After 10 years, Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top returned to Austin with the Grand Premiere of KOOZA at Circuit of The Americas. Sponsors, special guests and celebrities donned the red carpet and joined the celebration in the VIP Rouge party that included wine, hand passed hors d’oeuvres including Vegetable Quesadillas with Chipotle Cream, Pulled Pork Sliders with Zesty Slaw and Mac & Cheese Fritters.
Feeding the VIPs and attendees are always a task, but what does it take to feed the performers? After all, Cirque’s world class athletes consistently perform at the highest level of any athlete in the world. Not only does it take precision and skill with intense training, but it also requires excellent nutrition.
We recently caught a behind-the-scenes glimpse with Cirque’s Chef Shane Skipper, to see what it takes to feed over 120 crew members and KOOZA’s world class performers.
Photography by Courtney Pierce
On opening night, honored guests received a red carpet welcome. Guests included, Director Richard Linklater and his wife and daughters, American Crime (ABC) co-stars Elvis Nolasco and Johnny Ortiz (McFarland, USA), Singer-Songwriter Tameca Jones and her mother and twin son and daughter, and Music manager Christina Shipley and top model rep Justin Brown. Also joining them was Recording Artist Bob Schneider and his wife Laura, Filmmaker Elizabeth Avellan, Chanteuse Patricia Vonne, Alpha Rev‘s Casey McPherson and his wife McCall, and UT Quarterback Case McCoy. Uchi Owner and Chef Tyson Cole brought his wife Rebekkah and his daughters Aubrie and Larkin
Photography by Annika Franco
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…