New Orleans
Culinary Tours
Introduction
To understand New Orleans – truly understand it – you have to walk its lesser known streets, get into its neighborhoods and meet its people. Its authenticity and unique charm are derived from these sources. Our New Orleans culinary explorations go beyond food, and are a dive deep into the city's culture. Our culinary tours offer an authentic journey through hidden gems and local treasures that showcase the true heart of this vibrant city. As we guide you through lesser-known cultural spots and historic landmarks, you'll gain unique insights into New Orleans’ rich history and culture.
With a focus on off-the-beaten-path locations and small group sizes, our tours ensure a personalized and immersive experience. Discover unique neighborhoods like Treme and Bywater, meet local artisans, and delve into cultural experiences that most tourists miss. Whether you're exploring solo, with a partner, or with family and friends, there’s a tailored adventure waiting for you. Dive into our itinerary, meet your passionate guide, and see why our small group tours are the best way to experience New Orleans’ hidden wonders.
A Typical Accidental Itinerary
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Dinner
Late Night Drinks
Adventures Designed Specifically For You
Solo and couple travelers
New Orleans is the perfect city for solo and couples travelers, with it’s deep history, intriguing culture and warm hospitality that hugs you like the ever present humidity. It is the most European city in the U.S., as well as the most Caribbean city – you can walk from Paris to Havana in the course of an afternoon. It also presents you with endless options of what to eat, see, hear and do. And we love to engage these senses here.
We offer both one day “taste of the city tours,” which intimately explore the city in groups of no more than six, as well as completely customizable packages that are geared towards your tastes and interests. Experience the best the city has to offer with our passionate, professional expertise.
Traveling families
I’m sure you’ve already heard all about us. The all night party of Bourbon Street where overserved tourists trade skin for beads, a lascivious social club for adults only. New Orleans definitely has a reputation for being an adult playground, but what’s less well known is how family friendly the city truly is. On the uptown parade route during Mardi Gras, generations of family members enjoy the pageantry of our parades.
Families fill the Super Dome and the Arena for Saints and Pelicans games. The Audubon Institute boasts a world class zoo and aquarium. There are so many options that your family will wonder how you can fit it all in. And that’s why we’re here to help. As a seasoned New Orleanian and a seasoned Dad, I can plan the trip of a lifetime for your family, either guided or self guided. All family tours are customized to your needs, so instead of planning, you’re spending time making memories.
Small groups
We understand that every group is different, whether you're traveling with family, friends, or colleagues. Our customized itineraries are designed to cater to the needs of your group, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable and enriching experience. From team-building activities to family-friendly adventures, we craft experiences that bring people together while exploring the best each destination has to offer.
Balancing a trip to New Orleans for a convention with the desire to experience the culture of the city can be a difficult task. But it’s one that we can easily manage, because we know the city. Whether you want to have lunch in a local gem followed by a craft cocktail, or dinner at a Chef’s Table followed by the best live music the city has to offer, we can craft packages that will satisfy your hunger and thirst for New Orleans.
Conventions
Does your company need help planning a private event or dinner? Whether it’s finding a venue, live entertainment, providing photography services or organizing a second line we can help you plan a memorable event that will have your guests talking long after you leave the city.
We have years of experience in hospitality and events and connections to the best entertainment the city has to offer. And every event is as unique as you are. Contact us and let’s get started on planning your event.
Meet Your Guide
The Founder of Accidental Cajun Experiences
One of the great archetypes of literature is going home. Sometimes instead of finding a home, home finds you. The search for home can be intentional, or as, in my case, accidental – a chance encounter at a bar in Jersey. And you embark on a journey that you never imagined.
That was my life, a NYC chef who met a Cajun woman from Louisiana in a barroom in Jersey. The next thing I knew, almost by accident, I was living in New Orleans; but more importantly, New Orleans was living in me. While my personal relationship didn’t last, my love for the city, its people, and its culture did. It’s an abiding relationship, and one I want to share with you.
I’ve spent years working in the city as an award winning chef, journalist and photographer, immersing myself in everything the city has to offer. Memorable nights at 7th ward barrooms and 9th ward juke joints; long days on the Uptown Mardi Gras parade route; years of cooking and eating throughout the city; following second lines through the streets; covering music festivals and community events. If it’s happening I’m there. And throughout these years, my colleagues have become friends, my friends have become family, and the city has become my home.
My New Orleans is a deep, soulful place animated by its people, music, cuisine and traditions. This is the city I want you to see. Through uniquely curated experiences, you’ll see the city through the eyes of a passionate local, with the reverence and respect it deserves. Come join me, and let’s dig into the city. Culture. Cuisine. Community. Below sea level. Above ground.
Why Choose The Accidental Cajun?
Small group sizes for personalized attention
Insider access to places not found on typical tours
Commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices
Giving back to New Orleans’ Culture
Booking process overview
Step1: Choosing options
Step2: Questionnaire
Step3: Coordinate with James
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? We've got answers.
