Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published February 8, 2006 Click here for the current edition Friday-Before-Mardi Gras Tables At Galatoire's To Be Auctioned Off For the last few years, there's been a rising tide of interest in the Friday lunch before Mardi Gras at Galatoire's. Not from the regular customers--it's an old story to them, and they've jammed the place on that day for decades. It's the general public that's become aware of it, and the line that forms a day or two before to get tables. You probably read about some patrons who pay hundreds of dollars to people who will just sit in front of the place around the clock to hold a spot in line. That will not happen this year. On Monday, February 13, Galatoire's will auction the tables in the main dining room for the lunch seating on Friday, February 24 to the highest bidders. The money this brings in will go to the Louisiana Restaurant Association's Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. (That's the same fund Eat Club diners have been donating to for the last few months.) The bids start at $100 per seat, and they must be purchased in even-numbered lots up to twelve. You must pre-register to get a paddle for the auction; this can be done by phone at 525-2021. The auction itself should be quite a party, but you can't get in unless you either have a paddle or are the sole guest of a paddleholder. They're limiting the paddles to 150. The auction will conducted by Ruthie Winston, who does this for a living. What you pay for the table advances nothing against your restaurant or bar bill; that's full price. You do get to hang onto the table as long as you like, but when you leave they can seat anyone else who might be waiting there. While I certainly encourage participation in this for the much-needed fundraising, I can tell you how to get a table that day. Walk in at around three or four. If you know anyone at all, you may well be invited to sit in a seat that's been vacated by a luncher who had to leave early. © 2006 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com