In New Orleans, the LGBTQ+ community is very fortunate to have many safe queer and gay spaces with our bar scene being especially large. And the bartenders who work in these establishments are probably some of the finest people you can meet. This month, my Bartender Spotlight is someone who is truly special to anyone who walks into Crossing NOLA. I am talking about the … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – September 2023
Bartender of the Month
Bartender Spotlight – July 2023
Saying “Summertime in New Orleans is hot” is an understatement. I believe walking-on-the-sun-hot may be a better descriptive. But on the days when the humidity brings the temperatures into triple digits, a cool, air-conditioned LGBTQ+ bar is the perfect safe haven. A community oasis, if you will, that makes all your problems melt away. And helping with … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – July 2023
Bartender Spotlight – June 2023
My Bartender for the Spotlight this month has made quite a name for himself in the LGBTQ+ Community of New Orleans in a very short time since he moved to the city. Jimmy Gale is the Capacity Building Community Mobilization Manager for the Louisiana Department of Health, STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program. In his role, he helped organize one of the largest vaccinations … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – June 2023
Bartender Spotlight – May 2023
Many skills come together to make a good bartender, particularly in New Orleans, a drinking city where the cocktail is king. Here a bad bartender usually is not employed long. We are more than a party city for tourists; we are a place where locals love to drink and go out frequently. To be a great bartender in the Big Easy you need to have a personality, be … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – May 2023
Bartender Spotlight – April 2023
In addition to making a great drink, a bartender (or mixologist) has to have myriad skills or traits that will help him succeed in this industry. Having a great personality is high up on that list and my bartender choice this month oozes with charm, wit and a winning personality. I am talking about Zeus at The Page. Zeus is definitely a perfect name for this … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – April 2023
Bartender Spotlight: March 2023
Bartending during a major holiday in New Orleans is like doing a triathlon in my opinion. You need strength, determination and stamina, especially if that holiday is Mardi Gras. This wonderful bartender was an easy choice because he possesses all those characteristics and many more. I am talking about none other than Jerek Ace Edora who works at the Allways Lounge & … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight: March 2023
Bartender Spotlight
I love when a new gay bar opens in the community, or technically an old new gay bar. I went to an opening event at the Silver Fox (740 Burgundy St., formerly Rawhide) as they premiered their new craft cocktail menu and discovered my bartender spotlight there. Fernando Rodriguez is a wonderful addition to the bartending scene in NOLA. Originally from Houston, … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Being a bartender is hard work y’all. The general public is not easy to deal with and great bartenders manage to keep a pleasant demeanor, a smile on their face, and a positive attitude even through the busy times. I discovered this month’s Bartender Spotlight during one of those busy times – Southern Decadence. I met Spencer Smith at Couvant during a Southern Decadence event. … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Lots of people like going to their favorite bars and while I believe that people do visit bars they like, I also think that an equal amount of people go to see their favorite bartenders. A really good bartender can increase a bar’s business substantially. My newest Bartender Spotlight is on one of those star bartenders at The Phoenix. Jeff Seaver is hospitality … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
The summertime may be slow for other businesses, but it seems that the bar industry is always busy. There is no better place to escape the brutal heat of a New Orleans summer than relaxing in a bar drinking a cool beverage and chatting with fascinating people. My bartender spotlight is the fabulous Andy Savage who can be found slinging drinks at Betty’s Bar & … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
