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Discover Hidden New Orleans
Five Bites, Five Neighborhoods: A Traveling Gastronomes Take on the Real New Orleans
Everyone knows the French Quarter—beignets, brass bands, and beads—but the real New Orleans flavor lives in the neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm, soul, and spice. During our recent food marathon through the Crescent City, we wandered (and ate) our way beyond the Quarter to find the meals locals dream about and visitors rarely discover.
By: Bob Boudreau The Traveling Gastronomes
Mid-City – Toups Meatery
If happiness had texture, it would be the cracklin’ at Toups Meatery. Chef Isaac Toups serves unapologetic Cajun comfort—boudin balls, duck confit, and dirty rice that laughs in the face of moderation. It’s rustic, bold, and best enjoyed with stretchy pants and zero regrets.
Bywater – Bywater Bakery
In the artsy, colorful Bywater district, Bywater Bakery feels like a neighborhood hug. It’s where locals gather for strong coffee, flaky biscuits, and conversation that lasts longer than your latte. Don’t leave without a slice of Chantilly cake—it’s practically a local landmark.
Tremé – Fritai
Chef Charly Pierre’s Fritai brings the heart of Haiti to Tremé, and it’s a match made in flavor heaven. Fried plantains, spicy pikliz, and griyo so tender it’ll ruin you for plain pork forever. This spot captures what New Orleans does best—heritage, heat, and hospitality.
Gentilly – Vaucresson’s Sausage Company & Café
In the heart of Gentilly, Vaucresson’s stands as a proud symbol of Creole flavor and family tradition. Generations of craftsmanship go into every link of their hot sausage, every spoonful of gumbo, and every smile behind the counter. It’s more than a café—it’s a community anchor where history and hospitality are always on the menu.
Uptown – Cochon Butcher
Half deli, half shrine to pork, Cochon Butcher in Uptown delivers the kind of sandwich you plan your day around. The muffuletta is sacred, the bacon praline is scandalous, and the vibe is pure Louisiana craft.
From Mid-City to Uptown, every neighborhood fed us something different—flavor, history, and a little perspective on what makes New Orleans endlessly fascinating. So skip the tourist traps, follow your nose (and your appetite), and remember our Traveling Gastronomes mantra: Eat everything. Ask questions later. Blame it on “research.”
— Bob & Kevin, The Traveling Gastronomes
About the Authors
The Traveling Gastronomes are Bob and Kevin, a Bristol-based duo dedicated to eating, traveling, and judging their way across America and the world—armed with humor, stretchy pants, and a deep respect for butter. Follow their adventures and join the conversation on Facebook at The Traveling Gastronomes, where calories don’t count and opinions are always well-seasoned.
