CAYA - Mardi Gras Season; M-22 Days to Gumbo!

Dear Lost Souls,

Mark your calendar for Saturday February 10th ... 'cause Mardi Gras is coming up quick Y'all!

THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!  Be advised that this far into the Mardi Gras season all good Haberdites should be starting their taper; tuning their instruments, selecting their wardrobe, and training for The Haberdashery's annual all day extravaganza of music, food, and mayhem.

This evening our Cabana Boys and Alchemists will be conducting a special primer seminar addressing basic protocols and procedures for maximizing your Bon Ton Roulet! There is just no substitute for preparation.

Yes, my Creole Crawdads, CAYA is on for this Friday evening. Cocktails will be served at 7:30pm. Please feel free to shuffle & slide on by for a quickie en route to your evening's primary fete du soir ... or to linger indubitably.

Yours,

Los Cabañeros

!! Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation !! . . . your well-being is our first priority!

P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us to February 5th, 2004; CAYA - M-16 Days and Counting

P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog, and register for email updates: http://caya20.blogspot.com/

The Haberdashery is located at:

2124 5th Street

Berkeley, CA  94710

CAYA; T-8 days - Bon Ton! You are Invited to the Haberdashery's 11th Annual Mardi Gras Extravaganza on March 4th!

Dear Lost Souls,

It's time to turn it up to 11! You are cordially and officially invited to join us for our 11th annual Fête Extravaganza, celebrating the highpoint of the Haberdashery's friscal year! Of course, Cocktail Hour is also on for this Friday evening; usual time and place ... but with only 8 days to go, be sure focus on March 4th! ... when Haberdites from near and far will gather to pay homage to the royalty of New Orleans Carnival with a fanfare of great live music and Cajun cuisine! Here are some details to whet your appetite!

Friday, March 3rd

• 7:30pm – 12:00am – The Taming of the Roux (CAYA Cocktail Hour, Saturday prep, and a Cajun cooking primer) 

Saturday, March 4th

• 11:00am – 10:00pm – all-day Mardi Gras Party including live music jams, DJ Mr. Fabulous, & plenty-o good food . . . and Lagniappe!
• (3:00pm – 7:00pm) – Primary period of feasting! 

COME JOIN THE CAYA GUMBO!

Gumbo is not just a dish . . . it is a ménage of flavors, people and ideas. Come experience the Haberdashery's brand of social alchemy and Loooousiana hospitality first hand. We already have an outstanding lineup of live music planned, but musicians should be sure to bring along your instruments! We are scheduling sunny weather and there will be lots of live music jamming in the back courtyard. DJ Mr. Fabulous will also be on hand to spice up the mix.

WARNING: Please be prepared to shake your booty . . . this is not a spectator sport.

DETAILED SCHEDULE:

• Friday evening, March 3rd: There will be Friday Night Cocktail Hour as usual. For those of you interested in the Festival of the Roux, and other cooking secrets from The Big Easy, this is the time to come. Chop, chop chop!! WARNING: Friday night can be detrimental to Saturday . . . and should be taken in moderation, particularly if your intent is a full-on Saturday.
• Saturday, March 4th: This is an all day affair . . . give or take a day . . . so feel free to come and go as you please; children are more than welcome; particularly during the daylight hours (before storytime). In the morning, beginning whenever we crawl out of bed, there will be Mimosas, Screwdrivers and Bloody Marys for those that venture out before noon . . . or whenever. We will start the primary serving of food in the mid-afternoon. There will be the usual fair of Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, etc. . . . whenever they are ready . . . and of course, lagniappe . . . yea, yea . . . and there will be LOTS of NOLA Bread Puddin' for the ladies. 

WHAT TO BRING: . . . Hurricanes are in the forecast and we will also have a full keg of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale  . . . but your favorite beverage contribution is much appreciated, so please bring along other libations to share (we will have coolers and ice on hand). There will copious amounts of food, beads, and Hurricanes. There will also be plenty 'o munchies, but if you are feeling particularly motivated, feel free to add a little something extra (lagniappe!)! . . . but, for GOD SAKE, please take home your beads!!! They are our Mardi Gras gift to you!!

• Musicians! - Bring your instruments. There will be live music galore!
• Face painters! - bring your paints . . . nothing says Mardi Gras like some beautiful painted people!
• Amateur photographers! - bring your cameras . . . there will lots of colorful scenes to record!

DRESS CODE: Well! . . . there is no dress code, and you can wear whatever the hell you want . . . but this IS Mardi Gras . . . so festive attire is appropriate! In general, this could mean carnival masks, and/or your favorite colorful wig . . . pull out that old sequined party dress (e.g. flapper style), a boa, feather tiara . . . a dapper hat or sport coat . . . Seersucker is always encouraged! HOPPE style! . . . or just show up in jeans and a t-shirt!!!! . . . the point is to relax and have a good time. We will have lots of beads and other parade trinkets on hand to accessorize.

As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie . . . on Friday or Saturday; or to linger indefinitely.

Yours!

Los Cabañeros

!!Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation !! . . . your well-being is our first priority!

P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us back to March 5th, 2003; CAYA - Mardi Gras 2003

P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog and register for updates: caya20.blogspot.com

The Haberdashery is located at:
2124 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
T: 510.229.2970

CAYA; Ramp up to the Haberdashery Mardi Gras Party! - 2/21/2015

Dear Lost Souls,

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Haberdashery Board of Directors has selected Saturday February 21st as the sacred date for the 2015 Haberdashery Mardi Gras Party. Oh my! ... we only have 27 days to go . . . which means that you should be starting your taper right about now. We know that as good Haberdites, you have been training all year, and we promise that your dedication and zeal will not be for naught. While visions of Hurricanes and rich dark rouxs have been dancing in your heads all year long, we have been plotting and scheming on how best to fulfill all your expectations for another Bon-Ton-filled Mardi Gras adventure at our sacred hall . . . with a bit of lagnappe of course! We shall provide!

Yes, my Chaotic Cajuns, Cocktail Hour is on for this Friday evening. Cocktails will be served at 7.30pm. Come help ramp up towards Mardi Gras as we prepare for hurricane season in style! As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie en route to your primary Friday evening tropical storm . . . or to linger indefinitely!

Yours,
Los Cabañeros

!! Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation !! . . . your well-being is our first priority!

P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us back to January 24th, 2002; CAYA; The Mardi Gras Season
P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog, and register for email updates: http://caya20.blogspot.com/

The Haberdashery is located at:
2124 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

T: 510.229.2970

Bon Ton! . . . Mardi Gras 2014 at the Haberdashery!

Dear Lost Souls . . .

Get out your party dress! The wait is over! Mardi Gras 2014 at the Haberdashery is finally here!!

Please take a moment to RSVP / sign up on the Eventbrite page so we can get an idea of how big the crowd will be (http://caya-mardigras2014.eventbrite.com)
IN BRIEF:

Friday, Feb. 28th

• 7:30pm – 12:00am – The Taming of the Roux (CAYA Cocktail Hour, Saturday prep, and a Cajun cooking primer)

Saturday, March 1st

• 11:00am – Midnight – all-day Mardi Gras Party including live music jams, DJ Mr. Fabulous, & plenty-o good food . . . plus Lagniappe!
• (3:00pm – 7:00pm) – Primary period of feasting!

Come Join the CAYA Gumbo!

Gumbo is not just a dish . . . it is a ménage of flavors, people and ideas. Come experience the Haberdashery's brand of social alchemy and Loooousiana hospitality first hand. Musicians, be sure to bring along your instruments! We are scheduling sunny weather and there will be lots of live music jamming in the back courtyard. DJ Mr. Fabulous will also be on hand to spice up the mix. WARNING: Please be prepared to shake your booty . . . this is not a drill.

DETAILED SCHEDULE:

• Friday evening, Feb. 28th: There will be Friday Night Cocktail Hour as usual. For those of you interested in the Festival of the Roux, and other cooking secrets from The Big Easy, this is the time to come. Chop, chop chop!! Please let us know if you are coming to help out so that we will have an idea of how much help we can count on . . . WARNING: Friday night can be detrimental to Saturday . . . and should be taken in moderation, particularly if your intent is a full-on Saturday.
• Saturday, March 1st: This is an all day affair . . . give or take a day . . . rumors of a Sunday brunch abound . . . so feel free to come and go as you please; children are more than welcome; particularly during the daylight hours (before  bedtime). In the morning, beginning whenever we crawl out of bed, there will be Mimosas, Screwdrivers and Bloody Mary's for those that arrive before noon . . . or whenever. We will start the primary serving of food in the mid-afternoon. There will be the usual fair of Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, etc. . . . whenever they are ready . . . and of course, lagniappe . . . yea, yea . . . and there will be LOTS of bread pudding for the ladies.

WHAT TO BRING: . . . Hurricanes are in the forecast  . . . but your favorite beverage contribution is much appreciated, so please bring along beer or other libations to share (we will have coolers and ice on hand). There will copious amounts of food, beads, and Hurricanes. There will also be plenty 'o munchies, but if you are feeling particularly motivated, feel free to add a little something extra (lagniappe!)! . . . but, for GOD SAKE, please take home your beads!!! They are our Mardi Gras gift to you!!

Musicians! - Bring your instruments. There will be live music galore!
Amateur photographers! - bring your cameras . . . there will lots of colorful scenes to record!

DRESS CODE: Well! . . . there is no dress code, and you can wear whatever the hell you want . . . but this IS Mardi Gras . . . so festive attire is appropriate! In general, this could mean carnival masks, and/or your favorite colorful wig . . . pull out that old sequined party dress (e.g. flapper style), a boa, feather tiara . . . a dapper hat or sport coat . . . Seersucker is always encouraged! HOPPE style! . . . or just show up in jeans and a t-shirt!!!! . . . the point is to relax and have a good time. We will have lots of beads and other parade trinkets on hand to accessorize! . . . which you WILL take home!

As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie . . . on Friday or Saturday; or to linger indefinitely.

Yours!
Los Cabañeros

!! Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation!! . . . your well-being is our first priority!

P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us back to February 6th, 2002; Mardi Gras 2002; Come As You Are
P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog, and register for email updates: http://caya20.blogspot.com/

The Haberdashery is located at:
2124 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

T: 510.229.2970

CAYA; Bon Ton 2014; Only 368 Days to Go! - So Start Training Early!

Dear Lost Souls,

Thank you for the great turnout and grand success of Bon Ton 2013. It was a day full of beautiful people, outstanding music, laughter, fellowship and good food!!! We want to send out a special thanks to the prep, cleanup, and support crew: Billy Rhyne, Robert Fukushima, Bernie Lenhoff, B K O'Malley, Lisa David, Paula Mitchell. Also a huge thanks to our music contributors: The Horribles (Daniel Plumlee, Dave Wahl, Aaron, and Ken Beck), The Karma Dogs (Greg McCrea, and James Larson), The Haberdashery House Band (Bernie Lenhoff!), with special guests Steve Smith and Ian Ross, and of course DJ Mr. Fabulous; Fabrizio De Pasquale, holding down the dining room dance floor!

NOW! . . . with only 368 days to go to Bon Ton 2014, there is not a moment to lose in your preparation!

Yes, my Cajun Compatriots, Cocktail Hour is on for this Friday evening. We will be reviewing pictures and film footage from last weekend . . . beginning to hone our strategy for next year's Bon Ton . . . there is no rest for the wicked! Cocktails will be served at 7:30pm. Please feel free to stop by for a quickie en route to your primary Friday evening venue . . . or to linger indefinitely.

Yours,
Los Cabañeros

!! Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation !! . . . your well-being is our first priority!
P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us back to February 26th, 2004; CAYA; Thank Vous!
P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog, and register for email updates: http://caya20.blogspot.com/

The Haberdashery is located at:
2124 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
T: 510.229.2970

Bon Ton 2013; Mardi Gras at The Haberdashery - Get Out Your Party Clothes

 

Dear Lost Souls . . .

Get out your party clothes! 'Tis the moment of our deliverance! Mardi Gras at the Haberdashery is here!!

Please take a moment to sign up on the Eventbrite page so we can get an idea of numbers (http://bonton2013.eventbrite.com/)

In Brief:

Friday, Feb. 22^nd

- 7:30pm – 12:00am – The Taming of the Roux (CAYA Cocktail Hour, Saturday prep, and a Cajun cooking primer)

Saturday, Feb. 23^rd

- 11:00am – 12:00am – all-day Mardi Gras Party including live music jams, DJ, plenty-o good food, and Lagniappe!

- (3:00pm – 7:00pm) – Primary period of feasting!

Come Join the CAYA Gumbo!
Gumbo is not just a dish . . . it is a ménage of flavors, people and ideas. Come experience the Haberdashery's brand of social alchemy and Loooosiana hospitality first hand. Musicians, be sure to bring along your instruments! We are scheduling sunny weather and are planning on lots of live music jamming in the back courtyard. DJ Mr. Fabulous will also be on hand to spice up the mix. Please be prepared to shake your booty.

Detailed Schedule:
Friday evening, Feb. 22^nd: There will be Cocktail Hour as usual. For those of you interested in the Festival of the Roux, and other cooking secrets from the Big Easy, this is the time to come. Chop, chop chop. WARNING: Friday night can be detrimental to Saturday . . . and should be taken in moderation if your intent is a full-on Saturday. Please let us know if you are coming to help out so we will have an idea of how much help we have.

Saturday, Feb. 23^rd: This is an all day affair . . . give or take a day . . . so feel free to come and go as you please. Beginning whenever we crawl out of bed, there will be Mimosas, Screwdrivers and Bloody Mary's for those that arrive before noon . . . or whenever. The food will start being served in the mid-afternoon. There will be the usual fair of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, etc. . . . whenever they are ready . . . and lagniappe. Yea, yea . . . and there will be LOTS of bread pudding for the ladies.

What to Bring . . . Hurricanes in the forecast: Your favorite beverage contribution is appreciated. We will have lots of food, beads, and Hurricanes to share. We will have lots of munchies, but feel free to add a little something extra (lagniappe!) if you feel particularly motivated! Tina will NOT be making King Cake this year, so that would be a great contribution from some quarter.

Musicians! - Bring your instruments. There will be live music galore!
Amateur photographers! - bring your cameras . . . there will lots of colorful scenes to record!

Dress Code: Well! . . . there is no dress code, and you can wear whatever the hell you want . . . but this IS Mardi Gras . . . so festive attire is appropriate! In general, this could mean carnival masks, and/or your favorite colorful wig . . . pull out that old sequined party dress (e.g. flapper style), a boa, feather tiara . . . a dapper hat or sport coat . . . Seersucker is always encouraged! HOPPE style! . . . or just show up in jeans and a t-shirt!!!! . . . the point is to relax and have a good time. We will have lots of beads and other parade trinkets on hand to accessorize!

As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie . . . on Friday or Saturday; or to linger indefinitely.

Bon ton!
Los Cabañeros

!! Please drink responsibly and arrange for safe transportation !! . . . your well-being is our first priority!P.S. This week's Haberdashery Flashback takes us back to February 18th, 2004; Come As You Are; Mardi Gras 2004!
P.S.S. Be sure to visit the CAYA blog, and register for email updates: http://caya20.blogspot.com/

The Haberdashery is located at:
2124 5th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
T: 510.229.2970

CAYA; Early Warning System – Act Now!!! only T-348

Dear Lost Souls,

Shockingly, there are only 348 days left until Mardi Gras! But, take a deep breath and stay very calm. Ever diligent, The Haberdashery is already in furious preparations, and will NOT be caught unawares. So start your training early!! . . . joining us this Friday as our crack team of Cabana Boys are busy mixing, shaking, stirring, muddling, and pre-chilling . . . tirelessly dedicated to your alchemical wherewithal . . . with a chance of Hurricanes. There is no rest for the wicked.

Yes, my Bon Ton Revelers . . . Cocktail Hour is on for this Friday evening. A big thanks to everyone who came and helped make last weekend's festivities a big success. Special thanks to Bob Fukushima who was an unstoppable chopping machine on Friday night, and Tina Yin, who brought us our home made King Cakes!!! . . . what a treat! This week we will be settling back into the our strict training and mixology routine, in solemn preparation for Mardi Gras 2013 . . . so dangerously near on the cosmic horizon! . . . details to follow . . .

Cocktails will be served at 7:30pm. As always, please feel free to stop by for a quickie en route to your primary Friday evening venue . . . or to linger indefinitely . . .

Yours,
Los Cabañeros

P.S. Be sure to check out the photos from the party!

P.S.S. This week’s CAYA 1.0 Flashback is to June 10^th, 2004: ‘Up on the Roof! – Birthdays and Goodbyes

The Haberdashery is located at:

2124 5th Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

T: 510.229.2970