As much as New Orleans is a sightseeing and musical hot spot, it is also one of the tastiest destinations in the country.
A chicory coffee and beignet at the famous Cafe Du Monde is the perfect way to start any day in the Big Easy, according to Nikki Moon, vice president of sales at the New Orleans CVB, who says delegates might also savor other quintessential New Orleans experiences when in town.
"Bread pudding, bananas foster, gumbo, muffalottos, Oysters Rockefeller and Sazerac, a bourbon-based cocktail that started at the Fairmont hotel in the 1850s [now the Roosevelt Hotel], all originated here," she says.
While there are oodles of eateries to find these scrumptious standbys and more, following are three group-friendly restaurants for planners to consider.
Founded in 1918 by Count Arnaud Cazenave, Arnaud's Restaurant (www.arnaudsrestaurant.com), one of the oldest restaurants in the city, prides itself on authentic Creole food and impeccable service, according to Lisa Sins, director of sales and marketing.
"Not only do we have 17 dining rooms—13 of them private—but Arnaud's also features a wonderful Mardi Gras Museum displaying stunning costumes and antique photographs," she says, adding that Arnaud's has specialized in private dining for more than 30 years and often accommodates anywhere from two to 220 guests in its private dining spaces.
Among the restaurant's specialties are Shrimp Arnaud, Pompano en Croute, and the French 75, a cocktail featuring champagne, cognac, simple syrup and a dash of lemon juice.
Opened in April 2011, Jackson Brewery Bistro Bar (www.jacksonbrewerybar.com) is located in the circa-1860 Jackson Brewery Building. It features a flexible layout that accommodates everything from intimate gatherings to large groups, including facility buyouts, according to David Sheely, owner and manager.
Three balconies and mezzanines overlook the main dance and performance area and can be reserved for VIP seating, according to Sheely, and a large moveable stage can be configured to house a band or be used as a runway for fashion shows.
"Our menu items feature many Louisiana-inspired dishes that are conducive to sharing," he says, citing Oysters Rockefeller and Boudin sausage with Creole mustard sauce, and applewood bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Housed in a 200-year-old building, Muriel's Jackson Square (www.muriels.com) features upper-level dining rooms adorned with candlelit chandeliers, velvet drapes and French antiques for private events.
"When serving a seated dinner, we like to start our guests off with a 30- to 45-minute cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception in our haunted Seance Lounge," says Denise Gratia, director of marketing. "Guests can contemplate the story of our resident ghost, Antoine, or walk outside and enjoy the view from the only public balcony overlooking historic Jackson Square."
Specialties here include pecan-crusted puppy drum topped with a Louisiana crawfish or crabmeat relish, and pecan-candied sweet potatoes.
