Sometimes you meet a bartender who just immediately endears himself to you. My bartender spotlight this month is one of those people. I am talking about the wonderful Nick Renuoff at the Phoenix Bar, located at 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Maybe it is his twisted sense of humor, his sharp wit, his ability to make a strong drink or his devilish smile. I am not sure what … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender of the Month
Bartender Spotlight
I returned to Gulfport for another fabulous event at SIPPS and, behold, I found another Bartender of the Month there–they do know how to pick wonderful staff! My bartender spotlight to start of 2025 is Kyle Simmons who is a Gulfport native. He has worked at SIPPS for seven years making the move from a totally different industry beforehand where he worked as … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender of the Month – November 2024
I have always felt that the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans is not limited geographically to our state but also Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and some parts in Texas. We have weathered many storms in our area both figuratively (close-minded bigotry) and literally (hurricanes). So I consider all the bars along the Gulf Coast (and our entire state) as part of the NOLA … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – November 2024
Bartender of the Month – October 2024
Bartenders are some of the most artistic people in the city. I believe that being an artist lends itself to being a good bartender. That is why so many actors or singers start out as bartenders. Most good bartenders have flair and charisma. That is definitely true of my bartender for the month of October - Seth … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – October 2024
Bartender of the Month – September 2024
The best thing for a case of the nerves is a case of vodka. And this is why bartenders are so important in our culture and especially in the New Orleans culture. My Bartender of the Month for September can be found at the Bourbon Pub & Parade. Ky Harper (they/them) is originally from Plano, Texas, but has now lived in New Orleans … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – September 2024
Bartender of The Month- August 2024
My fabulous Bartender of the Month needs no introduction. He is a cornerstone of our city. His infectious smile lights up a room whether it is him or his sassy sister Felicia Phillips. I am talking about none other than Philip Anthony who works at the Corner Pocket. I am honored to call him friend and to have been his co-Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence 2016, along with … [Read more...] about Bartender of The Month- August 2024
Bartender Spotlight – July 2024
I love hearing stories about people who come to NOLA for a certain reason, fall in love with the city, and end up returning or staying. That is certainly true of July’s Bartender of the Month Sam Stone (what a great soap opera name) of the Bourbon Pub and Parade. He’s from Denver, Colorado, and moved to New Orleans in 2010 to attend Tulane graduating in 2014 with … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – July 2024
Bartender Spotlight – June 2024
June is Pride month and a great time to visit your favorite bartenders at all the LGBTQ+ establishments and show them love & support. One of those special people who always puts a smile on my face is Jeremy Cole at Good Friends. No lie, Jeremy lifts my mood up just by being in his sphere. That is not just a sign of a good bartender but a fun-loving person in … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – June 2024
Bartender Spotlight – May 2024
Bartenders or whatever your title of choice is (mixologist, bar chef, etc.) are an important part of the gay community. They become our confidants, our protector, our cocktail suppliers and, in some cases, our therapists. But most of all, they are our friends and for many people, our chosen family. I cannot stress what vital roles bartenders at LGBTQ+ drinking … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight – May 2024
Bartender Spotlight
The hospitality industry in NOLA is a large and vibrant community. And like our city’s LGBTQ+ community, it is diverse, cultured, fun and unique. As I’ve always said, if you’re a successful bartender at one of the gay bars in New Orleans, you can handle any type of job, hands down. If you’ve been in the trenches through Mardi Gras and Southern … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight