Guided by Gumbo: Our Day and a Half with Chef James and Accidental Cajun Experiences

If you’ve been wondering who the culinary wizard behind our New Orleans food adventures was, allow us to introduce The Man, The Myth, The Maestro of Gumbo-Fueled Storytelling — James Cullen of Accidental Cajun Experiences.
James isn’t just a guide. No, no. He is the Grand Marshal of Taste Bud Parades, Professor Emeritus of Food History, and the only person we've ever met who can explain 300 years of New Orleans culture while simultaneously guiding you to the best oyster, gumbo, sausage, po’boy, AND dessert you’ll ever consume — without missing a beat.
We opted for a fully customized driving food tour (translation: zero illusions about calorie-burning), stretched over a glorious day and a half. It felt like exploring the city with that one friend who knows every secret kitchen, is on a first-name basis with cooks, bartenders, and someone’s grandma in every neighborhood, and can sense where hot beignets are coming out in real time.
For months leading up to the trip, James worked with us to develop our Strategic Gastro-Battle Plan. He was endlessly patient — even as our requests evolved from “maybe a few local spots” to “what if we tried everything ever made in New Orleans?” He never once questioned our ambition. Or our stomach capacity. Legend.
And yes — James is actually a Chef. A real one. Who knows other chefs. And restaurant owners. And the unlisted spots. And the spots the locals don’t even tell other locals about.
Between epic bites, he layered in the history of neighborhoods, buildings, music, food culture, and the people who shaped it all. It was basically like taking a NOLA masterclass… but with biscuits.
If you want to see (and taste) New Orleans like the city wants to be experienced — book James Cullen and Accidental Cajun Experiences.
Bring curiosity. Bring stretchy pants. Bring a willingness to say “yes” to one more bite.
Accidental Cajun Experiences offers walking tours, driving tours, customized tours, and adventures your stomach will write love letters about later.
CONTACT THEM. DO IT NOW.
Your future self is already thanking you.