Bring Out Your Inner Foodie
Darlings! It’s officially the countdown to one of the biggest “MELANIN POPPING” event of the year. We’re literally a week away from all sorts of “BLACK GIRL MAGIC”. I’ve attended the Essence Festival in past years and it’s nothing short of beautiful black women enjoying themselves and loving life. While the Essence Festival itself is a huge event I would be remise if I didn’t highlight some amazing Black Owned Restaurants that we feel you MUST visit while in the NOLA!
Who doesn’t love authentic Cuisine? There is absolutely no other place like the BIG EASY! Close your eyes and imagine the savory taste of Creole and Cajun dishes made from recipes passed down through generations. No matter what your ethnicity may be this is the one place that everyone agrees on one thing, THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! Listen it just doesn’t get any better than the cuisines that you will crave once the trip is over from New Orleans. Check out my list of some of my favorite Black-owned Restaurants in The Big Easy:
Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles
Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles inspiration for came from a combination of two mothers and a grandmother of the dynamic owners, Earl and Nicole Mackie.
Rumor has it that there isn’t a person alive that doesn’t loves their “Secret Weapon”… their “TOP SECRET” cornbread recipe dazzles their customers with its flavor and freshness even after sitting for over an hour. Both natives and tourist all say that Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles has the “BEST FRIED CHICKEN TO THE BONE! Ma Momma’s House is the place to be in New Orleans down home flavor and Southern cuisine!
Heard Dat Kitchen
Heard Dat Kitchen is probably one of my favorites. When you’re at Essence Festival there’s so much going on you just don’t have time to sit and eat. Heard Dat Kitchen is a take-out restaurant with just four tables, three on the sidewalk in front, and a pick-up window where orders are served in Styrofoam boxes. Yep! Styrofoam boxes but trust me this is one that you want!
In a hurry? No worries just pull up to their window at 2520 Felicity St., just off Claiborne Avenue.If you’re astonished by the menu I suggest that you try the shrimp & grits, blackened fish fillet with lobster whipped mashed potatoes, lobster béchamel cream sauce with fresh fennel and fresh corn — all topped with crispy fried onion rings.
Sassafras Creole Kitchen
Sassafras hails New Orleans as their hometown, a city with its own unique history. For over 15 years ago, they have been carried on the tradition of serving authentic New Orleans flavor in an ambiance for their guests to experience exceptional food and hospitality at a reasonable price.
LIL Dizzy Cafe
At Lil’ Dizzy’s, producing great fried chicken is a matter of historical pride. Owner Wayne Baquet learned the restaurant trade from his father Eddie, namesake of the legendary 7th Ward restaurant Eddie’s, who got into the business in the 1940s working at Paul Gross Chicken Coop with his aunt, Ada Baquet Gross. Lil’ Dizzy’s is the only Baquet-owned restaurant still going, and Wayne is serious about doing the Creole-Soul tradition proud.
Compère Lapin
Inspiration for the menu comes from the traditional Caribbean folktales featuring a mischievous rabbit named Compère Lapin that Chef Nina Compton read during her childhood in St. Lucia. Drawing on the story’s themes of exploration and play, she mixes the indigenous ingredients and rich culinary heritage of New Orleans with those of her Caribbean roots. Tapping into her classical French culinary training and deep experience with Italian cuisine, the result is a playful menu that takes food you know, and makes it food you love.
Dooky Chase Restaurant
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant opened its doors for business in 1941. What was initially a sandwich shop and lottery ticket outlet in 1939 blossomed into a thriving bar and later a respected family restaurant in Treme. Founded by Emily and Dooky Chase, Sr., Dooky Chase’s Restaurant soon became the meeting place for music and entertainment, civil rights, and culture in New Orleans.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BLACK OWNED RESTAURANTS IN NEW ORLEANS?