A Culinary Tour of New Orleans

As one of the most lauded food destinations in the United States, New Orleans delivers! Its Louisiana Creole cuisine reigns supreme, and its origins can be traced globally. West Africa, France, Italy, Caribbean Islands, Spain as well as Amerindian and traditional Southern U.S. cooking methods have all played a part in its distinctive cooking styles and flavor palette. And its Cajun cuisine can trace its roots to French Canadians (Acadians) that migrated to the region and, in time, added their spin to the regional mix. However, there are many other unique cuisines and culinary offerings which call New Orleans home.

Try the delicious Southern Fried Chicken at Dooky Chase’s.

Dooky Chase’s
Located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, this venerable restaurant continues to maintain its popularity with celebrities, political figures, global leaders and everyday people, and understandably so. Its menu and recipes, all curated by the late Leah Chase, has a focus on Louisiana Creole cuisine (Leah was known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine), so you must try the Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etoufee, Chicken a la Dooky as well as the Southern Fried Chicken! Dooky Chase is such an authentic experience, not only with its cuisine, but its history. In fact, Disney based its Princess Tiana character (from Princess & The Frog) on Leah Chase!

Enjoy a coffee and beignets at Café du Monde.

Café du Monde
Who knew that primarily serving Chicory-infused coffee and Beignets would be so popular? While not Creole per se, the original Café du Monde in the French Quarter is very much a part of the culinary “fabric" of New Orleans. You can start your day with one of their tasty Café au Laits and a couple of beignets. However, never fear, Café du Monde maintains late hours, so you can get your caffeine and sugar fix pretty much anytime of the day or night.

For breakfast, try the Brenton Buckwheat Crepe at Brennan’s.

Brennan’s
Known primarily for creating the famous Bananas Foster dessert, you will find that your visit to Brennan’s offers so much more goodness! Starting with breakfast: Brennan’s Eggs Hussard (which is an elevated Eggs Benedict that includes coffee-cured bacon and Marchand de Vin sauce), Eggs St. Charles, Crawfish Quiche and Eggs Fratau are certain to help you start your day right. For dinner, the Smothered Shrimp & Grits (impressive), Buttermilk Baked Chicken and the Trout Blangé are all flavorful choices to reward yourself after a productive day of touring New Orleans.
Antoine’s
A culinary-focused visit to New Orleans without visiting Antoine’s is an incomplete trip. Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest restaurant in New Orleans, and the oldest family-owned restaurant in the U.S., and it is the pinnacle of fine dining in the region. Their menu is a curation of both French and Louisiana Creole specialties, including Classic Fish Amandine, Pompano Pontchartrain, Chicken Rochambeau and Champignon Bourguignon. Additionally, if you enjoy bivalve seafood, there’s one dish that is an Antoine’s original which you must try, the Oysters Rockefeller! Yes, this specialty was created in New Orleans, not New York. (The “Rockefeller" portion of its name is a nod to the John D. Rockefeller as this delicacy is very rich).
Central Grocery & Deli
Don’t let the name fool you. Central Grocery & Deli is a local favorite, and it is especially known nationally for being the originator of Muffaletta sandwich! Very Italian in scope, their 9" sesame loaf is filled with salami, mortadella, ham, provolone and Swiss cheeses, as well as their signature olive salad. This is a sandwich that requires many napkins (and a bib, if you have one) as it is quite messy, but oh so delicious! (The original Central Grocery is undergoing repairs at time of publication, but you can still experience this sandwich from satellite locations which may be found on their website).
Leah’s Pralines
Located in the French Quarter, Leah’s Pralines has been in business for over 75 years serving up their delicious traditional pralines, frosted pecans and bacon pecan brittle (yum!). Leah’s makes everything in small batches in order to ensure consistent flavor and freshness.
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About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.