It’s this post that invites me to write. As recently as May of this year, I used to bartend in New Orleans. My den of iniquity was The Circle Bar, a fantastic, low-key. retro-kitch neighborhood place that hostes all kinds of rock and roll. Alas, after I left, the bar changed proprietors and is no longer the home it used to be. Like much of the city.

So it was with a bit of surprise that I read what you have to say about encountering wary and suspicious bartenders. Emotionally battered and poor, yes, but wary is an odd thing to hear. Maybe less-so at the Carousel, where I once had to instruct a bartender on how to make an Irish Coffee (”It doesn’t contain Kaluah.” I wish I was kidding). But the bartenders in more local places like Vaughan’s are typically more friendly, especially when tipped well as you did.

The next time you visit New Orleans, I would love to provide you with a list of watering holes and bartenders who will treat you with the camraderie that is still typical of the city. Like me, all my peeps know how to make a fantastic Sazerac, so you’ll feel right at home. Cheers - d.

I also have more posts to put up about the fun and interesting tidbits from Tales! Man - so much awesome stuff, so little time!!!

I’ll add you to my links list on TLM.