New Orleans has always been known for its festivals. We are entering the prime months for outdoor entertainment and tons of fun to be had around the delicious, unique foods to be found in our beautiful city and state. Since the centerpiece of November is Thanksgiving, it only seems right to talk about the wonderful food festivals taking place this month.
This Saturday, November 7th, 2015, travel to the Bywater from 11am to 7pm for the opens in a new windowMirliton Festival, a celebration of the humble squash, also known as chayote. The Mirliton (pronounced: mer-la-ton) is a pear shaped, light green squash that can be used a myriad of ways, but is especially beloved as a vehicle for seafood and breadcrumbs in these parts. The festival will feature several restaurants’ takes on the wrinkly fruit, as well as live music and arts.
On Friday the 13th, you’ll have great liuck at the opens in a new windowBoudin, Bourbon and Beer Festival at Champions Square. This is a big event, with over 50 chefs bringing the boudin, musical acts, Abita Amber and Turbodog from Abita Beer, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and cigar tastings by several premium brands. All proceeds benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets are $99 and are available at opens in a new windowTicketmaster.
After the boudin, you can take part in the opens in a new windowTremé Creole Gumbo Festival. The fun runs from 11am until 7pm on both days at Armstrong Park and has free admission. Several excellent local Jazz bands will play as you partake of the multiple Gumbo offerings. Choose from filé gumbo, chicken and sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo, and dark roux gumbo. Never fear, you can even get vegan gumbo!
Sunday the 22nd, head down to Carrollton for the opens in a new windowOak Street Po-Boy Festival. This family-friendly day takes place from 10am to 6pm, with over 50 vendors bringing their incredible po’ boy creations. Some of the more interesting varieties are duck, gumbo, Cochon de lait, Mexican cheesesteak (!), and the Creole Bánh Mì – there is truly a po’ boy for every appetite! You’ll be able to shop at the Oak Street merchants while you swing to live music.
After all of that, Thanksgiving will be better than ever! We at 1896 O’Malley House wish you and yours a wonderful holiday full of love, laughter and delicious eats!