Going bananas

Alana Brennan with waiter Billie Hartline demonstrate Bananas Foster (Photo Alan Smason)

Ann and Paul Tuennerman's Tales of the Cocktail, completing its sixth year in New Orleans in promotion of all manner of spirits is winding down, but it has definitely made the French Quarter the place to be for the last several days. With the historic Monteleone Hotel as its headquarters, the city has been the festival's veritable oyster. Thursday night special dinners were held all across town at some of the finest restaurants with special cocktails and after dinner libations offered as part of the festival. This morning a Media Breakfast was held at world famous Brennan's Restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter with public relations hostess Bonnie Warren making everyone feel at home. U'Lavka Vodka provided the Bloody Marys for the pleasure of the diners. The highlight of the morning was a demonstration of how to make Bananas Foster with waiter Billie Hartline doing the honors along with an assist from the lovely Alana Brennan, whose family has run the restaurant for several generations. Media reps from across the country were first treated to baked apples in heavy cream and Eggs Hussard and Eggs Benedict before the dessert was passed out by the excellent wait staff. It was quite an experience to be a tourist in my home town. The meal was incredible, but the ability to connect with others and to relate to this delightful experience made it even more special.