One of the great things about all festivals in New Orleans is the food. There are those of us who go for the food as much at the music. The
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival offers a tremendous variety. Everything from sushi to alligator po-boys can be found.
Here are some of my favorites.
1. CRAWFISH MONICA
Crawfish Monica is a wonderful blend of fresh Louisiana crawfish and pasta. The sauce is a secret recipe invented by Pete Hilzim and named for his wife. It's heavenly. Don't miss it.
2. COCHON DE LAIT PO-BOY
Cochon de lait literally translated is milk fed pig. It's actually roasted pork. The whole pig is slow roasted on an open pit. It's fork-tender, juicy and seasoned perfectly. Then, it's put on French bread to make one of the best sandwiches you'll ever eat. Look for it at the Love at First Bite booth.
3. PHEASANT, QUAIL & ANDOUILLE GUMBO
New Orleans and surrounds are famous for gumbo. It's one of our staple foods and no two gumbos are alike. Gumbo is a thick soup or stew which almost always starts with a roux. One of my favorite gumbos at Jazz Fest is the Pheasant, Quail and Andouille Gumbo from Prejean's Restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana. They are always represented at Jazz Fest, so drop by and taste.
4. CRAWFISH SACKS
Patton's Catering does two things that are not to be missed if you love seafood. The Crawfish Sacks are pastries filled with crawfish dressing tied with a red onion and deep fried. The oyster patties are oyster dressing in small pastries. Both are great and neither are on you diet. But, you don't come to Jazz Fest to diet.
5. MUFFULETTA
If you don't like seafood, try a Muffuletta from DiMartino’s Famous Muffulettas. This is a signature sandwich of the Italians in New Orleans and is made of several layers of cold cuts and cheeses topped with a wonderful olive salad. Muffulettas are made on large round loaves of Italian bread and can feed two people. If you're a vegetarian, they do a great vegetarian Muffuletta.
6. SOFT-SHELL CRAWFISH PO-BOY
At the Wegner booth try either the soft-shell crawfish po-boy or the 'gator po-boy. Both are highly recommended.
7. SOUTHERN FOOD
If you like southern food, try the Smothered Chicken, Fried Pork Chops, Smothered Cabbage and Cornbread at Designing Foods Catering. Just like you're Maw Maw makes.
8. GELATO, LEMON ICE, LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY ICE
Ready for dessert? Make it over to Angelo Brocato Original Ice Cream & Confectionery for some homemade gelato and Italian cookies.
9. PRALINES
Loretta's Authentic Pralines makes some of the best pralines in town and you can get them at Jazz Fest. The pralines come in several flavors including pecan, coconut, chocolate and rum.
10. SNO-BALLS
Sno-balls, the New Orleans version of snow cones, are made with much finer shaved ice and homemade syrups. For my money the best at the Fest are those from Plum Street Sno-Balls.
