Team New Orleans Scores $50,000+ AMgrant

Team New Orleans is heading to the Amsterdam V Gay Games 1998 in August with the backing and support of AMBUSH Mag 2000 and AMBUSHonLINE. The New Orleans based group of athletes scored a $50,630 Ambush Advertising Grant [AMgrant], extensively covering both magazine and Internet exposure.

Team New Orleans, numbering some 50 athletes, has united in fellowship to foster the ideals of goodwill and sportsmanship in New Orleans and beyond. The purpose is to support and encourage one another to achieve full physical and intellectual potential and to follow the Federation of Gay Games' principles of participation, inclusion and achieving one's personal best.

Various fundraisers will be held through July to help send the Team to Amsterdam. These fundraisers will enable the Team to purchase uniforms and help offset the expense of sending the athletes to the Games, estimated at $2,000-$2,500 per athlete.

The group has already raised some $3,000. A fundraising raffle, which ended with a drawing Jan. 18th at the Volleyball Mardi Gras Classic, is expected to do well.

Next up is the Super Bowl Party Fundraiser Sunday, Jan. 25, 3pm til--at 626 Pauline St. in the Bywater. A $10 donation per person is requested. The afternoon of sporting fun will include food, beer, a big screen TV, a football pool and a final score contest. Call 504.944.2600 for details.

On Friday, Feb. 13th follow the Team "Through the Looking Glass" at Rubyfruit Jungle boasting dance music by DJ of the Year Mary Pappas, 9pm-1am. A $5 donation will get you in for $1 well drinks and draft.

Ambush will host the first HBB [Has Been Ball] Memorial Day Weekend to benefit the Team. The evening will honor all those has been grand marshals of the Decadence or Pride variety; and even the ordinary run-of-the-mill everyday has been. Watch for more details!

Team New Orleans can be contacted via E-mail at team_neworleans@juno.com. Their Web site, currently under construction by AMBUSHonLINE, is available at www.gayneworleans.com/teamno.

The Team New Orleans presence at Amsterdam V Gay Games will only bolster the fact that the City of New Orleans is one of the top destinations in the glbt world today.

Forbidden Fruit Is The Toast Of Rubyfruit Jungle

The Sunday night show, Forbidden Fruit, starring Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Luwanda Jackson, is the perfect way to close out any weekend. Hosted at Rubyfruit Jungle, Frenchmen and Royal Streets, the show features the talents of Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Calisia Valdare, Nikki Rich, Poloma and new rising stars.

Luwanda emcees the bevy of stars, poking fun at various audience members and even the cast themselves. She is especially cunning with virgins--those folks who've never been to a drag show.

As an entertainer, Luwanda dazzles audience participants with her costuming, down to designer gowns; however, her talent rendentions, even to an avid dragshow groupie, will stun and surprise, running the gamut from comedy to drama.

But let's not forget the rest of the cast. Teryl-Lynn Foxx is always a show stopper. Calisia Valdare was a real beauty. Nikki Rich was too much. Paloma of Lucky Cheng's fame was great. Guest Fifi from Shreveport way is definitely going places.

Additionally, Rubyfruit presents Rising Star Talent Night every Monday, 10pm, with Luwanda Jackson. Tuesdays is Boot Scootin' Boogie Country Western Dance with DJ Mike Thomas. Wednesdays is U B the Star Karoake with Elsie and Roger at 10pm.

The popular club also hosts various special entertainment events and organization fundraisers for its eceletic clientele.

Mexican Night Is Hit At Bywater Bar-B-Que

Bywater Bar-B-Que is a hit every Tuesday with its popular Mexican Night. Not only are you treated to scrumptious Mexican cuisine, but the $2 Margaritas are superb. Toni Pizanie joined us in this special feast.

We started with the Black Bean & Cheese Nachos piled high with tomatoes, purple onions and black olives for $6. The chips and spicy, thick and chunky salsa were a great addition at $3.

Three entree selections were made to taste some of the dishes available. The beef tamales, prepared by Mike Murray, were some of the best we've ever sampled, served with refried beans and Spanish rice for $9.

Chef Linda Smith prepared the remainder of the Mexican treats on the menu. The pork-stuffed green chili was outstanding, served with refried beans and Spanish rice for $9.

The Mexican Combo treated us to a beef tamale, shrimp taco, red jalapeno and cream cheese popper, bean tostado, chicken and green chili enchilada, black bean tostado, refried beans and Spanish rice for $10. Even though all were delicious, the shrimp taco, red jalapeno and cream cheese popper and chicken and green chili enchilada jumped off the plate and screamed, "Ole!"

Waiter Rich suggested we try the lemon cake for dessert. It was a great choice stuffed with lemon filling between layers and a marvelous lemon icing very similar to doberge icing.

The entire presentation and service was a treat. But don't just try Bywater for Mexican Night, the bar-b-que is the best this side of the Mississippi.

The restaurant is open Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-10pm; and Friday and Saturday, 11am-midnight; closed Mondays. Location and phone, 3162 Dauphine St. at Louisa, New Orleans; 504.944.4445.

The Mint Does "Drag Time"

The Mint has a new hit on its venue, "Drag Time," every Saturday, 11pm. Starring the multi-talented Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, this show could not possibly be anything but fabu.

Lisa and Teryl-Lynn are joined each week by a guest, and the week we visited, it was Raquel Chevallier. As everyone knows, Raquel's talent has landed many a crown on her head.

The opening act was a production starring all three of these beauties. It set in motion the tone of the evening, one filled with dance, wit and talent.

Of course, Teryl-Lynn was in the middle of one of her "racey" monologues, remembering how we had mentioned her "pottie mouth" once before. Now Teryl-Lynn dear, we did not say you had a "pottie mouth," we said you were somewhat "vulgar" that particular evening in a special performance arena. "Vulgar" or "pottie mouth" is perfectly acceptable in an adult cabaret setting. You know we love you girl!

Lisa tantalized the crowd, bringing them to the stage, dollar after dollar, song after song. Not only a talented beauty, Lisa is a spectacular show director. Perhaps that is why Lisa has been show director for so many clubs and special events over the years.

Raquel has really blossomed since the last time we saw her perform. Her appearance has changed dramatically, giving her an air of the exotic. Her talent renditions have always been of superior quality, but it's her new look which has made such a statement.

The Mint is located at 504 Esplanade, and even has pianist/singer, Lucky Lee at 4pm Sundays; with pianist Steven Marz Fridays and Mondays at 5pm. Watch for the Mint's huge entertainment lineup over Mardi Gras weekend.