The Foundation Room is pleased to announce that our Guest Chef for the month of March is Chef Tim Foley. The Foleys have hosted many parties including the Annual Pajama Party and Halloween Bash. It only seemed appropriate for Tim to host a Chef Dinner. Tim is very excited and looking forward to presenting a menu that represents the love from his Irish heritage and his wife Tammy's Creole upbringing. The menu featured below is a perfect match for the two.

First Course
Sweet Potato & Gulf Crab Bisque With Pimento Hushpuppies

Second Course
Mixed Field Greens, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Blood Oranges, Sliced Almonds & Goat Cheese

Third Course
Lamb Shepard's Pie With Baby Squash & Zucchini

Fourth Course
Pan Seared Wild Black Grouper, Louisiana Crawfish Stew & Sweet Corn Au Gratin

Dessert Course
Traditional Vanilla Bean Créme Brulee

Tequila Sunset Dinner
Thursday, March 19, 2009
7:30pm
Come enjoy a taste from South of the Border with Chef Nathan Winowich. This menu will be delicious and paired with the finest tequila. Your tastebuds will be saying "Olé!"

Amuse Bouche
Ceviche & Fried Tomatillo

First Course
Lobster Empanadas, Green Chile Fundido, Tequila Beet Salad & Avocado Mousse

Second Course
Duck Confit Enchilada, Manchego, Roasted Tomatoes & Wild Mushrooms

Third Course
Braised Wild Boar With Cane Syrup, Smoked Chiles & Creamed Hominy Torta

Dessert Course
Mexican Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding With Cinnamon Ice Cream

My name is Jackie Berthelot. I am a native New Orleanian, born, raised, and educated. I love everything about this great American city. I love the arts of Royal Street, the lights and the excitement of the French Quarter, the beauty of uptown, and all of the wonderful people that make New Orleans one of America's greatest treasures.

I started my working career at McDermott Inc. in the late 70's and I really enjoyed my time there. It was a wonderful place for a young man just out of school to learn the real life challenges of American business. In 1978 I was offered and accepted a position with a New Orleans based ophthalmic drug company. It was following that experience that I began working in the pharmaceutical distribution business with AmerisourceBergen Corp., a position that I still hold and enjoy today.

From the first time I step foot in the Foundation Room I felt like it was the place for me, it felt like home. The entire staff working at "The Room" has been fantastic. I am very passionate about my music and my food, and I can honestly say that every dining and musical experience at The HOB has been nothing short of fantastic. I always try to use the dining room before I attend a show because Nathan and his wonderful staff do such a great job. I have taken many family members, friends, and business associates to "The Room," and everyone that has been there totally enjoyed themselves. I would like to thank Dwight and the staff for giving me the chance to introduce myself, and I hope to meet all of the terrific members someday.

House of Blues 15th Anniversary Party
To celebrate 15 fantastic years in New Orleans, House of Blues hosted a night of good food and music for Foundation Room Members and friends of the House. The Lounge was filled with founding members as well as new. It was a joy to talk to members who have been attending events and dining at the House of Blues since the doors first opened up in 1994. Coco Robicheaux was a big hit in the Voodoo Garden playing all his favorite New Orleans music. He was a perfect fit for House of Blues and the invited patrons. From the Garden to the dining room, a Southern-inspired feast awaited guests and a giant 5 tiered cake engulfed in fondant flames enticed all to dig in. The sounds of the Blues echoed from the Music Hall leading dancers to by entertained by Walter "Wolfman" Washington. The event went without a hitch and from all House of Blues staff, we thank you for all the support you all have shown and hope to celebrate many more years of entertainment from the best music venue in the city!

Tracy Treadaway, Robert Bordelon and friends

Jerry Frazier and Krista Pouncy

MJ Robaitlle, Jill Blues and friends, Laura Tennyson, Carolina Gallup

First Annual Black Tie Event
We held our first Black Tie Event on Saturday, February 28th in the Foundation Room Lounge. It was an intimate, classy event, as seasoned members braved the cold weather to come out in their beautiful gowns and tuxedos. Several members got to know each other for the first time as they mingled while enjoying cocktails, passed hors d'ouevres, and entertainment by local songbird Julia LaShae. Dwight Payne, Foundation Room Director, got the dance floor started with his always elegant demeanor. We truly appreciate the support of our members and look forward to planning many more wonderful events!

Tammy Foley, Duci Chick and Gena Boudreaux

I want to thank our faithful for showing up the night of the Black Tie event in the Room. The vibe in the room was excellent with the gentlemen in their tuxedos and the ladies in their beautiful gowns. We do these type events to keep the room fresh with new and different things. I was hoping for a larger turn out but those who did attend had a great time. I think every member is a part of a business or own a business and the success of any business is support. As we move forward and come up with other ideas to make this the place to be, I am hoping we will get the support needed to continue to prosper. This is your Foundation Room and I welcome any suggestions for any event that would be a huge success.

The International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) is a 501c3 dedicated to bringing the arts to schools and communities through programs that promote cultural understanding and encourage creative expression.

Upcoming Program
The Blues Schoolhouse transforms the House of Blues into a multi-media classroom where participants are engaged with a live, interactive musical presentation tracing the history of the blues from its roots in African musical traditions through its emergence and evolution as a unique American folk music that has influence other genres of music as well as a guided art tour of the House of Blues folk art collection.

House of Blues Foundation Room Members are invited to attend the Blues Schoolhouse program on April 1, 2009 from 9:45am - 12:00pm at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, in the main music hall. Please RVSP by emailing ihobfneworleans@hob.com or calling (504) 522-8281.

Monthly Highlight
On Saturday, January 24, 2009, IHOBF-New Orleans delivered its Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2009 Spirit of the Dream Celebration & Poetry Event at the House of Blues-New Orleans in the main music hall. 63 parents, teacher administrators, family, friends and local community members attended this event. Out of 51 submissions this year, 10 finalists were selected to participate in the celebration and deliver their poetry/essays. Two 2009 Spirit of the Dream Recipients were selected---Akkia Martin, a 10th grader from Warren Easton Senior High School and Sarah Burch a 7th grader from Loranger Middle School. There were also poetry presentations by local poets, Asali DeVan and Chuck Perkins. Each finalist received a certificate of participation and a $35 gift card from Borders bookstore and the two recipients received a certificate of participation, a $50 gift card from Borders bookstore and an inspired "DREAM" plague from local artist Adam Farrington.

Middle and high school students (6th-12th grades) read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech (August 28, 1963) and then wrote a poem/essay inspired by the speech. A committee reviewed the entries and selected Spirit of the Dream Finalists who were invited to read their pieces at the program.