St. Patrick’s Day may get most of the March drinking press, but that’s no reason to ignore St. Joseph, whose feast day follows two days later. Nina Compton’s BAB’s offers a bounty of Italian inspired aperitivo cocktails crafted by Lead Bartender Rick Powanda. “DaVinci’s Strokes” features Sfumato amaro, grapefruit cordial, and lemon, topped with sparkling wine. The simple but elegant “Dua Maria” includes Dolin Rouge, House Amaro Blend, and soda. St. Joseph fans should sample a drink highlighting Averna amaro, a spirit from Sicily, where St. Joseph is celebrated for saving its citizens from famine. Rick infuses Averna with brown butter and adds that to two cocktails: “BAB’s Espresso Martini,” a mixture of mole-coffee vodka, Brown Butter Averna, House Demerara and French Truck Espresso and their classic “Brown Butter Black Manhattan.” 2900 Chartres St.,504-605-3827, babs-nola.com
Sommelier at Justine
Bryce Faucheaux, sommelier and beverage director at Justine, has been named a “Beverage Information Group 40 Under 40” honoree. The annual list recognizes the best young leaders in the alcohol industry across the world. At age 33, Bryce has completed his WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (Pass with Distinction), and is officially a French Wine Scholar (Highest Honors,Wine Scholar Guild) and an Advanced Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers). Faucheaux’s favorite part about his role at Justine’s is the freedom to showcase the entirely French wine list, where he features wines from classic, rare producers. Stop by Justine to toast Bryce with one of the restaurant’s French wines or his current favorite cocktail, the “Rosé Bellini.” 225 Chartres St., 504-218-8533, justinenola.com
King Brasserie & Bar
King Brasserie & Bar, the modern French brasserie located at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, continues its culinary journey through France with a winter tasting menu showcasing the majestic French Alps region. Through the end of March, King Brasserie’s “Tour d’Azur: French Alps” will highlight rich, hearty cuisine inspired by the mountainous region while incorporating New Orleans’ seasonal ingredients and flavors. The 3-course menu is $44 per person and comes with the option of a curated wine pairing. Paired wines include Jacquère, André & Michel Quenard, Chignin Vin de Savoie Blanc, 2021; and Mondeuse, Domaine Giachino, “Black Giac” Vin de Savoie Rouge, 2022. Reservations are available at kingbrasserieandbar.com, 521 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3000.
Le Pavillon’s Bar 1803
Drinking at a classic hotel lobby bar is a beloved tradition in New Orleans, and a new addition to that roster is Le Pavillon Hotel’s Bar 1803. The hotel’s recent $19-million-dollar renovation features a dark and dramatic lobby bar. The name pays homage to the year Napoleon signed the Louisiana Purchase and guests enjoy libations under the gaze of the former French emperor. Le Pavillon’s speakeasy past is also celebrated. A secret passage used during Prohibition is now a secluded lounge with floor-to-ceiling velvet drapery. Bartender Alexx Zoobie’s cocktails blend tradition with unexpected modernity, like “The Beet Goes On” with fresh beet juice paired with Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liquor and a Blood Orange Mule Mocktail. 833 Poydras St., 504-581-3111, lepavillon.com
Supper Club Cane & Table
Cane & Table is continuing their popular Supper Club with dinners on March 12th and April 19. These family-style dinners in the intimate upstairs dining spaces of Cane & Table have allowed Chef Fredo, a New Orleans native of Cuban descent, to showcase his Cuban heritage. Fredo’s Supper Club dinners pay homage to one of Havana’s most renowned paladares, Paladar La Guarida, famed in Cuba for its excellent food, drink, and stylish ambiance. Owner-Partner Kirk Estopinal has crafted a lively cocktail menu to match, complete with variations on Canchanchara, mojito, Cuba Libre, and Batida cocktails. Wine pairings are available as well. Tickets are available at RESY. 1113 Decatur St., 504-581-1112, caneandtablenola.com
Irish Coffee
March weather in New Orleans can bring balmy breezes or bone chilling winds. Fortunately, if you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, there’s an Irish coffee for either temperature. French Quarter Irish bars Erin Rose and Molly’s at the Market offer both the regular whiskey-spiked hot version, topped with cream, and the ever-popular frozen version, adorned with a sprinkle of coffee grinds. Either will serve you well if you need a morning pick-me-up or something festive to sip while watching the Downtown Irish Parade. 811 Conti St., 504-522-3573, erinrosebar.com; 1107 Decatur St., 504-525-5169, mollysatthemarket.net
