Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Bombay Sapphire have partnered to launch The Canvas Project, a web-based content series featuring the creative passions of last year’s 12 finalists in the Most Imaginative Bartender competition. From photography and videography, to home gardening tips and mindfulness tutorials, the series is designed to spark inspiration and foster connection. It includes a segment by New Orleans bartender Maggie Morgan on the power of embracing imperfection, how to collect art on a budget and the recipe for her Rule of Thirds cocktail. The 12-part series went live on October 1 and is published weekly.
mostimaginativebartender.punchdrink.com.
Best Bourbon Bars
“The Bourbon Review,” in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery, recently named Barrel Proof and Bourbon House as two of America’s Best Bourbon Bars for 2020. The distinction, which is based on having expansive whiskey lists, exciting cocktails, the best single barrel offerings and a team of knowledgeable bourbon lovers behind the bar, is awarded to bourbon bars in five regions: Bourbon Country; Northeast; Midwest; West; and South. The winning list consisted of 36 bars in Bourbon Country, 14 in the Northeast, 22 in the Midwest, 20 in the West and 24 in the South, making it the most comprehensive list since it began in 2003. This holiday season, also be sure to pop into Barrel Proof to check out the Christmas Miracle pop-up, when the bar will be decked out in kitschy holiday decor.
1201 Magazine St., BarrelProofNola.com; 144 Bourbon St., 522-0111, BourbonHouse.com.
Wine & Dine
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, which showcases culinary excellence in our community alongside national and international wines, has showcased some special events this fall and winter that wrap up this month. In addition to the wine dinner series, which concluded in November, the lineup includes four special wine and food experiences. The final events of the year include an Art Walk & Wine Tasting Dec. 5 from 4-6 p.m. at galleries along the 700 and 800 blocks of Royal Street and a seated Mini-Vinola Dec. 12 from 3-5 p.m. with samples from 10 wineries around the world paired with food from three highly acclaimed New Orleans restaurants.
nowfe.com.
Pet-Friendly Pub
Sam & Kait Wurth have opened a new neighborhood bar in the Marigny in the previous Cutters space, now known as Pepp’s Pub. Named after their black lab, Pepper, Pepp’s Pub is pet-friendly and a welcome place to hang out and pop a bottle of beer. Drink specials abound, and you’re sure to make a new friend or two. Kait will even snap a pic of your pup to include on their wall of pet Polaroids.
706 Franklin Ave., 985-326-1975, facebook.com/peppspubnola.
