About James Cullen
Introduction
James’ Journey to Becoming the “Accidental Cajun”
Long before I ever set foot in the city of New Orleans, growing up in Millington, NJ, the stage was set for me to fall in love. A small restaurant opened in the old farm town of Myersville, The Myersville Inn, which served authentic Creole and Cajun food. It was owned by a native Louisianan, and I immediately fell in love with the flavors of the cuisine. They say you never forget your first kiss.
Years later, when I was working as a line cook in New York City, I met a woman from New Orleans in an after-hours service industry bar. She was tall and striking and had a beautiful French last name that she got from her Cajun country daddy. That night turned into a 15 year relationship and a move to New Orleans where I became the Accidental Cajun, a social media handle that took on a life of its own. What’s funny is I don’t believe in accidents, but I do believe in fate.
What Sets James Apart
I’m naturally curious about everything. I have never been one to be satisfied with a surface level understanding of anything. When I want to know about a subject, I dive deep. I met my match in New Orleans – it is a city of endless layers, textures, light and shadows, scents and flavors. It is a city built by so many hands and cultures and it is endlessly fascinating.
But to truly know a place, you have to get to know the people. And I have been fortunate that so many native New Orleanians from all facets of life here have taken me in and shared their city with me. Everywhere I go I know someone. Let me introduce you.
Bespoke Tours Tailored to You
One thing I have never been a fan of is a one size fits all approach to anything – because we’re all different. And while there are common threads that run through my tours and experiences, the one variable is you. What are you or your group interested in? Is it classic Creole cuisine, or maybe the vibrant Vietnamese cuisine that many don’t know exists in our city.
Or would you like to drop in on a soul food restaurant in a neighborhood most tourists never get to? Or if music is your thing, let’s discover a new artist or a club you’ve never heard of. And there is always a Chef’s table or rum tasting experience available if you want something a little more rarified. Whether you are coming to town by yourself, as a couple, with your family or on business, we can design the perfect tour for you, led by me.
The Personal Paparazzi Service
Target Audiences
No matter how you’re traveling, as a solo traveler or couple, a family, a small group, or maybe in town with a convention, we can accommodate you. For solo travelers/couples, our tours and experiences provide insightful and intimate, deep dives into the various neighborhoods, cuisines and cultural attractions of New Orleans. These carefully curated experiences will help you understand the city in a way a bus tour never could.
If you are traveling with your family, the challenges of providing an engaging experience can be all too real. As a father, I too have struggled on family vacations that were more stressful than enjoyable. So when you book with us, we put together a plan to help you maximize your time and enjoyment in the Crescent City.
And if you’re here with a small group, or maybe with a convention, we can design a day that will give you the best of New Orleans, whether you want an upscale dining experience or your own second line parade. We make it all possible.
Why Work with James?
When I first moved to New Orleans, a well-known local musician took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. We went to second lines, Super Sundays, clubs, restaurants, crawfish boils and cookouts, and he didn’t just show me how to do it, but taught me why we do it. He also introduced me to a wealth of people in the city, connections that went from acquaintances to close friends. He taught me the value of community and culture and instilled a deep love of New Orleans in me.
He also taught me the importance of giving back, which is why we will donate a percentage of our sales to The Roots of Music, a nonprofit that teaches music to at-risk kids and also gives them the skills they need to succeed in life.
Connect with James
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