French Quarterly

Kick seasonal anxiety to the curb and spend the holidays shopping the streets of the French Quarter while relaxing to the tune of the city’s jazz and brass band delights. Need to pick up one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts? Santa himself will be jealous of the treasures you will find in the Vieux Carre’s eclectic shops, boutiques and markets of all kinds.

Tucked quaintly in a crescent of the Mississippi River is the French Quarter, a cultural love child of genteel old Europe. This exotic Caribbean community of the sultry South plays host to the most memorable romantic getaways not only in the city, but in the South. Take a bite of the history-rich experience as you stroll arm-in-arm through original cobblestone streets and breathe in the aromas that pass you and disappear among the wrought-iron balconies. There is an intimate old-world charm that radiates romance, and delivers sensuality on a polished, silver platter.

Recipe provided by Bar R'Evolution

1oz Evan Williams Black Bourbon
1oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1oz Simple Syrup
1oz of sparkling wine
1 Sprig of basil
3 Blackberries

Muddle 2 blackberries, combine Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup with ice, Shake and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass, top with sparkling wine and garnish with sprig of basil and a blackberry.

The holiday season brings traditions to life in the French Quarter. Another thing it does is give the opportunity to trade the hustle and bustle of the suburban mall for a shopping experience like no other. While holiday shopping reached its peak on Canal Street, some of the most interesting and hard to locate items lie within the thirteen blocks of the French Quarter.

It's no secret that I love a birthday. Any reason to eat cake, have drinks, pay a stripper from my sofa, and cry is a sure fine way to celebrate. The French Quarter is sitting on the edge of its less-than-perfect seat in anticipation of August 11, 2012. Why are we perched on such a precarious place? That's easy. It's Dirty Linen, of course. One of the biggest and most celebrated days up and down Royal Street will celebrate its 11th birthday this year. As with all birthdays, the crew promises a bunch of fun new things along with the expected old stuff, too.