Sunshine has just returned from a trip to New Orleans and cruise to the western Caribbean. Kalani joins him in the lounge to go over a trip report which includes trying cocktail mixers from Pat O’Briens. Also on this episode:

Brief review of Latitude 29 NOLA

A visit to Tiki Tolteca, also in NOLA

Reasons to AVOID Harrahs New Orleans

Infomercial madness

Below Left: Pat O’Briens courtyard was one of our favorite places to eat and drink in the French Quarter. Center: Hurricane and Mint Julep at Pat O’Briens. Right: Cocktail mixers purchased at Pat O’Briens.

We enjoyed the outdoor courtyard. This is an iconic place to enjoy a drink and perhaps the chicken and waffles or something more traditional. As discussed on the podcast the cocktails that use the house mixers are fairly bad. Drinks like their mint julep which does not use any of the mixers is quite good. Try both and see what you think. Prices were very fair and service was good.

Although we didn’t have much time to spend at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 we quickly realized we only have good things to say. Upon entering the “tikiness” shines with some authentic touches as well as unique to the area touches. The lighting is dim enough to give you that relaxing feel that so man of us desire. In an hour we tried four drinks including Cobras Fang, Mai Tai, Espresso Bongo (Sunshine LOVED this one) and the signature Latitude 29. All drinks were made well by Devin, our bartender who was kind enough to make recommendations and tell us a little more about the bar. Listen to the episode for more.

Tiki Tolteca is a fun visit. This is one of those “tiki adjacent” theme bars that can be considered immersive but not a classic. The location is upstairs above another restaurant but succeeds in separating itself from the other establishment by blocking out all outside light and decorating wall to wall in a tiki mezoamerican vibe. The bartenders were quirky and fun, but bottom line made nice cocktails. Its nice to see Pisco used so well in a tiki style drink.