Last week I promised a list for some of my favorite places to eat in New Orleans. Here it is!
For traditional New Orleans food – like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee or red beans and rice – the restaurant choices are many and vary in price and atmosphere. For Cajun Food try K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Mulate’s, or Oceana Grill.
For Creole food consider Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s, Court of Two Sisters, Muriel’s of Jackson Square, theGumbo Shop, or Olivier’s. You won’t go wrong. I have gone to Olivier’s many, many times over the years, and they have great food and service,and it’s conveniently located on Decatur Street.
If you are in the mood for seafood, New Orleans has many excellent restaurants to try (a list too long to provide). But if oysters are your thing, you must go to the Acme Oyster Housejust off Bourbon Street.
For the delicious and ever popular Po’Boy Sandwiches, my favorites are Mother’s on Poydras Street, Johnny’s, Parkway Bakery, and Parasol (featured on “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives”). You can’t go wrong with any of these. And for the unique muffuletta, try the Central Market on Decatur. This giant round sandwich with Italian meats and cheeses enhanced with their olive spread is a real treat. Make sure you go hungry, and still be prepared to share.
For the best fried chicken maybe anywhere, Willie Mae’s Scotch House at 2402 Ann Street is your best bet, and it was also featured on “Drive In’s Diners and Dives.” If you want Italian food with New Orleans flair try Irene’s on Philip Street.
And if you still have room after a night of feasting, for a fabulous breakfast go to Café Fleur de Lis on Chartres Street. The omelets and pastries are terrific and this small café is bustling – so prepare to wait. And for a sweet treat, head to Café Du Monde for a beignet and a cup of coffee. The beignet is a crispy pillow of deep fried dough which is covered in powdered sugar.
Clearly this list of wonderful food, served with New Orleans friendliness, is endless and only represents my personal experience and preference. Dare to explore the many options for food in this town and you won’t be sorry! Next time, I’ll clue you in on entertainment and music New Orleans style.
So, come to New Orleans early, enjoy the food…and volunteer with us on May 19th, DRI2012’s Voluteer Day, with projects in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest/ Feeding America.
Clyde Berger, DRI International Foundation, Director of Volunteerism