Appetizers
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Turtle Soup
Although it has variations that span the globe, (including China, Europe and even Pennsylvania) nothing has come to symbolize a fancy New Orleans appetizer more than Turtle Soup. Considered a delicacy just about anywhere it's served, Turtle Soup is a very unique dish that you will not soon forget; especially if you're lucky enough to be served this soup seated in one of Nola's grand dame restaurants.
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Gumbo
There is no better culinary metaphor to help exemplify the cultural stew that is Louisiana than gumbo. Seemingly every influence possible is represented one way or another in gumbo. African, French, and even Choctaw are just a few of the cuisines that helped gumbo become what it is today. It's easily one of the most divisive dishes in southern cuisine.
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Goat Cheese Bruschetta
One of my favorite appetizers is bruschetta. I don't think there is another app out there that combines both amazing flavors and ease to make. Just a few ingredients in a bowl, a little toasted bread, and there you have it. Bruschetta is also a fantastic way to use up that day old bread. You know I always have to squeeze my "waste not, want not" philosophy into a post. Either French bread or Italian bread is traditional. But you can get creative if need be and you know you don't necessarily have to add the goat cheese dressing to this recipe but you most certainly should. Why, you ask?…
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Fried Pork Belly
Of the many delicious cuts from our good friend, the pig, perhaps none are as famous as bacon. The belly of the pig is cured, smoked, then usually served alongside some eggs or in between two pieces of bread with lettuce and tomato. As yummy as bacon is, when you skip the steps of curing and smoking you're left with a different treat all its own.