Mister Mao
Join Chef/Owner Sophina Uong and partner William “Wildcat” Greenwell for New Year’s Eve 2022: A Tribute to House of Prime Rib. Mister Mao is offering guests festive, four-course prix fixe featuring inventive, bold and flavorful “inauthentic” cuisine. Priced at $85 per person (excluding tax + gratuity) starters include Lump Crab Egg Drop Soup and Little Gem Salad, tossed tableside with pickled beets, egg mimosa, sourdough croutons, chive and pink dressing. Main course, served family - style is Roast Prime Rib of Beef served with turmeric creamed greens, mashed Yukon gold potatoes, chile crisp Dutch baby, cream of horseradish and beef tallow brown gravy. Mister Mao will also offer vegetarian-pescatarian-gluten free options (to be pre-ordered) Red Snapper Bullinada- Catalan fish stew, saffron, sunchoke, fingerling, Marash pepper aioli or Risotto of 7th Ward Greens – kale ink, pickled fennel, king trumpet, satsuma, tarragon. Save room for the happy endings like Windowsill Pies’ Dark Chocolate Peppermint Tart or a delightful Bananas Foster Cream Pie. Mister Mao is open on New Year’s Eve with seatings at 6PM and 9PM.  RESERVATIONS HERE

Looking for a fun twist to New Year’s Day? Mister Mao will kick off 2023 with an a la carte Walk of Shame Brunch featuring the return of the Here Comes the Chuck Wagon – Mister Mao’s famed dim sum push cart. “You win some, you dim sum!” says Chef/Owner Sophina Uong. With three seatings at 12PM, 2PM and 4PM, the restaurant will offer an array of Chinese Dim Sum, available off the menu, as well as rotating on the push cart including Chinese Sausage + Crab Fried Rice with schmaltz; Sheng Jian Bao – pan fried pork dumplings; Char Siu Chicken Baked Buns with Dutch Crunch; Singapore Curry Fried Tofu; Star Anise Pork Belly + Braised Soybeans; Boiled Shrimp Dumplings with black vinegar sauce; and more. Specialty brunch dishes will also be on offer including Gulf Shrimp Toast Benedict. Featured cocktails will include Maochelada - Tecate, Chamoy, tajin rim; Walk of Shame - vodka, passionfruit, Noilly Prat vermouth; Gochujang Bloody Kim - Tamari, red miso, vodka; and Blocked Caller - Rosewater + Satsuma Agua Fresca (Nonalcoholic). www.mistermaonola.com.   Mister Mao is located at 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. Reservations suggested.

Jack Rose
Named the #1 “Best Hotel Restaurant 2020” by  USA TODAY 10Best, Jack Rose is the perfect spot to ring in the New Year. Guests can expect creative interpretations of classic dishes by renowned Chef Brian Landry. The four-course prix-fixe menu ($75–$90, depending on the main course) will be offered from 5PM-10PM on New Year’s Eve. Menu highlights include Panko Grouper; Duck Gumbo; Bone-in Ribeye; and the famous Mile High Pie. Jack Rose is located at the Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St Charles Avenue in New Orleans. For more information or reservations, please call (504) 323-1500 or visit www.jackroserestaurant.com.  Jack Rose is located at 2031 St Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Garden District.

After dinner at Jack Rose, check out the great New Year’s Eve live performance at Bayou Bar (lobby level), featuring Jordan Anderson from 10PM - 1AM (no cover charge). Or hit the rooftop at Hot Tin, where tunes, cocktails and views await ($25 cover charge).

The Bower
A culinary experience that is sure to ring in 2023 in style. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal priced at $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) available 4PM-10PM on New Year’s Eve. Guests will enjoy an appetizer of Sunchoke Cheesecake with Kaluga caviar and  dill emulsion; first-course choice of Boquerones with blood orange, pink peppercorns, nduja vinaigrette, persillade, breadcrumbs or  Beef Carpaccio with pickled shallots, smoked clam aioli, Point Reyes blue cheese, wild arugula; second-course choices are Fritto Misto – bay scallops, squid, broccoli, oyster mushrooms, saffron aioli or Lambchetta – parmesan and grain mustard, pesto; third-course choices of Veal Cannelloni – spinach, bechamel, Arrabiata sauce or Gulf Shrimp Alla Busara – little neck clams, fresh horseradish, heirloom cherry tomato, saffron, herbs, spaghetti cacio e pepe and save room for the fourth-course dessert choices of Bower Tiramisu – mascarpone cream, espresso soaked sugar cookie, cocoa powder or Apple Hand Pie – salted caramel, thyme and cream cheese ice cream. The Bower is located at 1320 Magazine Street in New Orleans. For reservations or additional information, please visit www.thebowernola.com  or call (504) 582-9738.

Tujague’s
Welcome the new year in the Crescent City’s second oldest restaurant, Tujague’s. Priced at $90 per person (excluding tax + gratuity), the festive four-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Gus Martin will be offered from 5PM - 10:30PM. Guests will begin with a decadent Duck and Mushroom Gumbo served with Louisiana popcorn rice followed by Gulf Shrimp and Crab Ravigote - fried green tomato, French ravigote sauce and baby lettuce. The third course offers a choice of Pan Seared Sea Scallops - parmesan polenta, Frisée salad, crisp prosciutto, and smoked tomato butter sauce; Grilled Filet Mignon - asparagus, caramelized pearl onions and Chasseur sauce; Pan Roasted Pompano - rissole potatoes, champagne cream, jumbo lump crabmeat and Choupique Caviar or Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast - foie gras mashed potatoes, braised Brussels sprouts, cherry and Louisiana citrus demi-glace. Dessert options include Flourless Chocolate Cake served with white chocolate Drambuie sauce and raspberries or Crème Brûlée. Tugague’s will be open New Year’s Day from 11AM-9:30PM and serve their regular dinner menu all day. For reservations or additional information, please visit www.tujaguesrestaurant.com or call (504) 525-8676. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street in New Orleans, French Quarter.

Toups’ Meatery
The Crescent City’s famed contemporary Cajun restaurant, Toups’ Meatery - which doubles as the perfect stage for the dynamic personality and authentic cuisine of Louisiana “born-and-braised” Chef Isaac Toups, will be open 5PM-11PM on New Year’s Eve. The a la carte menu includes dishes such as the famed Meatery Board; Roasted Gulf Shrimp; Coffee Rubbed Lamb Ribs, Confit Chicken Thighs and the signature Double Cut Pork Chop with Cajun dirty rice and cane syrup gastrique. Additionally, guests can enjoy Mustard-Crusted Rack of Elk with horseradish cream, mushroom spoonbread, apple chutney and a selection of specialty Wagyu Steaks. Toups’ Meatery is located at 845 North Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans. Please call for reservations (504) 252-4999 or visit www.toupsmeatery.com

Compère Lapin
Chef Nina Compton’s beloved New Orleans restaurant in the Old No. 77 Hotel is THE place to be for a decadent New Year’s Eve feast. Priced at $135 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and available from 5:30PM-10PM, guests can enjoy Compton’s special four-course dinner first course is a Hamachi Tartar with passion fruit and caviar; followed by a White Truffle Risotto - served with winter vegetables; main course is a Duo Beef - made with celery root and apple along with baby vegetables. For dessert, a mouthwatering Chocolate Ganache - spiced chocolate with hazelnuts for a sweet finish. For reservations please call (504) 599-2199 or visit www.comperlapin.com Compère Lapin Is located at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street in the Old No. 77 Hotel, in New Orleans.

Addis NOLA
If you are looking for a unique experience to ring in the New Year, head over to Addis NOLA, for New Year’s Across the Continent. Available 5PM-10PM guests can enjoy dishes like Egusi Soup - a staple of Nigeria featuring meat, seafood, kale spinach, scotch bonnet pepper, and ground melon seeds which give a nice creamy and nutty flavor; Chicken Muamba - the national dish of Angola featuring a combination of chicken, peri-peri, and peanut butter; Shrimp Kitfo - a creative twist on the typical dish from the Gurage region of Ethiopia with chopped shrimp, mitmita (spiced chile blend) and herbs, served with flash fried injera; and Jollof Rice - a dish native to Senegal featuring a colorful and flavorful mix of rice, onions, tomato and fish, best compared to New Orleans Jambalaya. The regular a la carte menu will also be available featuring Doro Wot - 24-hour caramelized onion stew, berbere, kibbeh and Tibs - sauteed onion, tomato, jalapeno, berbere and kibbeh (fish, mushroom, beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp, chicken & spinach protein options). Delicious libations will be flowing such as The Woo - Tej honey wine, gin and St. Germain; Addis Smash - bourbon, blueberry, lime; Ethiopian Martini - a smooth blend of Ethio cold brew, Kahlua, Vodka; and Right Bayou - house made Pimm’s infused rum. Diners can enjoy the fresh Ethiopian coffee from the bean roasting ritual on the new restaurant’s Coffee Ceremony Stage. The restaurant is located at 2514 Bayou Road in New Orleans. For reservations and additional information, please call (504) 218-5321 or visit www.addisnola.com 

Virgin Hotels New Orleans: New Year’s Eve at The Pool Club & Dreamboat
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is the ideal destination to ring in 2023 with multiple happenings throughout the hotel. The property’s 13th floor rooftop and lounge will be hosting events featuring plenty of champagne, great music and the best rooftop views in The Big Easy. Those who want to make a staycation out of their NYE festivities, may book Virgin Hotels New Orleans New Year’s Chamber Package. Starting at $517, the package includes a complimentary bottle of bubbly upon arrival and can be booked HERE or by using promo code NYE.

The Pool Club
At The Pool Club, guests will enjoy an indoor/outdoor celebration complete with music by Rusty Lazer, a private balcony and dedicated bar, complimentary NYE party favors, Campari samples and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for entry to The Pool Club are priced at $20 per person and can be purchased HERE. The event will begin at 6PM, rain or shine. Tickets to The Pool Club event do not include access to Dreamboat. VIP upgrades, group packages and VIP sofa/table reservations are available and can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. Guests must be 21+ to attend the event and early arrival is recommended to avoid long lines. Valet parking is available on-site and is priced at $40.

Dreamboat
The indoor lounge on Virgin Hotels New Orleans’ 13th floor will be hosting an elevated NYE party. Priced at $199 per person, the celebration will feature music by MOD Dance Party, a dedicated private bar with free-flowing first pour beer, wine and specialty cocktails, premium canapés, Grand Marnier samples, complimentary NYE party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Guests are asked to dress to impress – cocktail attire, upscale chic, black tie encouraged. No ball caps, t-shirts, jeans or tennis shoes will be permitted. Dreamboat will open at 7PM; reservations are required and early arrival is highly recommended. Tickets for New Year’s Eve at Dreamboat can be purchased HERE. VIP upgrades, group packages and VIP sofa/table reservations are available and can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. Guests must be 21+ to attend the event and early arrival is recommended to avoid long lines. Valet parking is available on-site and is priced at $40.

Commons Club
Commons Club is inviting guests to a Recovery Brunch, offered on New Year’s Day (January 1st) from 9AM – 2PM, with live entertainment from 11AM – 2PM.  Indulge in sumptuous brunch specials from Executive Chef Alex Harrell including Fried Egg Sandwich with Benton’s bacon, fermented chili aioli and cheddar served on a fresh and flaky croissant; ‘Churro’ Fritters with cinnamon sugar; Gulf Shrimp and Bayou Cora Grits with smoky tomato and fennel broth; and a Wagyu Burger with freezer pickles, smoked gouda, bacon fat aioli and Alex’s mustard, served on a potato bun with fries. Commons Club is located inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street in the Warehouse District. For reservations, please visit Commons Club NOLA.   

.Couvant will host an earlier seating for those looking to kick-start the night, plus an 8:30pm seating featuring a luxurious five-course meal with entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight!
First Seating:
$80/person (++)
Reservations (via phone or Resy) are available between 5:30 and 6:30 pm.
The menu includes a selection of favorites from Couvant’s dinner menu including the blue crab gnocchi, dry-aged duck, crispy skin Gulf fish, cote de bouef for two and more – three courses.
Second Seating:
$125/person (++)
One seating – begins at 8:30 pm.
The evening will include a luxurious five-course pre-fixe with entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. Optional wine pairings for +$70.
More info and booking links

Addis NOLA
Dine In: Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve from 5PM – 10PM, Addis NOLA will host Christmas Across the Continent – an array of specialties showcasing the cuisine of African countries. In addition to the regular a la carte dinner menu, guests can enjoy dishes such as Egusi Soup – a staple of Nigeria featuring meat, seafood, kale spinach, scotch bonnet pepper, and ground melon seeds which give a nice creamy and nutty flavor; Chicken Muamba – the national dish of Angola featuring a combination of chicken, peri-peri, and peanut butter; Shrimp Kitfo – a creative twist on the typical dish from the Gurage region of Ethiopia with chopped shrimp, mitmita (spiced chile blend) and herbs, served with flash fried injera; and Jollof Rice – a dish native to Senegal featuring a colorful and flavorful mix of rice, onions, tomato and fish, best compared to New Orleans jambalaya. Diners can wash it all down with libations like the Ethiopian Martini and house made Tej (honey wine) and of course enjoy fresh Ethiopian coffee from the bean roasting ritual on the new restaurant’s Coffee Ceremony Stage. Addis NOLA will be closed on Christmas Day and December 26th. The restaurant is located at 2514 Bayou Road. For reservations and additional information please call (504) 218-5321 or visit www.addisnola.com 

Tujague’s
Dine In: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

On Saturday, December 24th from 5PM – 9:30PM, Tujague’s will feature a four-course menu ($64 per person plus tax and gratuity). Start with a choice of Oyster Pan Roast, Shrimp & Goat Cheese Crepes, or Gorgonzola Pecan Salad, followed by Gumbo du Jour. Entrees include choice of Pan Roasted Gulf Fish Bienville, Grilled Double Cut Pork Chop, Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Duck, and Grilled Petite Filet Mignon. Diners can end the meal on a sweet note with a choice of Crème Brûlèe or Apple Spice Cake.

 On Sunday, December 25th from 11AM – 9PM, Tujague’s will feature a very special Christmas Day holiday meal. Priced at $67 per person (plus tax and gratuity) the meal begins with Oyster Eggplant Soup followed by a Roasted Beet Salad. For the main course, guests can choose from Roasted Maple Leaf Duck Leg, Pan Seared Pork Tournedos, Gulf Fish Almandine, and Grilled Petite Filet Mignon and finish with a delectable Southern Sweet Potato Bread Pudding.

Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street in New Orleans. Telephone: (504) 525-8676; www.tujaguesrestaurant.com

Jack Rose
Dine in: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

This holiday season, step into one of New Orleans’ liveliest eateries, Jack Rose. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, locals and visitors alike are invited to experience a festive holiday meal, with a range of offerings combining seasonal and Cajun flavors. Thoughtfully crafted by Chef/Owner Brian Landry, the four-course prix-fixe menu ($71-$90, depending on main course) is available on both days and will feature starters such as Crab Cannelloni, Royal Red Shrimp and Prosciutto, Pork Belly, Lamb Meatballs, or Spiced Root Vegetable Latkes; second course selections include Duck Gumbo, Apple & Walnut Wedge Salad, Autumn Pumpkin Bisque, or Kale Caesar; main course choices include Redfish Milanese, Flounder En Papillote, Bone in Ribeye, Seared Scallops, Kabocha Squash Casarecce, and Spiced Duck Breast. Dessert selections include the signature Mile High Pie; Goat Cheesecake; Pecan Tart; and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Jack Rose will be open on Christmas Eve from 5PM – 9PM and Christmas Day from 11AM – 7PM.  Jack Rose is located at the Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St Charles Avenue in New Orleans’ Garden District. For reservations, please call (504) 323-1500 or visit www.jackroserestaurant.com/reservations

Compère Lapin
Dine in: Christmas Day

Chef Nina Compton’s award-winning flagship restaurant Compère Lapin will offer a festive menu on Christmas Day from Noon – 4PM. Priced at $85 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, the prix-fixe menu includes seasonal offerings such as Warm Winter Vegetables with Satsuma Vinaigrette; Family-Style Jerk Pork with Collards Greens, Black Eye Peas and Sweet Potato Gratin and Milk Punch Panna Cotta with Black Cake and Sorrel.  Compère Lapin is located in The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. Telephone: (504) 599-2119; www.comperelapin.com

Mister Mao
Dine in: Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve, Chef/Owner Sophina Uong and partner William “Wildcat” Greenwell are inviting diners to indulge in a Chinese Christmas at Mister Mao. Guests can enjoy Mister Mao’s regular a la carte menu along with specialty dishes including Whole Roasted Fish for the table; Grilled Bok Choy with Chinese black bean & Sichuan chili sauce; and Chaufa de Camarones – shrimp with Chinese-Peruvian fried rice. Guests can also indulge in specialty Christmas cocktails such as the Mistle-Toe-Up! – gin, blackberry shrub, vermouth, rosemary and lime and Coquito – rum, cinnamon, vanilla, coconut cream and eggs. Christmas Eve hours are from 5PM to 10PM. The restaurant will be closed Christmas Day. Mister Mao is located at 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans. Telephone: (504) 345-2056. www.mistermaonola.com

Toups’ Meatery
Dine In: Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve from 5PM – 11PM, diners can indulge in Chef Isaac Toups’ bold, contemporary Cajun cookery while enjoying inventive seasonal cocktails. In addition to a variety of holiday specials. He full a la carte menu will be available and include fan favorites such as the cracklins, Meatery Board, and double cut pork chop with dirty rice. Christmas libations, created by Head Bartender Kenny Watson will include Mele KaTIKIma – Plantation Pineapple rum, cardamom infused orgeat, fresh smoked pineapple juice and lime, garnished with charred nutmeg. The restaurant will be closed Christmas Day. Toups’ Meatery is located at 845 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. For more information, please call (504) 252-4999 or visit www.toupsmeatery.com

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Drink In: Entire Month

Bringing some tropical holiday spirit to The Big Easy, Virgin Hotels New Orleans has transformed its 13th floor The Pool Club into A Very Tiki Holiday complete with heated rooftop views. Taking place now through January 5, the pop-up features specialty holiday cocktails, bites, weekly entertainment and plenty of decorations for the perfect photo op. Seasonal cocktail highlights include Tan Lines in Winter - a frozen cocktail made with Hendrick’s Gin, lemon, and house-made falernum; Kona Nutcracker - Seven Tails Brandy, St. Germain, cinnamon, orgeat, pineapple and lime; Birds of a Feather - False River Spiced Rum, Don Q Coconut, cherry brandy and fresh juice; and Miracle on Baronne Street with Ketel One, Cointreau, yuzu liqueur, lime, ginger and cranberry. Virgin Hotels New Orleans will donate $1 of every Miracle on Baronne Street cocktail purchased to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation in support of restaurants, bars and bartenders through various programs. A Very Tiki Holiday is open Sunday through Thursday from 11AM -10PM; Friday and Saturday 10AM – ‘til… www.virginhotels.com/new-orleans/a-very-tiki-holiday/

Commons Club
Dine in: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Commons Club, the social epicenter of the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, is inviting diners to indulge in Christmas Eve & Christmas Day brunch and dinner specials from Executive Chef Alex Harrell. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, holiday specials include:

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Brunch 9AM – 2PM
Smoked salmon toast - wheat toast, smoked salmon pate, cucumber, dill, lemon
Winter squash hummus - winter squash hummus, roasted carrots, toasted pepitas, Arugula pistou
Oscar Frittata - Louisiana Blue crab, asparagus, roasted fingerling, sun dried tomato, herbs, lemon garlic aioli
Short Rib Debris & Cornbread Waffle - Braised short rib, demi, cornbread waffle, pickled vegetables, horseradish crema

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner 5PM – 10PM
Classic New Orleans Turtle Soup
Steamed Clams and Chorizo
Smoked Potato Croquettes - trout roe, fennel pollen, crème fraiche, chives
Slow Cooked Beef Short Rib - field peas, charred onions, grilled radicchio, tomato chutney
Prime Rib – creamed greens Duchess potato, black truffle jus
Roasted Acorn Squash – local tofu, quinoa, dates, arugula pesto
Confit Duck Leg – black garlic, roasted cauliflower, pomegranate
Pan Roasted Scallops - smoked grapes, celery root puree, caramelized carrot, root vegetables
Black Cardamom Rice Pudding – sour cherries, buckwheat crumble

Commons Club is located inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street in the Warehouse District. For reservations, please visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/dine-and-drink/the-commons-club/  

MaMou, the new modern French Brassiere from Chef Tom Branighan and Sommelier Molly Wismeier is now open to the public. Situated on the Upper French Quarter corner of Rampart Street and St. Philip Street, the European continental cuisine draws on creole influences of Branighan’s childhood in New Orleans as well as shows his appreciation for French style of cooking. Branighan and Wismeier’s shared passion for hospitality and simple flavors rooted in classic technique are what connected them and drove them to open MaMou. (Mamou website)

Every Friday throughout December, Miss River will feature live musical entertainment, festive décor and seasonal favorites, like the Westbank Irish featuring Vietnamese-style coffee with condensed milk and Congregation Coffee along with Jameson, coffee liqueur, Vietnamese cinnamon and nutmeg.
 
One of the signature restaurants at the Four Seaons Hotel , Miss River’s signature dishes include the show-stopping Whole Buttermilk-Fried Chicken, BBQ Shrimp, Crab and Dumplings and a Fried Oysters BLT. Tables for lunch are still available on OpenTable and by calling the restaurant at 504-434-5701. Follow along on Instagram with @MissRiverNOLA and #FestiveFriday.