Rod Dreher

Race and the ‘Important Conversation’

New Orleans Cocktail Superstar

By Rod Dreher • March 25, 2012, 12:38 AM

Finally, somebody I know is famous for good works: my old high school classmate Alan Walter is a superstar bartender in New Orleans. The new Southern Living has a big feature on him. I’m basically a gibbering fanboy, and had to take a photo of the spread to show you. If you happen by the Loa bar at the International House Hotel, you’ve got to go see Alan. Last month I saw him at a dinner party, and he mixed a fantastic concoction involving rosemary, infused syrup, and fresh-squeezed blood orange juice. Too bad the magazine feature isn’t online yet; reading it, and learning about the art and craftsmanship Alan puts into his work, will make you want to get over to the bar straightaway. If you go, tell Alan you want him to make you a Stan Powell Special, and make him tell you the story about the practical joke he played on his high school administration with the RPF forms.

9 Responses to New Orleans Cocktail Superstar

SteveM says:

March 25, 2012 at 8:25 am

The only person smug Power Elites hate more than a person with religious sensibilities, is person with religious sensibilities they have no reason to hate.
richao says:

March 25, 2012 at 9:49 am

Alan Walter has marginally renewed my faith in America, after a traumatic experience in Orlando this week. I was sitting at a hotel bar when another guest walks up and asks for a Bloody Mary. The bartender was at a loss until his supervisor came to his rescue and walked him through pulling out the BM mix and throwing something resembling a BM together. The guest apologized for causing a hassle, but the bartender ensured her it wasn’t a problem. In fact, he was glad she had asked, as “now I know how to make one.”

The combination of happy ignorance with confidence that there’s so little craft in tossing a drink together that one has mastered it after the first attempt depressed me. Contrast this story about the devotion to craft in the culinary and mixing arts in Japan (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204542404577157290201608630.html), particularly the anecdote re the barista whose boss won’t let him serve undiluted coffee to customers until he’s had another 18 months behind the counter.
Tanya says:

March 25, 2012 at 10:03 am

Rod, thanks for the heads up on this. After reading of Lafayette’s success as “The South’s Tastiest Town”, and exploring the gardening articles for the month, I would have breezed right by this article on Alan. I would never have guessed that was him. Small world. I look forward to stopping by!
Stephanie Stringfellow McGuire says:

March 25, 2012 at 11:20 am

Thanks, Rod! My cousin is coming from Scotland next month. They plan a driving trip from FL, through NO,on the way to Shreveport to see the family. They have asked for suggestions and I will gladly mention Allen, as they tend to be connoisseurs of fine drink!!! Maybe they can stop by for refreshment en route.
claire says:

March 25, 2012 at 12:43 pm

he’s so nice-looking. Is he married?
Rod Dreher says:

March 25, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Nope, but he’s got a great girlfriend.
claire says:

March 25, 2012 at 1:29 pm

I’m sure it’s for the best. I couldn’t stay up late enough to date a bartender anywhere. Even if he is the greatest mixologist in my old hometown.
Sherry says:

March 25, 2012 at 2:39 pm

Stephanie, if you need recommendations in (Central) Florida, let me know.
George says:

March 25, 2012 at 5:24 pm

Well after the Saints victory over the Detroit Lions in the playoffs Wife Dianna and Friend Michelle stopped in to see Alan. No Alan, but I was so relieved I wasn’t the rebel rouser for once. Had some great concoctions, and would have been fantastic to see Alan. I remember the car whistle prank the best, but you had to see it to believe it. “Good Works” Hmmmm Love New Orleans.