Custom Events
Brechtel Hospitality, the owner and operator of Copper Vine, Fulton Alley and Vintage Rock Club, has launched Bonfire Events + Catering. Bonfire’s team of event specialists and culinary experts can provide chef-designed menus by Amy Mehrtens (executive chef of Copper Vine) and sommelier-selected wines and beverages by Lydia Kurkoski (sommelier at Copper Vine) and Alex Vines (Bonfire’s mixologist). Bonfire Events + Catering partners with purveyors and craftsmen from the Greater New Orleans area and sources its ingredients from local farms and fisheries. bonfireevents.com
Bridal Bauble
M.S. Rau, the French Quarter-based antique store (which also happens to be the largest antiques business in North America), has recently opened its new luxury jewelry boutique. Designed by the Office of Jonathan Tate and the leading firm Truitt Brand Design, the renovated 8,500-square-foot space covers two floors of the gallery’s original building. Accessories include a one-of-a-kind brooch owned by Elizabeth Taylor, a 10-plus carat blue diamond ring and pieces by iconic jewelry houses like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. The most exquisite gemstones and signed pieces are showcased in a custom-built glass vault room around which the boutique centers. rauantiques.com
Reinvention
Nolé, the casual neighborhood restaurant on St. Charles Avenue, is reopening as a special events venue. In addition to offering culinary options catered by Mirepoix Event Catering (Copeland’s off-site catering company), Nolé has an open, 6,500-square-foot floor plan suitable for weddings and receptions. The venue also provides everything from tables and place settings to service staff, full-service bars and an on-site coordinator to assist with every detail. Outside vendors for enhanced décor, tableware, catering and more are welcome upon approval. noleevents.com
Bubbles & Bites
Ideal for bridal parties, French Quarter restaurant Justine — owned by Justin and Mia Devillier — is now offering a private dining experience in its café dubbed Bubbles & Bites. Focused on brunch and mimosas, the offering is popular with brides for bachelorette parties and bridal luncheons. Accommodating up to 24 guests, Bubbles & Bites includes a DIY mimosa bar and Justine’s events team can customize the menu, table settings, bubbles and more. Justine can accommodate 30-35 guests for a more casual reception-style event. justinenola.com
New Wedding Venues
With the recent closing of Cavan in Uptown, restaurateur Robért LeBlanc, of LeBlanc + Smith, announced the former restaurant will now center on events. Rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions are a primary focus. “We are pivoting at Cavan to focus on brides in particular because they love the interior of Cavan with so many great photographable spaces,” he says. “The pink hues and original plaster medallions and moldings, romantically lit by our original chandeliers and candles, make for a really romantic setting. We hope that brides look to LeBlanc + Smith as a complete solution where they can host casual welcome gatherings, formal rehearsal dinners, on-site weddings or even off-site catering across our Uptown, Garden District and French Quarter properties.” cavannola.com