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Try the 3 New Orleans spots on Esquire's best bars list
The Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons New Orleans. Photo: Christian Horan/Courtesy of Four Seasons
New Orleans landed three spots on Esquire's annual Best Bars in America list, published Thursday.
- Only San Francisco and New York have more, with five.
New steakhouse with $400 gold-coated steaks to open in New Orleans
24-karat gold leaf wraps the steaks at Gaia. Photo courtesy Gaia Steakhouse
A "new age" steakhouse will open on St. Charles Avenue this July.
What to expect: Gaia Steakhouse's atmosphere will be over-the-top with 24-karat gold atop steaks cut table-side, luxe finishes and "world-class" DJs.
Disney's new "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" ride is an ode to New Orleans
Mama Odie was a lovable character in the movie, "The Princess and the Frog," and will be back for the new ride, "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," Disney says. Rendering courtesy of Disney
Disney is converting Splash Mountain into "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," an attraction that will highlight the company's first Black princess and be a "love letter to New Orleans."
Why it matters: Splash Mountain has been a fan favorite for years. In 2020, Disney said it would change the concept to be more inclusive.
New Orleans chef Leah Chase was inspiration for Disney's Princess Tiana
American chef Leah Chase (1923 - 2019) in the kitchen of Dooky Chase's in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 19, 2015. Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
Princess Tiana is largely inspired by New Orleans chef Leah Chase, and her family has been actively involved in the creative process with Disney as the company expands Tiana's presence in the parks.
Why it matters: Tiana was Disney's first Black princess in 2009's "The Princess and the Frog" and broke barriers, much like Leah Chase did with her restaurant, especially during the Civil Rights movement.
Disney hires New Orleans musician PJ Morton for new Tiana ride
PJ Morton performs onstage during MusiCares Persons of the Year on February 3, 2023. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Disney has hired New Orleans native and musician extraordinaire PJ Morton to compose an original theme song for the new Princess Tiana ride that is being billed as a "love letter to New Orleans."
Why it matters: Disney is retheming the popular "Splash Mountain" rides in Disney World and Disneyland and converting them to "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," which will feature the company's first Black princess from 2009's "Princess and the Frog."
4 best rooftop bars in New Orleans
Rosie’s on the Roof. Photo: Courtesy of Rosie's on the Roof/Higgins Hotel
There’s something inherently swanky about a rooftop bar, and these four options in New Orleans embody that vibe.
- Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a quick pre-dinner cocktail or planning to while away an evening watching the sunset, we have you covered.
New Orleans preps levees, power grid for hurricane season
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
As another hurricane season begins, infrastructure remains the biggest concern in New Orleans — drains, levees and the power grid, especially.
Here's what the various agencies are saying:
What to expect this hurricane season in New Orleans
Satellite image from NOAA as Hurricane Isaac moved toward the Gulf Coast in 2012. Photo: NOAA via Getty Images
New Orleanians' most dreaded time of year — hurricane season — starts June 1.
What's happening: NOAA predicts a near-normal Atlantic season with 12-17 named storms in total with winds of 39 mph or higher.