In early 2002, Calvin Trillin wrote a funny yet memorable story in The New Yorker about Cajun boudin (“Missing Links”) that has stuck with me ever since. In the years since I read the story, I’ve been to New Orleans several times, and have seen boudin on local menus; it’s usually gussied up with a … Continued
There’s a very good reason Shaya won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in the U.S. in 2016. It’s quite simply one of the best restaurants anywhere. Alon Shaya’s take on modern Israeli is a revelation, and even more striking that it’s in the Garden District, just a few blocks from joints like … Continued
It’s brunch every day of the week at this New Orleans institution. After having gone through some lean years (and a $20 million dollar renovation) Ralph Brennan hired Mississippi native Slade Rushing to take over and redesign the menu, while keeping the classics, like Bananas Foster, which was created here. Don’t feel like you have … Continued
This casual off-shoot of Cochon, tucked away behind the restaurant, is my favorite source in New Orleans for anything sausage-related. We’re talking boudin, andouille and more, along with duck pastrami and head cheese. Donald Link’s staff is well-equipped to answer questions about any aspect of the butchering process. Don’t forget to try at least one … Continued
[Note: this tour already took place in 2014, but I’ve included the itinerary here in case you’d like more information about my larger, group tours] New Orleans has always held a unique place in my heart. From late nights in the Quarter as a college kid, to lazy rides on the St. Charles streetcar as … Continued
There’s a reason you hear the name John Besh quite a bit when you talk about New Orleans. That’s because he’s one of the few chefs who not only stuck around during and after Katrina, he has thrived in the aftermath, always emphasizing as much local seafood and produce as he can. His flagship, August, … Continued
Located in the Hotel Modern, about a 10 – 15 minute walk from the Quarter, this cozy speakeasy right next to the St. Charles streetcar line has one of the city’s more progressive cocktail programs. It’s owned by the same people as Cure, and it’s one of the only places in town specializing in sherry … Continued
There really are just two things to get here: raw oysters on the half shell, and oyster po’ boys – although here, they’re called oyster loafs, since they don’t use the regular French bread, but rather, well-buttered and griddled Texas toast. They’ve been around since 1919, and every year they close down, take apart everything … Continued
A local landmark among fried chicken aficionados, Willie Mae’s was completely destroyed during Katrina, then, with the aid of the Southern Foodways Alliance, completely rebuilt. It’s still looks just as it was, and it’s not in the greatest neighborhood, so you’ll to drive in and drive out. The fried chicken and sides are delicious, but … Continued
You could easily spend time downtown, drinking French 75s and sazeracs, but jump in a cab, spend the $15 and go drink with locals at Cure. This creative, progressive cocktail bar also has a tiny kitchen, but I would suggest landing here for a few rounds first, then walk – or take a short cab … Continued
The Grande Dame of New Orleans dining. The city’s best chefs have passed through this kitchen, from Emeril to the current chef, Tory McPhail, who has kept it current. I know people might say overrated and tourist and all that, but seriously folks, there are few, if any restaurants left like this. Until Katrina, it … Continued