Saturday, February 2, 2013

Top 10 Bars to Watch the Super Bowl in New Orleans

Where, oh where to watch the big game? Where, oh where to cheer on teams (likely) not from your city? Where, oh where to actually focus on commercials for once?

If you're in New Orleans, the answer is easy: There are plenty of options.


From dog-friendly beer bars to upscale hotel lounges with a wall of TVs and custom, team-themed cocktails, we rounded up the top 10 bars in New Orleans to watch the Super Bowl for The Daily Meal. Score your seats here:

http://www.thedailymeal.com/where-watch-super-bowl-new-olreans

Friday, February 1, 2013

5 New AVAs to Watch


Ah, to spend a day in the vineyards! While we may romanticize the grape-to-glass process, making wine is no easy feat (especially when you're dealing with the American government)!

Just ask the winemakers who recently applied for AVA status...it can take almost a decade to achieve! What exactly is an AVA, you ask?

We profiled the 5 latest viticultural areas in the United States to be awarded coveted AVA status  for Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Read everything you ever wanted to know about the process here, preferably with a glass of vino in hand: We hear it helps when contemplating all bureaucratic endeavors.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/February-2013/Americas-Newest-AVAs/

Super Bowl Survival Guide: The Daily Meal



Let the countdown to Super Bowl Sunday begin! Did you know it's America's #1 snacking day?? Even if you aren't planning on building a meatstadium complete with sandwich seating, you still may need a Super Bowl survival guide, especially if you're spending the big game day in New Orleans.

We've got insider tips from Mister Jerry, stadium announcer for the New Orleans Saints for more than 40 seasons in this article for The Daily Meal.

http://www.thedailymeal.com/super-bowl-survival-guide-new-orleans

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Mixologist of the Month: Abigail Gullo


Abigail Gullo is a sassy, brassy broad who makes mean drinks down in the city that care forgot, our new hometown, New Orleans. What more could a girl ask for? How about some great tales wielded from behind the bar? See why Gullo made our Mixologist of the Month column in Wine Enthusiast here:
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Mixologist-of-the-Month-Abigail-Deirdre-Gullo/



The Year of the Cocktail: Chinese Herbal Tipples




Chinese New Year is February 10. How are you going to celebrate? We're thinking cocktails ('natch). And why not toss some authentic ingredients plucked from your local Chinatown into your tipples?

Mixologists around the country aren't waiting till February 10 to mix up Chinese herb-infused cocktails.
No really...and the results are more than exotic. (One even contains aphrodisiacs!)

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Big-Tipples-In-Little-China/

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New Orleans Airport Guide: Travel Channel


There sure are a whole lot of people in town this week in New Orleans...and most of them are here for Super Bowl!

Good thing the city invested some $300 million into revamping New Orleans's airport, MSY.

In connection with the Travel Channel's episode of "The Layover" in New Orleans, we wrote this guide to the reimagined airport, including where to eat, drink, shop...and even when to score free beads (please, no flashing necessary)!

http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/airports/articles/new-orleans-airport-guide

5 Reasons to Eat and Drink in St. Louis

Meet me in St. Louis!

Only if you want to eat and drink at really edgy, interesting and fascinating food spots!

Oh, you're too busy you say?

Read my top 5 Reasons to Eat and Drink in St. Louis story for Fodor's here instead, then. You already live vicariously through me anyway.

http://www.fodors.com/news/where-to-eat-and-drink-in-st-louis-6392.html

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Why Sommeliers Drive Us Insane...And A Rebuttal


Sommeliers of the world, how we love you, depend on you, sometimes despise you. It's a love/hate relationship, and like any great relationship, communication is key. (No, we didn't pay a therapist to tell us that.)


We recently posed a question on the Wine Enthusiast facebook page about how sommeliers drive us crazy. We rounded up the top 5 complaints, then tapped New Orleans's rising star sommelier, Molly Wismeier, director of wine at Restaurant R'evolution, for her saucy rebuttal.

Drink it all in here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2013/Somms-Drive-Me-Crazy/

Monday, January 28, 2013

Memphis Made Easy: Two Days in Blues City


It's possible that you have no clue how cool Memphis is. Seriously. And while we're not suggesting you attempt to discover its brassy clubs, historical monuments, fascinating art scene, musical heritage and satisfying soul food in a dizzying, 48-hour spin, Fodor's had us do exactly that.

You'd be shocked what you can do in two days' time. And if you don't come back from Memphis slightly more soulful, you need more help than this blog can provide.

http://www.fodors.com/news/48-hours-in-memphis-6380.html




Sunday, January 27, 2013

How to Tailgate: NOLA-Style



If you're a damn Yankee, you probably have no idea how to tailgate. The first step is admitting you have a problem.

First of all, in the Northeast, it's usually too cold during football season, you have too much work to do to stand around drinking in a parking lot and generally, none of your friends has a car.

But down South, tailgating is a way of life. It's a mobile party! Everyone loves to drink in a parking lot! Football seems truly besides the point. (And we love any excuse to party.)

Given that the Super Bowl takes over New Orleans Feb 3, the Daily Meal thought it wise to check in with the commissioner of tailgating himself for tips on how to tailgate, NOLA-style.

http://www.thedailymeal.com/how-tailgate-new-orleans-style