New Orleans, Louisiana

Michael Fraser

Publisher/Contributor

Pints, Forks & Friends Field Notes

A chef friend of mine and Louisiana native, Johnny Schulze, put together a Cajun culinary trip exploring the fine cuisine New Orleans has to offer. Johnny got his start there and makes it a point to return regularly to keep up with the latest trends, techniques, and recipes. For me, it was a chance to cover this city through the eyes of a chef. The focus of the trip was attending the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s “Boudin, Bourbon & Beer” event, featuring over 70 of the nation’s best chefs.

Since the Boudin, Bourbon & Beer event (2018) was right outside the Superdome, we decided to stay at Le Pavillon Hotel, situated in the heart of downtown New Orleans’ Central Business District. The accommodations were perfect for our schedule. The hotel originally opened its doors in 1907 as New Hotel Denechaud and eventually became Le Pavillon in the 1970s.

The weather was unseasonably cold for early November, and unfortunately, rain hit us at the “BBB” event the next evening. It didn’t deter us, though. We visited all the tents, sampling some of the best food we’ve ever had. As luck would have it, we were in the Abita Brewing tent when the rain started. We enjoyed their main brews – Amber, Purple Haze, and the Big Easy IPA. Regarding the food, some of our favorites were Mississippi BBQ, Oyster and Nduja Boudin, Bourbon Drunken Duck Boudin, and of course, the Bourbon Milkshakes.

Even though the weather cut our BBB evening short, we still ventured out into the French Quarter, exploring the famous Bourbon Street, admiring the art on Royal Street, and observing the diverse ways people express themselves. We used Google Maps to navigate the city and found some great activities on GetYourGuide, along with insights from local Uber drivers.

Get Your Guide Feature!

New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour

Savor a feast for the senses on a walking tour to different New Orleans food venues from a grill in the French Quarter to a family-owned candy store. Enjoy four cocktails and eight food samples.

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Side Notes

We stood outside of the Spotted Cat Music Club and listened to the live jazz band. You have to get there early for that place
Loved being able to take your drink with you for consumption, wish that was the case everywhere
The lunch at Antoine’s is a great price with a lot of specials, also take the tour after your meal – I guess they lost some irreplaceable wine after Hurricane Katrina hit
If you take the horse and buggy tour around Jackson Square, look for the guy dressed in all purple;)
Also, make the hike over to Port of Call and try their Monsoon (aka stronger hurricane)
Chef Johnny’s Favorite Restaurant – Cafe Degas -it has a live tree growing up through it!!
Full BBB Menu: EATER New Orleans