READY TO GET away — but don’t want to face airport travel just yet? Snag a ticket to the exclusive pop-up at Bandista this Wednesday, Jan. 11, for a taste of New Orleans from one of the country’s top bars. The Four Seasons Houston’s speakeasy bar and lounge will change places with heralded Jewel of the South bar and restaurant bringing the cocktails — and the award-winning bartender/co-owner Chris Hannah — to Houston for a bar takeover.

When the acclaimed bars switch residency for one night each, they will showcase the South’s best cocktail experiences in each other’s cities. The Houston pop-up, 5pm-midnight, will feature four Jewel of the South house cocktails and one collaboration cocktail ($30 to $50 each). Reservations are required for this special event, which benefits Camp H-Town.

Jewel of the South was named Best U.S. Restaurant Bar of the Year, and Hannah won U.S. Bartender of the Year at the recent Tales of the Cocktail conference. Jewel of the South was also named No. 24 in North America’s 50 Best Bars. Southern cocktail pioneer Hannah is known for reviving classic drinks and his vast knowledge of historic ingredients. His kitchen crafts indulgences such as a sterling caviar program and dinosaur-sized bone marrow, as well as elevated British fare in a charming Southern-style setting.

Houston city slicker Bandista will get its turn at the New Orleans pop-up Sunday, Jan. 15, from 5pm to 11pm at Jewel of the South. Highlighting the talents of Houston bartenders Alanna Svay and Sean Curtis, the team will present four Bandista house cocktails and one collaboration cocktail. Reservations are required for the bar pop-up, which benefits Turning Tables.

Jewel of the South wet bar garnishes

Bartender Hannah

"This pop-up exchange with our friends at Jewel of the South is a great opportunity to exclusively offer our guests one of the world’s best bar experiences, right here in the comfort of Bandista,” says Tom Segesta, GM Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “And taking Bandista to the French Quarter will further showcase what we have created here and give New Orleans a taste of our creative Houston drink artistry and craftsmanship.”

For those looking to make a night of it and stay at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, its Romance Package includes welcome Champagne and strawberries, daily breakfast, and an extended 3pm checkout. Why not get a jump on Valentine’s Day?!