Far from the “tourist central” part of New Orleans, a culinary and cultural hub is emerging around Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, and it’s nothing short of phenomenal. Not necessarily in the pizzazzy way we often think of, but for the practically one-of-a-kind nature of some of the institutions taking root in a neighborhood no visitor would even step foot in 10 years ago.
Nowadays, it’s one of the coolest corners or the city—the new home of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra just opened here in March, and indie shops and restaurants continue to pop up. I was lucky enough to get a private peek into two of its great establishments: the brand-new location for SoFAB, or Southern Museum of Food and Beverage, and the expanded Cafe Reconcile.
SoFAB is heaven on Earth for culinary enthusiasts. It’s dedicated to the food and drink of the South, and visitors can eat and drink while roaming through the galleries and exhibits, dine at the cafe or sidle up to the historic, ornate wooden bar.
“If you’re reading about the origin of the Sazerac cocktail and you want to taste it, you can order one at the bar and peruse the exhibits,” says Liz Williams, founder and president of SoFAB.
The museum spans 16,000 square feet, including an 1,800-square-foot demonstration kitchen where group cooking classes can be held. The venue is available for group events, including themed receptions, classes, lectures by celebrated chefs and dinners.
A couple blocks down the street, Cafe Reconcile is a unique social enterprise that takes disadvantaged and at-risk youth through a multidimensional hospitality training program, while operating as a restaurant where the students work. It is one of the most popular local institutions in town, and rightly so; the homemade fried catfish with all the fixin’s was downright delish, and there are plenty of other Southern-inspired comfort food dishes .
“We aim to not only train these kids in hospitality but in life skills so they will be successful in pursuing this or any career and eventually play an active role in their community,” says Glen Armantrout, chief executive director of Cafe Reconcile.
Cafe Reconcile also recently expanded through generous donations from celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, and now offers unique event space in a courtyard area and on the second floor of its historic brick building.
