Eat Drink NOLA – New Orleans Restaurants – New Orleans Bars – New Orleans Food and Spirits

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Want to write about it? Contact us at Eat Drink NOLA!  We want to give you a place to share your New Orleans restaurant and / or New Orleans Bar Drinking experiences!

Venue:  Nonna Mia Cafe & Pizzeria
Address:  3125 Esplanade Ave. , New Orleans, La 70119
Hours/ Days Open:
Sun-Thurs: 11a-10p
Fri-Sat: 11a-11p
Phone: (504) 948-1717
Visit Nonna Mia Website
Description: Nonna Mia Pizza & Italian Restaurant in New Orleans features delicious home-cooking style Italian food and an extensive wine list.
Get Nonna Mia Menu – Here

Food Wine Music
Pairings

brought to us by American Express.

Three Masters: One Night: Dave Matthews, Chef John Besh and winemaker Genevieve Janssens create a special evening of food, wine and music at the Robert Mondavi Winery.

The Whitney White Linen Night is a well-known art event in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, but immediately following the week after is the Royal Street’s Dirty Linen Night. This year’s Dirty Linen Night will be held on Saturday, August 11 from 6 pm to 10 pm in the 200 to 1000 blocks of Royal Street.

This free event has been taking place since the early 2000’s and today, Dirty Linen Night has become an outstanding event to rival White Linen Night. With between 30-40 merchants participating in this event it’s sure to be the perfect time to browse shops and look for great deals. In celebration, you will find laundry baskets outside of businesses and vendors will sport their best dirty linens. Many merchants give away dirty martinis and dirty rice in recognition of the event. The evening also features participating musical groups, wandering clowns and mimes and other fun sights for the whole family.

Royal Street is the French Quarter’s crown jewel with art galleries, antique shops, jewelry stores and other specialty shops. Its traditional New Orleans style and elegance is featured in the centuries-old architecture. Take in the beautiful balconies, storefronts, and artwork that are staples of the French Quarter. Participating merchants will be on hand to pleasantly greet strollers and potential customers and guide them around their businesses.

During the event the most heavily trafficked blocks of Royal and adjoining streets are blocked off to vehicular traffic so that strollers and patrons can take in the scene at their own pace.

It will be a night of great food, drink, fun, and shopping! It’s free to all so grab a friend and take a stroll on Royal Street for Dirty Linen Night!

http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/artfestivals/dirtylinen.html

Beer Olympics on Saturday, July 28
Saint Arnold, PlayNola and Bayou Kayaks are teaming up to bring you an event of Olympic proportions! $10 sign up fee goes straight to Boys Hope Girls Hope of New Orleans.
Sign up online at PlayNola’s website. The winning team gets a fabulous prize!

What: Beer Olympics! $10 fee gets you games and beer!
When: This Saturday, July 28 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Bayou St. John (right in front of the LSU Dental School 1101 Florida Avenue, New Orleans)
Who: You! Sign up individually and then team up with three of the closest friends/strangers you can find on Saturday. Teams of four will compete for the gold medal.
Sign Up: Via PlayNola’s website

Beer Olympics Happy Hour
at Fat Harry’s
Thursday, July 26
Come out from 6:30 – 8:30 PM to train for the Beer Olympics. This is a special Fat Harry’s Happy Hour for our Beer Olympics Athletes!

Trivia at Fat Harry’s
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Put on your thinking mustache and strut your stuff this Wednesday for Trivia at Fat Harry’s.
10 pitchers of Saint Arnold!

August 25, 2012
The Houston Texans are headed over to New Orleans for some preseason action. Saint Arnold will be there ready to have a good time.
Stay tuned for details.

Current Seasonal:
Divine Reserve 12 Release
Tuesday, July 31
Our single batch Divine Reserve series is back, and this time it’s an old ale. Look for it July 31.

aint Arnold Pint Night
at The Erin Rose
Wednesday, August 1 – 11:00 PM
Buy a Lawnmower, take the Lawnmower glass!

What more could you want?

Weedwacker Cask at The Avenue Pub
Friday, August 3
A cask of Weedwacker will be upstairs at The Avenue Pub on Friday, August 3. Yum! Also, don’t forget to head there for some Endeavour on IPA Day – August 4.

Saint Arnold Medal Party
at The Barley Oak
Thursday, August 9 – 7:00 PM
Come out to continue celebrating the Olympics. With only three days until the closing ceremonies, squeeze in celebrating the Olympic Games with our medal winning beers. For all you Silver Medal winning Pumpkinator fans, there will be a special treat!

Saint Arnold Beer Dinner
at Martin Wine Cellar in Metairie
Saturday, August 25 – 6:30 PM
Join Martin Wine Cellar for this one-of-a-kind beer dinner featuring Saint Arnold. This sit down dinner will feature five courses prepared by their chefs each paired with a different Saint Arnold beer, some of which are rare finds in New Orleans! Yours truly will guide you through each course for the full craft beer experience.
Reservations are $45 per person. Please call (504) 896-7300 to reserve your seat.

Menu:

Pre Dinner Mingle
Fancy Lawnmower
Passed Boudin Balls with Housemade Lawnmower Mustard

First Course
Weedwacker
Marinated Seafood Salad with Citrus and Fresh Tomato

Second Course
Santo
Spicy Duck Meatballs with a Santo Reduction

Third Course
Endeavour
Korean Style Braised Beef Short Ribs

Dessert
Winter Stout
Saint Arnold Root Beer Float
and Chocolate dipped Banana on a Stick

Cheese Course
Divine Reserve 12
Domestic Artisan Bleu with Nuts and Fruit

Look for Saint Arnold in the beer section at your local grocery.
If you don’t see it, ask for it!

Want to check out the Brewery for FREE?
Find me at any Saint Arnold event, and ask for a pass to the Brewery!

Cheers!

Nicole Froland
nicole_froland@saintarnold.com
@SaintArnoldLA

And the rest of the Brew Crew,
Aaron, Beth, Brett, Brock, Casey, Chris, Chris, Claire, Daniel, David, Deb, Dennis, Donny, Eric, Felix, Frank, Frank, Gonzo, James, Jeremy, Joe, Josh, Justin, Kathy, Kelsey, Kendra, Kevin, Kim, Lennie, Mark, Mary, Michael, Nicole, Pedro, Phil, Ricardo, Robbie, Sam, Seth, Stephen and Vince

Tours Weekdays at 3 PM and
Saturdays between 11 AM and 2 PM
www.saintarnold.com

September 14, 2012 will mark an extraordinary evening at the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans. It will be a special evening to sample a variety of beers while taking in the sights of more than 3,000 species of fish and other aquatic life.

Scales & Ales, presented by Louisiana Seafood, will feature a fine beers as well as delicious cuisine from more then 25 local restaurants. Party-goers can dance the night away to live music, and participate in exciting raffles. Take a stroll through the halls of the aquarium or enjoy the picturesque landscape of the Mississippi River from the plaza. It is sure to be a fantastic evening and all proceeds will benefit Audubon Aquarium of the Americas’ education programs and conservation efforts.

The event will be held from 8 pm until 11 pm. It is a true beer tasting event featuring an incredible variety of beers by local breweries including Abita Brewing Company, Bayou Teche Brewing, Dixie Brewing, Heiner Brau, Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company, NOLA Brewing, and Tin Roof Brewing Company. Each of these savory beers can be enjoyed with fare from some of New Orleans’ favorite restaurants including Café Du Monde, Huck Finn’s Café, Acme Oyster House, Corky’s Bar-B-Q, Creole Creamery, Ye Olde Kettle Cooker, Blue Dot Donuts, Fat Hen Grill, Ralph & Kacoo’s, and Camellia Grill. There will be a private party at 7 pm for all Patron ticket holders.

This is an adult-only event. Tickets start at just $35. Patron tickets are $75 per person. Sponsor packages start at $500. All food and drinks are included in ticket price.

http://www.auduboninstitute.org/scalesandales

Johnny’s Po-Boys is the oldest restaurant in the French Quarter.  It’s a staple in New Orleans and is as memorable as its food is delicious!  It is family owned and operated and has been in the same location at 511 St. Louis Street in New Orleans since 1950.  Even after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Johnny’s Po-Boys was one of the first restaurants to re-open in New Orleans, encouraging the city by giving them a taste of what they remembered so well.  Today, Johnny’s Po-Boys is celebrating more than 60 years in the restaurant business, and it is as well known for its warm bun po’boy’s as it was in the beginning.

The menu has a large variety with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.  Good Housekeeping Magazine listed them as a Top 100 Value Restaurants in the United States and Rand McNally listed the eatery as one of the Best of the Road.  It’s an absolute must-do in the Quarter. They offer inexpensive and great food, large portions, and the best po’boys anywhere. Try the seafood muffalatto; it’s simply incredible!

While Johnny’s Po-Boys is one of the most popular spots in the Quarter is has not lost is originality and charm.  The lines can be long, but they move fast.  Don’t let it stop you from coming in and sampling something off the menu.  From fried alligator to thinly shaved roast beef, it’s sure to be a treat!

Johnny’s Po-Boys
511 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70130

www.johnnyspoboys.com

Contributed by 
Sara Michelle Tristan
Eat Drink Network Columnist 

For three days beginning on July 12th the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans will be transformed into a Spanish festival to coincide with the Encierro, or Running with the Bulls, in Pamplona, Spain. The festival is open to everyone and is absolutely free.

This is the 5th Annual Running of the Bulls through the streets of New Orleans and it is expected to be the largest yet, topping the estimated 10,000 in attendance last year. As with any event in the Big Easy, the festival will kick off will a large party and will end just the same.

The Encierro, or Bull Run, will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, July 14th. More information will be posted as it is available. You can be sure this will be a lot of fun, and a lot safer than the Bull Run taking place in Spain. The bulls for this festival will be none other than the ladies roller derby team, the Big Easy Rollergirls.

Dressed in their derby gear with rubber bull horns on their helmets, The Big Easy Rollergirls will skate after runners and for those who are not able to out run them, they will be “gored and pummeled” with soft waffle bats. It’s all in fun! In fact, it’s so much fun that the King himself will make an appearance as the girls will be joined by The Rolling Elvi, a group of Elvis look-alikes on Segways.

It’s sure to be an unforgettable event and best of all its F-R-E-E!

http://www.nolabulls.com

Contributed by 
Sara Michelle Tristan
Eat Drink Network Columnist 

What began as a small, intimate, one-day gathering of wineries and chefs 20 years ago has grown into a grand celebration of wine and food attracting more than 10,000 people each year over a 5-day weekend, and giving back to the community through support of various organizations.

The 20th Anniversary of the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, which takes place May 22 – 26, 2012, includes
-Wine Dinners hosted by more than 30 New Orleans area restaurants;
-Vinola, NOWFE’s premium tasting event;
-the Royal Street Stroll sponsored by Rouses, NOWFE’s signature event, a definitive evening event set in the heart of the French Quarter; and exciting Culinary Seminars which will fill the days and nights with all things wine and food. The weekend culminates with Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday in true grand fashion with more than 175 wineries showcasing over 1000 wines and 75 chefs serving culinary delights from our region.

In addition, NOWFE will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with an international cake competition and tasting on Friday, May 25th from 8:30 – 11:00 pm. Invited pastry chefs Vanessa Fiorini of Toronto, Canada; Solandie Exantus of the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans; Bronwen Weber of Frosted Art Bakery & Studio in Dallas; and Vinnie and Michelle Garcia of The Bleeding Heart Bakery in Chicago will join in the festivities and create their own signature version of an anniversary cake to be paired with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte at the Big Gateaux Show. This ticketed event, hosted by Food Network’s Keegan Gerhard, Sucre’s Tariq Hanna, and the Royal Sonesta Hotel, will feature a burlesque-theme with Trixi Minx & the Beauties from Burlesque Ballroom. Each chef, assisted by a local culinary student, will create spectacularly designed cakes, to be displayed and tasted at a burlesque themed after-party following the Grand Tasting. Celebrity hosts and judges, including World Champion Pastry Chef and winner of Top Chef Desserts, Season 2, Chris Hanmer; native born Chef John Besh; Lee Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and New York City Wine & Food Festival; and a member of the editorial team from Fine Cooking Magazine, as well as attendees, will choose their favorite delight. The winning design and pastry chef will be awarded with a $5000 prize sponsored by Valrhona. All cake entries will be on display at the Saturday Grand Tasting in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “We are so excited about this event; it will certainly highlight the glamour and excitement that New Orleans has to offer, while toasting our milestone,” states Mary Beth Romig, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Board President. “Everyone should celebrate in such grand style on their anniversary.”

The event itself has evolved through the years and over its 20-year history NOWFE has contributed more than $1 million to local non-profit organizations. This year 100% of the proceeds will go towards two causes: fighting hunger in our community and supporting culinary education. The 2012 beneficiaries have been named—Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive 40% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger in south Louisiana through food distribution, education, advocacy and disaster response. Annually, Second Harvest serves approximately 263,000 people through 240 nonprofit and faith-based agencies across 23 south Louisiana parishes. The following organizations will share the remaining 60% of the proceeds: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. “The donations we make to our local non-profits not only benefit them, but it strengthens our community as a whole,” states Jamie Peckenpaugh, NOWFE Executive Director. “We are proud to have been a part of this community for 20 years and we look forward to the next twenty.”

This year NOWFE welcomes Fine Cooking magazine as its National Media Sponsor and the return of Audi of New Orleans as the Official Automobile Sponsor and Rouse’s Markets as the Presenting Sponsor of the Royal Street Stroll. “We are extremely proud that Fine Cooking is joining our returning sponsors in this year’s event,” states Romig. “Such well respected companies only enhances our reputation and opens the doors for more people to discover the allure of NOWFE.”

NOWFE 2012 will be held May 22 – 26, 2012. In an effort to fight hunger and support culinary education, the 2012 beneficiaries will share 100% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive 40% and the following will share the remaining 60%: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts’ Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans.

For additional information
visit the
The New Orleans Food & Wine Experience
website at www.nowfe.com.

The New Orlean area’s first Pollo Campero has opened, bringing the top taste of Latin America home for many residents and introducing a bold flavor to the city that loves its chicken.

The restaurant is located at 2810 Williams Blvd, in Kenner, La. Owner Hiren Shah and general manager Gustavo Chavarria is proud to bring the signature taste of Pollo Campero to the city that embraces big flavor.

“New Orleans has a thriving Latin American population. El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Pollo Campero’s home country of Guatemala are all well represented. We know people are going to love the delicious taste of Pollo Campero,” says Chavarria.

Chavarria was born in Nicaragua and moved to New Orleans with his family when he was two years old. Before teaming up with Shah, Chavarria worked at his family’s restaurant making tacos and burritos. The two men started working together nine years ago with Shah’s International Market and International Wholesale Club.

The men’s shared love of international food is what first attracted them to Pollo Campero, a brand that has brought the true taste of Latin America to the entire globe.

Founded as a small family restaurant in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero quickly grew to become the world’s largest Latin chicken restaurant chain. Now, it’s embraced by more than 85 million people worldwide every year.

The restaurant chain is famous for its marinated grilled and fried chicken, which is hand prepared exactly the same way it is every day in Latin America using a signature blend of Latin spices.

Pollo Campero is also known for its Campero beans, flavorful rice, crispy yucca fries, and sweet plantains. Pollo Campero’s hard-to-find Latin specialty drinks are fan favorites and including the horchata, tamarindo, and guava.

The new restaurant brings up to 45 new jobs to the area. Chavarria hires workers of all ages, from students to adults, and looks for people with bilingual skills to serve every facet of the community.

A grand opening party is being scheduled for the upcoming months. The celebration will be a VIP event with tickets given away through radio contests. There will be a band as well as radio station in attendance, and the lucky ticket winners will enjoy free food and giveaways.

“New Orleans is a chicken town, and Pollo Campero makes the best Latin chicken there is,” says Chavarria. “We feel like we’re making history in bringing the restaurant to this great city.”

Tales of the Cocktail New Orleans 2012 will go on sale on March 30th.

Now in its 10th year, Tales of the Cocktail® returns with another round of seminars, events, competitions, tastings, dinner pairings, workshops and more that are sure to shake up the cocktail industry. Individual event tickets and special packages will be on sale for Tales of the Cocktail® 2012, starting March 30. There are only a select number of tickets available for each event, so attendees are encouraged to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.

With more than 150 events for both experts and amateurs alike, things will be shaking from day to night during the five days of Tales of the Cocktail®.

Visit the Tales of the Cocktail website for Ticket info here

Save the Date for 2012: July 25th-29th
Tales of the Cocktail® is the world’s premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products. Tales of the Cocktail® returns in 2012 for a historic milestone—its 10th Anniversary of rocking the cocktail world. Join the celebration July 25-29, 2012 and see how Tales of the Cocktail® only gets better with age.