New Orleans is known for many things including being a playground for partying, an epicurean destination, and a music lover’s haven. As my husband grew up there, we’ve made many trips to visit this unique and vibrant city, and we wanted to share some of our tried-and-true favorites in honor of Mardi Gras.
Of course, we had to begin with food! Beignets are beloved by tourists and NOLA natives alike. Who could resist this airy sugary fried dough? And, furthermore, who would want to? Grab an order (or several) along with a coffee and chicory café au lait at perennial favorite Café du Monde or head to Mother’s for heartier breakfast options. Either way, beat the crowds and get there early.
Insta via @plates4plates
Insta via @parkwaypoorboys
Po-boys are another New Orleans favorite. Shrimp or surf and turf po-boys from Parkway Po-boys are a must-have every time Julian returns to town. Check out this hearty sandwich’s humble history.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t include spicy, hearty gumbo. The Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter behind St. Louis Cathedral has traditional gumbo offerings including seafood okra, chicken andouille sausage, and gumbo z’herbes as well as other local favorites such as crawfish etouffee and jambalaya.
Other foodie favorites: GW Fins, Drago’s, Peche, and Galatoire’s.
Insta via @get_eat_beauty (second pic)
Insta via @yumbaslicious
NOLA without drinks? Inconceivable! Some of our favorite spots include sipping and slowly, spinning at the fabled Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone (the bar actually revolves!), grabbing a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s and sitting in the patio for prime people watching, and bellying up for a purple Frozen VooDoo Daiquiri and some pirate lore at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Once you’ve tasted New Orleans classics, you may inspired to recreate them at home. Take a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, and you’ll be mastering BBQ shrimp and grits and bananas foster in no time. If you aren’t headed to NOLA anytime soon, they even have zoom classes to whet your appetite.
Image via @nolaschoolofcooking
Image via @wwiimuseum
Because there is more to do than eat and drink (although if you’re still hungry for more, we also recommend checking out the Southern Food and Beverage Museum), here are a few additional suggestions:
*Visit The National WWII museum for an in-depth history including oral histories, hands-on exhibits, and a 4-D movie experience.
*Take a cemetery tour. These somewhat unconventional walks take visitors through New Orleans history by sharing the stories of famous (and infamous) NOLA residents.
*New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, so we recommend checking out the performances at Preservation Hall or the Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta, or simply following your ears to the nearest jazz club.
Image via @preservationhall
Image via@neworleansmuseumofart