Award-winning Uptown favorite Saffron merges Indian heritage with Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. The new winter bar menu reflects the restaurant’s mandate, featuring ingredients popular in Indian cooking in cocktails in surprising ways. Been Around the Block uses locally made Cheramie Rum Blanc with flavors like tamarind, mango, peanuts and cinnamon. They all combine for a deep and rich variation of a Mai Tai. Crosby, Stills and Mash mixes Still Austin Rye, Rio Viejo Oloroso sherry, sweet potato and ghee, and was inspired by Beroza’s grandma’s sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. Holi Trini-tini highlights the “Indian Trinity” of garlic, ginger and onions. Bird in the Hand is a mezcal Junglebird with a twist of chai, while Down by the Riverside, with banana, coconut, Oloroso sherry, cardamom, is “a tropical and nutty Manhattan pulling flavors from the coastal regions of south India.” Guests can enjoy the drinks which are thoughtfully paired with the restaurant’s dishes. 4128 Magazine St., 504-323-2626, saffronnola.com
Coffee Klatsch
Coffee Roaster Applied Arts has opened a new cafe in the Bywater and serves a coffee to appeal to every palate. In addition to a traditional espresso drinks menu, all of their beans–from very light roast to dark French roast–are available to enjoy as pour overs, so guests can savor the terroir of each bean. In addition to serving several single origin roasts, co-owner Melissa Stewart often features at least three or more beans in her blends. While some roasters use lower quality beans for blends, Syewart sees blends as an opportunity to create a new flavor beyond a single bean origin. Applied Arts is not only a roaster. Everything served in the café is made in-house, including all of the syrups for the espresso drinks, as well as their bread and pastries. Hungry patrons can try their Norwegian inspired Smørbrød sandwiches, featuring in-house cured fish. 600 Piety St., 504-648-7345, appliedartscoffee.com.
Mood Lifter
There’s a new addition to Frenchmen Street’s lively scene. Mélange by Cali Sober Market is the street’s first non-alcoholic and THC beverage bar. The bar, located above the music club, Bamboula’s, welcomes all guests, from those looking to drink less alcohol or those who are sober. Mélange by Cali Sober Market serves thoughtfully crafted drinks that offer the look and taste of traditional cocktails. However, unlike many non-alcoholic substitutes, these drinks leave guests with a transformative experience, because they include natural substances that boost the drinker’s mood. Mélange literally offers an elevated drinking experience: Guests can enjoy all the fun (without the hangover) on the bar’s own balcony overlooking Frenchmen Street. 516 Frenchmen St., melangeonfrenchmen.com.
Mid-City Debut
Charmant restaurant is a new addition to Mid-City’s dining scene. Owners Chris and Bonnie Borges, husband-and-wife hospitality veterans, invite guests to enjoy the European bistro fare in the way that suits them best, from a festive brunch to small bites and a glass of wine after work. “Our goal was to build the kind of place we’d want in our own neighborhood,” Chris Borges said. “Charmant” means “lovely” or “captivating” in French, and hints at both the restaurant’s character and the Charmat sparkling-wine process featured in their wine program. General Manager and Sommelier Bonnie Borges’s mantra is “Wine should invite conversation, not intimidation” and has created a wine list that’s “exciting but accessible.” Lead Bartender Kyle Godwin’s cocktail menu runs the gamut from breakfast cocktails like Citrus & Silk with vodka, Amaretto, orange juice and cream, and The Breton Sound with blackberry and Earl Grey-infused gin, lemon and mint. Their dinner cocktails include Pear Pressure, a twist on a margarita with spiced pear purée and a fall-inspired syrup, and Duck, Duck, Vermouth, which uses duck fat-washed bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth. As the weather cools, their outdoor patio is perfect for either end of that drinks menu. 514 City Park Ave., 504-381- 4573, charmantnola.com.
New Year, New Look
New Orleanians who want to dial back their drinking after the holidays (and before Mardi Gras) can enjoy local non-alcoholic libation, Mockly, which is launching a new flavor with a new look. Their Citron Café Noir has a cold brew–base and features cocoa, fennel and lemon flavors. All Mocklys are meant to be enjoyed on their own, and Citron Café Noir is no exception. However, it can also serve as the perfect espresso martini mixer/base, if you are imbibing. Drinks are now available in 8.4 oz cans, (perfect for parade watching) which lowers the amount of sugar and calories per serving. Mockly has updated some of their previous drink names, which now include Blueberry Floral Spritz, Herbal Tangerine Elixir, and Pomegranate Ginger Tonic. While the packaging and names may have changed, the recipes remain untouched. drinkmockly.com
