Founder and owner of Patrick’s Bar Vin, Patrick Van Hoorebeek, 2015 King Charles VII honorary character

Since 2010, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc has selected a King to play the role of Charles VII, the Dauphin that Joan of Arc was reportedly instructed by her Voices to “crown.” All of the men selected to portray King Charles VII are either men who hail from France, or have a direct tie to French organizations in the city, and are engaged and enthusiastic New Orleans community members.

ABOUT PATRICK VAN HOOREBEEK, KREWE DE JEANNE D’ARC KING CHARLES VII (2015)

Since 1986, Brussels-born Patrick has played host to a parade of diners and has been a guest at the chateaux of the finest winemakers in France. His innate sense for hospitality has been enhanced by having countless celebrities and dignitaries such as Princess Michael of Kent, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Mick Jagger, Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, to name a few, dine with him. In a town full of larger-than life restaurant icons, Patrick’s career as a front of the house manager is legendary. His eighteen years at the Bistro de Ville were followed by engagements at some of the finest restaurants: The Windsor Court Hotel, Versailles, Peristyle, The Rib room and Restaurant August-all benefiting from his unerring sense of his guest’s needs and desires. On July 21th 2011, his dream of opening a wine bar came true.

As the Masters of Ceremonies of Patrick’s Bar Vin in the French Quarter, Patrick embodies New Orleans hospitality and French culture. Patrick’s mother is from Le Havre, not far from DomRemy. As a Catholic, she would tell little Patrick stories about Joan of Arc, whose family was later ennobled by King Charles VII. “It’s an honor to have been selected to play the role of Charles VII since the history of Joan of Arc is something so dear to my heart,” he said.

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc selected Patrick for his generous support of French organizations and events in New Orleans; his ambassadorship to tourists and locals alike at his French Quarter bar; and his ability to make everyone who walks into his establishment feel like royalty.

Former Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Kings:  

2010: David Villarubia, Degas House

2011: Lilian Cadet, Alliance Francaise

2012: Damien Regnard, Conseiller elu a l’Assemblee des Francais de l’Etranger

2013: Rene Bajeux, Rene’s Bistrot

2014:  Jacques Soulas, Café Degas