Tatlo achieves magic at new "Filipino witch bar" off Bourbon Street
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Cristina Quackenbush shares manifestation cards with guests at the end of a meal at Tatlo. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
I knew I'd enjoy Tatlo before even learning Cristina Quackenbush and Anh Luu were leading the kitchen when I read the phrase "Filipino witch bar."
Why it matters: The new French Quarter haunt is bursting with flavor and creativity, and it achieves the magical feat of feeling genuine, not gimmicky, just steps from Bourbon Street.
Catch up quick: Quackenbush is best known as the chef behind the popular restaurant-turned-pop-up Milkfish, and she teamed up with Luu and Hayley Vanvleet to create Tatlo.
- Vanvleet's credentials include stints at Meauxbar, Curio and Peche, according to Eater New Orleans, as well as Belle Époque, the now-closed French Quarter bar that formerly occupied the current Tatlo space.
Zoom in: Tatlo's witchy vibe builds on Quackenbush's very real witchcraft practice, which she shared recently during an absinthe and small plate tasting that the team invited Axios New Orleans to attend.
- Throughout the meal, and throughout the regular menu, Quackenbush shares details about what each dish can bring into one's life.
- A plate of tuna crudo, for example, which was paired with Atelier Vie's Toulouse Blue absinthe, highlighted both the butterfly pea extract in the absinthe and offered the magical properties of rebirth and chance, Quackenbush said.
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Dig in: Though the dishes offered during the absinthe tasting aren't on the regular menu, they were more than enough reason to return for more.
- Thoughtful flavor notes, like a lemongrass chili oil to pair with the hibiscus in Toulouse Red, met with great textures, like a pillowy potato and tapioca starch noodle that broke apart like velvet under crunchy fried garlic.
- Plus, the dishes were all as fun as the space they were served in, with walls a deep ocean blue, witchy art and moss and greenery hanging from the ceiling.
What's next: Tatlo is in its soft-opening phase throughout the summer, and it's open Thursdays through Sundays for now.
- Expect a grand opening celebration in September.
- When? Friday the 13th, of course.
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