You will be learning tons at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association this November! After a long day, grab your team and friends and explore all New Orleans has to offer.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. Your friends at MTSKids and our parent company, Cicero Therapies have got you covered. We’re going to be sharing columns and social media tips for how you can make sure you’re having a blast while you’re visiting New Orleans.

This week: The best places to meet up pre-dinner!

Enjoy the amazing selections, from our very own Gordy Rogers, Chief Clinical Officer at Cicero Therapies and New Orleans Foodie Expert:

“If you had a chance to check out our previous blog post about some amazing dining options for ASHA this year in New Orleans, please humor us as we suggest a few pre-dinner or after-dinner spots for unparalleled drinking and music experience. All of the recommendations are hands-down some of the coolest places I’ve ever been.

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits for charcuterie and jazz in a wonderful outdoor setting (600 Poland Avenue): If the experience I’m about to describe to you sounds appealing, go to Bacchanal stat! You and some friends walk into an old house on a corner in the Bywater district and into a market where you choose a plate of cheese, olives, and various spreads and chutneys. Pick a couple items of charcuterie and a bottle of wine. Take the bottle of wine, the cheese plate and your friends into the backyard for a jazz concert from some the city’s best musicians. Drink wine, cheese and listen to jazz for an hour or two and maybe head upstairs to an outstanding bar with unique cocktails. There is no better place for someone who is middle-aged and feeling increasingly uncool (that would be me!) to get his/her groove back.

Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel for world-class cocktails (130 Roosevelt Way): Tucked into the old Roosevelt Hotel a good 20-minute walk from the convention center, this is the place that purports to have invented the cocktail that has defined the New Orleans mixology scene for over a century. The atmosphere is perfect and despite its elegant appeal and renown, doesn’t at all feel touristy. You have to try a Sazerac, supposedly the world’s first mixed drink, but other concoctions are legendary too.

Various spots on Frenchmen Street for rowdiness and sometimes excellent live music. It’s hard to strongly advocate for a particular place or two on this legendary stretch of the city just northeast of the French Quarter – the street itself is the collective experience. While some places will certainly have their devotees, I recommend you stroll and see what appeals. The venues’ lineups are pretty eclectic, from jazz to southern rock to blues and some of the acts are world-class. Expect to pay a cover charge ($10 to $20) to get in each venue and you can usually come and go. A couple stand-outs are Spotted Cat Music Club and Maison.

Tipitina’s for an iconic, unforgettable — if sometimes overwhelming and touristy – experience (501 Napoleon Avenue). If you’re discerning about your live music venues/bars and in an ambitious mood, look no further. You’ll have to use Uber/Lyft or a cab as it’s a good three miles from the French Quarter and the Convention Center. You’ll also likely have to brave long lines, but you can come home from ASHA boasting to your friends, family and fellow SLPs that you ticked off a true bucket list destination for any serious music lover.

Carousel Bar and Lounge is an experience not to miss! It is actually a carousel and an amazing spot. It is located in the beautiful Hotel Monteleone.

Here are also a few “honorable mentions” that you also can’t go wrong with:

Pat O’Brien’s (624 Bourbon Street): Ok maybe this place is the other reason to step foot on Bourbon Street, you’re forewarned that this is a super touristy place but it’s the birthplace of the hurricane cocktail and a fascinating social ecosystem unto itself.

French 75 Bar (813 Bienville Street): If after a long day of talks and networking at ASHA your feet won’t accept a walk to The Sazerac (see above), this place is barely a consolation. While pricy, it’s actually good value and elegant in the extreme. French 75 is also the perfect aperitif to a serious splurge at the restaurant it’s affiliated with, the legendary Arnaud’s.

Erin Rose (811 Conti Street): It’s kind of a Pat O’Brien’s but for locals…and more informed tourists. It’s famous for its pancreas-blitzing frozen Irish coffee and divey, gregarious camaraderie. When I went, I didn’t eat there but the po’ boys are considered quite good. Prices are great and you’ll likely end up with a few new friends after an hour or two here.”

Let us know how we did! Stop by Exhibitor Booth 411 and tell us about it. We have a gift for you for sharing your experience! We are across from the NSSHLA Lounge in the Exhibitor Hall.

Looking for more? Follow us @mtskids on instagram for more updates.

McCulloh Therapeutic Solutions and our parent company, Cicero Therapies hope you enjoy your time in New Orleans! Learn more about us at www.MTSKids.com and at www.CICEROTHERAPIES.com.

Looking for a new work family? Take a look at a career with the Cicero Family of Practices!