SoBou: A Modern Creole Saloon Opening in W New Orleans French Quarter this June

SoBou: A MODERN CREOLE SALOON OPENING IN 
W New Orleans French Quarter this June
The Commanders Palace Family of Restaurants to open a "spirited restaurant" South of Bourbon Street where the cocktails take center-stage

(New Orleans, LA; May 2012) -  SoBou, a "spirited restaurant," offering cutting-edge cocktails and Louisiana street food-inspired small plates will open in W New Orleans -French Quarter on June 25, 2012. The creative brain trust behind the Commander's Family of Restaurants, including "cocktail chicks" Ti Brennan Martin and Lally Brennan, have brought together an all-star team to spearhead the creation of SoBou. Celebrated Bar Chef Lu Brow, of The Swizzle Stick Bar, will head the state-of-the-art cocktail program along with in-house Bar

Chef Abigail Gullo, while Executive Chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez, and Consulting Chef Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace, have created a new menu with Creole, Cajun and southern influences. Ideally located in the swanky French Quarter, SoBou will offer guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience including self-serve wine on tap, a hidden courtyard, and a beer garden.

"This is an establishment our team has been dreaming up for years now-a serious restaurant where the beverage program is not an afterthought," says Owner Ti Martin. "We call it cooking with Louisiana DNA and adult beverages. Guests can come for cocktails and nibble on snacks like pig-fired pecans, or they can enjoy a multi-course dinner with wine pairings."

Bar Chefs Brow and Gullo will use everything they can get their hands on, including house-made tinctures and bitters, as well as barrel aged cocktails in the new bar program. Examples of SoBou's libations include The Charbonneau Way - named for the road where Gullo's family makes their own maple syrup-and the Jean Lafitte. The Charbonneau Way features Rye Whiskey, maple syrup, lemon and Amere Savage (an American version of the French gentian liquor Suze) with fresh thyme and a Herbsaint rinse on the glass.  Named after the famous New Orleans pirate/patriot, the Jean Lafitte is a delicious blend of three rums, local honey citrus and ginger.  Whether it is a custom-made concoction or a classic Sazerac, the emphasis will remain on craftsmanship inspired by a reverence for well-made cocktails.

Chef Gonzalez's menu of colorful Creole small plates designed for sharing will be unmistakably New Orleans.  Under the guidance of James Beard nominated Chef McPhail, it will feature Louisiana signatures such as a Po-Boy re-imagined as Duck Debris & Buttermilk Beignets with chicory coffee ganache. Island influences from Gonzalez's Puerto Rican heritage shine through in Shrimp and Tasso Pinchos with grilled pineapple and spicy pepper jelly.

Self-serve wine machines and booths with built-in beer taps in the beer garden will encourage guests to rethink their approach. By controlling the size of each pour-one, two , or six ounces - guests can create their own destiny by sampling and discovering multiple varieties at their own pace without having to commit. Commander's Palace Wine Guy Dan Davis along with SoBou General Manager Mark Mansfield have devised a wine list varied enough to excite novice wine drinkers and oenophiles alike.

SoBou will also partner with the Museum of the American Cocktail to hold an ongoing series of special tastings and events as well as include displays within the restaurant of rare cocktail artifacts from the Museum's collection. In true New Orleans' style, SoBou will celebrate the cocktail culture in a dining environment that seamlessly blends warmth, humor and hospitality.

SoBou will open on June 25, 2012.

About SoBou

SoBou, a "spirited restaurant" offering cutting-edge cocktails and Louisiana street food-inspired small plates, will open in W New Orleans - French Quarter on June 25, 2012.

Created by the Commander's Family of Restaurants, SoBou brings together an all-star team including "cocktail chick" Ti Brennan Martin, Alex Brennan-Martin of Brennan's of Houston, Cousin Brad Brennan, Commanders Palace Executive Chef Tory McPhail and General Manager Steve Woodruff, Corporate Bar Chef Lu Brow, and Wine Guy Dan Davis. SoBou will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside an innovative cocktail, wine and beer program. 

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact

Jessica Rodriguez or Adi Noe at Wagstaff Worldwide:

jessica@wagstaffworldwide.com or adi@wagstaffworldwide.com

212.227.7575