“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” – Sophia Loren
I love to eat. It’s either a fault or a gift, but I was brought up with food at the center of my universe. I am definitely in the camp of “live to eat” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even if that means I’ll never have the best bod. Because let’s be honest, french fries taste as good as skinny feels.
The reason for this non-important background is because I just added a new category to this blog called “PRetty Tasty.” Here I’ll talk about food experiences in Pittsburgh and beyond, and recipes I’m trying (or coming up with) to share my love of food with the world. If you’re here for the food too, read on.
This past weekend brought me to New Orleans for the second time. I was there for work, but you best believe I made time to eat my way through the French Quarter. Because you can’t NOT go to New Orleans and not feast on the most decadent, delicious southern food. Here’s a recap of where I ate. Luckily I averaged 17,000 steps per day.
Felix’s
We got in Thursday and made our way to dinner in the French Quarter after doing some research on restaurants. My sources told me that across the street from Felix’s is Acme, and tourists line up for oysters, but the locals know Felix’s is better, and less of a wait. Sure enough, Acme had a line and we got right into Felix’s with the most knowledgeable waiter. I tried an Abita Amber, a local beer (very Sam Adams-esque), and had the charbroiled oysters. I’m usually a raw oyster kind of girl, and I still prefer them, but these were a delicious treat (complete with Crystal hot sauce). For my main course, I went with the fried fish platter, which was catfish, served with coleslaw, french fries, and my favorite — hush puppies! Afterwards, we strolled Bourbon Street with frozen drinks, because obviously.
District Donuts
Last year, I read an article with Rachel DiCarlo from American Eagle, who I follow on Instagram, and she raved about the Vietnamese Iced Coffee at District Donuts Sliders and Brew. It was serendipitous, because I was traveling to New Orleans that following week for work, but was bummed because I was staying a little farther out of the city. Lo and behold, there was a District next to my hotel in the shopping center, so I tried the coffee and was blown away. This trip, it was only a five-minute uber ride, so I made sure to grab that coffee again, along with this amazing chicken biscuit sandwich and of course, had to split a donut with my coworker. They have a few locations in NOLA, but I recommend the one on Magazine Street in the Garden District, so you can stroll the area afterward like we did, with cute shops and houses. Also — unrelated but kind of related: there’s Federal Donuts in Philly with coffee, fried chicken, and donuts that I’ve been meaning to try. So a bit similar. Pittsburgh NEEDS a place like this.
Mr. Ed’s
On Friday when we were done with our work event, we went back to the French Quarter for oysters, round two! This time at Mr. Ed’s, where I had raw and they were awesome. And HUGE. But I had every last one of my half dozen, paired nicely with a Sauvignon blanc. For my entree, I had shrimp and grits and am STILL thinking about them. It was so rich but not too rich and just melt in your mouth delicious. I loved the sauce and the cheese and the shrimp and just everything!
Cafe du Monde
After Mr. Ed’s I thought I couldn’t possibly eat anymore, but since my coworker had never been to Cafe du Monde, we just had to stop for a beignet. So delicious and classic Nawlins. No cafe au laits though because it was 407 degrees. That photo below is from my trip there last year.
Saturday was so boring. Hotel veggie omelette for breakfast and airport sandwich dinner. If we had more time or I go to New Orleans again, I’d like to check out The Ruby Slipper for brunch, Brennan’s for breakfast or dinner, or the folks at the booth next to us at the conference raved about tapas at Emeril’s.
This week, it’s been lots of water, veggies, and running. Detox mode.
Where are your favorite NOLA spots to eat? If you want more mediocre food pics, follow me on Instagram!
We are heading to New Orleans in November! I’ll have to save this post and hit up some of these amazing spots! Xo!
Hope you have the best time!