Palm&Pine is hosting the final month of its Bottoms Up Brunch series Dec. 9 and 23. Guests will not only enjoy performances by New Orleans’ burlesque queen Bella Blue but also a two-course prix fixe menu (with a choice of a starter and a main course). Options include menu items like a crab claw cocktail or turkey neck gumbo to start, and chicken fried quail and waffles, or wagyu steak and eggs as a main. 308 N. Rampart St., 504-814-6200, palmandpinenola.com
Refreshed Repast
Located at Algiers Point, Tonti’s Cocktail Bar and Bistro has reopened, transitioning from an exclusive French bistro to a more casual dining experience. Expect some of the same popular menu items, plus some new additions and an eclectic drink menu. Be sure to try the onion soup or the saffron mussels to start, followed by the trout almondine or the mushroom bourguignon as a main. Desserts include creme brûlée, chocolate mousse and a triple berry tart. As for cocktails, try the Tonti’s Gin Rickey or the Bohemian Rose. 323 Verret St., 504-264-7973, tontis-bistro.com
Bounty of the Sea
A popular Italian holiday tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, takes place once again this year at GW Fins Dec. 11-12 in the restaurant’s private dining room (seating is limited and reservations are required). The multi-course dinner will include at least seven different varieties of seafood, combining individually plated courses with dishes that will be served family style. Additionally, GW Fins will host its popular holiday lunches on Dec. 8 and 15. In other exciting news, Gary Wollerman, owner of GW Fins, was recently inducted into the Distinguished Restaurant of North America Hall of Fame. 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467, gwfins.com
Plus, More Holiday Treats
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Saba’s signature latke board and drink specials in the restaurant’s L’Chaim Lounge, which will be in full swing throughout Hanukkah (Dec. 7-15, closed Tuesday). Additionally, latkes with optional caviar also will be available throughout Hanukkah at Miss River and Chandelier Bar within the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. 5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770, eatwithsaba.com; 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans
At Ayu Bakehouse, be sure to pick up the bakery’s stunning and one-of-a-kind NOLA shotgun-style gingerbread houses, satsuma curd-filled “BaYule Logs” and Hot ‘Mallow kits. 801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985, ayubakehouse.com
And at Josephine Estelle, within the Ace Hotel New Orleans, celebrate the holidays at the restaurant’s Chef’s Table. Perfect for groups of eight to 22 guests, it offers prix-fixe, large-format dinners with optional wine pairings. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Elevated Alfresco Dining
Chef Alon Shaya and Executive Chef Aleksandre Nadirashvili at Miss River (located within the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans) have added new seasonal dishes to the restaurant’s menu. In addition to Miss River’s signature menu items, such as the buttermilk whole-fried chicken and Louisiana barbecue shrimp, the seasonal menu features a fried oyster sandwich, tuna belly tartar, jumbo lump crab cakes, jambalaya-stuffed acorn squash, oxtail yakamein and Bananas Foster bread pudding. Be sure to book a table on Miss River’s patio (open seven days per week) now that the weather has finally cooled. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5701, missrivernola.com
Merry Mingling
The Windsor Court is hosting several holiday happenings this year, from seasonally themed afternoon teas to a four-course réveillon feast. Holiday Tea in Le Salon features a pot of tea; a glass of sherry, sparkling wine or specialty cocktail; a selection of English tea sandwiches; seasonal scones with clotted cream; and a final course of gourmet desserts. Meanwhile, The Grill Room is hosting a four-course, pre-fixe Réveillon dinner menu nightly through Dec. 31 (excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31). Be sure to get photos surrounded by the hotel’s holiday decor (led by the designers at Dunn & Sonnier), including a 19-foot Christmas tree boasting more than 25,000 white lights and a classic toy train around the base. An additional 10 trees adorned with more than 3,000 ornaments will be on display throughout the hotel. 300 Gravier St., 504-262-2662, thewindsorcourt.com
A Taste of Home
Gris-Gris to Go Go, the recent grab-and-go addition to the Lower Garden District restaurant, is now offering items available to ship nationwide (perfect for sending some holiday goodies from NOLA). Menu items include Gris-Gris’ award-winning chicken and andouille gumbo, chicken and dumplings, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. In addition, locals also can pre-order these items and more via Gris-Gris to Go Go’s new website for in-store pick up. Also be sure to check out the sweets, charcuterie boards, sandwich platters and unique merchandise. 1804 Magazine St., 504-354-1520, ggtogogo.com
