I have known Chef Dominique Macquet for years. When his daughter was a toddler she joined us in the kitchen as we worked up recipes for some project or another. Like many chefs, hell, like many people, Macquet had a reputation for being something between a grouch and a flat out terror in the kitchen. This changed when his beloved daughter, Nadya, started joining him in the kitchen. He became, and remains, infinitely loving snd patient as he shares the intricacies of his craft with her. Now in middle school, Nadya has inspired her father and his kitchen partner, Chef Bruno Rizzo to create a series of children’s cooking classes at Bordeaux (4734 Magazine St., 504.273.5747, bordeauxnola.com) their new restaurant on Magazine Street. Classes are held at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays for children ages three to 10 years old who will learn French culinary techniques with the chefs while their parents enjoy a glass of wine, which is included in the $25 price for the class. Reservations are required.
With bowling alleys lit up with glittering crystal chandeliers, plush seating, craft cocktails and an inventive menu, Fulton Alley(600 Fulton St., 504.208.5569, fultonalley.com) is a favorite destination for adults wishing to act like kids. The fun space offers a variety of all day Happy Hour (Happy Day!) specials. Every Monday, all-day Fulton Social features $5 Tito’s, $5 Maker’s Mark and half off all appetizers including signature items like sweet and sour pork belly and fried shrimp and grits. Toki Tuesdays features affordable Japanese Suntory Whisky Toki specials including the $8 Toki Old Fashioned; $8 Red Lily; and $7 Toki Highball. On Warehouse Wednesdays all wines by-the-glass are half off; $5 Old Fashioneds; and $5 Absolut flavors.
Located a few blocks away, wine-pub Copper Vine (1001 Poydras St., 208.9535, coppervinewine.com), offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. The menu features $5 glasses of Copper Vine red and white blends, half bottles of wine on tap and snacks starting at $5. Offerings include duck fat fries with garlic aioli and grated parmesan; Brussels sprouts; daily selection of toast; and jumbo lump crab deviled eggs. Popcorn always complimentary, free, gratis!
Celebrating its 36th Anniversary, French Quarter Festival(504) 522-5730, frenchquarterfest.org)relies on sponsorships, beverage and merchandise sales, vendor fees, and annual Gala, for support—rather than entry fees. This year’s festival kicks off today and runs through Sunday. With more than 20 stages throughout the French Quarter celebrating local music and representing every genre from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, folk, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international, there is something here for everyone. New Orleans’ great restaurants will be selling food and beverages in Jackson Square, the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, JAX Brewery, and Woldenberg Riverfront Park throughout the weekend.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Use it to celebrate the people and the community you love.
