New Orleans Walking Food Tour: A Culinary Journey Through the Big Easy’s Historic Flavors
My inaugural visit to the captivating city of New Orleans, affectionately known as the Big Easy, kicked off with an experience that perfectly encapsulates its soul: a New Orleans Walking Food Tour. Hosted by Custom Conventions and expertly led by Marc Preuss and Carling Dinkler, this wasn’t just a culinary adventure; it was an immersive history lesson served with every bite. More than any other American city, New Orleans seamlessly weaves its rich past into its vibrant present, making every dish and every street corner tell a story.
A Taste of History at Napoleon House New Orleans
Our gastronomic journey began at the legendary Napoleon House, a national landmark since 1970. Stepping inside felt like traversing centuries. Its name, indeed, pays homage to none other than Napoleon Bonaparte himself, hinting at the fascinating tales embedded within its walls.
Nestled in the heart of the historic French Quarter, the building dates back to 1794, later enlarged in 1814 by Mayor Nicolas Girod. Yet, despite Girod’s significant role, it became universally known as the Napoleon House. This intriguing moniker stemmed from pervasive rumors that the grandest home of its era was being prepared as a lavish refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte following his exile. Though news of his death in 1821 largely put an end to these whispered plans, the captivating legend of the emperor’s potential sanctuary lives on, imbuing the place with an almost mythical allure. The architectural details, from the rustic brickwork to the grand arches, speak volumes of the city’s enduring heritage and European influences.
Executive Chef Chris Montero, a gracious host and a fount of local knowledge, shared a wealth of historical anecdotes during our visit, truly bringing the building’s past to life. After this captivating lesson, we indulged in samples of their renowned muffaletta sandwiches. Served warm, these sandwiches are a sublime take on a New Orleans classic. The bread, a soft yet substantial round loaf, was so incredibly delicious that I could have easily devoured an entire one on its own. Layered with various cured meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive salad, each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect introduction to the city’s robust culinary identity.
Dancing Through Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
From the historic ambiance of Napoleon House, our walking food tour led us through the iconic Jackson Square. The square itself is a vibrant canvas of local life, where artists display their works, fortune tellers offer glimpses into the future, and the air is perpetually filled with the sounds of impromptu music. We were immediately enveloped by festive live music, an irresistible rhythm that compelled several of us to spontaneously dance in the streets. While technically within the confines of Jackson Square, “dancing in the streets” just captures the joyful spirit so much better!
The energy was infectious, a true embodiment of the “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” spirit that defines New Orleans. The spontaneous celebration perfectly underscored the city’s unique ability to blend history with joyous revelry. I found myself grinning ear to ear, swept up in the moment.
After soaking in the sights and sounds of Jackson Square and capturing some photos of the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in North America, we continued our culinary exploration. The cathedral’s stunning architecture, with its triple steeples reaching skyward, stands as a testament to the city’s deep faith and enduring history, a silent guardian over the bustling square.
Sweet Delights at Cafe Du Monde: A Beignet Revelation
Our next highly anticipated stop was the world-famous Cafe Du Monde. This was where I was finally going to experience my very first beignet. In my mind, I was picturing a square doughnut liberally dusted with powdered sugar. What I received, however, was something far superior – a revelation that instantly outshone any doughnut. Sorry, doughnuts, but the beignet reigns supreme!
Cafe Du Monde is an iconic New Orleans landmark, typically characterized by its famously long lines of eager patrons. Fortunately for our tour group, we bypassed the queue, heading straight to the back where fresh, warm beignets were brought out for us. The aroma of fried dough and chicory coffee filled the air, creating an almost intoxicating sensory experience.
These golden squares of perfection were light, airy, and literally covered in a mountain of powdered sugar. I could have easily consumed the entire tray, but years of good upbringing prevailed, and I managed to exercise some restraint. My attention was quickly captured by a fascinating window at the back of the restaurant, offering a mesmerizing view into the magic behind the scenes. Here, you can watch the skilled bakers mix, roll, and expertly cut the beignet dough before it’s fried to crispy, fluffy perfection. It’s a testament to simple ingredients creating profound culinary joy, and a truly integral part of the New Orleans food experience.
An Exclusive Treat: Jambalaya with the Preuss Family
What followed on our New Orleans Walking Food Tour was an exceptionally special and intimate experience. We were incredibly privileged to meet and visit the private home of the iconic New Orleans chef, Gunter Preuss. Inside their charming residence, we were treated to a sample of his beautiful wife Evelyn’s homemade jambalaya. Prepared exactly the way this foodie loves it – rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced – it was a true taste of home cooking from New Orleans royalty. We weren’t merely in the presence of culinary legends; we were guests in their personal domain, an honor that felt incredibly unique and personal.
Chef Gunter Preuss, a towering figure in the New Orleans culinary scene, famously owned and operated the celebrated Broussard’s restaurant for many years. His distinguished career includes having served the Pope during his visit to NOLA and being prominently featured in the esteemed PBS series “Great Chefs of New Orleans.” Yet, within the comfort of their home, it is his wife, Evelyn, who presides as the chief cook. Her delicious pot of jambalaya, a soulful blend of rice, meats, and vegetables simmering with Cajun and Creole spices, was swiftly devoured by our eager group of food influencers, all in town for the 2018 International Food Bloggers Conference. The warmth of their hospitality, combined with the incredible food, made this stop truly unforgettable. Even amidst the notorious August heat and humidity, our smiles were genuine and wide – because, well, jambalaya!
Dining Legacy at Antoine’s New Orleans: Where Oysters Rockefeller Began
Our tour then brought us to Antoine’s, a true cornerstone of New Orleans’ culinary heritage. Established in 1840, in the very heart of the French Quarter, Antoine’s proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America, still run by its founding family. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living museum, a testament to enduring tradition and exquisite taste. It’s also the revered birthplace of the legendary Oysters Rockefeller – a dish that revolutionized oyster preparation and remains a global delicacy to this day.
We were guided through the restaurant’s many lavish dining rooms by the charming, knowledgeable, and wonderfully witty server, Sterling Armour. His passion for Antoine’s history and its culinary contributions was infectious, making every anecdote come alive. That’s him, proudly featured in Saveur magazine, on the plaque in the photo below! During our enthralling tour, we sampled Antoine’s soufflé potatoes – a culinary marvel unlike anything I’d ever encountered. These delicate, puffed potatoes were incredibly light and airy on the inside, yet boasted a perfectly crisp and salty exterior. Each bite was a delightful revelation – absolutely yum!
Antoine’s escargot is another celebrated menu item, and I found myself utterly enchanted by a whimsical snail decoration adorning the wall in one of the restaurant’s many elegant rooms. Overcome by a moment of pure whimsy – perhaps a touch light-headed from the August heat and excitement, or simply embracing my naturally goofy self – I just had to give the little snail a playful kiss. It was a perfectly silly, memorable moment in a place steeped in grandeur, a true reflection of the Big Easy’s endearing charm.
Our comprehensive culinary journey concluded just across the street, with a sweet finale at Leah’s Pralines. We sampled a variety of their delectable offerings, but my absolute favorite was the bacon pecan brittle – a truly inspired blend of sweet and savory that left me exclaiming “Wow!”
Essential Tips for Your New Orleans Walking Food Tour
This New Orleans Walking Food Tour was undoubtedly well worth both the cost and the three hours it encompassed. My phone’s activity tracker indicated we walked approximately four miles, so I’m confident I worked off at least some of the delicious food samples. If not, the pervasive August heat and humidity in New Orleans ensured I sweated them off! If you plan to embark on your own Big Easy culinary adventure, here are a few indispensable tips:
- **Hydrate:** Carry a bottle of water with you at all times. The New Orleans climate, especially in warmer months, demands constant hydration.
- **Comfortable Footwear:** Wear your most comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be covering a good amount of ground, and there’s nothing worse than sore feet hindering your enjoyment.
- **Hair Management:** For those with longer hair, go ahead and pin it up. The humidity is no joke and will likely cause frizz.
- **Eat Breakfast!** Assuming a food tour would leave us overly stuffed, our group made the collective mistake of skipping breakfast. By the time the tour concluded around noon, we were all surprisingly hungry. A light breakfast beforehand will ensure you’re energized for the walk but still have plenty of room to savor every sample without feeling famished.
Beyond the Bites: New Orleans Walking Food Tour Sights
New Orleans is truly a unique cultural tapestry, a vibrant mashup where there is an endless array of sights to see, aromas to savor, flavors to taste, and melodies to hear. My three days there barely scratched the surface, and I eagerly anticipate my return to experience even more of its magic. In the interim, allow me to share a few more captivating glimpses of the city, captured along the way during our unforgettable New Orleans Walking Food Tour. These images capture the essence of a city that lives and breathes art, music, and a profound sense of identity.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
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