New Orleans is one of my favorite places to eat.  I can’t think of another American city whose food culture and history is – literally – quite as rich.   I just returned from my third visit to the Big Easy, and feel like I can give some strong recommendations for those who are visiting and can’t venture too far from the tourist areas.

Like the entire Christmas dinner my family and I ate at Domenica’s…

(Especially their black squid ink pasta with crab)

The surprisingly perfect catfish po’ boy at Schiro’s Cafe, where you can also get your laundry done and buy some booze.

NOLA knows its sandwiches – wake up early for this muffuletta from Central Grocery (the wait can be hours long)

End the day with breakfast at Camellia Grill

Onto the sweets!

Wolfgang Puck called the Banana Cream Pie from Emeril’s one of “the best things he’s ever eaten.”  I would have to agree.

Also amazing – the award-winning White Chocolate Biscuit Bread Pudding with Root Beer Caramel from Cafe Adelaide

Cochon’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Coconut Lime Sorbet

In lieu of Birthday cake this year, I ate an insane Bacon Sundae at Green Goddess

Of course, Cafe du Monde’s Beignets are a must (though my family says the ones here are better)

Some more must-tries from last year’s trip - K.Paul’s Molasses Muffin, Mother’s Ferdi Special, and the Vegetarian tasting at Restaurant August - but keep in mind, I wound up sick as a dog!!!