The Merry Go ‘Round the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in December

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Emily Schmidt
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The Merry Go ‘Round the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in December
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Cocktails, Festive Pub Crawls, Christmas Dinner and a New Year's Eve Toast

New Orleans, LA (December 7, 2011) - All month long, merry patrons are spinning ‘round the brand new Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone as festive cocktails fill their glasses and holiday cheer fills the air. On December 25^th, as the excitement of Christmas morning starts to simmer, the Hotel invites the whole family to dine at its table for a feast fit for a king.

Carousel Bar Activities
Adults in the mood for some festive libations can take a spin around the famous Carousel Bar with the Joyous Noel or Papa's Nightcap cocktail during the month of December. The Joyous Noel combines the citrus flavors of Absolut Mandarin, orange juice and Grand Marnier in a chilled glass. Garnish the fruity beverage with a candy cane for a minty twist. Papa's Nightcap will give patrons a rich flavor with a burst of energy as it combines Hotel Monteleone Dark Roast Coffee with Bailey's Irish Cream and Frangelico. Whipped cream and a cherry on top add a sweet finish!

"The Carousel Bar reopened on December 1, just in time for the holiday cocktail season," said Andrea Thornton, director of sales and marketing for the Hotel Monteleone. "We invite everyone to come in and see the progress we're making on our renovations while sipping one of the delicious drinks our bartenders created."

Here comes Santa Claus! On December 10, the Very Bad Santa Crawl will stop by the Carousel Bar from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. with more than 200 people dressed up as jolly ‘Ole Saint Nick! All guests with the Very Bad Santa Crawl wristbands can purchase the Yuletide Cheer cocktail for $4 - a specialty drink made with Pisco Brandy and cranberry. For more information on the Very Bad Santa Crawl and to join in the merriment, please visit the Facebook event page.

On December 30, the Hotel Monteleone will debut the newly renovated lounge area. Additional long windows lining Royal Street will lighten up the bar area and will offer patrons a perfect view of the hustle and bustle outside. A new crescent-shaped bar in the lounge will allow the Hotel Monteleone's mixologists to serve more customers as they carry on conversations with friends and unwind with regular evening entertainment Tuesday through Saturday starting in January. On December 31, the Hotel will ring in the New Year with renowned New Orleans performer, Luther Kent. The performance starts at 10 p.m. and is free to attend.

Christmas Dinner
On Christmas day, the Hotel Monteleone chefs are preparing a fine feast for the whole family. Two dinner seatings are available at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. featuring a savory creole Andouille and Sweet Potato Bisque for a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a little kick. Additionally, a selection of salads - such as English Cucumber with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts and Tabbouleh Lamb with Sweet Baby Peas - will satisfy any palate. A carving station of Roast Prime Rib of Beef and Maple Glazed Ham will be set up along with an omelet station. A few of the entrees on the menu include Grilled Shrimp on a Smoked Cheddar Grit Cake with Tabasco Hollandaise; Seafood Stuffed Flounder with a Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce; and Coq au Vin with Pecan Smoked Bacon and Roasted Pearl Onions. Finally, the Hotel Monteleone's award-winning chef is preparing a wide array of festive holiday treats for dessert.

The cost for Christmas brunch is $55 for adults and $24 for children. People can make reservations for either seating by calling (504) 523-3341 ext. 4467.

For more information about Hotel Monteleone or to make reservations to stay at the hotel, please visit http://www.hotelmonteleone.com/ or call (504) 523-3341. Become a fan on Facebook and help the Hotel reach its 125^th Anniversary goal of 12,500 fans! Follow the Hotel Monteleone on Twitter @hotelmonteleone and @carouselbar.

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone, www.hotelmonteleone.com, has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. The hotel is the Quarter's largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites. Hotel Monteleone is within walking-distance of some of New Orleans most famous attractions and is conveniently located 11 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Hotel Monteleone is a member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a consecutive AAA Four Diamond award-winner, and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for "An Outstanding Guest Experience." The Hotel Monteleone is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.

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