2nd Mardi Gras Milonga Magnificence with Epicurean Tango Society

An orderly start set the stage for the marvelous madness of the 2^nd Mardi Gras Milonga!! 

We offered beads to adorn all, masques were on some, but everyone contributed to the magnificent Mardi Gras Milonga magic that filled the air from the very start until the clock struck TIME CHANGE … yikes!!! Who remembered that little detail? Never mind, no one wanted to leave, it was so much fun!

Tango music played as guests arrived, danced, laughed, talked, mingled, enjoyed wine, water, bubbly, as the hall continued to fill with a magical sparkle … suddenly, a fragrant Kicked Up Jambalaya permeated the air, catching every Tangueros' attention! Emeril's richly seasoned rice was overflowing with his Creole Essence spiced chicken, Angus steak sausage and sole fish … if it sounds fabulous and flavorful, the taste was heavenly, an abundant offering befitting of the Mardi Gras King and Queen Celebrations!

This was the optimum setting for our impromptu surprise: live Tango music played by Darcy, the accordionist / bandoneon player from Orquestra Libertango! His wonderful selection of Tango inspired many to dance and in appreciation of Darcy sharing his Tango Spirit, they generously tipped his playing!

The ambiance continued to smoulder as we welcomed, Vincenzo & Ida, of Tango Divino Edmonton, whose presence is always a delight! We appreciate these beautiful Tangueros for their generous Tango Spirit: exuding warmth, friendliness, passion for tango and joy of sharing this dance with everyone, from absolute beginners to more experienced Tangueros respectively, throughout the evening.

With a gentle coaxing, they graciously accepted my request for a Milonga and Vals Performance – totally improvisational as social Tango should be danced; an exciting Milonga (with exceptional traspie) to D'Arienzo's Milonga del Corazon followed by an exhilarating Vals to De Angelis' Ilusion Azul.

Vincenzo gave a birthday tribute to Astor Piazzolla, with Oblivion and Jeanne y Paul to honour: an amazing visionary, whose illustrious career spanned over 6 decades with more than 1000 compositions, arrangements and orchestrations. In the 40's Piazzolla began experimenting with both rhythm and harmonic complexities that veered off the traditional tango makeup. However, it wasn't until he returned to Argentina from studying music in Paris, that he creatively explored and developed the full influence of traditional Tango, classical and jazz which became known as Tango Nuevo in the 50's. Interestingly, while Piazzolla received international acclaim and great success, for many years, his Argentino countrymen disowned him for corrupting Tango! 

Finally!

2011 Mardi Gras King Cake specially made for Epicurean Tango by Manel Latruwe!

We were excited to offer this exceptional, delectable, exquisitely filled Cake to our guests in Calgary! It is only the 2^nd time ever, that Manuel has made the King Cake, originally from France! Both times were for Epicurean Tango Society's Mardi Gras Milonga. Urban myths say our 2011 King Cake was LARGER than the original one, a hearty and hefty 30" x 30" cake, which required 2 men to move it in and around the hall! Regardless of its massive majesty, in no time flat, the only thing left to admire was the beautiful gold foil it once graced! A lone, slender fingerling remained, that I was lucky to taste for Sunday Breakfast!

Exceptional Mardi Gras King Cake Manuel !!  But who found the ALMOND (or the baby??)  There's a prize, so let me know!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the
2^nd Mardi Gras Milonga … it was magical!

RSVP for an Exceptional Saturday April 2^nd :
Men's Focus Tango Workshop 
& 
Simply Tango Milonga!

We look forward to welcoming you at our 
twice Weekly Practicas, Workshops and Milongas!

Epicurean Tango Society© 2010 - 2011