With Catersource right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your visit to New Orleans! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular in the Crescent City, no trip two trips are the same. With a multitude of eateries and opportunities to listen to live music around every corner, your adventure awaits.
You’ve probably already heard about New Orleans’ unique food scene, with influences spanning from West Africa to Europe. There are plenty of iconic dishes to enjoy unlike anywhere else in the country. Plus, you’re in luck, it’s Carnival season in the Crescent City which means king cake season!
King cake photo courtesy Joyce Bracey
Kings Day, January 6, kicked-off the festivities including traditions of eating, costuming, bead-tossing and parading in New Orleans. From Kings Day to Mardi Gras Day (aka Fat Tuesday) – which falls on March 5 this year – New Orleanians flock to the nearest grocery store or bakery to get their hands on a king cake – a unique cross between coffee cake and a cinnamon roll, typically topped with icing, plus purple, green and gold (the colors of Mardi Gras) sprinkles, and can be stuffed with rich cream cheeses or delicious fruit fillings.
The savory twist on King Cake. Photo by Paul Broussard
Check out places like Sucre, Dong Phuong or District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. for a traditional taste, or somewhere like Cochon, Cavan or Cake Café and Bakery, for a savory twist. You may even find cocktails, coffee, sodas, ice cream and more inspired by the flavors and colors of this seasonal treat!
Frenchman Street photo courtesy Zack Smith
After you’ve had a chance to get in the Carnival spirit and indulge your sweet tooth, it’s time to get up and dance. From Louis Armstrong to Kermit Ruffins, New Orleans is the birthplace of an abundance of musical giants. Luckily for you, live music can be found in every nook and cranny of the city. Aside from bustling Bourbon Street and electrifying Frenchman Street, head Uptown to hear live music at the Maple Leaf Bar. Located on Oak Street, the Maple Leaf is an energetic music venue with live performances seven nights a week. Every Tuesday night at the Maple Leaf, “Do Whatcha Wanna” with New Orleans’ own Grammy-award winning Rebirth Brass Band, and enjoy an exhilarating fusion of funk, soul and brass.
Chef Tory McPhail
There’s an endless supply of entertainment and flavors to enjoy in New Orleans. For fun, music, food and more, see what local James Beard Award-winning chef, Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace (speaking at Catersource on Sunday, February 24), loves about New Orleans in his kitchen and his time-off. (Click on Tory's image above to view his video.)
From sweet sounds to appetizing aromas, New Orleans is both a journey and a celebration. If you haven’t started planning your trip yet, what are you waiting for? Visit www.neworleans.com/catersource today to start planning your upcoming adventure in New Orleans.
