Spice Up Your Super Bowl Party With New Orleans Cuisine

An aerial view of the Superdome in New Orleans

Much has been written about what to do in New Orleans if you are traveling there for the Super Bowl this weekend. Those making their way as members of the media can check out this day-by-day checklist, while football fans can view this list of activities for the week. Unless you are a San Francisco 49ers or a Baltimore Ravens fan, there is a good chance you are traveling somewhere else this weekend and will save a New Orleans visit for a time when it is a bit calmer there. Calm is a relative term, of course, when it comes to New Orleans, but this weekend will be a zoo even by The Big Easy’s standards.

What, then, are some ways to bring New Orleans home (or wherever you are) to get in the mood for the big game? We all like to read books about where we are traveling to get a feel for the culture and the geography. Instead, try doing some things to get you in the mood and feel as if you are there.

First, I recommend catching up on every episode of “Tremé”, the HBO series that takes its name from Tremé, a neighborhood of New Orleans. The series begins three months after Hurricane Katrina as the residents of New Orleans try to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their unique culture. This is a great way to experience the heart and soul of the Crescent City as well as see the architecture and unique attributes of a city that combines diverse culture, big business, cuisine, and music.

My brothers-in-law after our stop at Café du Monde

Next, I suggest having food delivered from some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants. For breakfast, there is no choice other than the world famous Café Du Monde. I had the opportunity to visit the café last year with my brothers-in-law on our way to the LSU/Alabama game. We had the beignets and coffee (as one must) and loved them. Order from here and your game day will start off as strong as the coffee.

For lunch, order some gumbo. This regional fare is perfect for a cold winter’s day and combines the cuisines of San Francisco and Baltimore so it is quite appropriate for this year. Get some at the Gumbo Shop and, once that is digested, settle in for more Cajun delights from Jacob’s World Famous Sausage and Andouille. A variety of sausages, beans, and rice can be sent to you in time to make dinner for the game.

No day of New Orleans food would be complete without a king cake. While you are watching Beyoncé perform at the halftime show, take out the king cake you ordered from Manny Randazzo and serve it to your guests. Whoever finds the king in their slice has to host next year’s Super Bowl party. That one will be in New York and a whole different trip.

Bourbon Street in the French Quarter