In my last blog, I discussed all the amazing activities in New Orleans (NOLA) to put you in the mood for spooky season, but I can’t do a blog about NOLA and not discuss the food and cocktails I had and can’t wait to return to try. NOLA is definitely a city where the food and drinks are part of the city’s rich culture and experience. So let’s discuss, some will be well known, other places and foods not so much.
First for coffee, while the cafe au lait from Cafe du Monde, is a must, the Treasure Island iced latte from the Pirate King Coffee. This drink is a must for anyone who likes bananas, the coffee shop was welcoming, and the best way to start our mornings, and just a short walk from our stay at the Hotel Mazarin. And a notable mention would be Sacred Grinds for the experience, this coffee shop had a lot of unique drinks, but all a little too sweet for me.
A great place for an early lunch and experience would be the Carousel Bar, but I recommend booking the private tour. This provides private access to learn about the history of the bar, and the hotel while you can sip on a NOLA classic, Sazerac, and enjoy the Blue Crab and Corn Beignets, and deviled eggs. This was a brunch that we enjoyed and would do again. The tour guide/bar tender, Marvin, was extremely knowledgeable and the drinks were well crafted.
We were told that Pat O’Briens was a “must do”, we tried the Shrimp PoBoy, and the trio-jumbalaya, with their famous hurricanes. For me personally, while the food and drinks were good, we would probably look for something less touristy. But the trio allowed you to try the gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans which were all delicious. Skip the hurricane if you don’t want the hangover!
For dinner, Muriel’s was how we ended our ghost tour night. We splurged, and the environment was wonderful, with a juice fillet mignon, and some of the best potatoes and broccolini I think I have ever had. The meal was worth the cost, and a wonderful experience that I would attend again.
A dinner I would have every night if we could, was a place we stumbled upon during one of our outings. Outside hung an image of the Mona Lisa, and there was a line out the door and down the block. We had no idea what it was, but we were intrigued. We found out it was a hole in the wall pasta place, there couldn’t have been more than 10 small tables in the restaurant and it was a meal I will dream about. We had the Mardi Gras Pasta and baby clam linguini, with a side of garlic bread. We both were extremely impressed with the meal, and the environment. The Mardi Gras Pasta was a traditional spaghetti with a NOLA flare.
Looking for a cocktail to start the evening? To get into the spooky spirit, I would recommend heading back to the Vampire Apothecary and getting a bag of blood (which you can take to go, and stash away for your ghost tour!), or the absinthe. If you are not a fan of black licorice however, I would skip that and stick to the Sazerac’s. If you want something more “divey”, the Purple Drank from Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a great option, or if you carry cash head over to the local dive bar and get a Ghost Buster, the only issue, it is a cash only bar so plan ahead.
If you are wanting something a little more high end, or a nice nightcap make your way out to the Garden District and up to the rooftop bar, Hat Tin, for a classic old fashioned, with a sugar cane stick, or a Pimm’s cup. Or finish your night off at Brennans, the home of banana’s foster, with a delicious espresso martini that pairs well with the classic banana foster dessert.
This is overall the top meals, and drinks that I enjoyed on my trip. I am currently planning a trip back just focused on food to try more local places, and get more variety. Some of these places on this list, I will return to, others I will skip over. The one thing I can’t wait to go back and try are the oysters, at the time there was a city warning about eating them if you have autoimmune diseases due to a bacteria they were seeing more than normal. So I must go back.
Best Coffee: Pirate King Coffee
Best Cocktail: Hat Tin Rooftop Bar
Best Meal: Mona Lisa
Best Dessert: Brennan’s
What is the best food you have had while traveling, or what is something you look forward to trying?
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