The Champagne Bureau, USA has released its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants across the United States for Enjoying Champagne. This year, the list includes Brennan’s, the famed dining institution that is part of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. The restaurant also recently received the Grand Award, “Wine Spectator” highest honor, for its exemplary wine and spirits program. Be sure to try Bubbles at Brennan’s, the weekly happy hour that takes place Thursday through Monday with ceremonial Champagne sabering led by Christian Pendleton, Brennan’s master of sabrage and general manager. Meanwhile, Braithe Tidwell, corporate beverage director of Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, and Sam Bortungo, the newly appointed wine director of Brennan’s, have curated a selection of fine Champagne for those who wish to sit and savor a few different options. 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansnewsorleans.com
Bartender Well-Being
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has chosen four organizations through its Philanthropy & Development Committee as 2023 grant recipients, honoring those who are making strides in bartender well-being and welfare. TOTCF will distribute $100,000 among the four organizations: $40,000 to Turning Tables (New Orleans), $20,000 to A Sip of Paradise Community (Atlanta), $20,000 to Equal Measures UK (London) and $20,000 to Giving Kitchen (Atlanta). Locally, Turning Tables is a bar training program that advocates for equity in the hospitality industry in support of the Black and Brown communities of New Orleans. turningtablesnola.org
NYE Ball
Bar Marilou, the swanky French-style bar located within Maison de la Luz, is celebrating the return of its New Year’s Eve Surrealist’s Ball. Expect lavish libations and tasty bites (like wagyu sliders with foie gras pave and caramelized onion, and chilled oyster with tomato horseradish granita). Of course, the bar team will be pouring plenty of Bar Marilou’s craft cocktails. Ring in the New Year with a live DJ set by Lady Lavender from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $100 and available on Resy. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com
Award-Winning Lager
Brieux Carré Brewing Company, which opened in 2017 in the Marigny, has new beer releases almost weekly. For example, the brewery will release a new batch of its dark lager this month and will also have four-packs available. The dark lager just won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. As a small but mighty brewery, Brieux Carré distributes a small amount of kegs to bars and restaurants around the city, but most of the beers can only be found in the taproom. 2115 Decatur St, 504-304-4242, brieuxcarre.com
Cocktails and Crudo
Next time you’re in the French Quarter, be sure to check out the new Fives bar (located within the historic 19th-century Pontalba Buildings on Jackson Square). This cozy spot features a drink menu with “World Classics,” “NOLA Classics,” “Originals,” martinis, and beer and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, the raw bar highlights oysters from all three U.S. coasts and caviar service, plus plates that include beef tartare and yellowfin tuna crudo. 529 St. Ann St., 504-399-6954, fives.bar
Cocktail Calendars
If you’re looking for a unique and fun advent calendar this year, check out Cask Cartel’s Advent calendars featuring whiskey, vodka, bourbon, scotch or gin. Each calendar is carefully curated with samples from noteworthy distilleries, and, behind every window is a wax-sealed 20 mL sample. It’s a great way to explore different brands throughout the festive season, either on their own or mixed into a crafty cocktail. caskcartel.com
