Toups Family Meal (TFM), Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups’ non-profit and mission for change dedicated to providing food security for families in need, is hosting its First Annual Pumpkin Drive. This event will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 1PM-5PM with the goal of bringing a little seasonal sweetness to 500 children and families in need by delivering 500 free big pumpkins and festive decorating kits. 

Volunteer delivery drivers will set out in their vehicles filled with pumpkins and decorating kits; a mobile pumpkin patch. These festive gifts will be distributed  throughout New Orleans. 

What began as a grassroots effort in March 2020 to provide meals during the COVID-19 crisis has evolved into a dedicated organization committed to addressing hunger. To date, TFM has served over 175,000 meals and continues its efforts through initiatives like the summer meal program. For additional information or to support this cause, visit www.toupsfamilymeal.com. To donate, click here. To register to be a volunteer driver, click here. Follow Toups’ Family Meal on social media @toupsfamilymeal
 
The Toups Family Meal First Annual Pumpkin Drive will begin at the TFM distribution facility,  located at 845 North Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans. The truck will depart at 1PM and distribute throughout the city until 5PM.

Costera, the Coastal Mediterranean Uptown restaurant and bar by Chef Brian Burns and Reno De Ranieri, is pleased to announce its Fall Wine Dinner Series. Showcasing a different region of the Iberian Peninsula each month from October through December, the decadent three-course pairing dinners are certain to tantalize the palates of oenophiles and foodies alike. The series will kick off on Thursday, October 10th, showcasing the wines of Parés Balta – a third-generation organic and biodynamic family-owned winery in Penedes, Spain.  

With only 20 seats available, the intimate and exclusive dinner, crafted by Chef de Cuisine Kathryn Searcy (click for our interview with Kathryn), will feature perfectly prepared dishes alongside beautiful wines curated by General Manager Steve Groom. The family-style tasting will feature an array of specialty plates not found on the Costera menu, as well as some signature classics. Priced at $125 per person (includes tax and gratuity), the menu will be:

First Course
Jamon Iberico, Pan Con Tomate, Scallop Crudo
Second Course
Crispy Duck Pappardelle, Seared Gulf Tuna with Calabrian Chili Salsa, Roasted Heirloom Carrot & Cauliflower Salad
Third Course
Chef’s Choice of Assorted Desserts
 
The Costera wine dinner will occur on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 PM. For reservations, please call 504-302-2332. Costera is located at 4938 Prytania Street.

Several local restaurants and bars are making the most of the Taylor Swift tour passing through the city next month. Fans can dine out on specially-themed menu items - here's a few suggestions, with a chance to win tickets through the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:

• Ayu Bakehouse - Ayu’s team is introducing Eras-themed baked goods under the Look What You Made Me Dough menu, including a “Gown Shaped like a Pastry” and their signature stenciled sourdough, which will be crafted to theme. For beverages, they’ll have the Bejeweled, with butterfly tea and edible glitter, and King of my Heart, a raspberry white chocolate latte. Hot Mallows (Taylor’s Version) will also be available individually or by the dozen and half-dozen, outlined below for your perusal.
• Cane & Table - Owner-Partner Kirk Estopinal will introduce a cocktail lineup inspired by iconic Taylor Swift moments, including a “Seemingly Ranch Water” with tequila, lime, and soda water, as well as “Champagne Problems” served with vodka and bergamot liquor. The special menu will run at Cane & Table for the month of October ahead of Taylor’s New Orleans stop. 
• Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn - Whether you’re staying at the newly opened inn, located a quarter-mile from the concert venue, or getting some pre-show bites and cocktails, Copper Vine will be showcasing a select menu accompanied by concert prep activations like a glitter station from Pixie Dust, pop-up accessory shops, and more.
• Saba - Noted as one of Taylor’s previous stops, Alon Shaya’s Saba on Magazine Street will feature themed beverages like the French Blonde with gin lillet blank, grapefruit, and elderflower; the Lavender Haze with vodka, prosecco, lemon, and lavender syrup; and the Maroon with rose, pomegranate, and orange blossom syrup. Guests can dine like the pop star and enjoy modern Israeli cuisine before the show. 
• Tales of the Cocktail - The non-profit organization Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF), alongside Children’s Hospital New Orleans (CHNOLA), is raffling two sets of two (2) suite tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras concert on October 26th. With TOTCF’s mission to educate, advance, and support the global hospitality industry, all proceeds will directly benefit TOTCF and CHNOLA. Additional details, and a link to purchase tickets may be found on the dedicated raffle. 

What does a restaurant do to celebrate almost a quarter of a century of being recognized for their trailblazing culinary innovations?  They undergo a complete re-design, the décor reflecting the cuisine’s constant evolution. Although owner Gary Wollerman has updated the restaurant’s décor throughout the years, this is the first floor to ceiling remodel for the celebrated seafood restaurant.

After working with local interior designer Christine Diggs on previous updates for the restaurant’s Private Dining Room and Bar, he that knew Diggs shared his vision. Together, they have transformed the expansive restaurant. GW Fins is housed in a historic, turn-of-the-century French Quarter warehouse.  The new design features a deeper color palate and every surface – from chairs and banquettes to the walls, ceiling and floors – have all been transformed.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled watching our vision for this new design take shape and be brought to reality,” states Wollerman.  “We’re all so excited to welcome our guests back, and see their reaction to the more upscale, and altogether sexier vibe we’ve created for them."

Wollerman has chosen wall finishes and textured fabrics in deeper, richer palates of silver and dark blues and charcoals, all highlighted by a dramatic floor to ceiling mural. 

“We’re delighted that another project we’ve been working on during the first half of the year is also taking place, just after this remodel, on October 1st," says Wollerman. "It's collaborative, dry-aged fish dinner with Chef Michael and the country’s two other dry aged fish pioneers, Liwei Liao and Davin Waite. This will be the perfect opportunity to showcase our new restaurant design and the culinary innovations from three industry leaders at a truly remarkable dinner." 

The cost for this five-course wine pairing dinner is $225 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.   Seating is limited, as well as communal, and it is suggested to secure reservations as soon as possible. Reservations for this dinner can only be made online here.

Cirque du Soleil will set up their temporary home in the Sanger Theatre in a couple of weeks to present Songblazers, a new, innovative, country-themed show. This dynamic theatrical production pays tribute to the legendary and modern trailblazers of country music. Charting the journey of two main characters as they forge their own path to country recognition, Songblazers premiered in  July 2024 in Nashville and arrives in the Crescent City this September for two nights only.

Original songs are partly a collaboration with Sam Williams, a contemporary country artist, and grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams. Carnival Heart, for example, is a gut-wrenching number inspired by a personal yearning for self-discovery, friendship, and hope. 

​“The title idea came to me pretty easily after becoming acquainted with Cirque du Soleil,” says Williams. “Where I come from, most people don’t get to go to the circus. We go to county fairs and carnivals, and the carnival in a small town is filled with joy, excitement, mystery, euphoria, you name it. That feeling is one you always remember, and I think the roller coaster of emotions lines up with what you want to feel seeing such an incredibly beautiful production such as Cirque’s.”

Drawing inspiration from a rich legacy of country music, Songblazers pays homage to the legendary names of the past while embracing the talents of contemporary artists. There's also, of course, the breathtaking acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, and displays of strength and dexterity form the Cirque performers. 

Click here for more information and ticketing

Football season is here, and Virgin Hotels New Orleans has a new lineup of events at Commons Club and The Pool Club. Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy delicious food, football-themed cocktails, and entertainment. 
​
Fuel Up at Commons Club
In celebration of the first home game, indulge in a spirited Brass Brunch on Sunday, September 8th, with live entertainment. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, Executive Chef Chris Borges has dreamt up a variety of Game Day specials, including:
$29 all-you-can-eat Slider Bar (available 9AM – Noon)
$45 Bloody Mary Bar
$39 Bottomless Mimosa
$79 Bottomless Veuve Mimosa
$30 Beer Bucket
Guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat Slider Bar, will receive a $10 discount on all of the above drink packages.

In addition to the bottomless offerings, Lead Bartender Heather Blanchard has crafted a specialty Saints-inspired cocktail menu for the season. Sip on the Hail Mary with Svedka and a house-made bloody mary mix; Halftime Margarita with Sauza, orange liqueur,  lime, and agave; Espresso Martini with Svedka, praline and pecan liqueur, and cold brew (contains nuts); the Rookie with Aperol, St. Germain, lemon, and sparkling wine; Touchdown Tea with Russell's Reserve, peach, green tea, and lemon; and the Wild Card — Bartender’s choice of cocktail. During every Sunday home game, Commons Club will also feature DJ entertainment.

Post-Game Parties at The Pool Club
With a scenic skyline view, The Pool Club is the perfect oasis on the 13th floor, offering killer cocktails, comfortable seating, and light bites. Every home game Sunday, enjoy DJ entertainment from 3PM-7PM and half-off wings. Imbibe in the Malaysian Getaway (frozen) with Henricks, rose, strawberry and lychee, or sip on a Saints-inspired cocktail; the Blitzspresso Martini with Svedka, Borghetti Espresso liqueur, praline and pecan liqueur, and cold brew (contains nuts); or one of the other festive libations. Those looking for a surprise should ask for the Wild Card — Bartender’s choice of cocktail.

 For further game-day information, click here. 

The James Beard Foundation, brings its Taste America culinary series to New Orleans with a walk-around tasting on October 10th, 2024 at 6:30 pm at Sazerac House. The New Orleans walk-around tasting will feature chef Serigne Mbaye from DAKAR NOLA, winner on behalf of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, also recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers, as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs. The New Orleans tasting will feature over ten food stations, speciality cocktails, sponsor and partner activations. Participating chefs include:
●      Chef Serigne Mbaye of James Beard Award Winner DAKAR NOLA 
●      Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, James Beard Award Semifinalist
●      Chef Charly Pierre of Fritai, James Beard Award Semifinalist
●      Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao, James Beard Award Semifinalist, and James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alumnae
●      Chef EJ Lagasse of Emeril’s, James Beard Award Semifinalist
●      Chef Nikki Mills of James Beard Award Winner Pêche 
●      Chef Marlon Williams of Chicken’s Kitchen, James Beard Award Semifinalist
●      Chef Tom Branighan of Mamou 
●      Chef Edgar Caro of Brasa
●      Chef Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Baking Co. 
 
Proceeds from Taste America events benefit the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming in support of equity, sustainability, women’s leadership, and a future where all can thrive in the culinary industry and beyond. Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans event are now on sale. For more information, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.