Whether indulging in Creole or Cajun cuisine, or perhaps a menu of stylish modern creations with international flair, New Orleans is a rewarding place to treat the taste buds. Numerous award-winning culinary hot spots provide memorable venues for private events and dining.
Planners looking to please gourmands and foodies can take note that multiple chefs in New Orleans received James Beard Awards this year. Zachary Engel of Shaya won as Rising Star Chef of the Year; his restaurant serves modern Israeli food in an equally modern setting. On the second floor, groups of up to 60 can savor the cuisine in the Magazine Room, a private dining space that hosts seated dinners and standing receptions.
The James Beard Best Chef award went to Rebecca Wilcomb at Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant, which serves contemporary French-Southern cuisine on historic St. Charles Avenue. The restaurant, which is also included in the Times-Picayune’s annual list of New Orleans 10 Best Restaurants, offers multiple options for groups, including an on-site private dining room that hosts up to 50 guests for a seated menu and up to 80 guests for a reception. Larger groups looking to enjoy Herbsaint’s menus can make use of Calcasieu, a private dining facility in the Warehouse District, just two blocks from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The honors for Outstanding Bar Program went to Chris Hannah of Arnaud’s French 75 bar, which serves classic cocktails and Creole cuisine in what was once a “gentlemen-only area.” Arnaud’s, a French Quarter favorite, has 17 private dining rooms that combine modern technology, tasty dishes and classic style—and the option of adding a bit of live jazz or other entertainment to the menu.
Other noteworthy award-winners include Emeril’s Delmonico, which received the Expert’s Choice Award and Best of New
Orleans Award from TripExpert. The venue, located on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, specializes in traditional Creole dishes and offers private dining for groups of up to 120.
Compere Lapin, which serves Caribbean and New Orleans-inspired cuisine in the hip-and-happening Warehouse District, is celebrating the fact that
Chef Nina Compton was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs.
Hotels in New Orleans are also well-versed at catering to groups with unique culinary options. The Hyatt Regency New Orleans, for example, has eight dining outlets with choices ranging from sushi to burgers to farm-to-table cuisine.
Meanwhile, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans allows groups to enjoy authentic New Orleans music at its Jazz Playhouse, accompanied by sophisticated cocktails and appetizers. This decidedly local musical art is also celebrated during the Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Sonesta’s Restaurant R’evolution, which specializes in Creole and Cajun cuisine.