Everyone always talks about the food and flavor and vibe of New Orleans and there are a variety of reasons why. Going on an adventure to New Orleans with my sister, who has never been, was quite an experience, especially since she has a sweet tooth.
In cheesy fashion, we began our food adventure at the Court of Two Sisters which has a fantastic brunch buffet with live jazz. From Nola classics like jambalaya and gumbo to large chilled shrimp and Cajun pasta, the choices were endless. Bourbon bread pudding and other desserts warmed the soul.
After walking around the French Quarter for hours we went back to Hotel Monteleone where we were staying to experience the rotating carousel bar and lounge where we enjoyed some tasty amaretto sours.
We burned the midnight oil by checking out an incredible performance by legendary NOLA act Preservation Hall. We strolled down Bourbon Street with giant slushy Hurricanes and to round out the first day, of course, we got some fried chicken at Willy’s Chicken Shack to go with it.
With no hangover in sight, we walked over to the famous Brennan’s and enjoyed a lighter breakfast with crab and avocado toast and drank their delicious chicory coffee by the carafe. If only we had room for the amazing banana’s foster made tableside for two.
We headed on the swamp and bayou tour for the next few hours, led by Pearl River Eco Tours, our guide had 30 years experience with alligators and his love for the animals and environment really shined through. Even though we didn’t have the guts to try any alligator dishes we saw a number of alligators (even one names Elvis) in their natural habitat in the swamp.
Back in town, we wandered over to Frenchman street where we had dinner at an intimate Italian spot at Adolfo’s. Known for their ocean cream sauce which has shrimp and crawfish in it, ladled over a big steak. Not to mention they have some of the best garlic bread we might have ever have.
On the morning of the third day in NOLA, we had a day of food, fun and lots of walking ahead of us.
You can take girls out of New York but you can’t take NYC out of the girls, so we had a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich from Café Beignet down the street on of course with a side of fluffy beignets.
But the battle of the beignets didn’t stop there. How could we not have beignets at the famous Café DuMonde? Where the powdered sugar is piled as high as could be.
The verdict on the better beignet? They’re both damn good and delectable.
On our last day, we scrambled to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and went over to the French Market and walked around the Riverwalk. Our day ended with dinner at Mr. B’s Bistro. My sister had the juicy sautéed pork chop with roasted veggies and I had the very scrumptious shrimp and grits. We shared some fluffy bread pudding for our last dessert of the trip.
Even at the airport, before our flight back to New York, flavorsome food is unmatched in New Orleans. The Ye Olde College Inn Restaurant and Bar had not only the sweetest waitress and but incredibly tasty food. I devoured a crawfish omelet served with crispy potatoes.
The people are incredible, the food and flavor are unparalleled and the atmosphere is unlike any other place you’ll ever go. There is an endless amount of reasons why people gush over New Orleans.
“When you come to New Orleans you better come to eat,” our cab driver, a Nola native said. That would be worlds to live by when you visit this incredible town.
Photo provided by Josh Brasted and article written by Liz Ramanand.