Quote:
Originally Posted by jfre81
Only someone who has lived there is going to "adequately" cover it. Good for those who do that it's a little more diverse now, but that doesn't mean it's covered the dimensions that Houston covers.
Houston isn't an origin of anything. There isn't really a food item, dish or anything that is endemic to the city. But it's big, there is more diversity of people, so there are a lot of niches that get represented more than in a smaller market like New Orleans, before or after the storm. And in terms of creating and nurturing a local cuisine and the culture that birthed it, not many can touch New Orleans. So the question might rest on what criteria you use to determine which is "better," if "better" is even a thing.
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I respectfully partially disagree with you on both counts.
Although natives of any city are usually the best to explain the variety of cuisine in the area, many who visit New Orleans do sample more than what is considered creole. I am with you that New Orleans dies not match the quality of all the diverse offering and I am not saying that New Orleans wins this contest, but I do disagree on the one dimensional aspect of New Orleans and the claim that only locals can comment on variety. Let me as an outsider attempt to share my observations of non creole food:
Beignets
The name is French and was popularized by both the creole and Acadians but in no way is beignets creole or Cajun. Beignets originated in Rome. In my opinions Cafe du Monde does NOT have the best beignets in NOLA, but that place seem to be a must stop place for visitors to the city.
Mufalettas
Another popular item for visitors that is neither creole nor Cajun. We are taking about New Orleans here so it does have that New Orleans signature but it is a derivative of Italian food.
King Cake
As Catholic as Mardi Gras itself, this is another that most check off their must do list when visiting New Orleans.
Banana Foster
Although this is popular around the country it was created in New Orleans and many visitors go to Brennans just to try the original.
Cafe au lait
Another must have for visitors to Cafe du Monde. The distinct taste that differentiate it results from the addition of chicory.
Pralines
Originally made with Almonds in Europe, New Orleans chefs put their twist on it by using pecans instead and adding cream.
Alcoholic drinks
Many drinks have been popularized by New Orleans, but many visitors to the city usually try New Orleans creations such as Hand Grenades, Hurricanes, Sazerac and others.
None of these are considered creole food and they are highly sought after by visitors.
There are also many other lesser known creations that probably visitors in the the know seek out. Foods like Oyster Rockefeller, Sno Balls, Pistolette (Actually Vietnamese), etc.
Yes New Orleans is known for creole and Cajun food like Gumbo, Ettoufe, Red Beans and Rice, andouille sausage, Jambalaya, Po Boys..... New Orleans has a long history with African and Caribbean food. It's Vietnamese Cuisine is as old as Houston but not as broad.
But New Orleans really does food as a whole well.
The best burger I have ever had was from a small diner in Metairie. We Dat Wings are also among the best I have ever had. Heck even their Gas Station food like Brothers are top notch.
