March 1, 2008 11:54 AM

Mardi Gras seems light years away and yet, as I write, the last sequin has barely dropped. Just today I saw another flag of royalty removed from its flagpole. And wasn’t Johnny Koerner just the most exuberant Rex?

Many must be glad for Lent after the run we’ve had (particularly those of the philanthropic sort), and thrilled to see the turkeys, Christmas trees and our merry monarchs go so that they can get back to the business of fundraising – fundraisers are very much on the schedule for the more than merry month of March.

But before we start, can we give it up for the hard-working staffs at places like Antoine’s, Galatoire’s and the Orléans Club for keeping our spirits and strength up from morning to, well, next morning. Krewe luncheons from stately Rex to doggone-good-time Barkus, dinners before and dinner-dances and post-Carnival balls seem to fit into a calendar that was shorter, yet, as perfectly paced as ever.

Then there were black-tie diversions like the Krewe of Cork’s grand tra-la-la dinner in honor of its Grand Marshall Larry Maguire of Napa’s very grand Far Niente winery.

His love of this city dates back to his honeymoon. Bill Trufant, the not-so-secret captain of the group dedicated to the love of wine and Gayle Dellinger, left no bead, detail, or glass unturned. Working with Steve Ferran, the new general manager of the Omni Royal Orleans, and the staff of the Rib Room, the evening included the wines of Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente 2006, teamed with roasted lion of venison with lingonberry sauce. Larry Maguire and wife Karen were honored with royal robes guaranteed to make Napa neighbors, including Elizabeth (Pipes) and Clarke Swanson, take notice. Relating the story and menu to another Napa-ite Stacey Bressler (of Bressler Wines) at the James Beard House in New York has her ready to join; she wants to toss beads like a New Orleanian.

It was Opus One, another Napa Valley “biggie” teamed with braised leg of venison with a Satsuma gastrique paired with that grand wine by Chef Greg Sonnier over at the Windsor Court’s Grille Room on a special wine dinner evening. Ooh la la, so much wine, so much venison … and so much Opus 2004. ATT’s Bill Oliver, who can boast of an exception wine cellar, hosting a long table of tastemakers.

The Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem usually dons capes for stately occasions that involve things of a more devoted nature. But the group manages to have a good time post-prayer at places such as the NOCC. In Covington, they recently attended a service performed by the Rev. Winston Rice who, like Jesse Adams, juggles the duties of the clergy and the law with equal aplomb. Afterward, the group wined and dined at La Provence while announcements including the site of the house they will build as part of our city’s recovery were made.

On a much smaller scale, St. Lazarus member Bill Clark was given a belated birthday bash by his children post-Mardi Gras at The 8801 Station, part of the blossoming of Oak Street’s happening bar, band and boutique trend. It’s good to see the old street come back and it was good to see the old boy fêted with four generations of pals, including Buddy and Roberta Lehmann, Tino and Terry Dalmau, Jo Ann Adams, Betty Nice and others who came from around the corner, to Dallas and Kansas City.

Ready set go: Grab your hat for the Mad Hatter’s luncheon and fashion show by Saks on March 5 at the Riverside Hilton, where things promise to be wild. Pull out that cocktail dress for the “Lark in the Park” March 14 at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, benefiting our beloved City Park’s restoration of Storyland. The food, music and libations come with a $90 in advance, $100 at the door price; as for the amount you’ll spend on the auction items… you’re on your own! Rounding out the month and taking us right into April is Spring Fiesta 2008, March 29-April 6, complete with French Quarter walking tours, Garden District and Uptown home tours, the presentation of the queen and her court and the “Night in Old New Orleans Parade.”

Heard something interesting for “Along the Avenue?”
If so, please send it to:

St. Charles Avenue,
110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123
Metairie, La. 70005,
Attn: Diane Sustendal.

Or email Diane at: dsustendal@gmail.com