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Ruta Sepetys, American author, once said, “New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture – even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.” I couldn’t agree more, which is why NOLA has grown to be one of my all time favorite places to visit. I have gone once a year for the last four years and I learn more about the city with every visit. This past weekend, I was lucky enough to spend my birthday in this amazing city with some friends. Between time spent at old favorites and some new discoveries, I returned home with a full but happy stomach and an abundance of new memories to cherish.

We arrived in New Orleans around 8AM on Saturday morning and after a quick stop at our rented home in the 7th ward, an area in the midst of a major rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, we were all ready for breakfast. Everything opens early and closes late (if at all) in New Orleans so even though we arrived at The Ruby Slipper Cafe before 9AM, there was already an hour wait for a table. I’m not even going to pretend to be ashamed of the fact that we waited at a bar across the street, cocktails in hand. It was vacation and brunch, after all! Anyway, it was worth the wait. Between the six of us, we had a tex-mex egg scramble (this was only okay, if I’m being honest), bread pudding pancakes (THESE were amazing), BBQ shrimp and rosemary grits (also amazing, even at breakfast time), and three different types of eggs benedict, the most delectable being a BBQ pork benedict served over a biscuit with cheddar hollandaise. If you find yourself in the French Quarter or the Garden District, I highly recommend checking out The Ruby Slipper Cafe for some incredible comfort food with a creole twist.

The rest of the day was spent wandering, exploring, tasting and drinking all over the city but dinner … dinner was definitely a noteworthy experience. We ended up at Acme Oyster House known for, your guessed it their oysters. I’m a big fan of raw, grilled and fried oysters alike but the chargrilled oysters at Acme definitely made the very top of my list. Served sizzling hot with an herb butter and a cheese blend, I nearly burned off my fingerprints grabbing shell after shell. They were to die for and I’ve been thinking about them ever since. Add Acme to your “must visit” list as well.

Our next food adventure was a non-negotiable for me. No visit to New Orleans is complete without an order of beignets chased down with a cafe au lait from Cafe du Monde. Do not be fooled by propaganda from other cafes or beignet shops, Cafe du Monde is the original and the most popular for a reason. It is worth the wait for a table in the midst of chaos, I swear. But, be sure to hit the ATM first because it’s cash only!

Finally, after overeating at the fried chicken festival on the Mississippi River (a story for another day), we had our final meal at my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Marigny Brasserie on Frenchman Street is vibrant, loud (with amazing live jazz) and drool worthy. I couldn’t think of any place better to celebrate my birthday. Red beans and rice (an absolute must), roast beef po’ boy, fried green tomatoes, creole mac and cheese, gumbo, and crawfish etouffee – everything was amazing. The service is great. The cocktails are light but pack a punch and the music ties everything together. I can’t wait to go back again the next time I am in town.

I could ramble for days but for now, I’ll call it a night. Have you ever spent time in New Orleans? Do you have any favorite spots that I should add to my list for next time?

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Rebecca McKinney

I was born a foodie. My dad is a chef, baker, and restaurant owner and my mom might as well be because she owns whatever kitchen she walks into. I grew up working in my family’s restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York – McKinney and Doyle. I started behind the bakery counter at 12 years old after begging my parents to let me start working. At 16 I worked as a hostess. By 18 I was serving tables and training behind the bar where I then worked every other weekend throughout my college career. Even now, when I am visiting my family in New York, I help out where I’m needed. To make a long story short, the food and restaurant industry has been my life for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.

So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!

Eat well & travel often,

Becky McKinney

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