Meet Camille Whitworth | Owner |Baroness on Baronne & New Orléans Drink Lab

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Whitworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I love being a business owner. Perhaps I was inspired by the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans and saw an opportunity to create a unique experience that blends traditional Creole cuisine with modern flair.

I analyzed the local food and cocktail scene, to identify the needs in New Orleans

Starting Baroness on Barone is not just about opening a restaurant and lounge, it’s about creating a destination that celebrates New Orleans’ culinary and cocktail history while offering a fresh and exciting dining experience for everyone

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a former journalist turned craft cocktail bar owner in vibrant New Orleans, my story is a fusion of passion, culture, and hospitality. Inspired by the city’s rich heritage, I craft not just cocktails but experiences, weaving stories that celebrate New Orleans’ diverse culture. Our bar is a hub of community engagement, sourcing local ingredients, supporting artists, and pushing mixology boundaries while upholding sustainability and ethical standards. Through continual evolution and a commitment to exceptional hospitality, we invite guests to immerse themselves in a journey of taste, storytelling, and Southern charm at the heart of New Orleans.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1:

•Welcome friend with beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde in the French Quarter.
• Explore the historic French Quarter, visiting iconic spots like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the lively streets filled with music and art.

Dinner at Galatoire’s for a classic New Orleans dining experience with dishes like seafood gumbo, shrimp remoulade,

Day 2

Take a culinary walking tour to sample diverse cuisines and learn about the city’s culinary history and influences.
•Visit the Garden District for a leisurely stroll among the stunning historic mansions and oak-lined streets.
•Lunch at Commander’s Palace for upscale Creole dining and their famous turtle soup.
•Dinner at Cochon for a modern take on Cajun and Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like fried alligator, wood-fired oysters, and Cajun boudin.

Day 3

jazz brunch at Brennan’s, known for their delicious turtle soup, bananas foster, and elegant Creole brunch dishes.
•Explore the Riverfront area, taking a scenic walk along the Mississippi River and visiting the French Market for local snacks and crafts.
•Lunch at
Petite Amelie in the quarter
•Dinner at Arnaud’s for a taste of old-world New Orleans charm and Creole food like shrimp étouffée and crawfish bisque

Day 4

Start with a swamp tour to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty and wildlife, followed by lunch at Muriel’s
•Le Musee Museum, dedicated to free people of color for a cultural experience
•Dinner at GW Fins -my all time fave- for the freshest seafood, featuring dishes like seared scallops, lobster dumplings, and Gulf fish specialties.

Day 5
Try street food like po’boys, muffulettas, and daiquiris from iconic spots such as Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Central Grocery, and any daiquiri shop
•Dinner at Herbsaint for contemporary French-inspired food with a Southern twist, showcasing dishes like Gulf fish, and house-made pastas.

Day 6
Take a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Later we take a cocktail class at my place, the New Orleans drink lab.

Day 7
Explore the historic Frenchmen Street for live music, art galleries, and a vibrant local scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shout out to all the wonderful Master bartenders that I have been around. Many of them are true artists who care about the creation of fine cocktails.

I couldn’t do what I do without many of them. They are my eyes and ears on the ground, they keep up with current trends, and they are my first line of sight in my establishments.

Website: https://Baronessnola.com

Instagram: @baronessnola

Image Credits
Phot cred: SpotHopper