After chef Leah Chase died, we were hit with the news that Dr. John had died. With boisterous celebration and jubilant dancing in the streets, we sent off both the legends in style, in the only way we know how. As we press on, we’re going to put you in the right place at the right time to shake off the blues and take in the joy of New Orleans. This week, we’ll tell you about tasting some local liquor celebrating neighborhoods through libation labeling, coffee that’s comforting and a baker’s booming business. Get ready to accentuate the positive, people.
Taste a liquor a year before it hits shelves
The weekend is almost upon us, and we’re here to help you get it started! 73 Distilling is having an exclusive tasting of its Bywater Bourbon a year before it shows up in stores and is giving a tour of its distillery. Click here to find out more about the local liquors, and here to get tickets to this event!
The City Says Goodbye to Leah Chase
Since the death of chef Leah Chase on June 1, the city has been celebrating her life. From second lines to a beautiful burial Mass, New Orleans showed out for one of our legends. On Saturday, a memorial service was held at Xavier University’s Convocation Center. The celebration was open to the public, and everyone from national politicians to Chase’s Treme neighbors attended. Click here to see the pictures.
Hug in a Mug
Flanked by one of the last remaining buildings of the Iberville Public Housing Development is a glistening hidden gem: Backatown Coffee Parlour. This isn’t your average coffee shop in any sense of the word. The high ceilings, light fixtures, furniture — in fact, every inch of the community space — has been thought out. Click here to read more about how New Orleans brings life to this local business.
These Cupcakes are no Small Feat
On a bustling corner of Magazine Street, you’ll find one of the nation’s top-ranked bakeries. It’s The Cupcake Collection, owned by local entrepreneur Mignon Francois, who splits her time between New Orleans and Nashville. Her story is one of triumph and sacrifice, and of running a generator at night so her home could have electricity. Click here to see how she prevailed and started expanding one of the nation’s best bakeries to her hometown.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. June 14, 2019
Brother O’Mara Workshop | 7-8:30 p.m. | NOLA Craft Culture | $50
Join one of New Orleans’ favorite but mysterious artists, Brother O’Mara, to learn how to craft one of his signature skulls, followed by a Q&A with the brother himself!
Father’s Day Playdate | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Kindermusik with Madeline | $20 per child
Dads, this play date is for you (and your kids, of course!). Bond through music, dancing and fun. Twirl Photography will be on hand to do portraits.
Sat. June 15, 2019
Fifth Annual Pirates Ball | 8-11 p.m. | The Cannery | $50
Don your pirate garb and join Odyssey House Louisiana Inc. for a night of adventure! Odyssey House’s mission is to help people overcome addiction, and the Pirate Ball is a swashbuckling good time filled with great food, libations, entertainment from The NOLA Dukes and a silent auction.
Not So Skinny Dip: A Plus-Size Pool Party | 5-10 p.m. | The Cannery | $15
Treat yourself to a day of fun in the sun, new friends and slaying outfits. This event is more than a fabulous time – it’s a space for plus-size people to feel comfortable and joyous in their bodies.
Growing up Fatherless: The Father’s Day Tribute | 3-7 p.m. | 1024 Elysian Fields Ave. | $25
With Father’s Day slowly approaching, do you ever stop to think about how hard this time of year can be for girls with incarcerated fathers? Each mentee of Daughters Beyond Incarceration feels bombarded with reminders to celebrate their father but doesn’t know how. This year, DBI is celebrating incarcerated fathers with Navigate Nola using Photovoice. This photo presentation includes all-you-can-eat crawfish and fixin’s with mentees.
Sun. June 16, 2019
Soca Fete | 4-10 p.m. | Deja Vieux Food Park | $10
This celebration of the pulsating rhythms of soca music and Caribbean culture, features authentic Caribbean food and drinks and arts and craft vendors, and the event is kid friendly!
Father’s Day Brews and BBQ | 11 a.m – 6 p.m. | Urban South Brewery | Free to attend
A BBQ pop-up, seven special beers on draft, live music from Casey Saba, 15% off men’s merchandise and a bounce house for the kiddos sounds like an awesome way to spend Father’s Day.
