Best French Quarter Fest Bites
French Quarter Fest is a free spring festival in the French Quarter. There will be stages set up along the River Walk, in Jackson Square, and other spots nearby in the Quarter. New Orleans has a rich a diverse food scene, and French Quarter Fest is a perfect representation of what the city has to offer.
From traditional local
dishes to international bites, the festival has it all. Head to the French Quarter from (add date) to taste what NOLA is serving up.
Here 10 of the delicious and unique dishes available at French Quarter Fest this
year.
1. Crabmeat Beignet
Loretta's Pralines, Kohlmeyer Lawn
Loretta's Authentic Pralines has been the home for sweet treats in New Orleans for over 35 years, serving the best beignets for miles around. At the festival, they'll be bringing out their famous Crabmeat Beignet, a light fluffy beignet stuffed with savory crabmeat and drizzled with their special sauce to merge these amazing flavors into one addictive beignet.
Of course, Loretta's Authentic Pralines will still be serving their namesake praline sweets, including praline beignets, praline cookies, praline shoe sole, and their sweet potato cookies. So if you need to satisfy that sweet tooth, Loretta's is there for you.
2. Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce
Desire Oyster Bar, Palm Lawn
When people are looking around for the best bread pudding the Big Easy has to offer, it might be surprising that an oyster bar is there to satisfy their sweet tooth. Desire Oyster Bar's Bread Pudding, with a soft, sweet texture that just melts on your tongue, is just as well-loved as their oysters.
They will also be offering some entrees to enjoy before dessert, such as their Alligator on a Stick served with Spicy Ranch and their Debris French Fries with Crawfish Étouffée. If you desire dishes brimming with flavor and a sweet treat, then give Desire Oyster Bar a try.
3. BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy
Established in 1991, Dickie Brennan & Co. is a restaurant group of four iconic spots located in New Orleans' French Quarter and, at this year's festival, they're serving up some savory classics.
With their BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy, you'll be eating a po-boy stuffed with gigantic and juicy shrimp and some fresh rosemary all slathered in their original New Orleans BBQ sauce. With four decades of experience, anything Brennan & Co. is serving up is certain to leave you filled to the brim and satisfied.
4. The Lambeaux
Smoke and Honey, Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
Smoke and Honey is a recent restaurant to Mid-City serving Greek and Jewish fusion food. At the fest, they'll be serving their Lambeaux, which includes a slow braised lamb leg with whipped feta, onion garlic jam, red onions, and cumbers and served on French bread.
They will also have Chicken Souvlaki, Tzatziki with Smoked Eggplant, and a Veggie Sandwich on the menu. Each sandwich is also being offered as a half order for those not as hungry or looking to taste a bit of everything.
5. Crawfish Bread
TJ Gourmet, Palm Lawn
At this particular festival, TJ Gourmet will be serving their amazing Crawfish Bread, stuffed with crawfish tails, three cheeses, green onions, and Creole spices all baked into a pack of delectable bites. TJ Gourmet will also be serving Louisiana Blue Crab Cakes and Alligator Sausage Kabobs, generously covered in seasonings to bring out the tangy and savory flavors of these dishes.
6. Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake
Crabby Jacks, Jackson Square
Crabby Jacks is a Cajun favorite serving mouth-watering lunch items with festive counter service. Their French Quarter Fest options will be no different.
The Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake is a unique and delicious dish. This is a savory cheesecake with a parmesan crust and Creole tomato cream sauce. Crabby Jacks will also be serving a Duck Po-Boy with apple slaw, Citrus Crab and Artichoke Salad, and a Dirty Mac and Cheese.
7. Spicy Tuna Sushi Taco
Nori Guys, Jackson Square
With a wide ensemble of Creole seafood restaurants and dishes at French Quarter Fest, Nori Guys offers a refreshing change of pace with their Spicy Tuna Sushi Taco. With a crispy taco shell being a sheet of nori filled with fresh tuna and a satisfying spicy sauce, this fusion of Japanese ingredients with the concept of the classic taco makes this a novel yet delicious dish.
Nori Guys is also offering other fusion options at their stand such as their Bang Bang Shrimp Sushi Taco, their Crab and Tuna Wonton Nachos, and their Tempura Tofu Sushi Taco. So if you want something light, novel, and filled with flavor, then Nori Guys are the guys for the job.
8. KFC Bao
Bao Mi, Jax Brewery Lot
With a crunchy texture and a juicy and slightly sweet flavor, the KFC Bao stands out as one of Bao Mi's highlight dishes in their menu of succulent dishes. With Pew Pew Shrimp Bao offering up a seafood alternative and Bulgogi Fries to add as a side for their choice of bao, you'll be licking your fingers just for another taste.
9. Baked Macaroni
Jack Dempsey's Restaurant, Jax Brewery Lot
For those craving macaroni with a bit more, Dempsey's is also offering up the Fried Shrimp & Baked Macaroni Combo, the Stuffed Crab & Baked Macaroni, and Soft Shell Crab & Baked Macaroni for some seafood flair. So don't fall behind and miss out on these scrumptious dishes with generous portions.
10. Chicken 65
LUFU NOLA, Jax Brewery Lot
LUFU NOLA is also serving up classic Nann and Garlic Naan to eat alongside this spectacular dish. Of course, this restaurant takes pride in its innovative dishes such as their Chicken Tikka Masala Taco and their Masala Shrimp Taco, which bring out the best of Indian cuisine served with a spin.
Foodies Festin' in the French Quarter
Come to French Quarter Fest for the music and stay for the food. This year is no exception with a wide range of delicious dishes from local businesses. Grab a drink and a tasty treat, or even a three course meal, before finding a spot to sit and enjoy the music.
