Vets Turned Chefs, The Carousel Bar's Hotness, More

NOLA? In honor of Veterans Day, Todd A. Price salutes some special veterans who also happen to be stars of New Orleans' restaurant scene, including NOLA Brewing's Kirk Coco, Fountain Lounge's Justin Ferguson, Taceaux Loceaux's Alex del Castillo, Breads on Oak's Sean O'Mahony, and John Besh, who admits, "I would stand guard duty at midnight, just so I wouldn't have to spend any time in the kitchen." [NOLA.com]

QUARTER? Here's a cool little interview featuring the Puccini Group, the designers who redid the Carousel Bar at The Hotel Monteleone in 2011. Their inspiration for revamping the iconic bar includes the film Dixie Bohemia, the "lost portraits of photographer Alfred Cheney Johnston" and more vintage razzle for dat mood board. [TheNewPotato]

MID CITY? ?Ronnie Evans, co-owner of Blue Oak Barbecue in Chickie Wah Wah talks New Orleans growing barbecue trend this week: "There's been a growth of barbecue here in the last couple of years. It's good stuff, but it could get better. We want to bring something new to the table."

QUARTER? On Monday, November 11, Hendrick's Gin presents their Delightfully Peculiar Cocktail Academy at Broussard's, with seatings at 7 and 9 p.m. Kris Dopek, a Hendricks brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons, will school you in all things gin drinks, and there will also be light food and gift bags. RSVP here. [EaterWire]

Carousel Bar [Photo: Amy Jett]