Pop the Cork

Owner Skye LaTorre, a sommelier with more than 20 years of experience who began her career in New Orleans at Emeril’s Delmonico, has opened Pluck Wine Bar in the Warehouse District. The wine bar focuses on small, ethical producers, all offered in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The curated list of world-class wines and accompanying food menu are designed to start a conversation. Choose from artisanal snacks, cheeses, charcuterie boards and canned seafood, in addition to menu items from executive chef Heathcliffe Hailey (formerly of Mimi’s in the Marigny), such as grilled lollipop lamb chops and flambéed sambuca shrimp. Pluck also offers a marketplace with bottles and provisions to go, as well as the option to take a seat and enjoy a pairing from one of the 20-plus wines by the glass. “Wine is my absolute passion,” LaTorre said. “The truth is that there are just too many really great options in this world for us to ever have to slum it with anything less, so Pluck’s ambition is simply to serve a well-curated list of quality wines made by talented people in a wide range of styles and price points. First and foremost, we are here for this city, as well as the service industry and the global wine community, which makes the location of the Warehouse District the perfect place to serve our community.” 722 Girod St., Pluckwines.com.



Bartab2

Supporting Bartenders Through Music

Some of America’s favorite bartenders have shared curated playlists on Spotify, dubbed “6ourbon 7ime.” The Bartender Playlist program is designed to highlight influential bartenders in a subtle but meaningful way. Each bartender pairs their favorite cocktail with their playlist so listeners can sip on a bespoke drink while tuning in. Upcoming playlists include those by Christine Kim (April 19), Chris Elford (May 10) and Shannon Michelle (May 24). Be sure to catch New Orleans bartender Joe Witkowski’s (of Bakery Bar) playlist, to be released Sept. 6. The best part? Beam Suntory will donate $1 to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (up to $500) for each playlist follow on Spotify. Spotify.com.


Blank Book

New Cocktail Book Available for Pre-Order

T. Cole Newton, the owner and proprietor of the beloved New Orleans bar Twelve Mile Limit, has written a new book titled “Cocktail Dive Bar: Real Drinks, Fake History, and Questionable Advice from New Orleans’s Twelve Mile Limit” ($25, Running Press Adult). The book, which will be released May 11 and is now available for pre-order on Amazon, combines classic and original recipes, cocktail lore and hard-won wisdom from Newton’s experience as a young bar owner in the Crescent City. An assortment of mini essays on a range of topics (such as why Maury Povich is the ideal role model for the service industry and how bar owners can work to be community allies) break up an alphabetical compendium of cocktail recipes. The book also contains graphic drawings by Bazil Zerinsky and Laura Sanders, an index of ingredients, infusion recipes and more. 500 S. Telemachus St., 488-8114, Twelvemilelimit.com.

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Sign up for our FREE

New Orleans Magazine email newsletter

Get the the best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.