New York City - Three of man's concerns are where and how he lives and what he eats as well. All of these values were brought to the forefront when the French Heritage Society (FHS) held its Third Annual Gala at New York's Metropolitan Club in November. The black-tie dinner dance was a glamorous and joyous affair.

Consul General of France, Philippe Lalliot and his wife Laurence Folliot Lalliot.

This year, FHS honored Chef Ariane Daguin, who introduced domestic fois gras to the States. As FHS board member and wine consultant, George Sape remarked, "there is not a chef on the East Coast, three star, two star, one star or wannabe, who doesn't know her."

After cocktails and hors d'œuvres in the crowded foyer, guests made their entrance into the ballroom under a canopy of swords provided by three Muskeeters. The Bob Hardwick Sound had guests dancing even before they headed to their tables. Before the first course, the Musketeers took over the dance floor, giving a demonstration on the art of fencing.

CeCe Black, Margo Langenberg and Jean Shafiroff were the co-chairs of the lovely event. This year's Gala honored the region of Gascony, a precursor to the 30th Anniversary, which the Society will celebrate with a sensational trip to the Gascon region in the Southwest of France. The journey will include a cultural and culinary trip through Gascony. The celebration will culminate in a spectacular Gala Dinner, Ball and a Fireworks Finale at the legendary Château de Fontainebleau on October 13, 2012.

The lavish event attracted a full house with 220 guests in attendance. The prepared menu was a collaboration between Daguin and Sape, treating guests with an unforgettable feast. The speeches were brief as Chairman of the FHS Board, Elizabeth Stribling, welcomed everyone. She explained the region of Gascony is featured in novels, food and wine. FHS President Comte Denis de Kergorlay reminded the audience to mark their calendars for the upcoming 30th Anniversary celebration.

Baron Regis de Laroulliere and Baroness Isabelle de Laroulliere.

The money raised will further the mission of FHS to protect the French architectural legacy both in France and the United States with particular emphasis on preservation and education. In its 28 years, the Society has grown to 13 Chapters across the United States with one in Paris. FHS has contributed to over 460 restoration grants and provided more than $18 million including matching funds to projects in virtually every department in France and to properties in the United States that reflect France's historic influence. The Society also fosters long-established French-American relationships through organizing trans-Atlantic student internship opportunities and offering its members enriching cultural trips throughout France and the U.S.

Notable guests include the honorable Consul General of France in New York, Phillippe Lalliot and his wife Laurence Folliot Lalliot, Irene Aitken and Konrad Keesee, Barbara Bancroft, Giles Bensimon, Louis Black, Frances and William Bruder, Sharon Bush and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Zita Davisson, Barbara de Portago, Diandra Douglas, Kate Edmund and Alex Donner, Michèle Gerber Klein, Yaz and Valentin Hernandez, Cheri Kaufman and William Sclight, Joy Marks and Donald Venezia, Sandra McConnell and Chris Obetz, Grace and Chris Meigher, Alexis and Spenser Morgan, Anka Palitz, Laura Pels and Jim McNabb, Ann Rapp and Roy Kean, Jeri Sape, Martin Shafiroff , Patricia and Robert Shiah, Elizabeth (Mimi) Stafford and Count Nicholas Wenckhein, Barbara and Peter Regna, Guy Robinson, William Tanzi, Barbara and Donald Tober, Victoria and Frank Wyman, Marianne and John Wyman, Isabelle Orliac, Comte Marc de Gontaut Biron and Bettina Zilkha.

CeCe Black, Margo Langenberg, Jean Shafiroff and Elizabeth Stribling.