Not Only Music
Although there is great music and wonderful special events at the French Quarter Festival, the food and drink also deserve honorable mention. The French Quarter Festival is no doubt the largest open air brunch in the universe. There's food and drink in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Park and at the Old U.S. Mint. The food usually runs about $4 or $5 a portion. Here are some of my favorites.
First Courses
It's always fun to take in all of the possibilities first. But you may want to nibble on one of the following, just to get you started.
- A piece of Cajun Boudin from the Crescent Pie and Sausage Company
- Shrimp Remoulade Salad from the Red Fish Grill
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Chips from the Gumbo Shop
- Char Grilled Oysters from The Red Maple
- Andouille Sausage from Whole Foods Market
- Oysters Bonne Femme from Antoine’s
- Oyster & Artichoke Florentine from Bywater Bar-B-Que
- Turtle Soup au Sherry from The Court of Two Sisters
- Louisiana Crawfish & Goat Cheese Crepes from Muriel's Jackson Square
When You're Really Hungry
You can always get a hamburger or some bar-b-que or pizza. But, if you want something else, try some of these.
- Brisket of Beef with Horseradish Sauce from Tujague's
- Slow Roasted Duck Po-Boy from Jacques-Imo's Cafe
- Cajun Jambalaya w/ Creole Sauce from Desire Oyster Bar
- Confit Pork Cheeks with Creole Dirty Rice from Emeril's Delmonico
- Muffuletta from Frank’s Restaurant
- Crawfish Pies from Ted's Frostop/Mrs. Wheat's Pies
- Red Beans & Rice or Chicken Andouille Gumbo from Gumbo Shop
- Caribbean Fish with Rice & Veggies from Bennachin
- Alligator Sausage Po-Boy with Creole Sauce from Barreca’s
Time for Dessert
Of course there's everybody's favorite dessert, ice cream. Both Häagen - Dazs and Ben and Jerry's are available. But, there's a lot more to enjoy.
- Gelato from La Divina
- Baklava from Byblos
- Sweet Potato Pie from Bennachin
- Oreo Cookie Bread Pudding from The Clock Bar at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel
- Cheese cake with Praline Sauce from The Praline Connection
- Bananas Foster from GW Fins
- Strawberry Creole Cream Cheese Bavarian from Flour Power
- Chocolate Pecan Pie from Begue’s at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
- New Orleans Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce from Desire Oyster Bar
You'll Need Something to Drink Too
At every food station there's water, soft drinks, beer and wine. If you want something more New Orleans try some of these.
- Abita Jockamo India Pale Ale from Abita Beer
- SoCo Mango Mama Freeze from Southern Comfort
- Jungle Juice from New Orleans Original Daiquiris
- Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's Bar
- Cajun Storm Daiquiri from Daiquiri Delight Shop
- Happy Gator from Tropical Isle
- Who's to Blame Margarita from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
