Seeking vs. Finding

As I weekly meet new residents to the city of New Orleans, I am constantly at odds about what to tell them about the city and its activities. There are a lot of people who move here with a preconceived notion of what New Orleans is and because of this they may miss out on a host of things that are worthwhile and rewarding. 


Tales of the Cocktail is a perfect example. For eight years Wendy and I have been attending and throughout that time we have met many people, some from New Orleans, and many who are not. Some people have continued to attend some have not and the difference, I think, is a preconception about what the event is. 


Tales of the Cocktail is not a drunken frat party. It is an opportunity for people who enjoy good spirits, being educated, and sampling well-made cocktails to convene and leave with a better understanding of where cocktails have come from and perhaps some measure of inspiration to guide where they are destined to go.


If you want to attend an event ask someone who has gone before, especially someone similar in age to yourself, or someone that enjoys the same things as you. If a person enjoys live music, they may not enjoy an event like Tales of the Cocktail which are more seminar based and which actively promote conversation. By all means, however, attend these events and try them on, they may exceed your expectations and may possibly engender an interest that applies.

So what is the lesson to be learned from this? Leave your predetermined ideas at the door. If you attend an event or come to town to visit you will get as much out as you put into it.