Sazerac Bar: Is It Worth It?

It is often said the Roosevelt Bar is soaked in history. And while it has likely seen its share of celebutantes and debrities, one figure looms above all others in the bar's history: Huey P. Long. Admittedly, I am not the hugest fan of Louisiana's most loved politician. Long is to blame for roughly 90% of the huckster, shyster politicians who predominate this fair state. Of course, when balanced against Tiger Stadium, Long seems less blameworthy for Aaron Broussard and his ilk.

If the Roosevelt Hotel was Long's home away from Baton Rouge, the Sazerac Bar was his home office. And his drink of choice was the Ramos Gin Fizz, a refreshing blend of gin, egg whites, lemon juice, orange blossom water, and soda. Some recipes call for cream and/or simple syrup, but the basic flavor of the drink is a bright floral, citrusy quaff. If you haven't had one, wait for the next really hot day and see why it was so beloved in the days before central air.

The white jacketed bartenders in the Sazerac make a more than acceptable version. The bartender pours the drink with a fair amount of flair, holding the mixing glass on high as the frothy, blend tumbles into the glass. The drink develops in the glass with a top layer of nearly whipped cream followed by the fragrance of a light gin cocktail.

Wrapped in the dark woods and murals, the comfortable seats are perfect for hiding from the onslaught of a Friday afternoon. But those same seats are where my one problem with the Sazerac Bar develops. Often and expectantly, the Sazerac Bar is crowded with the seats and bar stools taken. No problem, you will stand in line and wait for a drink. But lo and behold, a table has opened up just as your drink is being served. You give the bartender your card and tell him to keep it open. If you sit down, finish your drink and attempt to order another one, be prepared for the following reactions from a cocktail server.

1) "I am sorry if you opened your tab at the bar, you need to order from the bar."

2) "Did you open a tab at the bar? (Sigh). I'll see if I can get a drink for you."

3) "I'll be right back to take your order. (Does not return)"

4) "Yes, I'll take care of that for you."

Hopefully you get the fourth response.

Sazerac Bar- Is It Worth It? Likely.
123 Baronne Street
648-1200

Playing Hooky (Sung to the Tune of Makin Whoopee)

Growing up, perfect attendance in school always seemed like such a noble goal. But it wasn't till college that I realized skipping afternoon classes was much more enjoyable. This practice was honed and perfected such that by the time my third year of law school came around, I had it down to a science. Here was the science.

Many people will tell you stupidly to schedule classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and have no classes MWF. This is stupid for two reasons a) Classes on Tues. and Thurs. are usually 1.5 hours b) Who wants to be in class all day anyday. Instead you do this. Schedule all your classes for MWF and go religiously the first 6 weeks (in fall too hot, in winter too cold to enjoy outside). Then start taking off every Friday. Now you have the gift of no classes on Friday, without the burden of being in class all day Thursday.

This works in the real world as well, especially in New Orleans where playing hooky on Friday afternoons is a sign of a good worker. When the weather is this perfect, if you aren't playing hooky you are unemployed. And I apologize for that. So today I want you to tell your boss at 11:45 "I am taking prospective client/client/Jamiroquai to lunch. Ehhh, wish I didn't have to do this. He/She is so boring."

Now you are clear for the afternoon. Getting lunch is a good idea. But really you want to spend this gorgeous day holed up in a cool, dark bar. Why? Well if someone calls looking for you, you need to be ready to go back to the office. Do not leave campus; stay within "Yeah boss, I'm on my way back to the office" striking distance.

And avoid places where you can sit outside and drink. Why? Jesus, do I have to explain everything to you.

Couple of options for you. Let's say you are getting reimbursed for this meeting. Hit up the tony Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel. The decor is dark enough and the vibe clubby, which helps keep lookie loos away. I like a Ramos Gin Fizz in this bar because that is what her most famous patron enjoyed. You do not want to piss off the ghost of Bobby Hebert.

Next door to the Roosevelt, is the unaffiliated but fortuitously named, Roosevelt Hotel Bar. Chef Chris Cody has just taken over the reigns and is turning out some impressive bar food. Ask for the off-menu Cody Special, a meatgasmic blend of all things holy: pork, cheese, and supermodels in bathing suits. The cocktail list has a wealth of treasures, I particularly liked a bourbon and soda concoction spiked with ginger and threaded with rosemary. The Roosevelt Hotel Bar is completely off-the-radar of most folks. Good for hiding and making new friends you will never see again.

If you really want to do this day right, find Chuck's Damn Near 24-Hour Bar and walk into the darkness. Sunlight is outlawed inside of Chuck's, but the jukebox may just be the best in the city. Win/Win if you ask me. The last time I was at Chuck's some rube kept buying everyone Tic Tac shots, which are as horribly delicious as they sound. The maids and porters from area hotels shooting pool at 2 p.m. give this place more character development than 9 seasons of Friends.

Going to Chuck's? Cancel whatever plans you made for later tonight. If you play hooky, right, they either won't or shouldn't come to fruition.