New Orleans

We arrived on a Thursday afternoon, beautiful weather, sunny and warm. We stayed at The Maison Dupuy Hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter. Charming Hotel with fantastic food.  

We had an intimate group consisting of seven adventurers and a local celebrity “The Bourboneer” aka Ed, that graciously and humorously guided us through his beautiful city.

Our first taste of the local fare was at the hotel restaurant called Bistreaux. The Executive Chef, Scott Majure, presented us with some truly spectacular first tastes! We enjoyed New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp, Boudin Sausage, Mini Muffaletta Sandwiches and Crab Remoulade. We were also treated to a local Head Cheese that was out of this world! Chef Scott explained the complexity of these dishes to us and they were spectacular!

The Bar Manager, Alex, shared with us the New Orleans signature drinks: The Pimm's Cup, Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz to name a few.

Afterwards, we walked around the Quarter a bit and ended up the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone and one of the drinks enjoyed was their signature Vieux Carre—very good!

Friday morning dawned a little rainy but warm. Most of the group ventured out for a lovely walk to Cafe de Monde for their famous Beignets and Cafe au Lait. A wonderful beginning to a busy day.

Next on the agenda was lunch at the Commanders Palace. A New Orleans institution and a must see that was built in 1880. Some of the items enjoyed were Turtle Soup, Gumbo, Louisiana Shrimp and Grits, Cochon de Lait Cassoulet (Pork Sandwich) and Catfish over New Orleans Potato Salad. Dessert was an amazing Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé. Of course we had some amazing drinks with lunch!

Across the street from this restaurant is one of the historic cemeteries. The Bourboneer (Ed) shared the history of this cemetery and reverently showed us the crypts.  Fascinating and a little spooky!

That evening we enjoyed a Muffuletta Sandwich at a local landmark, Napoleon House. The original resident of this house was the mayor of  New Orleans in the early 1800's and offered his home as a refuge to Napoleon when he was banned from his own country. Napoleon never made it but the name stuck!

To cap off a wonderful day, we went to Preservation Hall for a live New Orleans Jazz concert. Many in our group were moved to tears, they were that good!

Saturday morning we walked over to the renowned New Orleans School of Cooking. The Bourboneer wears many hats, he was also the Chef Instructor for our class! He showed us how to make Gumbo and Jambalaya and a fantastic Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. He is very informational and a very funny guy! Milford Spice Company has a fantastic Jambalaya Spice Blend and a superb Creole Blend. Click this link to see our tutorial on making Jambalaya.

The afternoon was spent walking around the French Quarter. Enjoying the French Market and the Annual Creole Tomato Festival. 

We were lucky to see something Saturday afternoon, that can only happen in New Orleans, an (almost) naked bike race! Amusing to see and the riders truly looked like they were having a blast!

What a wonderful way to see a new city. We made new friends and memories to last a lifetime. Food is the heart of every city, and what a way to enjoy and embrace different cultures and cuisines!

We hope to see you on our next Culinary Adventure!