Orleans. For those who did not don a festive outfit, an selection of Mardi Gras masks were supplied at the door for guests. Attendees mixed in Magleby s gorgeous home and poolside. Although a bit chilly outside there was a fire pit to keep you warm and you enjoyed libations and an assortment of king cakes. People grooved to the funky musical stylings of DJ Honey B who kept the energy high. It was an uplifting and informative evening to find out all the new plans the group has in store for the coming year. Executive Director Stephanie Brady along with Mary Griggs and John Dennison laid out the groundwork for a course of action the organization will be undertaking that will help bring equality to the entire LGBT community. After the party, we tried the new restaurant in the French Quarter, Cane & Table. New Orleans has always been a city known for its cocktails, so much so that it is part of our culture. From classic cocktails like Sazerac (which was named The Official Cocktail of New Orleans in 2008) to more contemporary ones like the Hurricane and the Hand Grenade, the fantastic sips are part of our fabric, our being. So the current trend of craft cocktail bars around the country has taken root here is the city where the cocktail was created and in such phenomenal ways. The team behind two of those noteworthy establishments, Cure and Bellocq, has opened a new establishment last summer on Decatur Street called Cane & Table. The rustic environment of the venue is the perfect setting for this place, setting the mood of a tropical bar from a bygone era. They tout an extensive menu of rum libations (as well as many others) and the bar staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Being a gin fan and loving egg whites mixed in anything, I was drawn to the Two Palms which has Bombay Dry Gin, egg whites, coconut water and lime and nutmeg all mixed together to make a light, sipping concoction. But where Cane & Table surpasses other bar/restaurants is their cuisine which is a combination of small and large plates with a tropical flair. Hands down my favorite dish and the reason for going to the restaurant is the Crispy Rum Ribs, simply divine. The Fresh Puffed Prok Skins, Peas n Rice, and Cangrejitos are also worth a try. Under the sides, the Fried Corn on the Cob and Hoppin John are fantastic as stand alones are with one of their large plates. Continuing on with our epic night, we ended our night with a nightcap at Oz, which was quite busy for a Thursday night. On Friday, Octavia Gallery on Julia Street in the Warehouse District was the scene of a celebration to honor the 7 Deadly Sins. The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras hosted their VIP host party at this gorgeous space to give patrons a taste of the exciting [continued on 22] 12 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Feb. 11-24, 2014 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM
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Behind the Curtain Opening Party @ Lucky Pierre s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Tony Leggio snap paparazzi Friday Night Before Mardi Gras VIP Party @ Octavia Gallery ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio 14 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Feb. 11-24, 2014 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM
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