Imbibe

Libation Sensations

July 30, 2019

Legend has it that the cocktail was invented in New Orleans. Whether or not that’s 100% true, there is no denying that many a cocktail has been birthed in the Crescent City, undoubtedly the lodestar of American drinking culture.

In recent years, a new generation of innovative bartenders is mixing up venerable cocktail traditions, farm to bar ingredients, hand-squeezed juices, and homemade syrups and tinctures. Raising the bar means that New Orleans cocktail culture has never been more robust, thanks to these creative stirrers and shakers.

SoBou -- 310 Chartres St.

Where to Cool off with Frozen Cocktails

by Stephanie Carter

May 01, 2019

Since the first ice production facility in the world threw open its doors on Tchoupitoulas in 1868 with man-made blocks of the stuff flying off the shelf at less than a penny a pound, New Orleanians have relied on icy treats, from rainbow-hued sno-balls to boozy frozen daiquiris, to get them through sweltering and sometimes suffocating summers.

Springtime for Sipping!

by Brenda Maitland

February 05, 2019

Coming in on the wings of gentle breezes, sunny skies, and budding flowers, the sweet song of spring follows winter, bringing with it a brighter, lighter season in so many ways. Store those leather jackets and heavy wool coats– blankets, too--away and pull out the shorts and more cheery, lightweight cotton clothing.

Sippin' Thru the Season!

by Brenda Maitland

November 05, 2018

If there is any city in America that can truly claim to be an international city, it is New Orleans. The confluence of just about every nationality on earth meets here, in the most unlikely of places, a town at or below sea level, located at the southern portion of the greatest river on the North American continent. It’s an infamous place up for outrageous festivities, and all wrapped up in a neat package that is unto itself, yet respectful of the cultures of the many nations that have contributed to its heritage.

Lounging with Latino Libations

by Brenda Maitland

July 27, 2018

With Latino food as one of the most popular cuisine cultures in the U.S., it’s no wonder that corresponding Latino spirits and cocktails have become so appealing nationwide. As the Nuevo Latino trend continues, with restaurants popping up and the cuisine more and more familiar to diners, Latin American beverages are also becoming more accessible, even in non-Latino bars and restaurants.

Champagne and Canapés!

by Brenda Maitland

May 07, 2018

A glass or two of Champagne or other sparkling wine is a great way to start off a late afternoon’s enjoyment. The evening can seem to acquire a more distinctive quality, leading to whatever happens next. Bar bites are a good choice, then dinner, or perhaps visiting more bars and bistros that serve other Champagnes, sparkling wines and nibbles.

One More for the Road...

by Brenda Maitland

February 01, 2018

Libations are for socializing and celebrating, and then there’s the other side of the coin-- when there’s loneliness and sadness.

Maybe these two opposites joined by a familiar thread, drinking (!) is one reason the classic bar song, “One More for My Baby, and One More for the Road,” has been so popular for more than 75 years. Perhaps many have been on both sides of that situation, or that it’s just an emotionally charged song that once you hear it– stays with you for a while.

A Spirited Season

by Brenda Maitland

November 06, 2017

The holiday spirit is all around us! It’s the spirit that flows from reverent choir groups, the fresh aroma of just-cut Christmas trees, a roast turkey just out of the oven, sparkling holiday decorations, door wreaths, shopping center hoopla, hugs from your family members and best friends, the tinkling of jingle bells, and Santa’s hardy “ho-ho-ho” to smiling children.

Specialty of the House

by Brenda Maitland

July 27, 2017

New Orleans is a fascinating place because whether you are a local, or just visiting, you will find that some things here may not be like other American cities.

Besides being somewhat different in our customs and celebrations, we are also not always strict interpreters of history. Oftentimes, several versions of the same events from the past may be floating around. Many of these stories continue to reverberate with varying degrees of verifiable facts, even today.

Bubbles in Bloom!!

by Brenda Maitland

May 02, 2017

It is no secret that serving wine, in which there are bubbles, adds to the festive occasion when a bottle is opened. That has been true since the early 1700s.

Another part of that undeniable fact is the location of where the bottle is opened is also of prime importance. Add that to the beauty of the surroundings and the bonhomie of those in attendance, this then is one of life’s great pleasures: a satisfying bottle of wine that actually talks to you, at a happy moment, in a special place, shared with good friends. Kismet!

Meet Me at the Bar

by Brenda Maitland

February 03, 2017

The scenario: You have reservations for dinner at one of the French Quarter’s snazzy restaurants. You’re thinking: “How do I make this more interesting, from the get-go?” Perhaps you’re meeting your spouse — with or without other family members (who may all have been out shopping?); or another couple; or business associates or your boss and his wife; out-of-town guests; or … a date.