Itinerary Through New Orleans
New Orleans’ culinary credentials have ensured that it is one of the finest food destinations in the world. From the rustic flavours of Creole and Cajun cooking to globally renowned James Beard-awarded chefs and restaurants, the city’s local culture of celebrating the bounty of the region is diverse and enthralling. This culinary trip covers the best and most authentic flavours of New Orleans.
Beignets at Cafe du Monde- Pair these classics sweet treats with a cup of cafe au lait for the ultimate New Orleans experience.
Po-Boys- Fried oyster, shrimp, catfish, or garlicky roast beef, po-boys are a must try. Parkway and Domilise’s are two favourites for these classics in New Orleans.
Lunch at Galatoire’s- Patrons of this “Grand Dame” of Creole dining are sure to make a reservation in advance to grab a table in Galatoire’s famous downstairs dining room. Expect delicious, classic New Orleans food in an elegant, French Quarter atmosphere. Order the goute to start, a shareable feast of crab maison and shrimp remoulade or tack on an order of oysters en brochette (fried, bacon-wrapped oysters). Their turtle soup au sherry and Godchaux salad are must-try dishes on the menu.
Red Beans from Dooky Chase’s- The late Chef Leah Chase’s famous Tremé restaurant has been synonymous with decadent Creole cuisine since it opened as a sandwich shop in 1939. Try a little bit of everything, from red beans and rice to fried oyster salad and the stuffed shrimp.
Fried Chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House- Around the corner from Dooky Chase, you will find a long line and what the Travel Channel once labelled “America’s Best Fried Chicken.”
Barbecue Shrimp at Pascal’s Manale- New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp is as messy as it is delicious with the French bread, a necessary accompaniment to the buttery, peppery sauce on this dish. The barbecue shrimp originated at this unassuming Uptown gem, where you can also get your raw oyster fix.
Turtle Soup at Commander’s Palace- Turtle Soup and pecan pie are staples, though everything at this Haute Creole restaurant is tasty. Enjoy classics like Commander’s Creole gumbo, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and Creole bread pudding soufflé.
Muffalettas from Central Grocery- These sandwiches are perfect for sharing. Grab one from Central Grocery and then take it up to Woldenberg Park for a picnic along the river, where you can watch the steamboats pass.
Traditional Vietnamese Food- New Orleans’ thriving Vietnamese community delivers seriously authentic Vietnamese staples such as phở and báhn mì all across the city. Favourites include Lilly’s Cafe and Pho Tau Bay.
Sno-balls- Perhaps one of the most delicious ways to cool off, the snowball is a favourite treat in New Orleans from early spring through late fall. Fans fiercely support their favourite places, such as Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, which has been open since 1939 and Plum Street Snowballs tucked away in Uptown.
Bananas Foster- Invented at Brennan’s but offered at many restaurants, it is a dessert to savour. You will watch an expert server prepare the dish before your table, and the cooking demo includes an impressive pyrotechnic display.
Crawfish- While it should be on every foodie’s list to try boiled crawfish, there is plenty of ways to enjoy spicy mudbugs all over town. Try a hot dog made with crawfish sausage and topped with crawfish étouffée at Dat Dog, and Vietnamese crawfish boils at Boil Seafood House. You can find traditional boiled crawfish and sides at Frankie & Johnny’s.
Gulf Oysters- Whether you like them raw on the half shell or chargrilled, enjoy oysters at Acme Oyster House.
Gumbo- Gumbo is a New Orleans staple prepared differently by every chef. Try it from famous spots like The Munch Factory or Liuzza’s by the Track.
Pralines- Pralines are a southern sweet made from sugar, milk, and pecans. Grab one while you are here from an authentic shop like Loretta’s Authentic Pralines or Aunt Sally’s Pralines.
Alligator Cheesecake from Jacques-Imo’s- Jacques-Imo’s is a classic, yet funky, New Orleans spot for fried food and seafood. Their signature alligator cheesecake is one-of-a-kind. To have a unique experience, ask to be seated in the truck bed out front.
Soufflé Potatoes- Think of a blown-up French fry and you might be close to imagining soufflé potatoes. The super thin potatoes are puffed with air and paired with béarnaise sauce for dipping. You can get a taste at Arnaud’s or Galatoire’s, both James Beard Award-Winningrestaurants.
Hot Boudin from Cochon Butcher- From chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Butcher is a deli and butcher serving classic Cajun meats. It is an outpost of their larger restaurant, Cochon, located right next door. Their hot boudin is a must-try while in Southern Louisiana.
Get in the Holiday Spirit with a Réveillon- Historically, Réveillon dinners were multi-course, extravagant meals served after Christmas Eve mass. Today, many of the city’s best restaurants celebrate the holiday season with special prix fixe menus all December long.
Learn the Tricks- If you are looking to expand your own cooking skills and bring a little New Orleans back with you, try out classes at one of the many culinary schools such as the New Orleans School of Cooking.
