BAR TAB

DENNY CULBERT PHOTO

Table Tome

Neal Bodenheimer, owner of renowned New Orleans bars and restaurants Cure, Cane & Table, VALS and Peychaud’s is releasing his first cocktail book this month, “Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em,” with coauthor Emily Timberlake. The 256-page hardcover book showcases New Orleans’s iconic cocktail scene through 100 drinks, each chosen to represent the city’s past, present and future; interviews with local legends like Ian Neville; and the techniques and practices that James Beard Foundation Award-winning bar Cure has perfected over the last decade-plus. Available at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 14, 504.895.2266, gardendistrictbookshop.com

LOCAL LIBATIONS The New Orleans Spirits Competition, a new event during this year’s Tales of the Cocktail that recognizes and celebrates the most distinguished spirits being produced around the world, awarded Sazerac Co. with several awards. For example, Sazerac Co. won the Best of Category for Jung & Wulff Guyana (a rum made from molasses). sazerac.com

TEQUILA, ANYONE? LALO Tequila is a three-ingredient blanco made by the grandson of Don Julio González, and it’s now available in New Orleans. The new spirit is made in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, where co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” González grew up learning the art of tequila-making from his father and grandfather. Find LALO Tequila at the Hotel Saint Vincent, 1507 Magazine St., 504.350.2450, saintvincentnola.com

SPOOKY SOIREES Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans is hosting two Halloween-themed events this month. On Oct. 28, sip mimosas and enjoy a curated Halloween-themed a la carte brunch menu by Chef Alex Harrell from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.—all to the sound of Halloween music. On Oct. 29, Trixie Minx joins Commons Club for the first ever BOOlesque Brunch. Enjoy a two-course prix-fixe menu at $39 per person with Halloween fusions, an Elektra Cosmetics popup and more during one of two show times (10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Of course, Halloween costumes and outfits are encouraged.

TOP HONORS Local gem, Jewel of the South, won top honors at Tales of the Cocktail 2022, taking home two Spirited Awards. First, partner and bartender Chris Hannah, won the award for U.S. Bartender of the Year, earning recognition for having an influence on drink styles and cocktail culture—all while developing drinks recipes and working regularly behind the bar. Second, the Jewel of the South won Best U.S. Restaurant Bar, earning recognition as a restaurant bar that is dedicated to creating a great cocktail experience for their dining guests. 1026 St. Louis St., 504.265.8816, jewelnola.com

SOBER SOCIALS Ben’s Friends—the national support group for anyone who has found, or is struggling to find, sobriety while working in the food and beverage industry—has started a New Orleans chapter led by New Orleans hospitality veterans Liam Doran and Alex Harrell. Meetings take place at NOCHI on Monday mornings from 11 a.m.-noon. bensfriendshope.com