Text your fest friends, grab your sunscreen, comfy kicks, cash money and start hydrating. The French Quarter Festival returns April 11-14. Who to see? What to eat? What stage are we meeting at? With over 200 artists across 23 stages, and over 60 local restaurants to choose from, I’m here to help with your food plan of attack. With the return of the OGs who’ve been feeding fest goers since 1984, new vendors on the walk, and more than enough options for those of us festin’ on a budget (story of my life) let’s break down some food options for you and your crew.
Take it From a Pro
“My best advice for anyone coming to the festival is to sample dishes with a few friends. Everyone get something different and then share them with the group” says Heather Twichell, FQF food and beverage manager. Are you bringing along a first timer? Heather suggests the prime rib debris po-boy from The Rib Room, “it’s decadent perfection!” Planning an event of this magnitude no doubt leads to delicious daydreams. “Every single year I make sure to have the Cochon de lait po-boy from Walker’s Southern Style BBQ, a Creole Crawfish Sausage Po-boy from Vaucresson Sausage Co., a Crawfish Pie from Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, and a bubblegum snoball from Plum Street Snoballs. Last year we had Company Burger join us and I am loving their Turkey Burger with Arugula, Green Goddess Dressing and Tomato Jam. The Salty Malty Ice Cream Sundae from GW Fins is another one on my list that I have to check off each year. New this year is the Shrimp Fra Diavolo from Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House and half of our staff hasn’t stopped talking about it for weeks!”
The OGs
Jeanne Wong of Trey Yuen Cuisine of China has been set up under the same oak tree in Jackson Square since 1984. “It amazes me the amount of locals, out of towners and now a large amount of international guests that attend the festival. It truly is a wonderful experience for us and guests alike to show off what New Orleans and the French Quarter are best known for: food, music and southern hospitality!” Jeanne will be getting all the life she needs when Charmaine Neville hits the Hilton Stage on Saturday in Jackson Square. “She puts me in a great mood and I can’t help but feel those good vibes.” What to order? “Crawfish with lobster sauce, it truly represents the best Louisiana staple blended with traditional Chinese and Cajun spices. It’s our most popular item.” Other OGs returning: The Court of Two Sisters, Mrs. Wheat’s Pies, Vaucresson Sausage Company, Desire Oyster Bar, Pat O’Brien’s, and Tujague’s Restaurant.
The Newbies
This definitely isn’t their first rodeo, but it is their debut at the French Quarter Fest. Swing by Messina’s Runway Cafe for fried boudin bites. Two step over to Café Maspero for Creole Jambalaya. Cruise to the riverfront and get your wing fix at We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp. Refuel with Cajun fried turkey from Flamingo A-Go-Go. Morrow’s is serving up their Instagram famous Oysters Morrow (crab stuffed oysters on a half shell). Got a sweet tooth that won’t quit? Sweet Handcraft has you covered with ice cream macaroon sandwiches. Crab cakes with lemon butter at Landry’s Seafood, and New Orleans School of Cooking comes through with the ultimate salty sweet mix, a chicken tender and waffle sandwich.
I Got 5 On It
Between ridiculous uber fares, adult beverages, and covering that friend who always seems to forget their wallet, fests can clean out your funds with a quickness. There are more than enough options at five dollars and under. Hallelujah.
WWOZ Mango Freeze: $5
Bratz Ya’ll Bistro and Biergarten, Bavarian Salted Pretzel: $4
14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant, Steamed Cabbage: $4
Walker’s Southern Style BBQ, Street Corn in a Cup: $5
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, Praline Beignet: $5
Bennachin Restaurant, Homemade Sweet Potato Pie: $4
Boucherie, Cracklin: $4
Plum Street, Snoball: $4
Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant, Baked Macaroni: $5
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, Creole Taters: $4
Pick up the latest issue of OffBeat for your very own pull out guide that includes stage schedules, map, food and more! For all things French Quarter Fest head over to our A to Z guide.
