Tales of the Cocktail Event In New Orleans

So my wife found this for me for Valentines day. This is a copy of the press release:

TALES OF THE TIKI COCKTAIL: PELICAN CLUB HOSTS DINNER WITH HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF TROPICAL DRINKS
Author Jeff “Beachbum” Berry reveals NOLA connections to birth of Tiki cocktails.

NEW ORLEANS (December 13, 2007) – Tales of the Cocktail, the annual culinary and cocktail festival, presents Tales of the Tiki Cocktail, a dinner and tropical drink history and tasting, on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at The Pelican Club.

Author Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, who has written multiple books on “tiki” and tropical drinks, will be in New Orleans to host the dinner and tasting with Pelican Club chef Richard Hughes. Berry will discuss how New Orleans was the birthplace of these revolutionary rum cocktails and the local restaurants who were most known for this type of drink.

“Don The Beachcomber, who kicked off the national craze of Tiki drinks was actually born in New Orleans,” said Jeff Berry. “Chef Hughes and I are going to take our guests on a culinary journey of exotic cuisine and vintage tropical drink recipes.” Berry is the author of "Beachbum Berry's Grog Log," which has been called "the best bar guide for tropical drinks ever published" (National Review). Jeff's next two books, "Intoxica!" and "Taboo Table," have made him the toast of the global tiki bar revival. His original cocktail creations are now being served at tiki bars around the world.

Ann Rogers, founder of Tales of the Cocktail notes that the annual summertime event is expanding its educational outreach. “We are now hosting events throughout the year, such as Tales of the Tiki Cocktail, in addition to our annual festival,” said Rogers. “Now locals, as well as visitors to New Orleans can attend fantastic tastings and seminars on any given weekend or weekday on subjects from tiki drinks to holiday cocktails!”

All Tales of the Cocktail events support the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, which raise funds to support its mission of preserving New Orleans dining and drinking history. Reservations are required to attend Tales of the Tiki Cocktail and tickets are $95 a person inclusive of tax and gratuity. Tickets can be purchased by calling 504-377-7935.

The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to benefit hospitality industry members, produces Tales of the Cocktail annually. Its mission it so preserve the rich history of the restaurants and bars of New Orleans and the unique culture of dining and drinking famous to the city, while educating locals, visitors, and the hospitality industry about this culinary heritage.

Tales of the Cocktail, a culinary and cocktail festival on July 16-20, 2008, features award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers in the New Orleans French Quarter at five days of cocktail events such as dinner-pairings, cocktail demos and tastings, seminars, mixing competitions, design expos, book-signings and much more. Measuring some of their success in garnishes, Tales of the Cocktail 2007, used 7250 mint leaves, 3580 lime wedges, 800 watermelon cubes, 560 gin soaked dried cherries,1390 orange slices, 2 tons of ice and more for 12,000 sippers!

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit http://www.TalesoftheCocktail.com and register your name to receive email updates, ticket-sales announcements and to view the exciting line-up of events and celebrity presenters for 2008.

sounds great
Just got back from NOLA for a friends wedding. Unfortunately no tiki bars there but this event sounds promising

Well the menu has come out and all I got to say is . . . I am speechless. There are many fine restaurants in this great city and I have only had the opportunity to eat there once but it was such a memorable experience . . . please excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.

TALES OF TIKI DINNER
February 22, 2008

HOUSE MADE SPRING ROLLS WITH DIPPING SAUCES
Crawfish and Ginger, Crab and Jalapeño,
Duck and Pineapple, Cabbage and Shitake Mushroom

WELCOME COCKTAIL
Old New Orleans, Citrus juices, Spice-infused Sugar Syrup
(A drink in the classic Tiki mode, created for tonight’s event)

GINGER AND SESAME U-10 DIVER SEA SCALLOP
with a Louisiana Coconut-Crawfish Cake and a Cilantro-Jalapeño-Lime Dressing

MYSTERY GARDENIA
10-Cane Rum, Lime Juice, Honey-Butter, Angostura Bitters
(By Don The Beachcomber. In the 1960s, the St. Charles Hotel’s Outrigger Bar served this as the “White Cloud.”)

TARTAR OF AHI TUNA “POKE”-STYLE
with Avocado Salad, Wasabi Topika and a Soy-Wasabi Vinaigrette

NUI NUI
Cruzan Estate Rum, Pimento Liqueur, Vanilla Cordial Syrup,
Orange & Lime Juice, Cinnamon Syrup
(A 1930s Don The Beachcomber drink, featured both at the Outrigger and the Bali Hai on Pontchartrain Beach.)

SEARED SZECHUAN PEPPERCORN SEA BASS
with Red Curry Polenta, Orange Peel Shrimp, Kumquat Confit and a 4-Citrus Sauce

MISSIONARY’S DOWNFALL
Cruzan Estate Rum, Peach Brandy, Fresh Mint, Pineapple, Lime Juice
(A Don The Beachcomber recipe, served at the Bali Hai as “Padre’s Pitfall.”)

NIMAN RANCH PORK BONE-IN RIBEYE & BRAISED PORK BELLY
with Pork Fried Rice, Cashew Pea Pods, Sweet & Sour House-Made
Pickled Vegetables and a 5-Spice-Mango Barbeque Sauce

MAI TAI
Rhum Clément VSOP, Orange Curacao,
Lime Juice, Sugar & Orgeat Syrups
(Trader Vic’s original 1944 recipe. Every New Orleans tiki bar served their own version of this.)

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
with Angela Brocato’s Rum-Raisin Ice Cream and a Honey-Rum Glaze

BO-LO
Clément and Cruzan rums, Angostura Bitters, Lime & Pineapple Juices,
Passion Fruit & Honey Mixes
(A 1953 version of Don The Beachcomber’s Pi-Yi)

Chef de Cuisine – Richard Hughes Bar Chef – Jeff Berry

[ Edited by: BlackFish 2009-09-08 04:39 ]

I think The Crazed Mugs are playing this in July.

Isn't that Donn Beach's birthday? Let me check my Tiki Daze calendar. Why yes it is!

Anyone know: Is the Bo Lo the same as the Boo Loo (Grog Log, page 23)?

More New Orleans press on the event, plus original drink recipes from the Bali Hai

http://blog.nola.com/judywalker/2008/02/bali_hai_drink_recipes_surface.html

Also, the menu incorrectly lists dessert as ice cream from Angela Brocato's. It's actually ANGELO Brocato's, a family owned and run Sicilian dessert shop near the corner of Carrollton and Canal. I know this because I worked there and have eaten their rum raisin ice cream many times. If you are ever in NOLA, it is worth a trip to have one of their on-site made cannolis. It's a REAL cannoli, made with sweetened ricotta cheese, not that crappy dessert creme you get at restaurants. The cannoli shells and everything are made right there. The store is currently owned by son Arthur Brocato.

I am salivating just reading the menu of delicious eats and drinks. Sounds FANTASTIC!!!!!

I want to hear a full report from anyone who attends! I'm SO jealous!

On 2008-01-17 18:08, tiki410 wrote:
Well the menu has come out and all I got to say is . . . I am speechless. There are many fine restaurants in this great city and I have only had the opportunity to eat there once but it was such a memorable experience . . . please excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin.

TALES OF TIKI DINNER
February 22, 2008

HOUSE MADE SPRING ROLLS WITH DIPPING SAUCES
Crawfish and Ginger, Crab and Jalapeño,
Duck and Pineapple, Cabbage and Shitake Mushroom

WELCOME COCKTAIL
Old New Orleans, Citrus juices, Spice-infused Sugar Syrup
(A drink in the classic Tiki mode, created for tonight’s event)

GINGER AND SESAME U-10 DIVER SEA SCALLOP
with a Louisiana Coconut-Crawfish Cake and a Cilantro-Jalapeño-Lime Dressing

MYSTERY GARDENIA
10-Cane Rum, Lime Juice, Honey-Butter, Angostura Bitters
(By Don The Beachcomber. In the 1960s, the St. Charles Hotel’s Outrigger Bar served this as the “White Cloud.”)

TARTAR OF AHI TUNA “POKE”-STYLE
with Avocado Salad, Wasabi Topika and a Soy-Wasabi Vinaigrette

NUI NUI
Cruzan Estate Rum, Pimento Liqueur, Vanilla Cordial Syrup,
Orange & Lime Juice, Cinnamon Syrup
(A 1930s Don The Beachcomber drink, featured both at the Outrigger and the Bali Hai on Pontchartrain Beach.)

SEARED SZECHUAN PEPPERCORN SEA BASS
with Red Curry Polenta, Orange Peel Shrimp, Kumquat Confit and a 4-Citrus Sauce

MISSIONARY’S DOWNFALL
Cruzan Estate Rum, Peach Brandy, Fresh Mint, Pineapple, Lime Juice
(A Don The Beachcomber recipe, served at the Bali Hai as “Padre’s Pitfall.”)

NIMAN RANCH PORK BONE-IN RIBEYE & BRAISED PORK BELLY
with Pork Fried Rice, Cashew Pea Pods, Sweet & Sour House-Made
Pickled Vegetables and a 5-Spice-Mango Barbeque Sauce

MAI TAI
Rhum Clément VSOP, Orange Curacao,
Lime Juice, Sugar & Orgeat Syrups
(Trader Vic’s original 1944 recipe. Every New Orleans tiki bar served their own version of this.)

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
with Angela Brocato’s Rum-Raisin Ice Cream and a Honey-Rum Glaze

BO-LO
Clément and Cruzan rums, Angostura Bitters, Lime & Pineapple Juices,
Passion Fruit & Honey Mixes
(A 1953 version of Don The Beachcomber’s Pi-Yi)

Chef de Cuisine – Richard Hughes Bar Chef – Jeff Berry

So we're thinking about checking out the 'Tales of the Cocktail' event in July in New Orleans. They're having a tiki block party sponsored by Tiki Magazine, their website says the following about the event:

"On July 21, New Orleans goes native as we transform Fulton Street into the world's greatest outdoor Tiki Bar. Sip authentic Mai Tais, Zombies, and other famous Tiki drinks, accompanied by mouth-watering pu-pus (that's island-style hors d'oeuvres, for you malihinis out there). Surrender to the intoxicating beat of live music from the award-winning exotica band, Crazed Mugs ,Thrill to the island antics of our dancers, and marvel at the skill on display at our live tiki-carving demo. Complimentary tiki freebies will be provided. Aloha wear is strongly encouraged, so put on your Hawaiian shirts ... and prepare yourself for a luau of volcanic proportions!"

Anyone else thinking about going? And did anyone go to the 'Tales of Tiki' dinner back in February?

I am registered and rarin' to go!

Jack

Frostiki, I attended the event in February and I cannot speak highly enough of it. The Pelican club is truly one of my absolute favorites. The evening was very enjoyable. The individuals that host and/or put on the events for Tales of the Cocktail are first class and you will not be disappointed if you attend.

I was able to get autographs from the man himself and the drinks were fantastic. The food completely complemented the drinks and vice versa.

Whereas I love cocktails this is the first meal that I had a different cocktail with every course. I left very fat and very happy. We sat with some great New Orleans characters. These are the kind that belong in "A Confederacy of Dunces" and they told us nothing but great stories of the famous bars of New Orleans past.

I am looking forward to some of the other events listed. Looks like I am going to have to take more days off from work.

NOLA is my most fav city. I lived there briefly and still visit quite often. I think I'll plan to be there for the tiki block party, but I doubt if I will take in any of the other events. Would love to meet some other TC folks going!
Hey Stumpgrinder, Loki, Chip, Andy, Bree, TikiKiliki....y'all should get on up this way and meet me there! I give a decent 10cent tour of the city :)

http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/2008/view_person.php?person=68

Jeff Berry and martiki will be there too!!

I can't wait.

We're actually playing outside of the casino at the hub of New Orleans.
Very exciting.

[ Edited by: pablus 2008-05-05 17:30 ]

Wow. I can't wait until July for this. Livin' in the deep south doesn't lend itself to very many tiki-related events other than an occasional trip to the Atlanta Trader Vics or making to the Hukilau...and this will be the last year for that :(. But now we have a tiki block party right in the heart of the quarter. We're very excited and looking forward to seeing all of the tiki freaks there.

By the way, Basement Kahuna just posted a little blurb on myspace about being at the Tales of the Cocktail event along with Jeff Berry, King Kukulele, Tiki Kiliki, and Martin Cates of Forbidden Island. All of these good folks along with the Crazed Mugs should make for a very cool tiki block party.

See you all in the Big Easy!

So who all is going to this block party? I hope to, but I'm waiting to see the results of dad's surgery this week before buying a ticket. Hope to get over there and see some of y'all there!

We got canceled even though they're still using our photos, bios and killer aloha.
Never heard a peep from them except "uhhhh...... never mind."

Whatever. Jeff Berry and martiki are worth the trip.
You don need no steenking Mugs.

We woulda rocked it though. Absolutely.

I'm saving it all up now for HHHH in Columbus where I will ignite my uke and explode in a blue 151 flame ball.

Aw, crap. I was looking forward to seeing youse guys. I guess I'll just have to console myself with cocktails.

Hmm...if all you got was, "nevermind," that kinda makes me question the event...maybe I won't bother after all...I was debating over whether I wanted to do that or just go ahead and try to take one more big trip before school starts again...guess I'll skip the block party and start looking for tickets to CA or something.
Anyone else planning on being at the Tales of the Cocktail block party? If tickets to CA are too expensive, I might still try it....undecided

Yes! I will be there as well as, I believe, Liesure Master and Urban Tiki - at least.

Hell yeah!

Not sure about UT though...

Hmmm...LeisureMaster...you are the guy with pics of yourself in your underwear on the subway, right? Well, this party is sounding fun after all! lol

On 2008-07-09 15:14, SouthBamaTiki wrote:
Hmmm...LeisureMaster...you are the guy with pics of yourself in your underwear on the subway, right? Well, this party is sounding fun after all! lol

Damn interweb....

then again, we're talkin' about New Orleans in mid-July...will anyone be wearing pants?

I'm not an alcoholic, I'm an enthusiast.

[ Edited by: leisure master 2008-07-09 15:36 ]

Just a note, since the thread seems fairly relevant.

The Bum, will be leading a Session, Potions of the Caribbean, where Melintur, Rick from Kaiser Penguin, and I will be shaking drinks like madmen trying to keep up with the session.

More info about the session is available on the talesblog post.

Come on down Saturday morning, and learn about these luxurious libations while drinking them!

Saw the Bum's presentation at Hukilau and it was great - LOVED his pointing device.

There was a slight snafu on the drinks though - #3 didn't come out for tasting until after the show was over. He'll probably have you guys working hard to get them out on time.

I'm pretty sure I'll go see it again, but it's too bad they put it in the morning.

I'm not an alcoholic, I'm an enthusiast.

[ Edited by: leisure master 2008-07-09 15:43 ]

Looks like I have to pick Trevor up at the airport in NOLA sometime that weekend, so maybe I will go ahead and make a weekend of it and join the party. Wonder if there is a deadline to buy tickets. If I show up, who am I going to see, and who is going to have a drink with me? :) For $50, it better be one hell of a party...I know of a lot of fun free bars in the Quarter! lol

The fabulous Ms Jeanne Vidrine (Queen of New Orleans) will be serving cocktails at Jeff and Martin's talk, and it looks like I too will be making this event! It just looks too good to miss! Whoo-HOO!! (But Pablus, I am way bummed you won't be there! :( )

The space between Hukilau and Oasis keeps getting narrower and narrower...
F

i'm an old friend of ms. vidrine's, i'd just like to say hi to her.