I’m heading back to New Orleans at the end of the month for a work conference and I am already obsessing over ALL THE FOOD! Reminiscing about the last time I visited this city also has me thinking of what a newbie must do their first time visiting!

A beignet a day…

It doesn’t even matter where you get your first beignet from as long as it happens as soon as possible from the moment you land. A beignet is fried dough kneaded with angel hands and sent down from heaven with a dusting of powdered sugar. If you go to New Orleans and don’t have at the very least 4-14 beignets, were you ever even there? Come on.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes seemed to be a staple of the French Quarter and a must-do while out on the town. This rum drink is sure to have you feeling right when that marching band comes down the street.

Gumbo, Jambalaya, Seafood, Étouffée, repeat

I had a side of gumbo every where I went. I wish I was exaggerating. I’m most looking forward to returning to Surrey’s Cafe, right after I get that first beignet 😉 I have plans to get at least two meals from Surrey’s on my next visit to Nola. If you get a chance to visit, get the shrimp and grits. Thank me later.

The Marching Bands

I don’t know what was more exciting, the food or the fact that at any given time, there are marching bands and live music in the middle of the street. It seemed like everywhere we turned, there was a party.

Where should I eat this time around in New Orleans?