WHO: New Orleans Culinary Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) 
WHAT: King Cake Workshop with author Matt Haines and chef Martha Gilreath  
WHEN: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. 
               Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. 
WHERE: NOCHI, 725 Howard Avenue, New Orleans 
HOW: Have your king cake and make it, too! In this class, you will roll up your sleeves to shape and bake your own king cake, led by Martha Gilreath of Nolita, then take a deep, delicious dive into the history of this one-of-a-kind confection with Matt Haines, author of The Big Book of King Cake. Expect fragrant smells and fabulous storytelling. You'll go home with a fresh king cake (retail value: $30), decorating supplies, know-how, and plenty of inspiration to dress your cake up. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase signed books onsite. 
 
Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at www.nochi.org. Participation is limited. 
 

Not drinking in January? No need to limit your options. Here's a round-up of some of the best ways to stay sober this month: 
​
Kitten Club at Palm&Pine
A nod to the history of the building, Kitten Club is the non-alcoholic menu at Palm&Pine —  James Beard: Best Chef South semi-finalists Jordan Herndon and Amarys Koenig Herndon’s French Quarter restaurant. Sip on the Tropical Solution, a refreshing mix of Seedlip Notas de Agave, spiced pineapple shrub, lime, and coconut water, or try the bold and complex Hard Wired, blending Hey Coffee Co. cold brew with Lyre’s non-alcoholic Aperitif Rosso, Lyre’s non-alcoholic Italian orange, grapefruit, and Fever Tree tonic. The Lyre’s Classico NA Sparkling Wine is a perfect choice for those craving bubbles. The restaurant also offers Heineken 0.0%. Pair your meal with these elevated non-alcoholic options and savor every moment! Palm&Pine is located at 308 N Rampart Street. http://www.palmandpinenola.com/
 
Sip & Savor: Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Osteria Lupo
The brainchild of Chef Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri, Osteria Lupo, the Northern Italian restaurant, offers visitors a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Perfect for pairing with any of Osteria Lupo’s dishes, diners can sip on Menta Mora with blackberry, mint, and lemon; Giardino with pear, hibiscus, and lavender; and Spruzzo with grapefruit and lime. Osteria Lupo is located at 4609 Magazine Street. https://www.osterialupo.com/
 
Creative Non-Alcoholic Libations at Compère Lapin
Experience the art of craft beverages without the alcohol at Compère Lapin. At Nina Compton’s flagship restaurant, the spirit-free menu offers vibrant, refreshing drinks like the Sorrel Tea, a house-made blend of spiced hibiscus, ginger, lavender, and lime. For a herbal twist, the Garden Party combines Seedlip Garden with cucumber, lemongrass, basil, lemon, and soda. Those with adventurous taste buds will love the Rockhouse Cliff, featuring BARE Zero Proof "Tequila," rosemary, sage, lime, pineapple, and a kick of jerk salt. Compere Lapin is located in the lobby of the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. http://comperelapin.com/
 
Refreshers at The Bower 
Beverage Director Mickey Mullins has created a selection of vibrant, handcrafted, non-alcoholic beverages at The Bower. From the floral charm of the Moody Judy, featuring vanilla bean lemonade and butterfly pea flower, to the zesty No-Loma, a refreshing blend of grapefruit, lime, and soda, these drinks are perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss the Sugar Roots Spritz, a sparkling creation with house-made hibiscus syrup, lime, and soda. These spirit-free options deliver all the flavor and none of the buzz. The Bower is located at 1320 Magazine Street. https://www.thebowernola.com/
 
Fun without Spirits at The Pool Club inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Enjoy the city skyline while sipping on invigorating non-alcoholic choices at The Pool Club inside the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard has curated four buzz-worthy, spirit-free drinks to ensure everyone at The Pool Club is having a great time. Enjoy Hibiscus Ginger Tea with ginger ale and lemon; The Butterfly Effect with Seedlip Garden 108, Lavender, pea flower tea, lychee and lemon; Guava Fresca with Seedlip Garden 108 Guava, lime, and mint; and Orange Mulewith Seedlip Grove 42 Orange Ginger Beer. The Pool Club is on the 13th floor at The Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/the-pool-club/
 
Zero Proof at Commons Club
Indulge in the rejuvenating non-alcoholic options that don't compromise on flavor at Commons Club. The Garden Party Martini offers a sophisticated blend of Seedlip Garden 108, olive brine, celery bitters, and giardiniera oil. For something bright and uplifting, enjoy the Hibiscus Ginger Tea, a tangy mix of ginger ale and lemon. Or, try the Mockly, a delightful medley of tangerine, basil, lemongrass, peach, and a touch of nutmeg for a sweet and aromatic treat. Perfect for those seeking bold, flavorful refreshment without the alcohol. Commons Club is located at The Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club/
 
Spirit Free Flavors at Alma Cafe
Alma Cafe, the award-winning Honduran restaurant by Chef/Owner Melissa Araujo in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, offers a mocktail selection that shines bright for those seeking to abstain from alcohol. The bar, helmed by Head Bartender Mark Preston, features fresh and creative concoctions that please any palate. Visitors can enjoy the perfect non-alcoholic drinks that complement Alma’s signature cuisine which includes Creamy Coconut Margarita with tequila from Ritual Zero Proof,  orange sec from Lyre’s, fresh lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, and coconut milk; Spiced Pear Sour with spiced syrup, lemon juice, pear puree, Drink Monday Whisky, and egg white; and Floral Aperfall Spritz with thyme syrup, lemon juice, dry vermouth, and apple cider prosecco from Lyre’s. Alma Cafe is located at 800 Louisa Street. https://eatalmanola.com/

And finally, some of the new, non-alcoholic beverage offerings at Mr Mao include...

- HIBISCUS MASALA LIMEADE
- HOUSE TAMARIND SODA
- ZERO PROOF MAI TAI
Ritual N/A rum, orgeat, serrano, Lyre’s N/A orange sec, lime
- CHISMOSA
Lyre's N/A Pink Spirit, Fassionola strawberry syrup, N/A bitters
- LYRE’S CLASSICO DRY SPARKLING
Italian inspired N/A sparkling
- THE PATHFINDER N/A DIGESTIF
bitter, sweet, smoky, herbal, bizarre!
- ASAHI N/A BEER, JAPAN
dry lager style

Saint John is keeping the music alive with its new Sunday Jazz Brunch, now every Sunday from 11am-2pm. The restaurant will have live jazz from a variety of local musicians - coming up this month are the Jon Roniger Trio and the Russell Welch Trio. Brunch options include regional classics such as Grits and Grillades, Eggs in Purgatory and Boudin Benedict (pictured). 

​Chefs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales of the Link Restaurant Group announce Mardi Gras king cake pre-ordering will open on January 1, 2025 for a King’s Day kick-off on January 6. Several flavors and sizes of king cakes are available at both Cochon Butcher and La Boulangerie. King cakes will be available from January 6 through Lundi Gras (March 3), the day before Mardi Gras day. 
 
Chef Scales’ king cakes are filled with local flavors, from traditional cinnamon to specialty flavors, including roasted strawberries and chocolate almond. At Cochon Butcher she also serves the famous "Elvis," filled with peanut butter and banana and topped with house-cured bacon, marshmallows, and traditional Mardi Gras sprinkles. In place of the traditional small plastic “baby,” all of Chef Scales’ cakes contain a petite pink pig as their signature “baby,” in homage to Cochon’s even-toed ungulate. Custom dictates whoever gets the “baby” must provide the king cake for the next party, keeping the celebration rolling all season long! 
 
La Boulangerie will sell the New Orleans-style king cakes in two sizes: a 6” individual ($11) and a 9” large ($30), which serves up to 12 people. In addition, the traditional French Galette des Rois, two rounds of puff pastry filled with almond cream, is also available in two sizes: 8” ($25) and 10” ($40). It is topped with a small porcelain “feve,” bean in English.
 
The Elvis will only be sold at Cochon Butcher daily by the slice ($8) or as a large special-order cake ($45). Butcher also offers the 6” mini New Orleans style king cakes. Both the Elvis as well as the individual size king cakes can be ordered online and require a 48-hours notice. 

Toups Family Meal (TFM), Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups’ 501c3 non-profit dedicated to eradicating food insecurity in New Orleans, is proudly hosting its second annual Christmas Dinner Drive on Saturday, December 21st. Delivering free Christmas Dinner meal boxes to 2,000 New Orleanians, Isaac, Amanda and their team of volunteers are working hard to ensure a warm and joyful holiday season for those who need it most.

That Saturday, from 2 PM - 5 PM, volunteer delivery drivers will drive across New Orleans to deliver box meals containing all the fixings for a festive Christmas feast: A whole chicken, along with classic sides like collard greens, sweet potatoes, cornbread, and pie for dessert. While this is the second drive for the non-profit, it will be the first time that the meals are delivered directly to those in need.

Isaac and Amanda are seeking funds to continue their wonderful efforts and supply even more families with meals. To support this heartfelt initiative, donate by clicking here. To register as a volunteer driver, click here. Follow Toups Family Meal on social media @toupsfamilymeal
 
WHEN/WHERE:   The Toups Family Meal Christmas Dinner Drive will begin at the TFM       
distribution facility,  located at 845 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. The drivers will depart on Saturday, December 21st at 2 PM and distribute throughout the city until 5 PM.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans has announced the debut of its inaugural Spirited Tea at the Chandelier Bar. Combining festive flavors with a lively atmosphere, this unique tea-inspired cocktail and dining experience offers a fresh twist on the traditional afternoon tea.
 
With Chandelier Bar as the shimmering backdrop, the Spirited Tea provides guests with an unforgettable afternoon of sipping and socializing. Chandelier Bar’s resident DJ will provide the soundtrack, creating an upbeat vibe while guests enjoy a modern, tea-inspired menu of sweet and savory bites, including a Mini Crab Roll, Baba au Rhum with Black Tea Syrup, Gougère with Raclette Fondue, Spicy Tuna Puri, Potato Pave with Beef Tartare, and Baklava Stuffed Dates. Included in the experience, guests will also choose one cocktail from a curated list of tea-infused cocktails, including:

• CHAI: A dark and mysterious cocktail for the Manhattan lover (Park VS Cognac, chai-amari blend, vermouth, bitters).
• LAPSANG: A rich, aromatic whiskey cocktail featuring smoked black tea (Michter’s Bourbon, lapsang souchong tea syrup, Abbot's Bitters).
• CHAMOMILE: A floral and effervescent twist on the French 75 (Farmer’s Organic Gin, lemon, chamomile honey, Champagne).
• HIBISCUS: A citrus-forward cocktail with a hint of heat (Mijenta Reposado Tequila, lime, hibiscus cordial, chamoy).

The Spirited Tea at Chandelier Bar is available for $65 per guest on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. from November 29 – December 28, 2024. Reservations available on OpenTable.  For more information on holiday programming at Chandelier Bar and Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, please visit www.fourseasons.com/neworleans.