Imbibe

One More for the Road...

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.

A Spirited Season

by Brenda Maitland

October 31, 2016

It’s Holidaze in New Orleans!

From now until the end of February, New Orleanians and visitors alike will be besieged by Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gift shopping accompanied by seemingly unending loud speaker blasts of Christmas novelty tunes - think “The Chipmunk Song” and “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” - along with Christmas carols, gift shopping, rushing, horrific traffic stalls, New Year’s fireworks, football, Bowl games, Carnival and the Mardi Gras madness, etc…

Hippest Happy Hours

by Brenda Maitland

August 01, 2016

Some U.S. cities would just love to be referred to as “hip.” So, what is “hip?” with characterizations like off-beat, unconventional, retro, and even trendy… New Orleans has apparently always had that descriptive terminology applied to it, so visitors and residents here are used to the expression. When one thinks of “hip,” the reference could apply to just about anything sensory: music, art, fashion, décor, bars, eateries, people, neighborhoods and experiences.

Savor the Cocktails… Revel in the Music

by Brenda Maitland

May 10, 2016

One of the real joys of spending time in the French Quarter is transitioning from having a good day -- and most days here are very good -- into the anticipation and then the realization of a very good evening in one of the world’s most desired destinations.

At some point, maybe during the course of the unfolding day, taking a break could be just the ticket.

Libation Sensations

by Brenda Maitland

February 03, 2016

In a culture that swoons over not only the latest cocktails, but also tried-and-true Manhattans, Martinis and Margaritas, New Orleans can drink from the trophy cup for its role as the birthplace of many original concoctions as well as intriguing variations on many of the classics.

Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor!

by Brenda Maitland

November 02, 2015

Going out for “drinks” in New Orleans’ French Quarter may be one of the most fun, social occasions to enjoy, especially when the evening’s young, and so are you! Of course we mean, young-at-heart! If you can lift a glass, your evening is already off to a great start!

The cocktails are amazing, the draft beers are fresh and often local, and the wine? …. Well, the wine is divine! Fine wines are available in just about every dining establishment in the Quarter and also offer cocktails and beer to suit the varied preferences in your entourage.

French Quarter Classic Bars: #5 Great Old Places, With Some New Faces

by Brenda Maitland

August 04, 2015

Of all the iconic landmarks in the French Quarter, Napoleon House is perhaps the most renowned – both in its historic connection between the Old World denizens and the New World ex-patriots to its current iteration as one of the best bar/cafes in America.

As history tells us, the initial structure was originally erected at the corner of Chartres and St. Louis in 1797 by the Girods, a wealthy and prominent French family who crossed the ocean to ply their trade in the shipping and mercantile business.