An ad appears in local papers of each of the cities, drawing the eye with bright colors against the drab gray of the dragging winter.

The Crescent Room Mardi Gras Ball

What better way to celebrate the grand opening of the Palmetto Tea Room's expansion than with a perfectly timed Mardi Gras party? 

Put on your finest formals in shades of purple, gold, and green and head out to the Motor City for
a taste of New Orleans!
Join your hostess, Miss Sandy Sullivan, for a night of masquerade glamour in the newest event venue in Detroit. The evening will feature a buffet of authentic Cajun dishes prepared by sibling chefs Remi & Norris, a live jazz band straight from Bourbon Street, cash bar, and the largest home-made King Cake this side of the Mason-Dixon!

The party starts at 21:00 on 1/31. Arrive early, dress sharp, be ready to eat good and
"Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

Dynamite was walking down the streets of Downtown LA. He had a brisk pace as he had planned to blackmail the mayor who was set to be at one of the local coffee shops, but as Dynamite was walking past a newsstand, he had to do a double take. The newspaper was typically black and white and never caught his eye. Yet, this issue had different color on it! He stepped closer and then "Palmetto Tea Room" and "Sandy-Sullivan" caught his eye.

"Well I'll be damned," Dynamite said to himself.

Dynamite noted the date, location and time and set his plan to visit Detroit. He felt giddy to see the beautiful Ms. Sandy again. Dynamite decided to put off his plan to blackmail the mayor and head to the fine clothing store instead to get a new suit for the special occasion.

Dreams was always on the lookout for fun things to do especially event related as he loved meeting people and having that social aspect. He could hear a bit of yelling in excitement almost like an announcement for something spectacular. He rushed over to see what it was about and was pleasantly surprised.

Mardi Gras Ball? He said to himself. 

This was unfamiliar territory to him but given there were ample days to prepare he knew this was something to look forward to and could not wait for the 31st.

With two hours left until the party was to begin, Sandy was still dressed in her "kitchen clothes" running between the newly remodeled kitchen and the Crescent ballroom, arranging things and directing the event staff to make sure everything was perfect. Norris and Remi were moving around the kitchen like a storm on Lake Ponchartrain, but the smells wafting from the building onto the streets were starting to gather a crowd. 

As Sandy came out with a huge tray of crawfish, Jane caught up to her.

"You think anyone is going to show up tonight?"

"Lord, I hope so. Remi and Norris have made enough food to feed half the country. If we don't have a good turn out, we'll just have to open up the doors and let the cats come in."

Jane laughed.

"You would do that, wouldn't you?"

Dynamite was running late to the event and grabbed a private flight to Detroit. He pulled up in a sleek, black limousine in true Los Angeles fashion. He stepped out in a tailored light purple suit, putting on his black top hat as he got up and out of the car. He looked down to check and see if his yellow and green pocket square was still in his coat. After verifying, he continued walking ahead. He could smell the wonderful scents of fresh cajun food, with the smell of crawfish standing out. He could see the beautiful Ms. Sandy-Sullivan in the distance. He made his way toward her to greet her, hoping she wouldn't be too upset about his late arrival.