Here's a round-up of some Mardi Gras season happenings at some of our favourite local restaurants:
Palm&Pine During Krewe of Barkus on Sunday, February 23rd, guests are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to brunch and savor Palm&Pine’s housemade treats. Patrons can indulge in The P&P Salad, Blue Crab Rangoons and Waygu Steak and Eggs. On Lundi Gras, Monday, March 3, Palm&Pine will host its annual Supa Dupa Pine: An Iconic Lundi Gras Brunch from 10:30 AM - 3PM, priced at $25 per person. The day will feature Supa Fly entertainment presented by Bella Blue. Reservations can be made on Resy. Leading up to Lundi Gras, Palm&Pine is bringing back its celebrated Foie Gras King Cake after a two-year hiatus. The famous cake, featured in the Big Book of King Cake, has had a cult following since the restaurant’s pop-up days. It will be available for purchase by the slice only. The Bower Celebrate the carnival season with three Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails from The Bower. Sip on Carnival Negroni with housemade glittered Campari, gin, and vermouth; St. Charles Sour with house-infused peach bourbon, lemon, aquafaba, and red wine float; and for a frozen treat, the Mobile Mardi Gras with spiced rum and chocolate vegan soft serve. For more information, visit https://www.thebowernola.com/. Birdy’s Celebrate the carnival season with a special Mardi Gras-themed cocktail from Birdy's. The tasty Mardi Gras Martini is the perfect cocktail to bring out the Mardi Gras spirit, and you can pair it with their King Cake Cinnamon Roll. These celebratory sips/bites are the perfect way to toast the season! For more information, visit https://birdysnola.com/. Tujague’s Join Tujague’s for the 2025 Krewe du Vieux Parade Viewing Party on Saturday, February 15th. Enjoy an open-call brand bar, along with a selection of beer and wine, and indulge in a delightful buffet throughout the evening. Guests will have access to our exclusive private balcony, indoor seating, and private bathrooms for a comfortable and memorable experience. Tickets are $160 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. For more information and to purchase tickets visit here. Compere Lapin Celebrate Mardi Gras with a special a la carte Friday Lunch at Compère Lapin on February 28th, from 10:30AM to 2PM. Compere Lapin will feature a Mardi Gras menu including starters like buttermilk biscuits with honey and bacon butter, crispy tater tots with crème fraiche and caviar, and broiled shrimp with Calabrian chili butter and cilantro. For the main course, guests can enjoy curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi, fried chicken with biscuits and hot honey, or classic shrimp and grits with creole sauce, among other delicious options. Don't miss out on the decadent desserts, including bread pudding with local berries and Chantilly, mango crème brulee with coconut and berries, and a selection of locally-made ice cream and sorbet. For reservations and more information, visit http://comperelapin.com/reservations BABs This Carnival Season, BABs will be showcasing specialty Mardi Gras inspired cocktails, created by savvy bar guru Rick Powanda: Leading up to Fat Tuesday, the bar will be showcasing a Fat Washing Series:
Beggars Banquet Beggars Banquet will be hosting the Beggars Brunch with a Mardi Gras menu available for two weekends, February 22-23 and March 1-2 from 10:30AM - 3PM. Highlights of the brunch menu will include Pear Toast and Crispy Firecracker Calamari. Entrees will include the Jam n Ham Beignet and Stuffed French Toast. In addition, from now through Fat Tuesday the restaurant will offer Mardi Gras Muses, a specialty cocktail menu. Also available for just $50 will be Gable Boxes, with a choice of quarts of espresso martinis, bloody marys, or spicy boy margaritas (about five drinks to-go) with ice, and cups for the parades. For reservations and more information, please visit https://www.beggarsbanquetneworleans.com/. Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is unveiling an extraordinary collaboration with renowned floral designer Jeff Leatham from Thursday, February 6th, in time for Super Bowl LIX guests. Fuchsias, rich purples and pink florals will be cascading through the lobby, Chandelier Bar and past Miss River, with sunny yellows and verdant greens flowing through the fifth floor past the Spa and Chemin a la Mer. As the city steps into its most vibrant season, the floral experience will serve as a very seasonal celebration. Hotel website
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) will open New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, a major exhibition presenting the work of four contemporary artists working in cities across West Africa: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi.
The first presentation of its kind, New African Masquerades offers a rare look into contemporary West African masquerade by contextualizing the works of individual artists within a range of social, economic, and religious practices and examining their networks of viewership and exchange. Made from materials including wood, cloth and fabrics, sequins, feathers, gourds, raffia, and cowry shells, the ensembles on view represent a wide variety of masquerade practices and societies. New African Masquerades is on view April 4–August 10, 2025, in NOMA’s first-floor Ella West Freeman Galleries. 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. MOCKTAIL BEVERAGES AT TOP NEW ORLEANS BARS & RESTAURANTS FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING IN DRY JANUARY1/2/2025
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/ 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/ Some holiday happenings coming up at The Chloe:
Link Restaurant’s Group's Gianna Restaurant will offer the traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner, known as the “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” for two nights only in December: Wed Dec. 11 and Wed Dec. 18. Feast of the Seven Fishes is available as a four-course communal, family-style meal with wine pairings.
The menu begins with a first course of clam toast with marinated cherry tomatoes and sourdough as well as tuna carpaccio with Meyer lemon, capers and shallot. The second course is cioppino with swordfish, mussels, shrimp and puccia bread. The third course includes a whole roasted Gulf fish with spaghetti, anchovy, and breadcrumb with grilled broccolini and Parmesan. The dessert by Link Restaurant Group Executive Chef Maggie Scales is tiramisu with chestnut and amarena cherries. Each course is paired with featured table wines to complement the menu. Feast of the Seven Fishes stems from the Catholic tradition of abstinence, whereby Catholics would refrain from eating meat the night before Christmas Day. In exchange, they would honor the occasion without breaking tradition by feasting on fish instead. A limited number of tickets will be available for $130 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information, please visit https://giannarestaurant.com. |
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