Are You A Foodie?
The other day when asked, that very question, I wasn’t sure how to answer… I’ve never considered myself a foodie, actually I’ve never given it much thought, what is a foodie, exactly? A person who likes good food? I definitely fall into that category, who doesn’t, but I’m also known to skip meals. In fact taking part in other fun activities like, shopping, movie going, or wandering great museums will often take precedence over a sit down meal… does that mean I can’t be a foodie?
While the question of whether or not I’m a foodie remains to be seen, there is one thing I am sure of… New Orleans is definitely a foodie town and of that their can be no doubt! You know that old saying, “When in Rome, er, I mean New Orleans…” You get the idea…
So… Let’s Eat Lunch & Talk About Dinner!
Meals in the crescent city go way beyond the basic necessity of just satisfying hunger. Almost without exception each and every one is an experience in local favorites, traditional cuisine, good service, and fun atmosphere! In a city like NOLA talking about your next meal while consuming your current one is common place and comes naturally!
Though we’ve been to New Orleans multiple times we’ve far from sampled all she has to offer. With the help of Michael Murphy’s book Eat Dat we did our best to hit as many new spots as we could and a few old favorites as well. You’ll have to forgive my lack of food porn, but I was too busy eating to take many photos.
Let’s Dig In!
Here, by neighborhood, is a list of just a few of the places we found time to visit on our most recent trip:
The French Quarter:
The Court of the Two Sisters – Located on Royal Street in the heart of the Quarter this place has a long history, good food and a lovely atmosphere.
Cafe Du Monde – Just across from Jackson Square on Decatur Cafe Du Monde has the best beignets in the entire world and a 150+ year old track record to prove it!
Kingfish – Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and a file gumbo! Kingfish is new on the scene, but definitely worth a visit! I loved my food and the service and ambiance were great too! Located on Chartres Street… which by the way is pronounced Charters.
Muriel’s – We really enjoyed our meal, especially the sweet potato soup, and the view of Jackson Square from the second floor balcony is worth your time. Apparently, like many places in NOLA, Muriel’s has a resident ghost. They set his table each day, which you can see on your way upstairs to enjoy the view!
Napoleon House – A break in the ever present line around the block gave us the opportunity to finally try Napoleon House. If faded splendor, great service, and an eclectic menu appeal to you then this is the place for you!
Masperos – We popped into Masperos on Decatur one evening before heading out for a cruise on the riverboat Natchez. We were in a bit of a hurry, so no photos, but definitely enjoyed our jambalaya and shrimp po-boys. They’re famous for their muffuletta sandwiches, but since I’m not an olive salad fan…
Broussards – Though we weren’t able to fit in a sit down at this famous establishment, we were able to sample their wares at their French Quarter Festival booth. Though it wasn’t fancy we really enjoyed our Crab Cake Sliders, which came on an amazing bun with yummy slaw!
Dickie Brennans Bourbon House – The French Quarter Festival provided us the opportunity to check a number of places off of our restaurant list. The Prime Beef Debris sandwiches and BBQ Shrimp Po-Boys were delicious, but they were’t really photo worthy… We enjoyed them both and would definitely try their brick and mortar location if given the opportunity.
Pere Antoine – Located on the corner of Royal Street this restaurant is a great place to take a break, have a drink and do a little people watching. When you’re ready to get back out there, just ask for your next round in a Go Cup! Really!
Marigny & Bywater Neighborhoods:
Bao & Noodle – Located on Chartres Street in the Marigny, we stumbled across Bao & Noodle on a walk one afternoon and decided to give it a try. After the better part of a week spent eating cajun and creole style food we really enjoyed this taste of Asian. The owner/chef and his staff were very welcoming and clearly excited about what they had to offer… they should be the food was delicious!
Dat Dog – Just down the block from the Frenchmen’s Art Market in the Marigny district, Dat Dog is a fun casual place to grab a bite. Both times we were there the music was great and so was the service! If you’re not a beef eater, don’t worry they have lots of other options, including alligator and duck. Some of the more unusual toppings are: blackberry sauce, andouille sausage, and crawfish Étouffée. If you’re undecided, you can take a chance, and ask for the Chef’s Choice.
Jack Dempsey’s – After hearing this place offered frog legs, I knew we’d be going! Sadly, they sold out of frog legs earlier that day, but we sampled some of their other fried items as well as their mac n’ cheese, which apparently they’re famous for! I must admit the mac n’ cheese was pretty darn good! If you’re looking for an experience this is your place!
Praline Connection – Just across from Dat Dog, the Praline Connection has become a New Orleans institution. As the sign says they offer traditional New Orleans cuisine. The space is small and it’s popular, so be prepared to wait.
Warehouse and CBD:
Mother’s – Everybody’s favorite, Mother’s Restaurant is always on our list. Like most places worth eating at in NOLA, Mother’s is almost always crowded. If you want to beat the crowds, go during off hours. Since you’ll be waiting in line, make sure you’re prepared to order when it’s your turn!
Lower Garden District:
District Donuts, Sliders & Brew – We discovered this place last year and I’ve been following their Instagram account every since… they’re not beignets, but these guys know how to make a donut! Not to mention they’re sliders and brew (coffee) are pretty great too! Too late we discovered they have another location Uptown that features coffee and hand pies! It’s on our list for next time…
Snacks & Drinks:
Looking for something to do in between meals? How about a snack?
Laura’s Candies – “Mom, we have to go to New Orlean’s oldest candy store”said, Simon. “It must be good!” Guess what?! It was! I’ve sampled pralines at just about every place in the Quarter, and I’ve decided these were my favorite! They have lots of other yummy treats as well!
Snowizard – SnoBalls, otherwise known as a snow cone for those of you West Coasters, are not just a treat in New Orleans, but on a hot day they’re an absolute necessity! I’d heard about SnoWizard before, but never had a chance to try it out… this past visit we just happened to pass by on a walk down Magazine Street while in the Garden District and thought we’d better try it out…
Pat O’Brien’s – My favorite Hurricane and a New Orlean’s institution Pat O’Brien’s is located on St. Peter’s just up from Royal Street. You can’t miss it as there will probably be a line out the door, but don’t be discouraged, this is New Orleans, home of the Go Cup.
Zapps Potato Chips (Voodoo flavor) – Sold around town in various places, I discovered these tasty chips a few years ago! I love them, but as they’re hard to find on the West Coast I am only able to indulge when visiting NOLA…
Old Favorites:
Of course we didn’t have time to hit every spot we love on this most recent trip, after all we did do other things besides eat… sort of… but check out last year’s NOLA post for information about other famous and popular eating spots! Like Acme Oyster House, The Gumbo Shop, Commander’s Palace and many more…
Happy Eating!
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Anonymous
Yum
theitinerary1
Nice food 🙂
danniijane
Not those doughnuta/beignets again! I drool when I see them they look so good☺ New Orleans looks amazing it’s very much on my travel wish list x
Hilary
They’re so yummy, I just couldn’t talk about NOLA food without a mention!
danniijane
Haha they look amazing. Your post has only made me want to go NO more x
sfarnoult
Reblogged this on Bella Musings.