Tales of the Cocktail® Explores New Orleans Culture, Cuisine and Cocktails

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Media Contact:
Ann Tuennerman
504-948-0511
Ann@TalesoftheCocktail.com

Tales of the Cocktail® Explores New Orleans Culture, Cuisine and Cocktails

Six new excursions and a street food and go cup event shake up the Tales of the Cocktail® 10th Anniversary spirited celebration

NEW ORLEANS - APRIL 10, 2012 - With more than 200 events for both experts and amateurs alike, we will be making history during the five days of Tales of the Cocktail® 2012. For the historic 10th Anniversary celebration, this year's schedule includes a host of events including a street food and go-cups event and new Tales of the Cocktail® excursions.

The Street Food and Go Cups event will show how in a city known for it's food, a new culinary trend has hit the streets on the final day of Tales of the Cocktail®, Sunday July 29th. Food trucks are rolling through New Orleans serving everything from fish tacos to grilled cheese. At Tales of the Cocktail® 2012, we're adding cocktails to their menus. Grab some grub, a good drink and a picnic table, and then enjoy a lunch unlike anything else.

"At this point in my life, I have few passions left that I haven't addressed with gusto," said Paul G. Tuennerman, Co-Instigator and COO of Tales of the Cocktail. "So, the combination of New Orleans, Food Trucks, and Cocktails is the natural next step in the quest to leave this life, satiated."

The "Tales of the Honey Island" excursion, on Sunday, July 29th, presented by 42 Below Vodka trades the wild life of the French Quarter for the wildlife of the Louisiana swamplands. This exclusive Tales Tour will take you to the Honey Island Swamp where you'll enjoy cocktails on board the airboat as you drink in the majestic sights and sounds of this famous swamp.

The "How to Strip for Your Man" excursion, on Sunday, July 29th, presented by Secrets in Lace and Spicebox Whisky is a sizzling class that is guaranteed to add spice to your love life. Do something delightfully naughty but nice for yourself and your man by following the easy step-by-step moves of veteran Bourbon Street ecdysiast GiO who will show you everything you always wanted to know about striptease. There will be a 20-minute cocktail break between the first and second hour of the class.

The "Mardi Gras Beads at Galeria Alegria" excursion, on Sunday, July 29th, answers the question: What happens to all of those colorful strands after Mardi Gras? Join in for a night of making artwork out of the Mardi Gras necklaces and chowing down on authentic NOLA cuisine at a happy hour-meets-art class. Gallery owner and self-taught German-born artist Stephán Wanger will lead a class in creating the kind of artwork he pioneered.

The "Urban Farm Tour" excursion led by Poppy Tooker, a native New Orleanian who has spent her life immersed in the vibrant colors and flavors of her hometown. She will take you to some of New Orleans most fascinating urban farms including Brobson Lutz "Bee Hive in the Hood" and the mid city chicken farms of Joe Brock. Ends with a wonderful tasting of foods raised from the gardens of Ye Olde College Inn a New Orleans landmark established in 1933.

The "Confederacy of Cruisers" excursion presented by Spicebox Whiskey lets the good times roll as you take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans from behind a pair of handlebars on Wednesday, July 25th and Friday, July 27th. This two-wheeled tour takes you through the distinctive neighborhoods of New Orleans as you soak in some history and stop off for some local cuisine along the way. Mixology maven Chris Hannah joins the tour, serving up some of the cocktail history and culture that lives throughout the city.

The "Curing with Cocktails" excursion presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey on Sunday, July 29th, presented by Chef Alon of Domenica Restaurant will give an introduction to the Italian technique of butchering a local Mangalista pig on Thursday, July 25th and Saturday, July 28th. Enjoy the succulent Salumi paired with a delicious cocktail while gaining knowledge in the art of pig butchering.

To purchase tickets or for more information about these excursions as well as other events at the Tales of the Cocktail® 10th Anniversary celebration, visit TalesoftheCocktail.com.

About Tales of the Cocktail®
Tales of the Cocktail® is the world's premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products. Tales of the Cocktail® returns in 2012 for a historic milestone-its 10th Anniversary of rocking the cocktail world. Join the celebration July 25-29, 2012 and see how Tales of the Cocktail® only gets better with age.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS) is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of cocktails and cuisine in New Orleans and beyond. Since it's founding in 2006 the NOCCPS has supported members of the hospitality industry through programs like the new Apprentice Aid Fund, providing financial assistance to former apprentices in times of medical need, the Cocktail Apprentice Scholarship Program and the Flo Woodward Memorial Scholarship as well as the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail®.

For more information about Tales of the Cocktail® 2012, visit TalesoftheCocktail.com. Tickets are on sale now.

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