The Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel is shaking up the city’s Happy Hour scene with the launch of its brand-new “Mmm… Happy Hour,” every Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with drinks and small bites all starting with the letter “M.” Drinks include $3 Miller High Life ponies, a rotating selection of cocktails including the Mai-Tai, the “Martini Bijou,” and a classic mule, wines for $7. Small bites include selections such as a meatball sampler, mesquite BBQ french fries and a muffuletta. 550 Baronne St., 683-4000, virginhotels.com/new-orleans.
Modern Bistro
Le Moyne Bistro, a modern neighborhood tavern, has opened in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Named after Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne deBienville, the French explorer known as the “Father of Louisiana,” Le Moyne Bistro is rooted in tradition while embracing modern culinary techniques. Le Moyne’s beverage program features an extensive bottle list and a curated selection of reserve cocktails that offer modern interpretations of classic libations. Cocktail standouts include a Calvados spritz, featuring Coquerel VS, apricot, lemon and cider, and the “Agave En Fleur,” with blanco tequila, cassis, elderflower, lime, cardamom and rosewater. Beverage Manager Lindsay Dukes noted, “We wanted our beverage program to reflect the spirit of the restaurant — elevated, yet approachable.” She has curated a selection of wines and cocktails that celebrate both local ingredients and global French influences and the deep connection between French and Louisiana cuisine. 746 Tchoupitoulas St., 350-1750, lemoynebistro.com
The Kingsway
Chef Ashwin Vilkhu introduces his new contemporary, pan-Asian Uptown restaurant, The Kingsway. Guests in the dining room can enjoy a four-course prix-fix dinner, while an à la carte menu is available at the bar. Bar Manager Colin Williams showcases drinks like the “Golden Hour”, featuring scotch, wok-roasted scallion, honey, ginger, lemon, egg white and salt, and the “Special Delivery,” which reimagines the Ramos Gin Fizz with Thai tea cream and tequila. Sommelier and General Manager Taylor Adams has curated the wine list that complements the umami-rich elements of Asian cuisine. An emphasis on Old World wines is coupled with bottles from lesser-known regions, such as Georgia, Slovenia and Hungary. Rounding out the beverages is an à la carte tableside tea service featuring a selection of Chinese and Taiwanese teas. 4201 Magazine St., 506-9272, kingswaynola.com
Drinking Big and Easy
With hurricane season in full swing, Big Easy Whiskey is doing its part to help the community prepare by launching its “Top Tips to Stay Safe During Hurricane Season” campaign — a practical guide to storm readiness. The campaign will not only provide safety tips but also the opportunity for locals to win a “hurricane kit,” which includes a dry bag, a headlamp, a hand-crank radio, a charging bank, a Big Easy Whiskey, Yeti cocktail shaker with a convertible tumbler lid. Locals can follow @BigEasyWhiskey for more information.
Happy Happy Hour
New Orleanians can escape the city’s sweltering climate with Saba’s new happy hour, Wednesday through Friday, 2:30 to 5 p.m. The drinks menu features wine by the glass, a rotating selection of cocktails and a refreshing selection of gazoz, a fizzy, fruit-flavored drink popular in Tel Aviv. Saba also offers seasonally inspired versions with or without alcohol, such as pomegranate sage, cucumber agave, and pineapple shrub. 5757 Magazine St., 324-7770, eatwithsaba.com
