New Orleans is my favorite city. For many reasons, the city of New Orleans holds a special place in my heart–it is a food lovers dream destination is definitely one of the reasons. Just because this is a dream destination for foodies does not mean you have to break the bank each time you step into a restaurant in the Big Easy. And this is the same in every US destination.
Where do I start my research?
First of all, I stay clear of Yelp and TripAdvisor. I rarely use these two sites as I have been burned so many times by the tourist traps and the negativity that I see by the people who post. And the food establishment and locals do not seem to be involved in making suggestions. Eat local means listening to locals. Here is my list:
- Plan ahead.
- If you are traveling to a larger city, head to Eater first. Eater is more of a food authority and they have cheap eats pages too. Where else would you find a page dedicated to finding the NOLA treat, the Sno-Ball? (Must-Try Sno-Ball Stands). As you peruse the articles, you will find out about the food scene, important must haves, and the site dives into the culture of a city.
- Search the internet for “Cheap Eats” in the city that you are planning to visit. Many local organizations may have posted some ideas.
- Head to a local supermarket once you get to a city. Those free magazines in the grocery store when you leave contain amazing suggestions.
- Check out the local newspapers or magazines online and look at their dining section or issue. Many do an annual survey of their readers for the “best” pizza, cheap eats, ice cream, coffee bars, doughnuts and other local eating treasures.
Second piece of advice, make a list of places. Do not be tied to the list, but, go with the flow during the weekend. As I am visiting museums or a specific neighborhood, I try and eat nearby. So some of the restaurants on my list may get moved to next time depending where my travels in the city take me.
Here is my plan for Memorial Day Weekend 2017:
- Willa Jean: Check out Willa Jean for coffee, cocktails, biscuits, and other extraordinary food, snacks and sweets.
- St. James Cheese Company: I have a weakness for creative salads and upscale grilled cheese sandwiches and the St. James Cheese Company does not disappoint. Their happy hour is a great time to snack on savory delicacies and a bit of wine.
- St. Roch Market: Food halls are a staple of the European and Asian cities, but they are thankfully seeing a resurgence in the USA. Wonderful choices abound at St. Roch Market.
- Elizabeth’s: This is a spot that I am looking forward to going to for the first time. Elizabeth’s Restaurant, where “Real Food, Done Real Good” is a motto I can embrace. Several locals have suggested a visit to this place and looking forward to a slice of Lemon Chess Pie.
- Turkey and the Wolf: Another new spot for me to visit in 2017. Deviled Eggs with a twist and where else can you find a drink named, “When I was 10 I went to school as a dead cheerleader for halloween.”
- Ike’s Snowballs: Mango is still my go to, but if I brought a dog to Ike’s Snowballs, they have meat flavored for your favorite dog too.
- And I will head to get a Beignet and coffee at some point (Cafe du Monde, Morning Call or Cafe Beignet are my favorites….) Cafe du Monde, Morning Call, and Cafe Beignet. When in NOLA…
If you want to experience a city, learn about its food history and unique places to eat. Happy dining my friends!