Technically, you\u2019re in New Orleans to learn, not eat (and if you are here to eat, that\u2019s cool too).\u00a0 But even if you\u2019ve packed your conference schedule with panels, try to pencil in time to find the unique food this city\u2019s famous for\u00a0 \u2014 and that you can\u2019t get anywhere else except for versions that are usually subpar. Here\u2019s where you can sample five classic New Orleans dishes near the conference.<\/p>\n
You were probably heading there anyway, but Caf\u00e9 du Monde<\/a> is the place to go for beignets in the French Quarter. These square pieces of dough topped with sugar are best eaten hot from the fryer at the restaurant that\u2019s been serving them since the 1800s with mugs of chicory coffee. Here\u2019s a tip: hold your breath when taking a bite, or you\u2019ll cover yourself \u2014 or the person sitting across from you \u2014 with a cloud of powdered sugar.<\/p>\n Gumbo is the official food of the state of Louisiana. This stew made with shellfish and\/or chicken and sausage and served with rice is the result of centuries of tradition borrowed from the Spanish, French, West Africans and Native Americans. To find amazing seafood gumbo, visit Dooky Chase\u2019s Restaurant<\/a> in the Trem\u00e9 neighborhood. Founded nearly 80 years ago, this restaurant became a cultural and culinary touchstone for New Orleans under executive chef Leah Chase, who died just this June. Chase’s status as a civil rights icon and legendary cook brought countless customers to her restaurant over the years, including former president Barack Obama. A lunch buffet is served Tuesday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., dinners are Fridays only from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n\t\n\t Special thanks to our ONA19 sponsors<\/a>, including:\n\t\tGumbo<\/h3>\n