It isn’t enough to possess strong traditions; one has to nurture and continue to define them, assuring they’re passed on to future generations. New Orleans’ true rooting in our culinary, musical and architectural cultures, among other aspects of history, only lives because every day we cultivate, even enhance, how we approach life.
While we’re nurturing our way of life, there’s no law that says we can’t enjoy the experience. Our tried-and-true response is to throw a great party for the purpose of accomplishing good works.
Such an event is at our doorstep. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation is staging its 10th annual Fundraising Weekend, November 7-8. This year the Friday night affair, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer, will be held at Champions Square next to the Superdome. Dress code is noted as Cajun Cocktail. The following evening, Carnivale du Vin, a black-tie event, will be staged at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel.
Both will feature the talents of chefs, wine makers and distillers from all over the world, converging on New Orleans to raise money for a variety of local and regional children’s educational programs, life skills development initiatives and culinary training courses.
Since the weather is moving towards tolerable, hurricane season is behind us and the holiday season is about to begin, let’s celebrate the preservation of our cultures with a seasonal cocktail from Emeril’s talented bar staff.
Autumn Pomme
1 1/2 ounce Buffalo Trace Bourbon
2 ounces freshly pressed apple cider
1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 ounce Grade A organic Maple syrup
2-3 dashes Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas decanter bitters
Garnish: Two thin apple slices on a skewer and a fresh mint sprig
In a double old-fashioned glass, add ice, set aside to chill.
Combine all ingredients, except garnish, in a mixing glass or tin. Add a generous scoop of ice and shake for 10 seconds. Take the glass, discard the ice and fill with freshly crushed ice. Strain the contents of the mixing glass onto the ice in the glass.
Garnish.
As served at Emeril’s New Orleans, 800 Tchoupitoulas St., Emerils.com
If you wish to attend the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Boudin,
Bourbon & Beer or Carnivale du Vin, check on the availability of tickets
at BoudinBourbonAndBeer.com or CarnivaleDuVin.com.
