Myria Free is known around town as Austin’s “The Whiskey Princess”— and for good reason. She’s a self-taught mixologist that has curated some of the city’s most innovative and cherished whiskey programs. Her deep love affair with spirits began the day she filled in for an absentee bartender at a Lake Travis spot where she worked as the lead server. She quickly realized that she had a knack for experimenting with flavor combinations and began building a following. She moved on to various bars in the downtown area, always curious and engaged, before taking a hiatus to join a start-up.
Years later, she found her way back to the hospitality industry and accepted an offer to open Austin’s first bourbon bar. Her task was to build the best bourbon list outside of Kentucky, and Free diligently began studying and tasting everything she could get her hands on, mastering myriad nuances of the palate. That success eventually led her to Freedmen’s, a lounge housed in an historic building in West Austin, where as bar manager Free began playing with more whiskey offerings, being mindful to include something for everyone in her repertoire, from crowd pleasers to a few of her favorites.
She draws from her books, travels, and dreams to create inspired—never boring—drinks. Now as operations manager of Freedmen’s, she oversees the collection of more than 160 whiskeys, passes on her knowledge of spirits and life, and encourages others to explore until they discover that aha moment when a cocktail comes together. For The Whiskey Princess, it is all about creating experiences and brightening other people’s days.
Photo and story courtesy of Paula Biehler Public Relations
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…