Sancocho in Panama City (PRI’s The World)
Sancocho at El Trapiche, Panama City Click below to hear my report on the national dish of Panama: sancocho.
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Restaurant August
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
Bellocq
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
Casamento’s
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
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
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
Cure
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
Commander’s Palace
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
Cafe Adelaide & The Swizzle Stick Bar
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
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
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
SoBou
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
Cochon
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