For the second year running, CureCo. founder Neal Bodenheimer and his team at Cure, have been included in the North America’s 50 Best Bars list, taking the No. 47 spot for 2024. The award recognizes best-in-class innovation and exceptional guest service. Cure also received recognition from The Pinnacle Guide (likened to the Michelin Guide system for restaurants) receiving a pin based on six assessment modules that cover the drinks program, staff management and venue look and feel. This year also marks Cure’s 15th anniversary. 4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357, curenola.com
Cheers to Champagne
In 2014, Ralph Brennan purchased and invested nearly $21 million to restore his family’s flagship restaurant, Brennan’s. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of its rebirth, Beverage Director Braithe Tidwell and Assistant General Manager Laura Bell Hardy have developed the Private Champagne Label with the established Champagne house, Piper-Heidsieck. The custom-curated, exclusive blend for Brennan’s joins a collection of spirits that boasts more than 14,000 bottles (with special attention to boutique producers, verticals and large formats). 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansneworleans.com
Welcome Back, Tales of the Cocktails
Toasting its 22-year legacy of honoring the craft, culture and business of the global cocktail community, Tales of the Cocktail returns to New Orleans July 21-26 with educational seminars, tasting and networking opportunities, wellness initiatives, awards programming, interactive activations and more. Marquee programming includes brand-hosted events, Meet the Distillers, New Orleans cocktail tours, New Orleans Spirits Competition, Pig & Punch, Speed Rack Season 12 National Finals, Spirited Awards and more. Ben’s Friends (a community of industry professionals who have found or are seeking sobriety) also will host private meetings in the Beyond the Bar Space on Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Daily and weekly passes, discounted bartender passes, individual event tickets and the new $10 Wellness Week Pass are now available. talesofthecocktail.org
Caribbean Cocktails
Compére Lapin has welcomed Erika Flowers (named PUNCH’s Best New Bartender 2023) as bar lead. Flowers, a Bronx native with Belizean roots, is infusing the bar menu with seasonal Caribbean-inspired drinks that celebrate the flavors of the islands and pair perfectly with Chef Nina Compton’s cuisine. Cocktails include the Ease on Down Di Road (saffron-infused Appleton Estate rum, turmeric coconut cream, falernum and a splash of lemon juice), Honeymoon Phase (a spritz cocktail combining Ketel One Vodka or Wonderbird Gin with strawberry peppercorn syrup, Cocchi Rosa, cava and a splash of soda water) and Sur-prise Me (El Buho Espadin Mezcal, Paranubes Oaxacan Rum with cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and grapefruit soda). 535 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-599-2119, comperelapin.com
More Mimosas, Please!
Plates Restaurant & Bar has launched bottomless mimosas served with a variety of seasonal fruit juices and toppings and offered every Friday through Sunday during brunch and lunch service. Or try the Basque-style bloody Mary or espresso martini on tap. For brunch, pair your drink with items such tuna crudo, grilled lamb skewers or Gulf shrimp and grits. 1051 Annunciation St., 504-582-9020, platesnola.com
