Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. Louisiana Archives - Page 2 of 4

Top Louisiana Bed and Breakfasts

Louisiana is a place that knows no strangers so it’s no wonder that it’s home of the world’s best Bed and Breakfasts. From quaint Cajun Cottages to exemplary 5 star inns, Louisiana boasts some of the most historic and architecturally complex places to bunk, a real treat for the traveler wishing to relive history, add the highest quality of customer service as well as an eclectic array of food, and you have yourself a relaxing vacay blending the perfect amount of relaxation and excursion. Depending on what you have in mind as far as experience, food, and geographical location, there is something for everyone. Destination 360 has compiled a list of the best and we have narrowed it down to the top 4. Click here for the full list.

1. Melrose Mansion

The Melrose Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Louisiana has been voted one of the most romantic Louisiana bed and breakfast Inns in the country. A Victorian treasure, you can live in luxury and enjoy the history in one of the 21 rooms filled with period antiques. You will be sure to experience the comforts of home, and then some, with their southern hospitality. Enjoy breakfast in their quaint courtyard alongside the swimming pool, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. This ideal location on the edge of the French Quarter provides convenient access to everything New Orleans! By day, stroll a few blocks down the avenue in the direction of the Mississippi River to check out the French Market, Café du Monde, and Jackson Square. Or pedicab your way through Royal Street’s endless unique shops and fabulous New Orleans dining offerings.

2. Stockade Bed & Breakfast

The Stockade Bed and Breakfast has hosted guests from all over the world. People come from all over to experience all they have to offer. It is named after the Civil War stockade that occupied the grounds and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The large, Hacienda-style house offers five main-house accommodation options: four spacious guest rooms and one two-bedroom suite, each with a private bath and original artwork adorning the walls. Included with your stay is a homemade gourmet breakfast which people rave about.
Nature lovers delight in walks along the backyard trail of The Stockade Bed and Breakfast to explore the wilderness of native foliage and wildlife.

3. Nottoway Plantation

Nottoway Plantation & Resort is a 1850’s sugarcane estate, a AAA Four-Diamond property, and a member of Historic Hotels of America, and is the home of the South’s largest existing antebellum mansion, now stunningly restored to its original architectural design. It is an architectural masterpiece, with the massive white columns and grand balconies standing guard over the Mississippi River. On the other side the spectacular three-story Rotunda overlooks majestic, towering oaks. Various daily tours quench the history fanatic’s thirst for knowledge and the deluxe rooms, rich dining, and luxury amenities go hand in hand with their gracious southern hospitality and service.

4. HH Whitney House

Even before you walk through the front door of this bed and breakfast, your hosts make you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway or an action-packed visit to New Orleans, your hosts make it their business to pamper you. Elegance is the hallmark of this beautiful Italianate-style home. The dining room features an 11-foot oak table which provides a casually elegant setting for breakfast. Eleven fireplaces grace the home, including two in the double-parlor, which features Italian marble mantelpieces. Most bathrooms feature vintage clawfoot tubs and showers. The lush tropical garden of this B & B has been transformed since Hurricane Katrina to include a new in-ground swimming pool and hot tub. The area still provides a great setting for sipping your morning coffee, reading your favorite novel, or sharing a late-night talk with your sweetie after a long day in New Orleans.

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Foods Only Louisiana Natives Know and Love

Louisiana is known for its revelry and its food for good reason- it’s the best in the world. The unique combinations of spices, meats and other ingredients make Louisiana dishes some of the most flavorful and opulent ones you’ll ever taste. Some dishes have become favorites for the locals and can be expected at any Louisiana get together or dinner party. We have compiled a list of some Louisiana favorites but click here for a full list. Grab a napkin and get ready to explore Louisiana culture through your stomach.

1. Beignets

This delicious deep fried French doughnut made New Orleans’ Café du Monde famous. Did you even really go to New Orleans if you didn’t check in to Cafe Du Monde? They are sprinkled with enough powdered sugar to satisfy anyone’s sugar craving. You can also find these delectable desserts stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients like caramel or fruits. New Orleans even has a Beignet Festival (powdered sugar heaven!), held in December, that you won’t want to miss.

2. Pralines

The gooey caramel cookie sprinkled with caramelized pecans can be found in most corner markets in New Orleans and as the years have passed, more and more flavors have been added to the classic recipe. This sugary, buttery candy is made from butter, brown sugar and pecans, cooked in a kettle and dried on wax paper. French nuns brought these treats to New Orleans in the 1700s.They are the perfect compliment to any gift basket or Christmas gift. The dentist may cringe at this sweet treat but your taste buds certainly won’t!

3. Boudin

Vegetarians beware! This spicy sausage is filled with seasoned pork and rice and many locals slurp the stuffing out of the casing with one hand, while driving with the other. Boudin is served in links or in boudin balls, which are deep-fried cousins of the iconic Cajun delicacy. Boudin comes in many flavors and varieties depending on the meats and spices that are included. Earl’s Cajun Market in Lafayette serves up excellent boudin and plate lunches. Head to Scott, Louisiana which is the Boudin Capital of the World. Stop at Billy’s Boudin and Cracklins or Don’s Specialty Meats. Boudin can also be found on many menus throughout Louisiana.

4. King Cake

The sweet Danish pastry is a Mardi Gras tradition and usually decorated in colored sugar of purple, green, and gold. Cakes can be plan sugar and cinnamon flavored or have a variety of stuffings like cream cheese, blueberry or other fruit filling, even chocolate or pecan. The tradition is that whoever finds the baby, which is a tiny plastic replica of a baby, has to buy the next King Cake. The only way to find the baby is to dig in! Bon appetit!

5. PoBoys

This is a submarine-type sandwich made with French bread. Order it “dressed” if you like your po’boy with mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles and tomato. A Louisiana favorite comes with fried shrimp or fried oysters but you can get whatever meat you prefer inside. Try one at the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival in New Orleans, held in November. Mother’s Restaurant, also in New Orleans, serves roast beef po’boys with a type of gravy known as debris (pronounced day’-bree). Chris’ Po’boys in Lafayette is among the best restaurants in Cajun Country to satisfy your po’boy cravings.

6. Crawfish Etouffee

This is a Creole dish of rice smothered in a stew of roux, crawfish, herbs and vegetables. The roux (called a “blonde roux” for its lighter color than the kind typically used in gumbo) is a mixture of butter and flour, mixed with celery, bell peppers and onion. In New Orleans, find crawfish étouffée at Bon Ton Café and Jacque-Imo’s. Outside the Crescent City you’ll find mouthwatering étouffée at The Chimes in Baton Rouge and at Boudreaux & Thibodaux’s in Houma.

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Top Louisiana Cajun Holiday Traditions

Louisiana is a place steeped in history and traditions and the holiday season is no exception. Below are some of the most common Cajun and Creole holiday traditions, each morphed from ancient Louisiana tradition and culture, and each being carried on by Louisiana residents, binding them to each other and to their roots. Click here for a full list of Cajun holiday traditions.

1. Turducken

There are conflicting reports on the origin of this Louisiana dish. There are supposedly records from ancient Rome that show a similar dish but according to native Louisianians, the current recipe is credited to Cajun Chef Paul Prudhomme, who began preparing it in 1980. The turducken is what it sounds like: a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken stuffed with stuffing….nothing vegan about it. It sounds pretty simple and straightforward but actually takes some skill to make the outside appear like a turkey while also preserving the character and taste of each meat. You will find this on the table of truly Cajun families over the holidays and no one will have to ask what it is.

2. Reveillon

Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Early Louisiana was almost entirely Catholic, and virtually the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late-night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard. A typical early Reveillon menu included mostly breakfast foods— egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include turtle soup, oysters and grillades of veal. The dinners could last for many hours, sometimes lasting until dawn of the next day. By the turn of the century, Reveillon dinners could be found only in traditional homes, and by the 1940s the custom was all but extinct do to American holiday conventions like Christmas trees, gifts for children and shopping frenzies gradually establishing themselves. In the 1990s, however, the Reveillon tradition was “reawakened” and transformed. The organization French Quarter Festivals Inc. approached local restaurants with an idea to offer and promote special holiday menus hoping to attract more tourists. Restaurants eagerly embraced the idea, and soon so did their local regulars and out-of-town visitors. The restaurants offering Reveillon menus this season run the gamut from old-line Creole to the most contemporary and modern. Tujague’s Restaurant, established in 1856, sets out a Reveillon of its traditional specialties — including shrimp remoulade, lobster bisque, satsuma-glazed quail with dirty rice stuffing, and Bananas Foster bread pudding. While at Vacherie Restaurant, located in the Hotel St. Marie, the four-course feast can start with seafood gumbo and end with Louisiana pecan pie of bread pudding with a whiskey sauce.

3. Bonfires on the Mississippi

Why bonfires on Christmas Eve? Some historians believe they are a carry-down of an ancient European tradition where bonfires initially honored successful harvests and later from Christianity. However, ask the young and the young at heart who continue the bonfire tradition today, and the most common response is that the fires illuminate the way for Santa Claus’ (or Papa Noel, as the Cajuns say) flying sleigh and eight reindeer to find the homes of local good girls and boys. The bonfires are found on The Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Every year the boast dozens of 20-feet-high towers of burning logs. The Christmas bonfires, as locals call them, are mostly teepee-shaped, but some can be odd shapes paying tribute to the river’s heritage—shapes ranging from miniature plantation homes to tiny replica paddlewheel steamships. Bonfires are built by families, friends and co-workers who visit, cook and mingle between the fires. It’s a local celebration with an environment akin to football tailgating, and the practice has continued for generations. The bonfires are up and down the river, but the highest concentration is in St. James Parish, in and around Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina. Bonfire parties are not necessarily open to the public, but onlookers will likely be offered kind words and holiday greetings should they mingle on foot. Another option to experience the Louisiana holiday bonfire tradition is Festival of the Bonfires, held at Lutcher Recreational Park.

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Top Ranked Hospitals in Louisiana

According to a U.S. News & World Report, one Louisiana hospital is nationally ranked while four other hospitals meet national high performance standards. This is great news considering Louisiana has had poor health ratings in the past. Louisiana has rated poorly in obesity, smoking, diabetes, and physical inactivity. With this new high hospital rating data, hopes are high that it will counteract some of the lower health ratings.

Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans

Oschner is nationally ranked in sixspecialties: 23th in Neurology & Neurosurgery, 24th in Ear Nose and Throat,31st in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, 40th in Nephrology and Pulmonology,and 45th in Orthopedics. The hospital is also ranked No. 1 in both the stateand the New Orleans Metro area. Ochsner Medical Center is located onJefferson Highway, near Uptown New Orleans and includes acute and sub-acutefacilities and centers of excellence: Ochsner Cancer Institute, OchsnerMulti-Organ Transplant Center and Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. As a767-bed acute care hospital, Ochsner Medical Center, Ochsner Medical Missionaries the opportunity to learn and provide patient care at a Magnet facilitywith three Centers of Excellence, all the while gaining exposure to complexmedical cases. This campus is also one of six training sites in the world forrobotic surgery and is nationally known for many skilled physicians. Ochsner Health System is a part of Ochsner Health System, a non-profit,academic, multi-specialty healthcare system. Their commitment to patient care,education and research, and their unique coordinated neighborhood-based systemprovides healthcare with peace of mind by putting the needs of all patientsfirst. Ochsner continuously meets the ever-changing needs of our patients andcommunity through electronically-linked hospitals and health centers. Their patients’ electronic medical records are available from any Ochsner location, allowing for the most consistent patient care, both for routine health needs and more complex medical conditions.

Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge

OLL is ranked No. 2 in Louisiana. The hospital has high performance rankings for five procedures and conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart bypass surgery, heart failure, hip replacements and knee replacements. Our Lady of the Lake is uniquely capable of caring for a full range of illness or injury, including those that are extremely complex, for both pediatric and adult patients. Their family of services includes:

-An 800-bed hospital and the area’s only Level II Trauma Center
-A dedicated Children’s Hospital, which will transition to a freestanding hospital in 2019
-A 450-provider care network covering more than 40 specialties
-Two free-standing emergency rooms—Our Lady of the Lake Livingston and Our Lady of the Lake North
-A network of nearly 15 urgent care clinics
-Outpatient imaging and surgery centers
-Assumption Community Hospital
-Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

They serve 35,000 inpatients and650,000 outpatients annually and are committed to building a healthy communitythrough excellence in patient care and education. A part of the FranciscanMissionaries of Our Lady Health System, Our Lady of the Lake is consistentlyawarded for compassionate care, clinical expertise, leading edge technology andinnovation.

East Jefferson General Hospital

From its earliest days, EJGH formed a bond with the community and has been proud to grow along with the communities in the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. They pledge to always offer the highest quality, compassionate healthcare to the people they serve. EJGH Leadership is comprised of healthcare professionals with diverse specialties. They are all dedicated to bringing the community excellence in healthcare and the best overall patient experience. The nationally recognized care at EJGH is further validated through numerous organizations and accrediting bodies highly rating our services. In addition, EJGH provides its clinical outcomes to our patients as a valuable community service. Quality scores are indicators that compare EJGH quality of care to national and state averages.

Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier

CHSB is a Catholic, nonprofit system owned and operated by CHRISTUS Health, Dallas, Texas. They have provided high-quality, cost-effective care since 1894. The CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier staff includes more than 600 physicians, 1,800 employees and 200 volunteers. Our areas of specialty include cardiovascular services, oncology, orthopedic and neurological services, primary care medicine, surgical services, and women’s and children’s services. CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier’s areas of specialty include cardiovascular services, oncology, orthopedic and neurological services, primary care and medicine, surgical services, and women’s and children’s services. CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier continues its long, proud tradition of providing the community and surrounding areas with the latest state-of-the-art technology combined with the best possible hands-on care. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier and the Sisters of Charity have been committed to meeting the unanswered needs of the communities they serve. CHRISTUS Health’s strong commitment to mission work and community service is evident in all its work.

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Top Louisiana Cities to Live In

The 31st-largest state, you’ll find counties here in Louisiana. Instead, the state is the only place in the country to divide its areas into parishes. That’s not the only thing Louisiana does differently; the legal system is unlike in other states too. Louisiana is also home to the world’s longest water-spanning bridge and the USA’s tallest state capitol. The laid-back lifestyle and rich diversity of the state make Louisiana a great place to live. Below are some of the best places to live in Louisiana and you can click here to read about more.

1. New Orleans
The largest city in Louisiana, New Orleans comes in at top place for its wide variety of amenities and opportunities. With a population of around 400k, there is a lot of diversity from all walks of life. Don’t be surprised if you hear people describe New Orleans as a “Northern Caribbean city” because the inherent culture has its earliest roots in French culture. The city was founded in 1718 by explorers Iberville and Bienville then modified by infusions of residents from the Caribbean Isles, all before the Americans took over in 1803. And it’s why many say New Orleans feels more like Europe than the USA. Known as “The Crescent City,” and, of course, “TheBig Easy,” New Orleans offers a lifestyle that is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of most metropolitan areas. Situated amidst LakePontchartrain on the north, the Mississippi River on the south, and wetlands all around, the city is a bit of an island itself, a factor that has allowed local traditions to grow and develop during the past centuries so that NewOrleans has a quirky character all its own. The culture is reflected in the food, known around the world for its interesting spices and seafood base. From the haute cuisine of the fine French restaurants to earthy fried oyster Po’-boys at neighborhood restaurants, the cuisine reflects the diversity and eccentricities of this port city. There’s definitely no time to feel bored.

2. Inniswold
Coming in at number two, Inniswold is part of East Baton Rouge Parish. With a population of around 5,000, the area is especially known for its lower-than-average crime rate. Residents generally enjoy a good quality of life and there are many local amenities. The city’s top-notch restaurants especially are raved about. Try Stabb’s while you are there and opt for Hawaiian fare and go grab a bite at The Cove. There is a great public school system there and parents rave about the low teacher/student ratio. Some Louisiana residents choose to commute to Inniswold for the higher paying wages. With relatively short commuting times more and more arechoosing to drive to Inniswold! Interstate 10 runs to the south of the parish and the Jefferson Highway is also easy to access. Housing prices are fairly high, at $210,600 on average. The median monthly rental costs for a two-bedroom property are $1,192. Living costs are higher than the state and national averages, but remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for”, and this is especially true living in Inniswold.

3. Brusly
The town of Brusly is located within West Baton Rouge Parish. While you may need to travel a little way to reach your favorite restaurants and shops, Brusly offers plenty right there. Try out Louisiana BayouBistro or Athenos Cafe for a nice, tasty dinner. Grab your dog or your workout buddy and get some fresh air at one of the two local parks. Warm weather, high income levels, low unemployment figures, and low crime rates more than make up for a few extra minutes to reach certain leisure facilities and stores, though! Parents rave about the higher than average high school pass rate and Brusly turns out many college-bound students who often return and build up the community which is very tight-knit. The monthly rental price comes in under the national average at $765, although there are more privately owned homes in than rented properties.

4. Scott
Lafayette Parish’s Scott has a fairly large population, of around 10,000. The median age is 31, helping to create a place to live that has high energy and a mature outlook. Quality of life is great here despite the median income being under $49,000. Grab a bite at Fezzo’s Seafood, Steak & Oyster House that will knock your socks off or opt for more local fare at Billy’s Boudin. There is plenty to do including tons of free events and entertainment like festivals with food and entertainment, including the world renowned Festival International, one of the largest free festivals of its kind that brings in acts from all over the world. The area has some of the lowest living costs when compared to other popular places to live in Louisianaas well as some of the highest employment rates, with just 4.7% of thecommunity out of work. Scott’s a healthy place to live too; the air qualityscore is a low 33 helping it to earn the Clean City contest.

5. Baton Rouge
The state capital and second-largest city of Louisiana, the city is a major hubfor the medical, industrial, shipping, research, and petrochemical industries,and the technology industry is seeing rapid growth. Of course, there are manyother job opportunities as well. The economy is booming in Baton Rouge.Not only has the city been placed in the top ten destinations around the US tostart a new business, but it has also been named as one of the top ten placesoverall for young adults. Home of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge residents can take advantage of numeroussporting events and campus activities, many of which are free. BatonRouge has also been listed as one of North America’s top twenty cities when itcomes to economic strength. Entrepreneurs, investors, and young professionalsshould definitely keep their eyes on Baton Rouge. Try out Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant and bring your credit card to Perkins Rowe so you can shop til you drop.

6. Youngsville
The small city of Youngsville can be found in Lafayette Parish not too far from Scott. The population of over 10,000 enjoys a suburban vibe coupled with the facilities and amenities of city life. It’s the best of both worlds. The average age is 32, making it neither old nor young, despite the city’s youthful name. Nightlife may be somewhat lacking when compared to other cities around the state, but the opportunities for a happy family life attract a generally more settled crowd. 85% of Youngsville’s residents are property owners with higher than average household incomes and it’s considered a great place to buy a property. Locals are warm, welcoming, and friendly, and people take pride in keeping the city looking clean and tidy. Grab lunch at Zeus, a local chain serving Greek and Lebanese dishes.

7. Westminster
Not as highly ranking as Inniswold but still a great place to live, Westminster is another highly sought after area in East Baton Rouge Parish. In close proximity of the state capitol, you can benefit from easy access to the city and myriad opportunities while still maintaining a peaceful suburban home life. Schools boast high graduation rates and with two universities close by, many students become educated and remain in their communities which strengthens the areas commerce and morale. Those seeking further education opportunities have good options. The total number of crimes is significantly lower that the rest of the state – a whopping 81% lower. Although the high living costs may deter some people (15% higher than the state’s average figures), the median household income is significantly higher (87%) than the state average making Westminster a great choice for most. Try Albasha, a small local chain of Middle Eastern fare in a stylish setting.

8. Mandeville
Part of the greater New Orleans metropolitan area, Mandeville sits on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in the parish of St. Tammany. The population is a little over 12,100. Low rates of crime, high graduation rates, pleasant weather, and good household income levels combine to keep locals smiling. You won’t have to look far to find a decent selection of restaurants and shops, and you can work off all the delicious local food in one of the fitness centers. Try Nuvolari’s or Pat Gallagher’s for a delicious, upscale meal. Plus, the vibrant city of New Orleans is within close proximity.

9. Belle Chasse
Sitting on the edges of the Mississippi River, Belle Chasse is the biggest town in Plaquemines Parish. With some of the state’s highest property prices for both ownership and renting, it’s not a place for a typical first home. The prices do, however, reflect how sought-after the area is, making it a terrific choice for people looking to make an upgrade to existing living arrangements. Median rents are $1,130 per month in Belle Chasse, while the average home costs in the region of $227,200. The affluence of the area can be seen in the median annual income for a household: $66,730. When it comes to cutting loose and having some fun, Belles Chasse has great fishing spots, a shooting range, various sports facilities, a dirt-bike track, and restaurants that dish up some of the best Cajun food you’ll ever taste. And let’s not forget the great lineup of annual celebrations too. Belle Chasse hosts Crawfish Fest, Orange Fest, Gamers Fest, and more. Make rezzies at Zydeco’s Cajun Restaurant for dinner. You won’t regret it!

10. Metairie
Sandwiched between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain, Metairie’s farming heritage set the stage for the gorgeous local parks that sit there now. The greenery is a nice aesthetic and helps to break up the cement and tall buildings. Metairie has a sporty vibe; it’s home to the New Orleans Baby Cakes baseball team and the NFL team the New Orleans Saints train in there. There are many sports facilities to encourage a fit and healthy community. The area also has more ethnic and racial diversity than many other parts of the state and the crime rate is lower than the state average by an impressive 47%. Home prices are fairly high, at $210,900.

For more on Louisiana’s top places to live, click here. For more articles similar to this one, click here.

Best Bread Pudding in New Orleans

Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm. The winner of six James Beard Foundation Awards, Commander’s Palace has evolved into a culinary legend.

When Ella, Dottie, Dick and John Brennan took over personal supervision of the restaurant in 1974, they began to give the splendid old landmark a new look both inside and out including painting the outside the iconic “Commander’s Blue.”

Now under the watchful eye of co-proprietors Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, the Brennan family’s dedication to perfection has never wavered. A steady parade of renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Jamie Shannon, and now Tory McPhail have made Commander’s Palace the world-class restaurant what it is today and its leading-edge Haute Creole cuisine reflects the best of the city.

Boucherie

When southern Louisiana was still new, the tradition of a Boucherie must have been as ritual to the first Cajun peoples as Mardi Gras and Jazz fest are to us now.

Communities would gather at the beginning of the more difficult times of year to help one another complete their seasonal stores born out of the feast made possible by the whole of the people gathered. Each family that took part in a Boucherie would take home a portion of the hogs slaughtered during the celebration, and every community that held one did so in turn; ensuring that the rotation of the pigs that made up the celebration could last through the winter.

Today, as in the past, Boucheries are both performed as traditional intimate family affairs, as well as being the basis for huge festivals and celebrations throughout southern Louisiana.

Red Fish Grill

This vibrant, seafood-centric, polished-casual landmark anchors the first block of Bourbon Street and delivers innovative twists on casual New Orleans seafood. The lively décor, expansive bar, and laid-back vibe beckons both the young and young at heart.

Gumbo Shop

This New Orleans institution has won the Best Gumbo category in the Best of New Orleans poll every year since 1999. Instead of a house gumbo, this restaurant offers seafood, okra and chicken-andouille versions of this indigenous soup as well as file gumbo with chicken. They are offered as sides or starters for a full menu of Creole cuisine served at the restaurant or in a variety of sizes to take home for dinner or a party. And the Gumbo Shop’s roux always comes out right.

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe

At Lil’ Dizzy’s, producing great fried chicken is a matter of historical pride.Owner Wayne Baquet learned the restaurant trade from his father Eddie, namesake of the legendary 7th Ward restaurant Eddie’s, who got into the business in the 1940s working at Paul Gross Chicken Coop with his aunt, Ada Baquet Gross. Lil’ Dizzy’s is the only Baquet-owned restaurant still going, and Wayne is serious about doing the Creole-Soul tradition proud.

Mother’s Restaurant

Mother’s Restaurant opened its doors in 1938 on Poydras Street’s “Restaurant Row”, situated between a thriving waterfront and the courthouse. Owners Simon and Mary (Mother) Landry and his large family cooked up po’ boys for lines of longshoremen and laborers, newspapermen and attorneys. During and after World War II, Mother’s became a local hang-out for “the few and the proud” – the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine spirit was in the family – five of the seven Landry children (five sons and two daughters) joined the Marine Corps. Francis Landry was the first woman in Louisiana to be accepted into the Corps. This special association with the Marines earned Mother’s the title of “TUN Tavern New Orleans” in the late ’60s. The original TUN tavern was the official birthplace of the Marines during the Revolutionary War. Mother’s is not just a part of this great American tradition, but also stands as a uniquely New Orleans institution. The likes of other family-owned local businesses such as D.H. Holmes Department Stores, K&B Drug Stores, MacKenzie’s Bakery, and Werlein’s Music have all departed from the landscape, while Mother’s Restaurant has not only remained almost exactly the same, but has flourished.

Bon Ton Cafe

Originally opened in the early 1900’s, it has long been a favorite of local dining connoisseurs. After a brief recess, Al and Alzina Pierce came to New Orleans in the early 1950’s from their home along the bayous of South Louisiana and reopened the Bon Ton. With them came recipes that their families had created while living deep in the Cajun country of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

Muriel’s Jackson Square

While dining at Muriel’s Jackson Square, you’ll be enveloped by the rich history of the Vieux Carre while celebrating the life of today. Indulge in the spirits of our Courtyard Bar while Sir Antoine and the spirits of yesteryear dine alongside of you. Embrace the historical ambience, feel the energy, and taste the love in every bite as the flavors dance on your palate while you discover a local treasure. Today you can find locals socializing just as they first did when our city was built. Within Muriel’s historic walls, the city of New Orleans was built by citizens that passed through. Today that savor for life can be experienced by our patrons in the award-winning contemporary Creole cuisine we serve.

Mr. B’s Bistro

Mr. B’s is one of the brightest stars in the New Orleans restaurant scene. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Mr. B’s Bistro is located at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Cindy Brennan and her famous restaurant family opened Mr. B’s in 1979 and it has become a true French quarter fixture famous for deft cooking of regional specialties in a casual bistro setting.

K-Paul’s

In 1979, when Chef Paul Prudhomme and his late wife, K, opened their “modest”, 62-seat K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Chartres Street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, they had no idea the restaurant was soon to become a sensation, with nightly lines of eager diners waiting sometimes hours to be seated. That was back in the days when K-Paul’s didn’t accept reservations or credit cards! But now, under the hands-on direction of Chef Paul the restaurant has flourished.

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