Image credit: August
New Orleans is one of the few US cities with a genuinely original cuisine all of its own. Cajun cuisine is named after the “Acadian” French settlers who moved to Louisiana in the 1700s after they were displaced by the British conquest of Acadia in Canada. This style of cooking is noted for its heavy seasoning.
Creoles were originally the descendants of the French and Spanish upper class that ruled New Orleans in the 18th century, but their descendants had broader heritage, and their cuisine reflects this melting pot of influences.
Creole and Cajun cooking are what give New Orleans its distinctive appeal, with dishes such as gumbo (thick, spicy soup) and jamabalaya (the local variation of paella, usually with smoked sausage).
The city’s rich history has left it with beautiful Spanish and French architecture, as well as its unusual shotgun shacks. Its neighbourhoods The Garden District and French Quarter neighbourhoods are home to many fine restaurants. Some go back a long time, such as Antoine’s, established in 1840 and with a series of distinctive private rooms and salons. Commander’s Palace is another old-stager, dating back to 1880, though its food has seen better days.
BRIGTSEN’S
Image credit: Brigtsen’s
Today the best food is to be found in some of the more recent establishments. The eponymous Brigtsen’s operates from a renovated Victorian cottage.
Cajun and creole cuisine is brought into the present day here, with dishes such as fried catfish with mild chilli sauce, or blackened tuna with a medley of vegetables. The dining room is cosy and packed, the welcome as warm as the pumpkin soup.
AUGUST
Image credit: August
John Besh’s August serves modern French food with some Louisiana influences, such as stuffed blue crab with curry, or crispy snapper with roast oysters.
The mahogany panelling and antique mirrors of the room match the refined cooking style here compared to some of the more boisterous dining rooms of the city.
STELLA!
Image credit: Stella!
Scott Boswell worked in France and Japan but is a native of Louisiana. His restaurant Stella! reflects his wide-ranging influences, with dishes such as local lump crab gumbo with grilled corn, or shrimp with caramelised maitake mushrooms.
There are plenty of other famous places to eat in this fun-loving city, from the lavish breakfasts of Brennans, the formality of Galatoire to the beignets available 7×24 at Café du Monde. From its jazz bars to the hearty local dishes, New Orleans is an easy place to like.
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