I may as well come clean and say that I have never been on a walking tour of restaurants in my entire life so this one in New Orleans really interests me. In the past, my husband, Peter and I have gone on a number of so-called food tours. These have included: the Dole pineapple plantation and plant in Hawaii where, upon tasting a fresh-cut sample, I decided that I’d never tasted the “real thing” before. Hawaii is the only place I’ve ever been where they serve steak and pineapple in restaurants – which is absolutely delicious. 

We also visited a famous yogurt plant in New Jersey that I thought was the cleanest place we had ever seen – everything gleamed and sparkled – one could literally eat off the floor. And, on the island of Barbados we got an up-close look at a rum distillery. My memory of that experience was how great it smelled – an irresistible aroma wafted through the entire place. 

TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE BIG EASY 

Exploring New Orleans with a guide who is well versed in the culture of the French Quarter is a great experience for visitors or even residents of New Orleans. It means that you get a behind-the-scenes look into a number of local restaurant kitchens. It’s like hearing the back-story of a film – at times I’ve found it’s as interesting as the film itself (for example, Gone With The Wind where volumes have been written about David O. Selznick and his famous daily memos during the filming of this 1939 blockbuster).  

PLENTY OF TIPS ON WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK 

Or, as one visitor says, “I had a really good time on this tour. Our tour guide was terrific and we had some great New Orleans treats – such as alligator sausage. The food portions were generous and the tour group was very friendly.” 

The tour starts and ends in the French Quarter. You’ll meet inside at the Roux Royale, (504) 565-5272 that is located at 600 Royal Street (a three-minute walk from St. Louis Cathedral). It’s described this way by a young man, “A fun little store where we shopped before our tour – if you’re looking for a souvenir to take home that really says, ‘New Orleans’ this is it!” 

Another notes, “I love this place. It sells mostly items for the kitchen: linens, cookbooks and a million other things – many with the elegant fleur-de-lis (a stylized lily) decorative design or symbol. If you’re gift shopping for someone who likes to cook then Roux Royale is the first place you should go.” 

THE FOOD AND ITINERARY CHANGE DAILY 

This is to keep the experience fresh. Tastings may include seafood gumbo, muffuletta (a round sandwich with ham, salami, cheese and topped with an olive salad) jambalaya (rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken or shellfish, plus herbs, spices and vegetables, namely: tomato, onion, peppers) as well Creole-style brisket.  

You may request a restaurant that you’ve wanted to visit or just explore your guide’s personal favorites. You may also purchase classic New Orleans drinks along the way. Pimm’s Cup anyone? For more information please call, 1-855-353-6634.   

TWO MORE THINGS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER:  

CLICK HERE to read “Shopping for Xmas in NOLA” for five great spots where you’ll find books, games, records, souvenirs and lots more.

CLICK HERE for five drinking-and-eating spots when you’re in the mood for fun.  

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? To truly enjoy the atmosphere of New Orleans it’s wise to stay in a gracious, antebellum hotel where you can really feel part of the Deep South. We’re situated in the Treme, a lovely area with majestic oak trees that will take your breath away. Come for a visit, stay for the memories.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick