Top August Eats in New Orleans: A Guide to Local Flavor
Is it getting hot in here or is it just August in New Orleans? If you’re a seasoned pro at surviving summers in The Big Easy, you know there are a few rules: rock loose, cotton clothes, stay hydrated and spend your pennies supporting local restaurants during COOLinary. And in addition to COOLinary this year, here are a few fun August “holidays” that we think are worth celebrating.
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day falls on August 4 and boy, are we planning to honor it! Willa Jean has the ultimate set up with two of their famous chocolate chip cookies, served warm with a glass of vanilla flavored milk. And because we all grew up licking the spoon, a lagniappe (or little something extra) spoonful of batter is served on the side. Adults love this dessert just as much as kids do!
District Donuts might be known for the obvious, but don’t pass on their chocolate chip cookies. They’re big, full of melty chunks of chocolate, and sprinkled with sea salt. Outstanding, to say the least. Pair a warm cookie with one of their iced lattes and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
And after a bowl of cacio e pepe and a meatball or two from Josephine Estelle, save room for one (or two) of their freshly made chocolate chip cookies. The only sad news is when they’re out, they’re out.
Saturday, August 7 is National Beer Day and we have plenty of local craft breweries that need our support. One noteworthy new beer comes from Urban South Brewery, which has partnered with Son of a Saint, to create the beer “Building Lives.” The local non-profit aids fatherless boys, and a portion of the sales of the sour will benefit this important program that just celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The current “Building Lives” flavor is a guava and banana fruited sour and will change seasonally. In addition, Zony Mash Beer Project has recently released their Zony Pop Mango Guava Berry spiked seltzer. Like most seltzers, this one is low in calories and is also gluten-free.
And for those who are less inclined to order a sour or seltzer but love fruit-forward ales, Miel Brewery has released Tripel, a new Belgian-style beer with essence of peaches, pears, and apple. But don’t be fooled by the aroma of stone fruit and light, golden hue, this baby packs a big, boozy 10% ABV punch!
Lastly, August 30 is Toasted Marshmallow Day and whether you’re a coffee, cocktail or dessert person, we have you covered! Demian Estevez of Mojo Coffee House came up with a flaming s’more and Ghirardelli chocolate latte this month and it almost looks too good to be true. Meanwhile, Bakery Bar created the WHATCHAMADRINKIT! with Bourbon, peanut butter whiskey, chocolate mole bitters and rimmed with chocolate, peanuts, and a toasted marshmallow on top. They’re calling it “the divine moment when a candy bar meets a cocktail” and it’s definitely a match made in heaven.
And it wouldn’t be a toasted marshmallow round up without mentioning the beloved Bonfire Brownie from the neighborhood favorite Picnic Provisions & Whiskey. Their warm house-made brownie, graham crackers and tableside torched marshmallows is one toasty dessert the whole family will love.
