So what is Tales of the Cocktail all about? In a nutshell, it means that many of the country’s finest mixologists are converging in New Orleans this week, and you will have many chances to sample the fruits (and herbs, and extracts) of their labor. It also means that your big plan to go on the wagon will likely need to be postponed till Sunday.
Tales of the Cocktail July 17-21.
One way to partake is through the Spirited Dinner series, which happens all over the city tonight (Thursday). Thirty different restaurants are planning thematic nights of drink and complementary food. Many of these are sold out, but at press time tickets remain for a few intriguing options, including Rio Mar’s (800 South Peters St.) “Latin American Libations” feast ($88, call 504-525-3474) and the Irish House’s (1432 St. Charles Avenue) Irish-themed dinner with Bushmill’s whiskey ($100, call 504-595-6755). Even one of our favorite music spots, One Eyed Jack’s (615 Toulouse St.) is getting in the swing, for a night of tacos (pulled pork, curried shrimp), tequila and live mariachis. ($60, call 504-569-9100).
If you’re attending only one event, Friday’s “Bare Knuckle Bar Fight” at Jackson Brewery (620 Decatur St.) is probably the way to go. Seven cocktail bars from six cities (New York gets two) will mix cocktails just for you (and 999 other attendees, and the panel of judges) as they compete for the title of America’s best cocktail bar. (The sponsors’ spirits– Fords Gin, Tequila Cabeza, Caña Brava Rum, Del Maguey Vida and Aylesbury Duck Vodka—will be used in both classic and original drinks). The event happens on Friday night from 10pm-1am. Your editor notes with some pride that his former hangout of choice, the Boston bar Drink, won this competition in the past, thanks to a drink named after a great hometown band, the Mission of Burma.
The Hotel Montleone will be Cocktail Central for most of the weekend, as different hooch companies sponsor enough tasting and mixing sessions to give your liver a serious workout. And while you’re there, we’ll note that the Carousel Bar has some first-class performers lined up, with Ingrid Lucia playing from 5pm-8pm today (Thursday) and George French’s jazz quartet taking over afterward.
More Info: www.talesofthecocktail.com
