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
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
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
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
Owned by the same family behind Commander’s Palace, I love this location, just a few blocks from the Quarter, across from the casino and on the way to the more interesting neighborhoods, away from the tourist throngs. Lu Brow is a master behind the stick, so get whatever she’s whipping up at the bar; the … Continued
Everyone raves about Mother’s for po’boys, which is like saying you have to visit Pizzeria Uno in Chicago for a pizza. Both have become tourist traps. Instead, take the Canal streetcar due north about 20 minutes, and then walk the four or five blocks to Parkway. This is where the locals go for the best … Continued
From the same team behind Cafe Adelaide, The Swizzle Stick and Commander’s Palace, this French Quarter bar and restaurant – located South of Bourbon – keeps the food pretty simple. Honestly, I think it’s a must to stop here for a cocktail, but the restaurant’s menu didn’t grab me as much. Try a standard sazerac, … Continued
Local chef Donald Link is one of the city’s great culinary ambassadors, and his temple of all things pork (there’s a Butcher next door making great sandwiches) is truly a must-stop for food lovers. I have a very hard time making decision here, as everything sounds delicious (and rich). Bring your Lipitor. Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas … Continued