I just had to get back to New Orleans. My roommate, who is from Nola, spent her Spring semester in Sevilla, Spain, and a reunion was much needed. Little did we realize that the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience would coincidentally lie on the same weekend as my visit!
Before I arrived, Ashley and I already established that the weekend had to revolve around really good New Orleans food. And oh, did we keep that promise.
Friday night was spent at Liuzza's, a hole-in-the-wall local treasure. Ashley's family assured me that they're known for their frosted beer mugs and po boys. So, of course, I ordered both. Plus a cup of gumbo. The meal was authentic, simple and satisfying! My favorite part of dinner was learning that our waitress worked at Liuzza's when Ashley's dad was in high school. Talk about dedication.
Brocato's was calling our name for dessert. I got half salted caramel and half stracciatella (Italian chocolate chip) gelato. Yum.
After a morning shopping on Magazine Street the next morning, we had an unbelievable lunch at Borgne, which I just critiqued here.
Before our evening out, we grabbed a drink at Oak Wine Bar. Seriously, hand me a cocktail and a cheese plate, and I'll be your best friend.
The highlight of our New Orleans weekend was the Funkin' It Up with John Besh event featuring celebrity chefs and top-of-the-line food. I was invited through a fun food blogger connection and felt so honored to be included in such a prominent event for the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience.
Ashley and I traveled from station to station around the Hyatt Regency to taste impeccable dishes by renowned chefs from Miami and New York to New Orleans and Oxford, Mississippi. We even snapped photos with Chef John Besh of Luke and Borgne and Chef Aarón Sanchéz, a judge on Food Network's Chopped. Yes, I was and still am starstruck.
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| AARON SANCHEZ |
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| Beautiful asparagus gazpacho |
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| JOHN BESH |