The Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon

The Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon

Celebrates a Whirlwind of Local Literary Talent

Wednesday, August 13th at 12:00 Noon 

New Orleans, Louisiana (August 5, 2014) – Looking to add some local flair to your summer reading list? Look no further than the Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday August 13th at 12 Noon as we welcome three outstanding New Orleans-based authors whose works resonate with the upcoming anniversary of hurricane Katrina.

Expand your literary knowledge while enticing your palette with a delicious three-course menu by Executive Chef Kevin Goodwin. Hosted by Margarita Bergen in the hotel’s elegant Fleur de Lis Suite, the forecast for the Luncheon predicts enlightening discussion, live entertainment and plenty of champagne, darlings.

Real estate writer, photographer and licensed New Orleans tour guide Angela Carll will discuss her recent work Where Writers Wrote in New Orleans. This rich guide explores the historic neighborhoods and properties that have attracted some of the world’s most creative minds, from William Faulkner to Tennessee Williams.

Then Nathaniel Rich, author of Odds Against Tomorrow, will reveal insights into his critically acclaimed novel that explores a near-future world on the brink of natural catastrophe that is so well researched, it hardly feels like fiction. Odds Against Tomorrow garnered the 2013 New Orleans Library Society Award for Best Fiction. Rich also contributes regularly to the Atlantic, Harper’s Magazine, the New York Review of Books, and the Daily Beast, among other noteworthy publications.

Finally, author Laura Roach Dragon will delve into her coming-of-age novel Hurricane Boy, which depicts the traumatic events of hurricane Katrina from an adolescent’s point of view. As a psychotherapist who worked with children separated from their families during the 2005 storm, Dragon offers a fresh perspective while writing with sensitivity and professional insight.

Guests will enjoy entertainment by the very talented Vatican Lokey. A veteran of the New Orleans stage, Lokey has made his career originating roles in New Orleans premieres of productions including Grand Hotel, The Frogs, and The Drowsy Chaperone.

The Royal Sonesta’s culinary team has prepared a stunning three-course ensemble created as a tongue in cheek nod to the hurricane season. This “perfect storm” of culinary delight begins with Butter Lettuce with Buttermilk and Pecan Currant “Debris.” The entrée features a duet of Pork Belly and Amberjack accompanied by “Recovery” Camellia Beans and Braised Greens. Finally, for dessert, enjoy an “Eye of the Storm” Orange Ginger Crème with a Myers Rum poached Pineapple and Raspberry glaze.

The Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking is complimentary in the hotel’s parking garage. For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email her at nscallan@sonesta.com

The 500-room Royal Sonesta is just steps away from some of the finest antique shops, art galleries and visitor attractions in New Orleans. Selected as one of the top three ‘Best Hotels in New Orleans’ by U.S. News & World Reports, the Royal Sonesta