You are on the journey with New Orleans as we enter the 300th year since our founding, May 7, 1718, by Jean-Baptiste LeMoyne de Bienville. The name of his settlement was Bienville’s attempt to ingratiate himself with the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King, by naming the land which was lived on by the Chitimacha Indian tribe for the Regent of the Kingdom of France, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans.
Ever since its founding, this town has taken the good times and the bad times in stride, but always with a spirit envied by others who have mimicked but never duplicated our style. Travel & Leisure Magazine in a recent reader poll named New Orleans the “Quirkiest City in America.” Thank you.
Just because we are an older community does not mean the quest for good times has been diminished. Going “all in” with the year-long celebration of our 300th year will be even more manic and essential than our usual style.
An “older” establishment, one of the infamous Grande Dames of New Orleans dining, is Galatoire’s, founded in 1905 on Bourbon Street but first in operation in 1896 as a saloon on Canal Street.
There is no more fitting way to ring in another New Year and a once-only Tricentennial than with old friends, a grand City, a historic restaurant and its signature drink.
RECIPE
Galatoire’s Specialty Cocktail
2 oz Benchmark or Knob Creek whiskey
0.25 oz simple syrup
3 dashes Herbsaint
4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Stir and serve over ice with a lemon twist.
Galatoire’s, 209 Bourbon Street, 525-2021, Galatoires.com; Galatoire’s 33 Bar and Steak House, 215 Bourbon Street, 335-3932, Galatoires33BarandSteak.com. As served at Galatoire’s Restaurant and Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak House. Thanks to Rene Sudduth, Wine and Spirits Director for all three Galatoire’s Restaurants.
