By VICTOR E. SASSON
EDITOR
NEW ORLEANS -- In a park next to the wide, muddy Mississippi River, we set up our folding chairs under a flowering tree, giving us shade and a three-quarter view of one of the main stages.
The city's annual French Quarter Festival is billed as the largest, free music festival in the South -- a showcase for local musicians playing every genre from traditional jazz to rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, Zydeco, brass bands and so much more.
And the crowd must be the best fed with more than a 100 stands offering signature dishes and cocktails from the city's top restaurants and bars.
I concentrated on dishes made with crab, oysters, shrimp and fish, and found a few real winners.
Among the bands we enjoyed were Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers; Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans; and Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters.
The highly anticipated Buckwheat Zydeco encountered technical problems, but when they were resolved, the group bombed, and we left during the first song.
A refreshing Crab & Artichoke Citrus Salad ($8) from Jacques-Imo Cafe was the first specialty we tried on Thursday in Jackson Square, and it was one of my favorites. |
In Riverfront Park, House of Blues' delicious Voodoo Shrimp ($8) was served over corn bread, above and below, for a deeply satisfying snack. |
New Orleans offers seafood lovers an incredible variety of wild-caught oysters, fish and shrimp from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. |
A spicy Fish & Chips from GW Fins was a big hit. |
This tomato-based Red Fish Bisque ($8) from Red Fish Grill is one of the best soups I have ever had. |
Also in Riverfront Park, Pat O'Brien's Bar was pouring a Hurricane ($9) -- 4 ounces of Hurricane Rum mixed with 4 ounces of Hurricane Mix in a 26-ounce cup -- that made your head spin. |
Two of the food stands in Riverfront Park, above and below. |
The line for the Louisiana Blue Crab Cakes and other dishes from Lakeview Harbor. |
Sweet Crude is a band that embraces the region's French-speaking tradition. |
American blues guitarist John Mooney, left, and his band, Bluesiana. |
Tank and The Bangas was another young band with incredible energy. They performed on a stage at the Old U.S. Mint. |
Details
Planning for next year's free festival is underway. The dates are April 6-9 with more than 400 musical performances over four days.
Web site: French Quarter Festivals Inc.
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