"Tales of the Cocktail" festival, New Orleans(NOLA)

DAY 1:



(7/9/09) I arrived at the New Orleans(MSY) airport @2pm with an airplane full of mixologist discussing/sharing stories about molecules and such wonderous mixology. I even heard the other people speaking about how excited they were about experiencing this major event just as a novice (Yes, I thought this festival was for the industry insider's only)!



Upon my departure from the MSY and my drive to the W hotel(Poydras street), I felt an air of southeren pleasantries and humid delight. I started getting excited as we drew nearer to the W! As a virgin to this here Tales, I knew it was going to be something special!



At the arrival of the W, my lovely GM (Adriana Daci )greeted me in the lobby, we raced upstairs and ordered food for the pool, and then we ascended to the "WET" pool.....YyeeEssSSsss!! The water was luke warm and the server(Andrew) was delightfully funny and relaxed as a cucumber.



Evening: It was now time to walk down to the French Quarters. The Presbytere(Louisiana State Museum) held the cocktail "carnival" happy hour. I think every bartender participating in the Tales had a mini bar table set-up. They served the best cocktails of thier represented liquor brand.



Everyone from Bombay to St.Germain had a special spirit to offer and I felt like I was in my version of DisneyLand! I think I might of sampled enough libations for 2 people! It was then time to exit the building!!





Later on.... off to socialize with our spirited Tales asscociates. 1st stop: Old Absinthe House (bourbon street), which is one of the main social scenes of the Tales. Everyone had a great time and the festivities in the street from the natives created an authentic NOLA vibe.

2nd stop:D.B.A. (Frenchman street) Ray Deter's sequel from his NYC's D.B.A.(1st ave). Yes, i did end up sitting next to him at the bar, which we had a great conversation along with his welcome to the Tales and NOLA.



Late-late-later on...... at this point, we had a large entourage combing the beautiful quarters, and as the sun was rising, it was time to head back to the W.



NIGHT CAP: NOLA-what an amazing city! Tales-round 1 is under my belt and what a delight it has been!!