Eater New Orleans - Tales of the Cocktail: Your Ultimate Dining GuideThe New Orleans Restaurant, Bar, and Nightlife Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52682/favicon-32x32.png2017-11-03T06:43:00-05:00http://nola.eater.com/rss/stream/119530572017-11-03T06:43:00-05:002017-11-03T06:43:00-05:00The Hottest Restaurants in New Orleans, November 2017
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<figcaption>Shrimp pie at Gabrielle | <a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Josh Brasted</a></figcaption>
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<p>Where to eat in New Orleans</p> <p>More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater ask us: <strong>Where should I eat right now?</strong> What are the new restaurants? What haven't I heard of? What's everyone talking about? And while the <a sl-processed="1" href="http://nola.eater.com/archives/2013/10/08/the-38-essential-new-orleans-restaurants-october-13.php">Eater 38</a> is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the greater New Orleans area, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment.</p>
<p>Thus, we offer the <strong>Eater Heatmap</strong>, which will change continuously to always highlight where the hungry crowds are flocking to at the moment. These spots cover high-end and affordable dining for both lunch and dinner, with the occasional addition of important bakeries and breakfast spots.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, the restaurants on the heat map have been around for <i>6 months or less</i> and all of them are serving up some cuisine that has the city buzzing. The restaurants are listed alphabetically in this map and are not ranked.</p>
<p>This month, the Heatmap says goodbye to Tavolino, an excellent pizza spot and lounge conveniently located across from the ferry landing in Old Algiers. The list sees the addition of Briquette and Two Sisters on the West Bank.<font color="#3b3b3b" face="Whitney A, Whitney B, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="4"></font></p>
<p><font color="#3b3b3b" face="Whitney A, Whitney B, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="4"></font>Without further adieu, here are the hottest new restaurants in New Orleans right now.</p>
<p><span></span><i>Been to any of these restaurants and had a great or terrible experience? Let us know in the comments or by </i><a sl-processed="1" href="mailto:nola@eater.com">email</a><i>. </i><i>Editor's note:</i> <i>The Heatmap is arranged alphabetically, never by ranking or date of inclusion on the map.</i></p>
https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-new-orleans-restaurants-heatmapEater StaffStephanie Carter2017-01-06T14:43:00-06:002017-01-06T14:43:00-06:00The Cocktail Heatmap: Where To Drink Right Now
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<figcaption>Retro punch at Lobby Lounge in the Troubadour Hotel | <a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Josh Brasted </a></figcaption>
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<p>With the help of the <a sl-processed="1" href="http://nola.eater.com/tags/eater-38">Eater 38</a> and the <a sl-processed="1" href="http://nola.eater.com/tags/hot-hot-heat">Eater Heatmap</a>, it's a breeze to find out where to eat right now, whether it's a hot newcomer or an old neighborhood standby. Now it's just as easy to find out where to get a good, stiff drink in New Orleans.</p>
<p>Eater's <b>Cocktail Heatmap</b> is a guide to the hottest bars of the moment, so only places that have opened, or undergone a major change, in the past year qualify. We will assume the readership already knows how to get their <a href="http://nola.eater.com/venue/cure">Cure</a>, <a href="http://nola.eater.com/venue/arnauds-french-75">French 75</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://nola.eater.com/venue/latitude-29">Latitude 29</a>, and <a href="http://nola.eater.com/venue/twelve-mile-limit">Twelve Mile Limit</a> on. You can always check out the Essential Bar Map for more suggestions on the city's best cocktail lounges. Most of these places rock a killer happy hour, but call ahead to make sure.</p>
<p>Coming on the map for winter: The Troubadour Hotel, which houses three separate and equally promising bar venues: Petit Lion, Lobby Lounge, and Monkey Board. Also added is Maypop, the exciting new cousin to MoPho.</p>
<p><i>Please note these are not ranked, but listed by neighborhood. Happy drinking, and as always, feel free to leave a comment with new suggestions.</i></p>
https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-new-orleans-cocktail-barsGwendolyn KnappNora McGunnigleVivian Herzog2016-10-21T10:31:00-05:002016-10-21T10:31:00-05:00The Brunch Heatmap: Where to Eat Brunch in New Orleans
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<figcaption>Toups South | <a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Brasted</a></figcaption>
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<p>Get your mimosa on</p> <p>In New Orleans, there are enough weekend brunch options to hold you over for a lifetime, so let's just turn our attention to the hottest of the bunch. This freshly updated <b>Brunch Heatmap</b> boasts the new brunches that everybody's talking about right now.</p>
<p>On this map you'll find something for everyone, with Southern, French, Italian and even German-inspired brunch dishes up for grabs. There are brunches that start at 7 a.m. for the early birds, brunches that go all day long for late-risers, and a few that even run on Fridays.</p>
<p>Coming aboard this update: Warehouse District seafood spot <b>Seaworthy</b>, meaty Central City hub <b>Toups South</b>, and Susan Spicer's Navarre neighborhood gem <b>Rosedale</b>.</p>
<p>Please note: These restaurants are arranged by neighborhood, not by ranking.</p>
<p><i>Don't see a great new brunch spot or revamped classic that deserves a spot on the list? Leave a comment or <a href="mailto:nola@eater.com">send</a> Eater a tip. Keep calm and brunch on, weekend warriors.</i></p>
https://nola.eater.com/maps/the-brunch-heatmap-where-to-eat-brunch-right-now-new-orleansGwendolyn KnappNora McGunnigle2016-08-25T11:00:00-05:002016-08-25T11:00:00-05:00The Best New Coffee Shops in New Orleans
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<figcaption>District, now open in Lakeview, does an incredible cold brew. | <a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Brasted</a></figcaption>
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<p>Hot hot pour overs</p> <p>Coffee is a New Orleans tradition— not only is it drunk in large quantities, but coffee beans flowed the ports here, more than any other city in the country, at one point.</p>
<p><span>Recently, a bunch of what's known as "third wave" coffee shops have popped up around town, showcasing small batch roasted beans, passionate knowledge, and flawless coffee making technique.</span></p>
<p>There's so many, in fact, that this map update sees the departure of now-established spots including Pulp & Grind, Church Alley, Spitfire, Coast Roast, Hey Cafe! and others. Be on the lookout for our Essential Coffee Shop guide in the next few days.</p>
<p>These coffee shops have all opened, or been renovated, in the past year.</p>
<p>New on the list:<b> District Lakeview, Rouler, Fat Boy Pantry, </b>the recently rebranded <b>Ignatius Coffee </b>on Magazine Street, Ponchartrain Hotel's <b>Silver Whistle</b>, and <b>Catahoula</b>. A new Mojo is also set to open inside of the The Saint hotel on September 1.</p>
<p><i style="line-height: 1.5;">Note: These are not ranked, but sorted by neighborhood. Did Eater miss a new coffee shop? Leave a comment or send a tip.</i></p>
https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-nola-coffee-cafe-heatmapNora McGunnigleGwendolyn Knapp2016-07-18T09:45:03-05:002016-07-18T09:45:03-05:00The Best Events For Locals at Tales of the Cocktail
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<figcaption><a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Brasted</a></figcaption>
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<p>Five ways local can enjoy Tales</p> <p>Tales of the Cocktail, the world's largest cocktail convention, <a href="http://nola.eater.com/2016/7/13/12106650/tales-of-the-cocktail-guide-2016">starts in New Orleans tomorrow</a> with a slew of seminars, tastings and parties from July 19-24, aimed at over 15,000 booze industry bigwigs and aficianados.</p>
<p>And while Tales is primarily geared toward industry, there are some way locals can get in on the action (including FREE ways), according to local writers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/entertainment_life/food_restaurants/article_933158b6-4513-11e6-b668-13e0cf426bd7.html">Ian McNulty's top picks</a> include the <b>Dynamic Duos</b>— which pairs bartending pros from around the world with New Orleans finest bartenders during three-hour bar shifts that are open to the public— a <b>food truck crawl at the French Market</b> and more. [Advocate]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nola.com/dining/index.ssf/2016/07/why_tales_of_the_cocktails_mak.html" style="line-height: 1.24;">Ann Maloney reports that</a> the ticketed <b>Spirited Dinners</b>, <b>Tales Restaurant Week</b> (starts on Monday) and the <b>Tales Market</b>, which sells everything from barware to bitters, are three great ways for locals to experience the event as well.</p>
https://nola.eater.com/2016/7/18/12212248/the-best-events-for-locals-at-tales-of-the-cocktailGwendolyn Knapp2016-07-14T09:41:00-05:002016-07-14T09:41:00-05:0014 Essential New Orleans Cocktail Bars
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<img alt="A view of the Carousel Bar, a slowly-rotating bar structure meant to resemble a carousel ride at a carnival, with bulb lights and mirrors." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rWB-WAQksi4jpxe2jSx1SncKrBk=/165x0:2831x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51464147/28465870466_e1d25bde22_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Inside Carousel Bar | <a href='http://www.joshbrasted.com'>Brasted</a></figcaption>
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<p>When it comes to essential cocktail bars, New Orleans is home to some of the oldest and most renowned spots in the world. It's also home to a few newer drinking destinations that have been making waves in recent years.</p>
<p><span>Here now, are the most important cocktail bars in New Orleans. Use this as a guide for when you're trying to impress dates, host out-of-town guests or just looking for an exceptional drink around town. </span></p>
<p><span>Keep in mind, this isn't just a guide to the oldest bars in New Orleans. These cocktail bars have contributed to the storied history of cocktails in the Big Easy and America itself, whether through the invention of a classic drink, offering renowned service, or bringing something new to the table. </span></p>
<p><i>Please note, these are not ranked, but arranged by neighborhood. Don't see an extremely important cocktail bar that needs to be on this list? Leave a comment or send </i><em>Eater <a href="mailto:nola@eater.com">a tip</a>,</em><i> and tell us about it.</i></p>
https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-orleans-cocktail-barsGwendolyn Knapp2016-07-13T11:45:02-05:002016-07-13T11:45:02-05:00Eater's Guide To Tales Of The Cocktail 2016
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<figcaption>Paul Broussard</figcaption>
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<p>What's new, what's for locals & more</p> <p>Tales of the Cocktail, the largest cocktail festival in the world, descends upon New Orleans next week, July 19-24. Over 15,000 bartenders, brand ambassadors, writers, thinkers and drink enthusiasts from around the world (35 countries were represented last year alone) are expected to attend.</p>
<p>There are over 200 events this year, from tasting rooms to invite-only parties, and newcomers will benefit with a few quick tips on <a style="line-height: 1.5; background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/culture/pro-tips-tales-cocktail-veterans">how to do Tales of the Cocktail with class </a><span> from the industry vets. Also important: </span><a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/culture/packing-tips-traveling-bartenders">How to pack for Tales</a> (bring comfortable shoes).</p>
<p>Here now, a guide for what to be on the lookout for, with many new highlights that reflect the ever-changing trends of the cocktail industry. Check back this week on Eater NOLA for restaurant and bar recommendations for Tales attendees.</p>
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<p><strong style="line-height: 1.5;">An emphasis on sustainability: </strong><span>One of Tales</span><strong style="line-height: 1.5;"> </strong><span>main priorities</span><strong style="line-height: 1.5;"> </strong><span>is ushering in an era of sustainability, in terms of bartending and the conference itself— from recycling all those booze bottles to working with Hollygrove to pick up compost. A</span><span> new sustainability award will debut this year, with Tales founder Ann Tuennerman telling Eater: "It's important that we take a focus on these things."</span></p>
<p><strong>Lots of healthy things to do:</strong> Daily fitness tours, workouts at Waldenburg Park and a running tour of the Quarter are a highlight of this year's <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/">Sweat Local</a> initiative, which aims to keep attendees feeling good. There's yoga and spinning classes aplenty and discounts at local gyms.</p>
<p><strong>Lots of new products: </strong>Expect debuts from booze brand heavy-hitters St. George and Plantation Rum, and make sure to check out the Bitters Market, where 10 newcomers will make their debut, including the Portland Bitters Project and The Drunken Crane.</p>
<p><strong>A bigger, better Meet The Distillers event:</strong> This <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/">happy hour</a> is one of the best events for industry to cut loose with 50+ spirits brands, food and live entertainment from national touring band, The Deltaz.</p>
<p><strong>Debut of Brand Education:</strong> New this year, the <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/">brand education</a> seminars are focused on teaching industry an array of topics, like The Art of the Beertail and how to Make Your Own Small Batch bourbon.</p>
<p><strong>Hello, Cuba mania: </strong>Four Cuban bartenders<strong> </strong>from Havana bar El Floridita <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/news/tales-cocktail-welcomes-team-havanas-legendary-el-floridita">will be at this year's </a>Tales for the first time ever. Julio Cabrera, Global Brand Ambassador for El Floridita, and bartenders Ariel Blanco, Alejandro Bolivar, Nicolai Mesa and Manuel Carbajo will be honored during Toast to Tales. </p>
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<h2>The Industry-Oriented Stuff</h2>
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<p><strong style="line-height: 1.5;">Hot seminars:</strong><span> Tales likes to keep things fresh, so expect topics that are centered around industry trends, ranging from bar management to wellness to career-oriented talks. Spirits Business picks out the </span><a href="http://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2016/07/tales-of-the-cocktail-preview-2016/">best seminars and events </a><span>for industry, from getting sales traction in the booze market to understanding NAS whiskies.</span></p>
<p><strong>The hottest tasting rooms:</strong> Being at Tales is all about trying new things and some of the <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/">hottest samples you'll get your hands</a> on will be found at O Canada presented by Crown Royal, where you can try the 2016 World Whisky of the Year; Redemption Rye Rocks the Pool with rare cask-strength whiskies; and The Boilermaker presented by The High End, with the first-ever Master Cicerone making an appearance at Tales.</p>
<p><strong>State Of The Trade address:</strong> On Tuesday, July 19, the CEO of Barcardi Limited <strong>Mike Dolan</strong> will <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/news/tales-announces-2016-state-trade-speaker-mike-dolan">talk directly</a> to the trade about where he sees the cocktail industry heading. It's an invite-only event.</p>
<p><strong>Keynote speakers:</strong> "Last year's keynote [Danny Meyer] was about hospitality," Tuennerman says. "This year is about the creative spirit." Bartender <strong>Marc Alvarez Safont</strong>, chefs <strong>Grant Achatz</strong> and <strong>Albert Adria</strong>, and Alinea and Tock founder <strong>Nick Kokonas</strong> <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/news/tales-cocktail-announces-2016-keynote-speakers">will talk about</a>how they keep things interesting.</p>
<h2>What's HOT For LOCALS</h2>
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<p><strong style="line-height: 1.5;">Tales Restaurant Week: </strong><span> From July 18- 25, well over a dozen New Orleans restaurants </span><a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/dining/tales-restaurant-week/">will offer</a><span> prix fixe menus and drink pairings. It's a great and affordable way to get in on the fun while avoiding the madness of the Hotel Monteleone.</span></p>
<p><strong>Spirited Dinners:</strong> Thursday, July 21, features a night of boozy dinners at 30+ local restaurants from <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/dining/spirited-dinner-series/william-grant-sons-dinner-2/">Katie's</a> to the anticipated Warehouse District oyster bar <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/dining/spirited-dinner-series/86-co-spirited-dinner-2/">Seaworthy</a>, with visiting bartenders and brand ambassadors creating cocktail pairings. Full list is <a href="https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-cocktail-new-orleans/dining/spirited-dinner-series/">here</a>, and reservations must be made via the restaurant.</p>
<p><strong>Freret Street bar crawl: </strong>A half dozen bars and restaurants <a href="http://www.nola.com/dining/index.ssf/2016/07/tales_of_the_cocktail_2016_a_g.html">participate in this</a> public event on Sunday evening, July 24 at 5 p.m. There will be food and drink for purchase at High Hat, Ancora, Company Burger, Cure and more spots along with bartender duos slinging cocktails. </p>
<p><strong>Looking ahead to Daiquiri Days: </strong>During the <a href="http://nola.eater.com/2016/5/24/11760712/tales-of-the-cocktail-launches-new-orleans-daiquiri-season">entire month of September</a>, 35+ restaurants and bars in New Orleans will pair up with a spirits brand to offer specially-priced frozen daiquiris around town. The Ace will roll out a special rate of $99/night for locals, and s<span>pecial events include an Ernest Hemingway impersonator at </span><strong style="line-height: 1.24;">El Libre</strong><span>, a visiting Cuban bartender planned for a night at </span><strong style="line-height: 1.24;">Cane & Table </strong><span>and more.</span></p>
https://nola.eater.com/2016/7/13/12106650/tales-of-the-cocktail-guide-2016Gwendolyn Knapp