We headed to New Orleans this past November, freshly “boostered” and ready to party. Ha! Neither of us had visited before and we were eager to explore. Because we love to eat, and New Orleans is a city bursting with great food, we nibbled our way through town.
On the trip down, we stumbled on a delicious restaurant in Madison, Mississippi. Mama Hamil’s is a short jaunt off of the interstate and it was absolutely delicious. It’s a buffet (I know, I know) filled with fried chicken, smothered pork chops, pulled pork, greens, mac and cheese, and banana pudding…way too many to list. I couldn’t help thinking how much my parents would have loved it. And, it was only $24 for two people including drinks. It’s a must stop if you are in the area. The pictures do not do it justice.
We stayed at an adorable Airbnb in the Garden district. Our host was fantastic and it was a great location.
One of our favorite bites on this trip were the char-grilled oysters. We loved them and sought them out multiple times. Superior Seafood and Deanie’s were our favorites for oysters. We also tried several versions of gumbo, all delicious.
We had to visit Dooky Chase’s Restaurant for it’s historical significance as a meeting place during the civil rights movement, as well as for their wonderful food. They opened in 1941 and remain a family run business. I ordered half the menu and enjoyed every bite-gumbo, creole shrimp, mac and cheese, greens and a piece of fried chicken! Trey had red beans and rice (so good) and fried chicken. I am good at sharing so I did let him sample my mac and cheese.
Another great meal was had at the Parkway Bakery and Tavern. We could not visit New Orleans without having Po’Boys and BOY were these good. We shared a roast beef and a half shrimp/half catfish. This place is can’t miss. I’m hungry for one right now!
We wanted to try a classic New Orleans fine dining establishment and chose Commander’s Palace. It is in The Garden District and was not too far from our house. The service was impeccable and the food was very good. The most interesting part of the visit to this gem was the offer of a side of simple syrup with Trey’s “unsweet” tea. How could he pass that up?!?
We also wanted to try an Alon Shaya restaurant, so made a reservation at Saba. The homemade pita bread is to die for and the hummus is the best ever. When they offer more pita it is very hard to say no.
We also had to check out some jazz before leaving and enjoyed “club hopping” on Frenchmen Street.
No trip to NOLA is complete without a visit to Bourbon Street. We are too old to be party animals so we visited during the day. We had a drink at Pat O’Briens (tasted like Cherry Kool Aid to me, ick), scrumptious beignets and frozen cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde, sampled yummy pralines and enjoyed walking around Jackson Square looking at all of the artwork on display.
It was a great trip and we would love to return someday….but not until we lose the pounds gained on this visit!!
Hi Amy ~ I love your insight of New Orleans. My nephew is getting married this October in NOLA. You’ve given me so many places to explore & I can’t wait to try some of the restaurants you mentioned.
I, too, immediately thought of Judy & Stan when you described Mama Hamil’s. Wouldn’t they have loved it!
I’m even more excited for October now.💖💖
Aww…that’s awesome!! October will be nice weather and not too hot. November was perfect, weather wise. Don’t know that I would want to go in summer!