stepping off the edge

What can I say about the food in New Orleans that has not been said many times before? My favorite comment is, “It is sure to shorten your life by 10 years but the trade off is worth it.” Oh my, the oysters. Our favorite place is Felix’s Oyster Bar, which is across the street from perhaps one of the most famous oyster establishments, Acme Oyster House but without the incredibly long lines. If there is a line at Felix’s, here is a pro tip: tell them you want to sit at the bar and you will be immediately seated. Trust me, it is the best place to eat. You not only get instant service but the “mother shuckers” as they like to name themselves perform right before your eyes. Anyone who has struggled with the shucking game will appreciate their prowess. I have worked as a shucker and believe me I am in awe. Look at this guy free handing that oyster, no rack, no rolled up towel, my favorite form, no net!

Our usual style is to bounce from raw to BBQed and back again. I tried to get a picture of the grilled oysters but Mrs. T dug in way too fast. Every man for himself at the old bar.

Now we move on to our yearly dose of beignets. Some will wait in a long line at the French Market adjacent to the Quarter for their serving, but we have found the Cafe du Monde in City Park to be free of any lines and oh so relaxing.

I could not resist turning this picture into a meme. Note that the reference to addiction is purely literary license. (Hope this makes it past my editor.)

[Editor’s note: I can’t edit this meme that he finds so amusing; perhaps he now has it out of his system, since he’s the only one who finds this funny]

Next on the “food wheel of death tour 2025” was the Po’boys at Parkway Bakery and Tavern. As everyone knows, Thursday is fried oyster day at Parkway. Mrs. T prefers the shrimp. And always “dressed,” New Orleans slang for put everything on it.

For your consideration, Mrs. T waiting patiently for me to deliver the goods at Parkway.

It would be a great oversight to not mention another favorite, Neyow’s Creole Cafe. A neighborhood spot where, If you are not there by 5 pm, you will be relegated to waiting for sometimes hours to get a table. Our regular form is to get the food to go. Order from a bartender who you are certain is not paying attention. Sit on a bench, wonder if or when the food will come out, notice a bag get delivered by the kitchen, and pray said bartender notices it!

Two fried chickens, hush puppies, mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread dressing… heaven.

I could go on and on, like veal cutlet on a roll with brown veal gravy at Mandina’s, crawdad loaf, gumbo anywhere is great, boudin balls, and soft shell crab. But I now am getting ahead of myself.

Coming up, the French Quarter Festival, which we were lucky enough to be in town to enjoy. A local event nothing like Mardi Gras or the Jazz Festival. It is free, it is remarkable, and it has 22 stages around the Quarter set up with some of the greatest music New Orleans has to offer…