When it comes to sumptuous food and exciting cuisine in Louisiana, the city of New Orleans is the best place for it. Straddling the Mississippi River, New Orleans is dubbed as the “Big Easy” because of its 24/7 nightlife, party ambiance, and authentic cuisine. The vibrant and colorful ambiance of New Orleans can be rooted to its colorful history. It was founded by France but was colonized by Spain for forty years. In 1803, it was bought by the United States and is home to some of America’s best food. Enjoy this week’s installment of Gastronome Wednesday ~ Exciting Food Of New Orleans.
Exciting Foods Of New Orleans
As a perpetual traveler part of what I love to do is eat! And a visit to New Orleans is not complete without trying its authentic and delicious cuisine. It is the city of food lovers after all. Here are some of the best foods that one should not let pass if in New Orleans.
Po-Boy Sandwich
A classic New Orleans sandwich, the Po-Boy’s history can be dated back almost 100 years. It was started by street car workers who went on strike during the Great Depression. They opened a sandwich store that served sandwiches made of cut potatoes with roast beef gravy – hence, the “poor boy” sandwich. Today, Po-Boy usually comes in French baguettes filled with fried seafood such as oysters, shrimps, soft-shell crab and catfish. Some come with roasted beef with savory gravy. Adding to the taste are lettuce, mayonnaise, pickles, hot sauce, etc.
To complete the meal, Po-Boys are best paired with New Orleans local brew. Po-Boys are not hard to find in New Orleans, but here are some of the places that serve Po-Boys – Anita’s Grill, Acme Oyster and Seafood House, Killer Poboys, 811 Conti St., New Orleans; and Mahony’s Po-Boy Shop.
Jambalaya
Another New Orleans trademark is the Jambalaya. Known for it its spicy flavor, Jambalaya is a mixture of seafood, chicken, sausage, cooked rice, and some herbs and spices. Jambalaya’s history is said to have come from a traveler who arrived late at night at New Orleans Inn. Because there was no more dinner to serve, the inn’s cook was instructed to “balayez” or “throw something together” so that the man had something to eat. It turned out that the recipe was great and was, eventually, named “Jambalaya.” This is famous in big gatherings at New Orleans since the serving of Jambalaya usually cater to a large number of eaters.
Muffulettas
A must-eat in New Orleans is the famous Muffulettas, a huge Italian cold-cut sandwich. Created in 1906 at the Central Grocery, the Muffulettas have become a New Orleans’ signature treat. A Muffuletta sandwich is served with an Italian round bread, 10-inches across, with fillings made of Genoa salami, Provolone Cheese and Cappicola Ham topped with chopped olive salad, celery, garlic, pimientos, onions, capers, oregano, green unstuffed olives, salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley, and red-wine vinegar. Many locals and tourists still flock to Central Grocery in order to experience and taste Muffulettas.
Copyright: Stanley restaurant
Bananas Foster
A famous sweet treat in New Orleans is the Bananas Foster. Created at Brennan’s Restaurant, the Bananas Foster is made of bananas with butter, sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, banana liqueur and vanilla ice cream. This decadent dessert was named after businessman Richard Foster, a friend of Brennan’s Restaurant owner Owen Brennan.
King Cakes
Popular during the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, the King Cake can be bought at any grocery store or bakery in New Orleans. It is made of braided Danish bread with cinnamon toppings and colorful icings. It is usually filled with fruit fillings and cream cheese. The history of King Cakes dates back to the Middle Age wherein the Epiphany was usually celebrated with celebration cakes or King Cakes.
Beignets
No list is complete without mentioning the famous Beignets. A French-Creole dessert, the sweet treat was introduced to New Orleans in the 18th century. Made by frying dough and piling it high with a generous dose of powdered sugar, it has become the most recognized food of the famous city.
Have you visited New Orleans? Have you tried any of these delicious foods? Share your experiences with us!!
