The food in New Orleans is unlike anything else in the country
New Orleans cuisine is distinctive in the country due to this global blend. Beignets, muffuletta sandwiches and bananas foster all originated here. There seems to be little doubt that this is one of the world’s great food towns, regardless of whether you dine in one of the French Quarter’s century-old institutions or one of the new restaurants offering fresh flavors to the table.
Commander’s Palace
The palace that contains Commander’s Palace in the Garden District is an old-looking, vibrant turquoise structure. Some call the architectural style “Victorian Cuckoo.” Inside, however, the food is more traditional fine dining, with a sophisticated, buttoned-down clientele and a dress code (collared shirts, close-toed shoes). The house specialties include turtle soup, gumbo du jour and pecan-crusted Gulf seafood. The 25-cent martinis are by far the most popular drink at the restaurant, and they practically fly out the bar throughout weekday lunch.
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Come here to savor New Orleans cuisine. You are sitting in a piece of history at Leah Chase’s dining room and the food, thankfully, stands up to the past. The menu is a skillful representation of Creole staples, starting with the basics like their delicious red beans and rice and working up to more intricate dishes like the exquisite shrimp Clemenceau, a meal could not be more local. Most visitors, on the other hand, have come to sample the restaurant’s world-famous fried chicken, a crispy, light dish that may be the best in town.
Peche Seafood Grill
The menu appears modest, but the presentation, food selection and dressings enhance the experience further than the French Quarter’s tourist traps. Because it is a Donald Link restaurant, there are lots of Cochon enthusiasts who want to eat less meat and others who want to try something other than the city’s standard shrimp and fish dishes.