Imagine dining on divine Creole cuisine while surrounded by rare paintings and some of the most extraordinary pieces of jewelry in the world, then listening to the soothing sounds of New Orleans Jazz.
That’s all part of an exclusive new Dinner With Impressionist experience for guests of the Four Seasons New Orleans who book one of their recently unveiled (and huge) Presidential Suites between May 23 and December 31, 2023.
A Treasure Trove in the French Quarter
Dine among fine art and jewels at M.S. Rau
The luxury 5-star Four Seasons New Orleans has pulled out all the stops to partner with the family-owned M.S. Rau, a gallery in the heart of the French Quarter, to create the unrivaled experience that mixes fine art, cuisine, and NOLA culture right in the heart of the French Quarter.
“For this exclusive partnership, we wanted to offer something that could be found nowhere else. M.S. Rau and Four Seasons epitomize luxury, and we wanted to create an experience that would remain in diners’ memories as not only a highlight of their stay in New Orleans but throughout their lives,” said gallery owner Bill Rau.
But let’s be clear— to call M.S. Rau just a gallery is like calling a Bugatti just a car.
Led by third- and fourth-generation owners Bill and Rebecca Rau, M.S. Rau is a family-run New Orleans business that has been collecting rare artifacts, jewelry, furnishings, and fine art since 1912. Step inside the three-story space and you’re mere inches from masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Magritte, and Chagall, among others. Meticulously crafted clocks, antique furnishings and tapestries, and historic artifacts and objet d’art fill corners and cabinets.
And the diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds on display? Oh my! If they could talk, they’d tell tales of the lavish balls and ostentatious parties they’ve attended while draped over the hands, fingers, wrists, and necks of royals and rockstars alike.
Like a fine art museum and a fastidious art collector’s private lair rolled into one, M.S. Rau is a do-not-miss for any visitor to the Crescent City, whether staying at the Four Seasons or not. It’s open to the public.
Waiting in line to hear authentic New Orleans Jazz
Dinner + Jewels
Called “Dinner with Impressionists” because historically significant Impressionist paintings serve as a dramatic backdrop for the one-of–a-kind meal, the Four Seasons experience invites guests to sit down to a 7-course meal prepared by Kelley Schmidt, the hotel’s executive sous chef. An accompanying wine selection pairs with both the surrounding masterpieces and the menu, while a live New Orleans band whets your appetite for one of the city’s great exports—Jazz!
The pièce-de-résistance is a tableside presentation of exceptional jewels for guests to try on, such as a lavish 38-carat Golconda diamond necklace by Harry Winston, once owned by Greek businesswoman and heiress Christina Onassis.
The experience also includes a private ride in a historic New Orleans streetcar and a jazz concert at the French Quarter’s legendary Preservation Hall.
Jazz Players at world-renowned Preservation Hall
Details! Details!
The Four Seasons New Orleans Presidential Suite is spacious and swanky! But it’s the twinkling Mississippi River views from the sprawling 2,40 square-metre suite that will make you swoon. The suite was designed by Bill Rooney Studio, a master at contemporary luxury, and the suite, like the Four Seasons New Orleans itself, does it with a dash of souther charm.
The suite’s marble bathroom has a free-standing oval tub with city and river views. There’s also a private office, a dining table for 10, a personal gym, and curated local artwork.
The Dinner With Impressionists experience includes two nights in the Presidential Suite and starts at $25,000 USD.
Views for days inside the contemporary and luxurious Presidential Suite at Four Seasons New Orleans
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BeSeeingYou In: New Orleans
Good to know: Bourbon Street was not named after the liquor but after the French royal family ruling France at the time New Orleans was founded in 1718.
WOW! Factor: Legendary musicians Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Pete Fountain, Wynton and Ellis Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., and a lot more hail from New Orleans.
Tip: Even if you don’t stay at the Four Seasons New Orleans, do make a reservation at Miss River and order the whole fried chicken. It’s a showstopper.
Author bio: Kimberly Lovato
