"In the South Land there's a city Way down on the river Where the women are very pretty And all the men deliver They got music It's always playin' Start in the day time, go all through the night When you hear that music playin' Hear what I'm saying, it make you feel alright!" - Princess and the Frog, Disney I'm sure it was of no surprise to you that I played this album on repeat the whole flight down to New Orleans. I was beyond excited to finally experience this lively and vibrant city! I wanted to walk through the streets, listen to jazz, explore the sights, and EAT ALL THE FOOD. One thing New Orleans is known for is their cuisine and boy did it deliver. So This week, instead of sharing a recipe with you, I wanted to share some of my favorite things I ate and where you can find them! 1. The Royal Omelet - Oceana Grill Oceana Grill is the GO TO place for breakfast or brunch in the French Quarter. Now, it is well known - so you will want to get there in plenty of time to beat the rush. When I was there I had probably the most delicious omelet I have ever had. The Royal Omelet is filled with New Orleans original alligator sausage, with fresh diced bell peppers & onions, topped with a crawfish mushroom cream sauce. I could eat the cream sauce on EVERYTHING! This perfect blend of traditional New Orleans spices and food is a must-have when you visit! 2. French Truck Coffee Be it a quick breakfast or just midday pick me up, French Truck Coffee is the place to go. Whenever I go somewhere new, I love to try a local coffee shop. They have a huge variety of coffee and teas. They even have a few pastry options if you need a quick breakfast. I tried their Chai Tea Latte and it was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend you stop in if you can! 3. Praline Beignets - Loretta's Authentic Pralines "Loretta's Authentic Pralines has been in business for over 35 years. Loretta was the first African American woman to successfully own and operate her own praline company in New Orleans. Today, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a thriving business with two locations. For Loretta, success continues with the recent opening of another business venture HE-brews Coffeehouse in the Fabourg Marigny. Loretta has made appearances on numerous television and radio shows, as well as guest speaker at various business events. In the social arena, Loretta also thrives where she continuously gives back. She has won numerous awards for her contribution to the economic success of New Orleans, service to her community, and her philanthropist spirit. The Harrison firmly believes that if you “put God first, He will grant the wishes of your heart." (Loretta's Authentic Pralines, 2020) When I tell you these are the BEST BEIGNETS EVER, I mean it!! Every order is made fresh and, boy, is it worth the wait. We first tried her Praline Beignet at the French Market while we were on a culinary bike tour. The tour guide told us that she had a hidden gem of a restaurant located in one of the neighborhoods. You can bet that we packed up and immediately headed over there. We tried everything from the bacon and egg beignets to the crab stuffed beignets. I promise you. This is where you MUST go if you want true authentic beignets. 15/10 - first place I am going when I go back one day. 4. Dian Xin - Authentic Chinese Food Okay. I know what you are thinking, "You went to New Orleans and got Chinese food?" Yup. Sure did. I can eat Chinese food all day every day and I was NOT passing up this opportunity that I stumbled upon while walking down the street. First of all the atmosphere of Dian Xian is just amazing, it was so beautiful, rustic, and inviting that I could have sat there with a glass of Plum Wine in my hand for hours. One of the things they are known for is their Xiao Long Boa, a soup-filled pork dumpling. This was my first experience eating Boa and I absolutely failed at the technique used for eating it, but it was oh so good. My favorite thing I ate and what I recommend above all else was the Steamed Pork Bao. The flavor of the delicious pork inside a fluffy bao bun was so comforting and warm. I could have eaten them ALL DAY. Do not walk, RUN to Dian Xin. 5. Café Pierre Lacquered Texas Quail - Commander's Palace While down in New Orleans, Jacob and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We wanted to go out for a nice dinner and we were told Commander's Palace was the place to go. So we got all dressed up and headed over to the Garden District for an evening of delicious food, drink, and quiet celebration. Though higher priced, the quiet atmosphere, the quality service, and delicious food are worth every penny. Everything we ate that evening was amazing, but my favorite by far was the Café Pierre Lacquered Texas Quail. This smoky Cajun boudin stuffed quail over a nest of tangy bacon braised cabbage with rustic roots, crystal hot sauce pulp, and sticky Grand Marnier & Cognac jus was just perfect. It was truly a harmonious blend of flavors that everyone must have at least once! 6. Frozen Irish Coffee - 13 Monaghan Look, once I had this in my hands, I did not put it down until every last drop was gone. It's just SO GOOD. If you are a lover of coffee ice cream or milkshakes as I am - no seriously, it's my favorite flavor and the best flavor of ice cream, no other opinions are accepted - you will LOVE it. Plus they create a beautiful swirl on top with coffee grinds, which I just thought was fun!
Be warned, this is one of those sneaky drinks that is so tasty you forget there is alcohol in it - so please remember to drink responsibly!! I had an amazing time eating my way through NOLA! I truly hope this list of recommendations helps you out when you take a trip down south for some of the best cuisine there is to offer. Reach and tell me some of your favorite things you have eaten while there! Sending you all a little Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust! Katie, xoxo
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