Cajun Food In New Orleans

I had a great opportunity to visit New Orleans for a work conference and was more than excited about the prospect of having some great chow down and to tour this great place that had been devastated during Katrina storm.  Fortunately, I brought my youngest to visit as well and we had the opportunity to tour the area and taste some really great authentic southern dishes.  Gumbo, which was on the top of my list was terrific.  I was a little apprehensive, because I didn't think I could find gumbo soup that didn't contain sausages, but was pleasantly surprised when I found one with okra and seafood and it was truly amazing.

Spicy and delicious...I will like to make my own one day, and I absolutely love okra

Another dish that New Orleans is known for is the good old southern grits.  This dish reminded me of corn meal porridge without the sweetener and the smooth texture.  It was really good with a little salt and butter to give it that creamy texture and wonderful flavor.  I noticed that some people garnished it with bits of bacon and chopped spring onions on top, but it was tasty without it.

I was surrounded by so many restaurants, bars, cafes advertising all types of seafood and Jambalaya.   Live jazz bands at the forefront of many of these places were all very inviting.  The first place, I stopped to have breakfast  was called Stanley's in Jackson Square close to the Louisiana museum and cathedral church.  The enormous plate of breakfast was typical to all the portions I had in most of the places I visited.  Here are some pictures of some of my favorite meals.

Cajun Steamed Craw fish....took me a while to figure out how to get out the meat, but once I did  hmmmmmm!

Stewed Shrimp and fish with a Cajun season with mild heat.
This part of town is also known for its great seasoning with combination of wonderful spices.   

Poached eggs, stuffed soft crab
on an English muffin. Yes this is breakfast,
not at all what I would imagine eating at home,
but when you are in New Orleans, you do as the
New Orleans.

As mentioned the seafood portion were huge, stuffed crabs, lobster legs,
a seafood cheese dish, french fries all fried, so bad for your waistline, but so good
my taste buds and stomach had a great time.

Fried oysters, shrimp, catfish, fries and
bread.  This was way to much for one person
but again very good.  Surprising
it was very difficult to find dishes without
the fried seafood, but all in all southern
spices are fantastic.  Paprika, oregano, thyme,
peppers, and many more authentic spices really
does make all the flavors pop.

Stuffed Crab meat with fries was just right
for my little one

Last night, I went with a grilled shrimp salad
buried in
vinegar sauce and sprinkled with a creamy cheesy sauce.
The seasoning on every bite of shrimp was
amazing.  This was perfect for a late night dinner.