On March 27th the Danube Swabian Club’s annual
fund-raising event saw an great many guests in mostly formal
attire. Gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies in stunning gowns
arrived early to start the event with a reception in the
mezzanine, where punch was served – both alcoholic and
non-alcoholic.
| Guests with
friends & family |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 It was a welcome opportunity for the guests, who were welcomed
by Cheyenne Kertes – the current Miss Danube - to meet
and renew old acquaintances.
| Moulin Rouge at
the Danube Swabian Club |
 |
 |
 |
 |
It also provided a look at the
fabulously decorated hall below where all the chairs were draped
in white covers and huge faux palm trees made up of feathers in
red and black - Moulin Rouge style - were standing in tall glass
vases on the tables, providing the ambience of the evening’s
theme. Many oohs and aahs about the wonderfully decorated hall
could be heard.
After a short welcome by Toni Baumann, and introduction
of the attending media and prominent guests, a very well trained
staff served the scrumptious dinner without delay. It started
with an elegant Asparagus Soup followed by a Spring Mix of Baby
Spinach with a delicious Pineapple Vinaigrette.
The entrée was chicken breast stuffed with wild mushrooms and
cognac sauce, accompanied by green beans with julienne of red
and yellow peppers and roasted potatoes. A choice of white or
red ‘Gewuerzstraminer’ wine, from Austria, helped to ‘whet the
whistle’ so to speak.
The dessert was a delightful “Gateau’s St. Honore” with fresh
berries and coffee or tea. The club’s chef had outdone himself.
We are already used to his new menu from visits during the week,
which has reduced prices and new items on it.
| Moulin Rouge
style Can Can |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
After this outstanding feast, a group of four young ladies from
K & M Productions presented several free-style Moulin Rouge
performances – to the great delight of the audience. Yes, they
can do the Can Can!
 Then came the moment that many of the guests were waiting for:
Toni Baumann’s report of the goings on at the club in the past.
He illustrated who uses the club and how and the many problems
the club had to face over the years and especially during the
economic downturn of the recent past. He admitted that some
mistakes had been made internally, especially in regards to the
management of the restaurant and kitchen, but pointed out and
illustrated that all that truly is in the past and that the new
arrangements are working out quite well. He could even report
that last year brought an increase of business back to the club.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done and a committee
to be formed to assess and plan what is best to do for the
reduction of the remaining mortgage. He finished on a high note
and the promise that the club will go on for the youth that
turns up every week to learn about the Danube Swabian culture
with practising singing and dancing. Thundering applause showed
that the members were reassured of its continuance and that the
club was again in firm, responsive and responsible hands.
| Polonaise with
Can Can Girls |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 The balance of this remarkable evening was spent mostly on the
dance floor to the masterful renditions of beloved evergreens by
the Matt Lebar Ensemble. I am always surprised by his rich
selection of wonderful tunes – which even I remember from my
younger days, back in the ‘old’ country.
As always
Dick Altermann
| Dancing to the sound of the
Matt Lebar Ensemble |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
