Weekend Trip: New Orleans

If you need a short break from the cement jungle, I highly recommend a weekend in the Big Easy. It’s a quick, few-hour flight yet it feels like you’ve taken a time machine to the 1950’s, and there’s no better place to bust your belly in just 2 or 3 days. The city is known for its plethora of authentic foodie specialties (po’ boys, muffaletas, and crawfish to name a few), but it was their oysters that especially captivated me. I’ve had plenty of raw oysters in Manhattan and my fair share of fried oysters in the Cape, but I haven’t tasted anything quite like the cooked oysters concocted down south. I would definitely try the oysters at the following three spots:

Wood-fired Oyster Roast at Cochon, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 504.588.2123

Roasted Breton Sound Oysters (with Green Chili Bacon Butter and Shaved
Manchego Cheese) at Le Petite Grocery, 4238 Magazine St., 504.891.3377

P&J Oysters: Crispy fried Oysters with Louisiana Caviar “Ranch Dressing,” Pepper Seared Oysters with Country Ham and Truffle Spoon Bread, and Horseradish Crusted Oysters at August, 301 Tchoupitoulas St., 504.299.9777

It’s a perfect and important time to visit New Orleans, post Katrina. Along with the grand architecture, festive jazz music, and joyful atmosphere, their unique food makes us truly honor the good things that are there now and will remain their forever.

P.S. Just curious, does anyone have any recommendations for some fantastic cooked oysters in the city? Please email us with your suggestions.