Naquin-Delains Host Ambush Christmas Social
By Brad Benedict
I usually go to several Christmas parties during the season, and many of these are memorable events. One outstanding example is at the Joseph Possa compound on the University Lakes near LSU in Baton Rouge. Others are scattered about the city, but the best of all the rest has to be at the complex on Bourbon St. in the historic old French Quarter of New Orleans.
Not taking anything away from the others, I have to say that this one is by far the most important one of the season. This 828 Bourbon St. address is the home of Ambush Magazine on the lower level, and the upper levels are private quarters of Ambush owners Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. Party revelers are greeted in the office headquarters, and then the home becomes the welcoming spot for important people in all walks of life. The patio and the Belle Lain Magnolia Bar come alive with the sounds of happy people.
I've attended many of these events, and you may see the mayor, or local governmental representatives, and, sometimes, national political leaders in attendance. As the first registered domestic couple in the city of New Orleans, the Naquin-Delains have offered the heterosexual part of the city a glimpse at the love and devotion that can come from a committed relationship.
In a sense, this annual Christmas party is a way of gathering together all the many friends and business personnel who in one way or another contribute or support the publication or the causes that this couple promotes. One of the major areas of contribution is to the NO/AIDS Walk, and the Naquin-Delains always come out first, or at least they have for the last seven years. It's an endeavor dear to their hearts.
The annual Christmas social is really a means of saying thank you for all the support that has come about during the year. With the end of this century and another so near, the Naquin-Delains opened their elegant digs to these friends and supporters. Aside from the Magnolia Cotillion, it is one of the most successful functions to take place during the year, and the results can only mean that this couple has the respect of the masses, and their donations to charitable causes sets them apart from the rest.
This is also the time of the year when the King Cake Queen is chosen to rule over Mardi Gras at Ambush headquarters. Stephanie Williams will wear the crown for the year 2000 as KCQ VII representing the chosen theme "Sex Goddesses." Her announcement, by KCQ III Smurf Murphy & KCQ IV Reba Douglas, came under the stars on the patio of this mansion on Bourbon St.. Williams was a choice that pleased the audience, and they showed their support with congratulations and well wishes for a prosperous new year.
Food on the lower level included wasabi caviar, lump crabmeat/cheese dip and Mexican 7-layer surprise with all the fixings. Guests made their way to the dining room on the second level for more treats that included Cajun penne pasta with shrimp and andouille; gourmet cheeses and meats; Italian holiday meatballs; marinated artichokes, mushrooms and okra; smoked oysters and mussels, and an assortment of holiday sweets including a miniature gingerbread house. The balcony was elaborately decorated as usual, featuring this year New Orleans' first giant drag queen wreath complete with mannequin Edna adorned in red satin designer gown with rhinestone assessories. A large, 6 foot lighted angel graced the patio. The giant Christmas tree on the second level was next to the piano and a unique collection of ornaments adorned it.
Whenever the Naquin-Delains entertain guests, it is always on an elaborate scale. Christmas 1999 was one of their best to date. It was a party with a touch of southern class and another unforgettable gathering of friends.
