Wow, this place goes down in the books as one of the best cities to wine and dine… and dance! A recent trip to NOLA reminded me just how much the food we eat is intertwined with culture and history. It also reminded me how, as a former NYC resident, all the idiosyncrasies of a city is part of what makes it unique, and this will always showcase itself in your experiences. I walked down the loud, bustling, Bourbon Street on a Saturday night getting heckled and harangued by both roaming tourists and routinely bored security guards. I was invited to dance in front of a street band by a local drunk. I witnessed people drinking out of every container other than a glass or plastic cup---from fish bowls to test tubes. I received a warning note at my accommodation about possibly being mistaken for a prostitute. And of course, I ate. A lot.

I was in The Big Easy for a couple of days attending a conference, and of course, had to take the opportunity to explore the city for what its food is worth. I had heard nothing but praise for years regarding the Louisiana city (and no it's not the capital city, Baton Rouge is). It turned out that what people had told me was true. Let me take you through a few of the quintessential New Orleans bites I had to try and wish I could do so over and over again.

So what would I recommend you get on a plate in New Orleans, LA?

Beignets.

You can’t visit this city without trying these light, fluffy, fried doughnuts swan diving in icing sugar. They are absolutely delicious, especially when you sit down to really enjoy them with a cup of coffee (preferably chicory) or tea. I stopped by the famous Café du Monde. No, I was never in a waiting in a queue thanks to a tip I received before I went from a fellow blogger. Don't’ stand in line, just sit down. The servers will fly to you in a heartbeat. Oh, and make sure you have some cash. I fell in love with these doughnuts so much that I bought a premixed pack, but I plan on making some from scratch myself as well.

Where to go: Café du Monde

Shrimp and Grits.

Oh yes, my favourite savory brunch dish. How could I not try this gift from the South in the heart of it? Shrimp and grits in this town are cooked Cajun style (at least the way I ate it on Frenchmen St. at The Maison). There were so many layers of flavor and spice, nothing bland about it. The spices came together so well and there was a perfect amount of heat. The touch of andouille sausage was the cherry on the cake.

Where to go: The Maison

Banana Foster.

Um, another classic you have to try when you visit NOLA. This dessert was invented here! I wanted to lick my plate and had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant where it was born—-Brennan’s. The story goes that the founder asked his sister/manager to quickly come up with a dessert for some high-end clientele including a police commissioner named Mr. Foster. Inspired by the sugared bananas treats their mother gave them in childhood, the dessert was formed. Did I mention it is loaded with rum, sugar, and butter?

Where to go: Brennan’s

Gumbo + Jambalaya.

Must-haves. I mean hello!? How can you not? I went the Creole way this time around. Luckily, The Gumbo Shop offers both dishes! Key difference: jambalaya has rice cooked into it as part of the dish, gumbo does not. Gumbo is basically a rich stock - like a stew or soup with bits of vegetables, meat, and or seafood that can come served on rice. Jambalaya is less liquid but equally delicious and satisfying. I tried my gumbo with okra and this time not grossed out by the slimy consistency. The jambalaya in this case as pictured by accompanied by two other signature meals— red beans and rice, and shrimp creole.

Where to go: Gumbo Shop

Po Boy Sandwich

I will close out with this classic po boy sandwich (the first thing I tried) from Parkway Bakery. Barack and Michelle Obama are two of many famous people who visited this establishment for this main attraction. The shrimp was so fresh and crispy, they tasted as if they had been swimming a few hours ago.

Where to go: Parkway Bakery and Tavern

All I can say is you don't want to miss ANY of these plates when you visit New Orleans. I look forward to going back to visit for vacation, so that I can enjoy more of the food and all the other activities the city has to offer.