Festival of Food
Gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta, po-boys, and beignet mean New Orleans to many people as
much as jazz. New Orleans also boasts some terrific chefs and restaurants including Emeril's, K-Pauls
and our very own Bistro with Chef Greg Picolo.
In addition to our great restaurants there are special events and festivals that are worth a special
trip just for the food and drink. A few that we never miss include:
The 17th Annual Food and Wine Experience, scheduled for May 20 - 24 at the Louisiana
Superdome, will include more than 175 wineries from around the world and 75 of New Orleans' best
restaurants. Events include fine wine dinners, tastings, pairings and seminars. Celebrity guests include
Chef John Besh, Chef John Folse, Ziggy the Wine Gal, Kix Brooks and Chef Matthew Murphy.
More than food, the Greek Festival is an entire cultural experience, complete with, a marketplace,
kids activities, dancing and the opportunity to win a trip to Greece. Start with some meze (appetizers)
and move on to souvlaki, pastichio, or a gyro. Finish up with some baklava, halva, galaktobouriko or
kourambie. And enjoy plenty of bira (beer) and retsina (wine) with all your new, Greek friends.
Opa!
In the heat of the summer, cool off with a celebration of libations. July 16 – 20 brings Tales of the
Cocktail back to New Orleans. Writers, saloon artists, bartenders, mixologists, sommeliers, and a
Master of Whisky converge for a cocktail and culinary festival celebrating the history and culture of
spirits and food in New Orleans. Tickets are available in advance and
recommended as many events sell out.
Known as Restaurant Week in other cities Coolinary New Orleans celebrates dining in America's
most delicious city. From July 1 through August 31 many of our restaurants will run specials offering a 3
course lunch for $20.08 or less and a 3 course dinner for $35.08 or less. It’s a great way to try a new
restaurant or an excuse to go out with friends. Ask about Coolinary New Orleans participation when
making your reservations.
Just outside New Orleans, in Metairie at the St. Louis King of France School, the best of local seafood is
celebrated each fall. October 24 – 26 enjoy gumbo, fried catfish, boiled shrimp, crawfish bisque, frutti
di mare all accompanied by music from the school band.
