meet de la croix

Maximillien: One Of The Most Productive and Successful Show Biz and Live Entertainment Producers

People were wondering if the concept of CABARET, the Edith Piaf Repertoire, the Jacques Brel Act, the Blue Angel’s Marlene Dietrich or the Zara Leander Act will ever survive nowadays in America? This question was also raised by The Washington Post’s Eric Brace, America’s leading expert and reporter-writer on the Cabaret movement and business in the United States. He did ask this question in a very informative article on cabarets (as usual, being a magnificent writer) he wrote for The Washington Post in the weekend section in 1998. The great Eric categorically confirmed that CABARET is doing fine and well in America, and if people want to see how well the Cabaret is doing, let them go and see it at Maximillien’s restaurant cabaret “Paris Bisou”.

Maximillien adores music. He would not invest in any project or open any restaurant or hotel unless, a musical act or a live entertainment of some sort is a vital part of the project.

For 7 consecutive glorious years, Maximillien performed on the piano, accordion, drums, Tam Tam, Conga and Cuban percussions with his band “BOLERO TRES” almost weekly at his world famous French Restaurant Cabaret Floor-Show “LE MARQUIS DE ROCHAMBEAU” in Washington, D.C. which in 1994, 1995 was SELECTED BY DETAILS MAGAZINE (COVER STORY) as “AMONG THE 300 BEST SPOTS IN AMERICA”. The Washington Post’s Eve Zibart wrote: “ The Hottest Spot in Town. The Last Refuge for the Clever”, by Roma’s Il Tempo Journale’s Dina Diza as “ The Best Place in America”, by the Washingtonian Magazine as “among the 25 most favorite places in town”. The Washington Post’s Martha Sherrill in 1995, in a 4 page article on the night life and adventures in Washington, D.C. night life and cabarets wrote about Maximillien’s cabaret patrons as follows: “ Customers having the best time of their life.”.

Maximillien is considered the “ The United States Godfather of The French Cabaret Music Act and Repertoire”. Indeed, he created the first Parisian Cabaret Show-Act in America in 1990 by introducing at his Restaurant-Cabaret, the legendary French Singer and Super Vedette, Simone Marchand (As good as Edith Piaf but Happier) who worked for him for approximately 7 years, sometimes 6 nights a week! and there was France’s Great Jean Pierre Duclay, Jean-Luc Bruno of France, Duane Myers, America’s greatest Tenor (“What a Voice! What A performer” wrote The Washington Post), Antonio Salvatore Juliano who is considered as among the world’s best 10 Opera singers followed by world class Argentino Tango Super Star Dancers, Duos and groups and Sao Paolo Samba’s Masters!

From 1990 to 1999, at his establishments and at the Restaurants-Cabaret-Floor Shows he created and owned (Le Marquis de Rochambeau, Paris Bisou, Chez Nous, Chez Jaco Le Paramount), Maximillien designed, produced and presented international artists, dancers, singers, performers, world celebrities guests and over 700 shows; 2 to 3 different shows a night, 7 nights a week ranging from Parisian music and Italian Opera to Tango Argentino Show, to the imperial Waltz of Vienna Group Shows, to Cuban Mambo, Spanish Corrida music to steamy bigger than life Greek Sirtaki-Bouzouki music and dance to Jazz, to American Oldies and the great golden era of the big bands, Cole Porter, Berlin, Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Glen Miller, Dean Martin , Al Johnson, Al Martino, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Bellafonte, Mario Lanza. Every single night from 7:00 pm to 2:30 am.

Weekly, many times, NIGHTLY, Maximillien would introduce live on stage, American, Latin, European, French and international cabaret Acts and Shows which included outstanding local, national and international talents and world class artists such as the United States and World accordion champion Rose Marie Coppola, President of the legendary Strolling Strings, Tatiana Demian, the great Lady of " La Chanson Francaise" ,Washington's first lady of Jazz, the great Pam Bricker, America’s First Lady of Progressive Jazz, winner of 2 WAMMY awards, Best Jazz Vocalist of the Year and Best Jazz Album of the Year, both prestigious awards in the same year! the fabulous Elizabeth Flood, the virtuoso Efi Tovia, Melissa Manchester, Boss Hawk, The Mambo Kings Group, legendary saxophonist Maestro Spenser, Aaron Meyer,(As good as Enrico Masias) the Caribbean great Calypso singer Shade, Republic of Georgia's great Nodar, the Russian Royal Kozak Group, Midnight Cowboy Band and The Quatro Brothers, Tango Argentino's sensation Andrea O’Brian, in the true tradition of the Gypsy Kings' guests stars Lito and Manollo, The Rumba Flamenco Group, The Gibraltar Gypsy Brothers, several and various ethnic groups from Greece, Africa, Haiti, Egypt, Madagascar, England, Ireland, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Argentina, Spain, etc..... All those people (With the exception of international guests) worked for Maximillien! and all those shows and performances were lavishly produced by Maximillien!

Refreshing enough to learn that, many international artists and performers upon visiting Washington, D.C., would call his establishments to inquire if Maximillien himself is performing tonight, and request if it was possible to join him on stage, or at the very least, to accommodate them with a front row table to closely enjoy his show, his performance on the piano and especially his unique performance on the drums and Latin percussions! Indeed, Maximillien is “One of the best wild drums and Conga players of the decade” wrote once, a journalist who was obviously crazier than Maximillien himself!

Maximillien wrote, directed, composed and produced a SOLD-OUT world premiere musicals, melodramas and plays in Europe, Asia and the United States. One of his most cherished and successful plays was “MARMARA THE GYPSY” which was performed at America’s most prestigious theatre” THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS” in Washington, DC. De La Croix wrote, directed and composed the musical score of that world premiere musical that gathered over 250 performers on stage and offered a score of 42 original songs! Do you want to read more about his international stage, theaters and show biz productions and successes? Then, get a copy of the THE STAGE BILL Magazine to read more about him!

Dr. Maximillien J. De La Croix de Lafayette is an acclaimed international authority on hospitality and world tourism. He is the only American author, scholar and hospitality senior executive to be listed in ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA. Log on:
http://search.britannica.com/search?query=de+lafayette+jean+m
(Look at the left side/corner of your monitor's screen).

Culture, education and passion for the arts and languages (he is fluent in 10 languages) played a paramount role in his life and especially in his corporate arena, in the positions and responsibilities he assumed in the hospitality industry and culinary world.
In a 4 page article in The Washington Post (1995) by Martha Sherrill, it was reported that he had required from all his employees and new recruits (especially Chefs) to attend special educational hospitality training programs particularly designed to "educate" them on music, protocol, etiquette, arts, even Opera, in order to provide his hotels and restaurants guests with a better guest's service, "social savoir faire toward ladies" and elegance and "class" in food presentation!

For de Lafayette, food is an art and a science; a poem and an abstract painting for the eye.
De Lafayette's published work, books and encyclopedias occupied the highest place of honor in academia and hospitality industry and currently are used as a criteria/standard for excellence in hotels, casinos, resorts and restaurants operation, management and leadership development as well as a standard/high performance-quality training tool for students and executives to help them in assuming leading positions in the hospitality industry.

In 1990, He created, designed, managed & owned " LE MARQUIS DE ROCHAMBEAU", one of America's most elegant, exclusive, sophisticated & successful French-American cabaret-restaurants. The Washington Post's Eve Zibart wrote: "The hottest spot in town…the last refuge for the clever". DETAILS Magazine in its cover story, selected "Le Rochambeau" as among the "300 Best Spots in America". The Washingtonian Magazine selected it as "Among the 25 favorite places". For almost 7 consecutive years, de Lafayette's "Rochambeau" made headlines in the national press. His 6 Million Dollar décor, 5 star menu, his $10,000 a bottle on the wine list (As mentioned in the "Washington Flyer Magazine" cover story), his executive chef M. Shanta (US National Culinary Champion 1994-1995), 7 night a week international French & American cabaret show that gathered European & American superstars, weekly Tango Argentino & Brazilian Samba Shows, Concerts by Bolero Tres, Mambo Kings, France's Great Jean Pierre Duclay, the legendary Super Star Simone Marchand, and of course the magic and genius of de Lafayette transformed "Le Rochambeau" into America's leading first 5 star Cabaret-Floor Show-Restaurant!

De La Croix de Lafayette has served the hospitality industry, hotels, resorts and restaurants as chief legal counsel, CEO, chairman of the board, president, vice president, general manager, director of food and beverage, senior director of operations, consultant and hospitality lawyer. His many years of extensive experience and leadership at national/international level in the United States, Europe and Asia and exposure to world’s communities and culture secured his status as the foremost leading authority on hospitality industry, food service and world tourism. His services were rendered to world class (4 and 5 stars) hotels, casinos, resorts, national and international beauty pageants and establishments such as: the Intercontinental Hotel, the Excelsior Hotel, the CIGA International Hotels Group, the Ambassador Hotel, the Hilton, the Grand Hotel, Le Marquis de Rochambeau, including international hotels and restaurants chains where he was responsible for 87 million Dollars annual budget and 250 million Dollars in assets, properties and stocks. He is the original creator of "Team Mastery & Potential Stimulus Concept" used worldwide as guidelines and criteria for excellence and quality standards in hospitality and related disciplines.

De Lafayette authored 28 published books and encyclopedias on hotels, restaurants, resorts, casinos and food services. His five international bestseller books listed below set the standards for excellence and leadership in hospitality, food and tourism industries.

5- Quality Standards and Measurements in the Hospitality Industry and Guests Service

A considerable number of documentaries and articles about his culinary accomplishments, entertainment genius and hospitality successes appeared in the national and international press, radio and TV stations to name a few: The Washington Post, USA Today, Details Magazine, WHERE Magazine, The Nation’s Guide, McMillan Unauthorized Guide to Washington, D.C., Washingtonian Magazine, Washington Flyer, Georgetowner, Georgetown Courier, UR Reporter, Free Press of Washington, NBC, CBS, WGAY Radio Station, DC and MD, International Public TV Station, VA-Channel 56,etc.

"I have never seen anything like Marquis de Rochambeau. What a magnificent castle! This is is not a restaurant, this is a palace! This Frenchman Lafayette is something else, genius… crazy but certainly he knows what he is doing."
Jack Kent Cook, Owner of The Red Skins (Super Bowl/World Champions), Washington, DC

"Of course, when an aristocrat designs a restaurant-cabaret, you expect to see a marvel, and when a philosopher manages one, your imagination and hunger for life will transport you to another dimension. Maxi is an aristocrat, a philosopher and bigger than the Cosmos. So expect the best." Melina Mercouri (International Super Star. Star of the Motion Picture: Never On Sunday). Former Minister of Education of Greece.

"Maximillien, the GREAT MAD MAX, the MARQUIS is Mr. Excitement par excellence and Mr. Hospitality in person! Always, first class, the best of the best." Jim Kimsey, AOL (America On Line) CEO/PRESIDENT Emeritus

"Dr. Maximillien de Lafayette is most certainly one of a kind! He's the newest star shining over our city, bringing an extraordinary flair of class and sophistication to this city's restaurant scene." Chef Extraordinaire Jill K. Bosich, CEC, CCE, World Culinary. World Best Chef, World Competition, Germany. US Team Captain/World Championship, ACF Culinary Team USA 2000 Olympic Team Captain, World Gold Medal Winner.

"Genius at work. Max is the best in the business…in entertainment… in cabaret music…in décor…in food." Michael Yazbeck, President, Co-Proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Washington, D.C.

"He is our hospitality ambassador to the world…he is the best of the best in the business." Michele Davis (MBA, MIT, Harvard). Paramount CEO. Washington, D.C.

"A magician! Certainly he knows how to create the best establishments in America." Dina Diza, Il Tempo Journale, Rome, Italy. Washington's Correspondent

"He did it again! Absolutely the best! Quality rating: 5 stars." UR Reporter, Washington, D.C.

“The hottest spot in town. The last refuge for the clever!" Eve Zibart, The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.

"Thank you for a wonderful night…absolutely magnificent. A memorable experience." Liza Webber "On The Air", WGAY Radio Station, Washington, D.C.

"Extraordinary. A truly delightful Parisian experience. It is what Washington has been waiting for all these years. Wonderful evening." Lisa Feldman, WRC-NBC, Washington, D.C.

"The very best…one of the nation's best. Do you want to excel in the business, then learn from him." Guide to the Best Choices in the Nation

"He brings back to Georgetown its past glory…the aristocrats are back in town. Leadership… explosion and implosion of cabaret, magic, sophistication and ambiance. A great experience at many levels not to be missed. He is really the Great "Mad Max." Robert de Vaney, The Georgetowner Magazine, Washington, D.C.

"Absolutely a delight! Quite magnificent." Clyde Brinkley, The Free Press, Washington, D.C.

"A great scholar…America's leading authority on hospitality." Dr. John Chen, UNESO-United Nations Laureate. Former Dean of Alabama State University, Former Member Of the White House Presidential Advisory Convention-Committee on Library Science and Information Service, Washington, D.C.

"We are so grateful for the superb hospitality services you provided us. You added class and magic to our event." Raymond Loire, President of the Foreign Press Correspondents Syndicate, Paris, Beyrouth. President of the National Committee (Regional Bureau) Georgina Rizk Miss Universe.

"I am proud to be part of his team. One of the best in the country." Chef M. Shanta, Gold Medal-Blue Ribbon, Winner of the 1^st Place (Best Chef Nationwide), American Culinary Federation, National Contest, 1994, Washington, D.C. Paramount Executive Chef 1993-1998

" Vive la Difference! Outstanding guest service…he made his mark on the town." Washington Courier Magazine, Washington, D.C.

"Hospitality at its best. You will be taken by his sense of perfection." Janet Green, Former Director of the White House Operations, Washington, D.C.

"Guests having the best time of their life." Martha Sherrill, The Washington Post (4 page feature article-Style Section), Washington, D.C.

" I come here just to see my buddy Max…He is the best." J. Riggins, Redskins Former Quarterback, NFL Hall of Fame, All American

"My dear friend Marquis Max is the hospitality itself. His keen sense for details and public relations is unsurpassable. Most certainly, he is one of the best in the hospitality and entertainment industries." His Excellency Senator Dr. Robert Sabalat, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti

"We had a great time with Mr. Max. A perfect host. I had to honor him and thank him for his warm hospitality and savoir faire by inviting you to this dinner reception in my humble residence." His Excellency Dr. Kabir, Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States

"You will be touched by his hospitality and warm welcome. He is one of the pillars of our great American Hospitality. His impact on the industry was felt across the nation. He is a dear friend." His Excellency John Upston, Former United States Ambassador to Rwanda.

"Dr. De Lafayette is a walking encyclopedia. Just ask him what you wish to know." Dr. M. Mughissudin, Former Dean of the International Study Program in Europe at the American University, Washington, D.C.

"One of the giants of the industry with a heart bigger than life." Marilyn Timm, AHI National Executive Director Next

He is fluent in 10 languages. Authored numerous books on terminologies, linguistics and languages as well as dictionaries, to name a few:

· THE NINE LANGUAGE UNIVERSAL DICTIONARY: HOW TO WRITE IT AND SAY IT IN ARABIC, ENGLISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, JAPANESE, PORTUGUESE, RUSSIAN, SPANISH. 5 editions (4 Volumes). ISBN: 0939877287

· LAFAYETTE’S ENCYCLOPEDIC DICTIONARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION WORLDWIDE. ISBN: 0939877260

· HOW TO USE EASY, FANCY FRENCH AND LATIN TO YOUR ADVANTAGE AND IMPRESS OTHERS. (7 editions). ISBN: 0939893045

· LAFAYETTE’S ENGLISH-FRENCH LEXICON: HOW TO LEARN 7,000 FRENCH WORDS IN THAN 30 MINUTES. ISBN: 0939877279

· INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COMPARATIVE SLANG AND FOLKLORIC EXPRESSIONS AND IDIOMS. 5 editions.

· ANTHOLOGIE DE LA LITERATURE FRANCAISE: A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF THE FRENCH LITERATURE ( 5 Volumes). ISBN: 0939877376

Synopsis

Characteristic Features: Easy access to Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish on the same page & same time. Selection of the most widely used words worldwide. Arranged alphabetically in English. Artistic lay-out & distinctive accessibility to all words on nine separate & consecutive columns. All foreign words are translated through a simple, easy, practical phonetic system. Highly recommended to linguists, students, teachers, travelers, consultants, executives & extremely useful on a daily basis in academia, education, research, translation, social, professional & business world. Revised by a committee of scholars & prominent educators, & authored by Dr. Maximillien de Lafayette, author of approximately 60 books in academia, higher education & social studies in numerous languages. Additional entries: Key to pronunciation of foreign words. Most important geographical names. Forms of address. Foreign currency, weights, measures, cities, & regional features. Most common names, most usual abbreviations & codes. Based upon authoritative spoken & written sources. Presented with utmost precision, clarity & phonetic fidelity. It includes thousands of modern definitions & words frequently used in everyday life by scholars & ordinary people, you are not likely to find elsewhere. The dictionary is designed for the widest variety of professions, occupations, activities & interests.

I hope that you have enjoyed our presentation of de La Croix… Jean Maximillien de La Croix de Lafayette… or just simply Maximillien… or Max… a man for all seasons… a man bigger than life…a loyal friend…and…your kind of a guy.