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Louisiana

foodies-guide-to-nola
Travel

Noshing in NOLA

If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you’ll understand when I say that it’s not just a location, but truly a way of life. Bursting at its seams with a cultural past, bright and whimsical architecture, harmonious jazz at every corner, and of course some of the country’s (maybe even the world’s!) best dishes, New Orleans is a must for all of your bucket lists. ‘The Big Easy’ is eclectic, vibrant, and almost never silent – making it one of the least boring places I’ve ever visited. Follow along for my foodie guide of New Orleans…

Breakfast + Brunch

District Donuts, Sliders, & Brew // 2209 Magazine Street

If you know me at all, even if it’s just from my Instagram page, you know donuts are my jam. No matter where I am in the world, I WILL find the best donut that location has to offer. In New Orleans, that title goes hands-down to District. Not only are their donuts absolutely delicious, but their flavors change every single day – and who doesn’t love that element of surprise?! If you’re feeling savory, try some of their other breakfast items – I had a pork belly breakfast taco that was ahhh-maze-ing.

After you’re done chowing down your donuts (yes plural because you won’t be able to choose just one), walk, browse, & shop along Magazine Street. Home to some of the cutest boutiques and antique shops all clustered conveniently together, you won’t want to miss it.

donuts-new-orleans

Atchafalaya // 901 Louisiana Avenue

if you’re looking for more of a brunchy (that’s a word, isn’t it?) atmosphere, head to Atchafalaya. While it’s definitely a cab ride away from the French Quarter, it’s worth it just to get away from the chaos for a little bit – especially for a great meal. Their brunch menu is full of Louisiana inspired items, but most have their own interesting twist. I would highly recommend the ‘Duck Hash,’ which consists of poached eggs, duck confit, blackberries, & mango, smothered in hollandaise & bacon vinaigrette (what’s a diet?). Savory & sweet – the perfect combination. Don’t skip the coffee –  it’s GOOD.

atchafalaya-new-orleans-brunch

Lunch

Killer Po’Boys  // 811 Conti Street {Erin Rose Bar}

You will get lost finding this place. Don’t give up. It is worth every mile walked, every corner turned, every frustrating feeling you have towards your iPhone map. Killer Po’Boys is such a MUST when visiting New Orleans, I can’t reiterate that enough. It’s location is strange – in the wayyy back of a bar in a small square dark room. Their menu is small and consists only of about five different po’boy sandwiches. I had the Seared Gulf Shrimp Po’Boy and I wish I would’ve savored every bite a little bit longer. It was served banh mi style and the flavors were so on point. This place should be on every foodie’s list!

killer-po-boys-new-orleans

Acme Oyster House // 724 Iberville Street

Normally I don’t recommend overly-touristy spots, because well, they usually suck to be honest. But when you have a hankering for oysters in a city that’s really well known for their oysters, you just have to go for it. Acme Oyster House proved my theory wrong! Despite the line out front, the oysters were phenom. And fresh. They’re known for their chargrilled oysters, but I had to go for the steamed and chilled – it was super hot outside. Go for either, or both.

acme-oyster-house-new-orleans

Dinner

August // 301 Tchoupitoulas Street

This was one of the best meals I’ve EVER had. John Besh has quite the reputation in New Orleans, and for very good reason – his food is to die for. Restaurant August is situated on a street that I still can’t quite pronounce, outside of the hustle & bustle of the quarter. Definitely make a reservation in advance because I would hate to see you miss it. August offers a degustation menu (with optional wine pairing) or you can order a la carte. I wasn’t starving, so we ordered off the menu. What to order, you ask?

  • Start with the salad of brûléed goat cheese and strawberry and prepare to be mesmerized. It’s crazy to think that just a salad can mesmerize you, but trust me and you’ll see.
  • For your next course, order the handmade potato gnocchi tossed with blue crab and black truffle – what couldn’t be amazing about that?
  • As your main dish, go for the Wagyu hangar steak with sesame, kimchi, & cured yard egg – WOW, just wow.
  • As stuffed as you are, you better save a teensy bit of room for dessert – the lemon soufflé. You’re welcome.

The pictures don’t do August justice – it’s very romantic and dark inside!

august-new-orleans

Cochon // 930 Tchoupitoulas Street

Cochon was recommended to me by so many people when I said I was visiting New Orleans, that I knew I had to go or I would regret it. Cochon has an awesome vibe, and a menu to match. Their cocktail menu is pretty enticing – I would recommend imbibing in the ‘hey, jack’ (chinaco tequila, pama liqueur, jalapeno, tarragon, lime juice, & ginger beer) or a bourbon flight if you’re feeling adventurous. Speaking of adventurous, this is where we decided to go all out and try some interesting flavors and textures we’re not used to.

  • We started with the fried alligator with chili garlic mayonnaise. If you’ve never tried alligator,  there might not be a better place to try it. Alligator has the texture of calamari and the flavor of chicken, a very cool combination!
  • Next up – the mixed green salad with fried cheese, hard boiled egg & pickled radish. Pickled anything usually sells me.
  • For the main course, the rabbit & dumplings won the vote. This dish is served similar to a pot-pie of sorts – stewy, hot, and topped with biscuit-y goodness. Southern comfort in all its glory.

cochon-new-orleans

We decided to keep the night going with some true New Orleans pralines from the French Quarter. I may have taken a bunch home, and they may all be gone now – just saying!

new-orleans-pralines

New Orleans has it all – incredible food, interesting people, & a lot to explore. It isn’t all raging drunken fools throwing beads on Bourbon Street (although that is GREAT people watching) – it’s so much more. I hope one day you enjoy New Orleans as much as I did! Cheers!

 

 

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