Festival Fever: 2 New Food & Booze Events Launch in New Orleans

While New Orleans has no shortage of amazing festivals, this March will see the debut of two new booze and food events, certain to tantalize the most discerning foodies and imbibers.

TOP TACO NOLA
Since its inception in Denver in 2013, Top Taco has become the city's premier summer food festival. On Thursday, March 23, New Orleans locals and visitors will be able to indulge in a festive evening while giving back to the community at this culinary competition featuring gourmet tacos and creative tequila cocktails from forty of the Big Easy's best restaurants, along with live entertainment.

Taking place at Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza, confirmed restaurants include Mizado, Jacques Imo's, bacobar, Rum House, Ara�a, Velvet Cactus, Tacos and Beer, Del Fuego, Patois, Canal St. Bistro and more. Each restaurant will be paired with a premier tequila brands like Sauza Hornitos, Patron, Casa Noble, and more - each offering unique and flavorful libations.

VIP tickets include private nibbles and cocktails aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen - the famous riverboat on the Mississippi River. Proceeds benefit One Heart NOLA.

NEW ORLEANS BOURBON FESTIVAL
New Orleans is one of the world's most spirited cities and a cocktail loving town. Now bourbon lovers can join together and celebrate at the first annual New Orleans Bourbon Festival. From Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26, food, spirit and culture will converge at the Sugar Mill and Marriott Convention Center in the historic Warehouse District of New Orleans.

Festivities will include a marketplace featuring an array of Bourbon-centric products; two grand tasting events from the world's finest distilleries; live panels with some of the greatest names in the bourbon industry, and a bourbon jazz brunch. Central to this year's kick-off event is attention on "Women in Bourbon," one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.

A pre-game series of Bourbon Pairing Dinners with master distillers will take place at five of New Orleans hottest restaurants on Thursday, March 23. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit St. Michael Special School, an educational facility that teaches students ages six through adulthood with special needs. Tickets range from $59 - $490 (Ultimate VIP) and can be purchased at NewOrleansBourbonFestival.com.