1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New Orleans Travel

Celebrating The Art Of New Orleans Food

By , About.com Guide

In January 2005, Culinaria opened at 1519 Carondelet Street in New Orleans, and a new era of local cuisine was born. From Culinaria, you the visitor can take home far more than just fond memories. You can take back skills taught in a world-class kitchen by acclaimed chefs.

View photos

Culinaria celebrates "The Art Of Food"

Culinaria, one block off of St. Charles Avenue, is an experience, rather than just a place to learn to cook. Of course, you can learn to prepare native cuisine there, and saying that is probably enough to pique the interest of any visitor. Even so, the food experience is perfectly matched with the ambience of the beautifully restored 19th century mansion that Culinaria occupies. There are two huge state-of-the-art kitchens where you can either take a class, or sit comfortably with a glass of wine while the award-winning chefs give a step-by-step demonstration. Dining salons on the same level are exquisitely set with china and crystal, and there you can enjoy the fruits of your (or your chef's)labor.

The Menu

Classes in New Orleans Creole cuisine are offered, along with courses on such internationally influential dishes as Italian, French, Latin, and Asian. Custom classes are available for groups, but must be arranged in advance. Imagine an afternoon celebrating Carnivale in Brazil, or an savoring an evening in Provence. You can learn to make French pastry or hone your knife skills. Or you just might prefer to watch your Creole brunch prepared and served. Does a Savory Crawfish Rice Cakes, or a Bourbon Praline Pecan Tart strike your fancy?

Wine And Spirits

Of course, no meal is really complete without the perfect wine. The enormous wine cellar is dotted with tasting rooms and wine tasting courses are offered. You can make an evening out of the antipasto, tapas, or hors d'oeuvres served with the various wines selections. Some parties begin in the wine cellar and make their way up to the kitchens and dining salons for, say, an evening in Tuscany. Instead of going to a restaurant, you can host a unique dinner party here.

Get What You Need

As if all this isn't enough, Culinaria offers a retail store where you can purchase any or all of the tools used in the classes. Also available are wine glasses, books, menus, and various other necessities for you to reproduce the grand meal you enjoyed there.

All in all, Culinaria is a new classic New Orleans experience.

Explore New Orleans Travel
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New Orleans Travel
  4. Restaurants
  5. Celebrating The Culinary Arts

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.