New Orleans imbibers looking for a refined take on the classic cocktail lounge should visit the newly refreshed bar, Salon Salon, inside the luxury boutique hotel, Maison Métier. Located in a former library, this French-style bar is the ultimate destination for discerning food and beverage connoisseurs. Richly textured velvet seating, ambient candlelight, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined with curated curiosities offer a sensory escape. Moody hues, intricate millwork, and a glimmer of gilded accents evoke a bygone era of indulgence and intellectual exchange. Salon Salon continues its exclusive partnership with Paris-based Quixotic Projects, blending French sophistication with New Orleans charm, inviting guests to experience a little piece of Paris-no passport required. Specialty drinks include Barrio Hustle with tequila reposada, Frangelico, sweet vermouth, orange bitters; and Les Passantes with rum, Campari, pineapple, falernum, absinthe and lime. 546 Carondelet St., 504-814-7720, hyatt.com/unbound-collection/en-US/msyum-maison-metier
LOA
Award winning bartender Abigail Gullo, Creative Director of the International House Hotel, is hosting two special events featuring two special guests at her bar, Loa. Marco Dongi, a renowned bartender of Bangkok’s Bar Sathorn, will be popping up on Thursday, June 5. With globetrotting stints in Bangkok, London, Turkey, Dubai and now Thailand, Dongi is bringing his cocktail creativity to New Orleans. Guests can enjoy his creations as well as Thai appetizers from Good Catch restaurant. On Saturday, June 21, Loa welcomes local Vodou priestess Sallie Ann Glassman for its annual St. John’s Eve Vodou ceremony. This ritual celebrates John the Baptist’s birthday and the summer solstice. Guests are encouraged to wear white, participate in the ceremony and enjoy a cup of Solstice Bonfire Punch. Limited edition “JOHN’S WAY” hand-crafted ritual boxes (including bottled elixir, gris-gris bag, candle, headscarf and incantation) are available for purchase by pre-order. More information on both events can be found @internationalhousehotel. 221 Camp St., 504-553-9550, ihhotel.com
NOWFE
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is now offering Labs & Experiences as part of its 33rd annual event, scheduled for June 11-15. In addition to its Wine Dinners, Vinola, Tournament of Rosés, The Grand Tasting, and Burlesque, Bubbly, and Brunch, Aimee Brown, NOWFE’s Executive Director says that “This year, we have added a fun, fresh, and innovative lineup of events, something for everyone’s taste.” Experiences include: Masterclass: Smoking Secrets with Award-Winning BBQ Master Jason Gonzales; Pickleball & Prosecco; and Sabering Experience at Brennan’s that includes a hands-on sabering demonstration. Labs include Passport Lab: Around the World in One Hour: 8 Countries/8 Wines; Natural Wine Decode; and New Mexico: The Unexpected Wine Country. NOWFE has been named USA Today’s 10Best for Best General Food Festival and is a non-profit organization that has raised more than $1.5 million for local nonprofit organizations. The entire list of labs, experiences and other events can be found at nowfe.com
Virgin Hotel Pool
This summer, locals and visitors can cool off at Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Visitors to the Golden Hour at The Pool Club can head up to the 13th floor for sweeping city views and special discounts. Available weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Golden Hour features $12 signature cocktails, $10 beer and shot duos, and $8 house wine-by-the-glass. Every second Sunday of June, July and August from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy DJ entertainment from Set de Flo, while sipping on cocktails and enjoying rooftop views. Each Monday, Louisiana residents can enjoy rooftop views, cocktails, bites and a dip in the pool with $10 day passes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Non-hotel guests can enjoy the pool all summer long with day passes. Availability is limited and reservations are required in advance. Pricing and booking information are available at virginhotels.com/new-orleans. 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000.
The Bower Bar
This summer, The Bower Bar launches The Bower Yacht Club, a nautical-themed summer Pop-up, setting sail on Friday, June 6, and running throughout June and July. The bar will be transformed with nautical décor, transporting guests to the breezy elegance of The Hamptons or Nantucket. Executive Chef Marcus Woodham will be serving a lineup of seasonal specials, including fried clams, a lobster roll and other seaside delights. Head Bartender Mickey Mullins and his team have crafted a selection of cocktails that embrace the summer yachting spirit to complement the menu. Libations include Painkiller, a tropical blend of rums, citrus and coconut cream; Rum Mango Old Fashioned featuring Don Q rum, spiced mango and bitters; and Frozen Lillet Lemonade, a frozen, citrusy refreshment certain to beat the heat. This is the ideal retreat for those looking to escape withing a curated ambience with coastal cuisine and summer perfect cocktails — no passport required. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com/the-bower-bar.
