Small towns often go overlooked, but they’re always hiding the most incredible restaurants. Today, we are venturing off the beaten path to a tiny village in Natchitoches Parish that has less than 1,000 people, but one of the best BBQ restaurants in Louisiana. Gas up the car, because Grayson’s BBQ is worth the road trip.
Clarence is a small village just outside of Natchitoches. You may have never heard to it before, but that’s about to change.
It might not look like much from the outside, but we all know that the best BBQ joints are always located in unassuming little buildings like this one.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA at St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.
New Orleans is known for many things, and its restaurant scene is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless restaurants in the French Quarter and surrounding areas that have become culinary pillars for the Crescent City. While we may not have those sky-high eateries with majestic overlooks, there are still plenty of sea-level (or just under it) restaurants where you can catch a beautiful view alongside a delicious meal.
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If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then add Cafe Du Monde to your list. This iconic restaurant in the French Quarter was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market.
It’s a popular pitstop for folks touring the French Quarter. After all, it’s been around for over 150 years! Anytime I find myself in the Quarter I make sure to swing by and grab an iced coffee.
Fun fact: iced coffee was added to the menu in 1988.
New Orleans’ most famous coffee shop has a simple menu consisting of dark roasted coffee and chicory, white and chocolate milk, and beignets. It’s a cash-only joint, with an ATM nearby.
The dining area is a huge open space that’s perfect for people-watching. Grab a table near the edge and sip on your coffee while you watch life pass you by. People-watching in New Orleans is on a completely different level, especially in the French Quarter.
Beignet is one of the classic breakfast pastries of New Orelans
You can always count on a nearby street musician to score your experience with their talents. That’s one thing I love most about sitting down at this historic restaurant in the French Quarter. From bucket drummers to brass bands, the music is always on point.
It’s hard to swing by Cafe Du Monde and not get a bag of beignets—it is what they’re known for! Beignets come in orders of three, and they cost less than $4. These French doughnuts pair perfectly with their signature Cafe Au Lait, and you can snag both for under $10.
One word of advice: hold your breath when you take a bite of a beignet. Oh, and don’t aim your beignet at anyone whilst taking a bite. Or do, if you’re a prankster.
Eat them quickly! Beignets are best when they are served fresh out of the fryer. It doesn’t take long for them to become rock-solid, so don’t plan on taking these to-go to eat later in the day.
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After your iconic New Orleans treat, wander through Jackson Square! Or sit by the river and watch the ships pass—that’s my favorite thing to do in the French Quarter. Or you may want to enjoy an evening on the Steamboat Natchez!
Brunch is always a good idea. Did you know that the tradition that we know today began in 1854? Back then, butchers would rise early in the morning to get their work done and would be finished by 11 a.m. Typically fueled by nothing more than some bread and coffee.
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When German immigrant Elizabeth Dutrey Begue noticed her brother and all of his butcher friends were going hungry, she decided to serve a hearty, seven-course meal for the butchers every morning in her tiny, 30-seat restaurant. The menu changed daily based on what was available at the French Market, but things like eggs and chicory-laced coffee were always staples.
The butcher’s breakfast became a popular tradition for many years with folks arriving by train and lining up outside to experience the new craze. Eventually, Tujague’s moved into the location and continued the butcher’s breakfast tradition.
Fast forward to today, and brunch is easily one of the most popular menus in New Orleans. From bottomless mimosas to eggs Benedict, just about every restaurant in the city has a weekend brunch that’s packed to the max.
Of course, there’s brunch and then there’s Jazz brunch. If you’ve never experienced a Jazz brunch, go ahead and move it to the top of your to-do list.
Commander’s Palace is one of the best places to enjoy a Jazz brunch.
The famous New Orleans restaurant has been a culinary pillar for the Crescent City since opening its doors back in 1893. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Garden District, flanked by ancient oak trees, grandiose mansions, and a historic cemetery. There is plenty of street parking at Commander’s Palace, and complimentary valet parking is also available. I’d recommend taking the St. Charles Streetcar and enjoying the scenic walk.
Jazz brunch is served at Commander’s Palace every Saturday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.). Reservations can be made online.
Before you leave the house, please remember the dress code for Commander’s Palace (it’s highly enforced):
Business attire
Jackets are preferred for gentlemen
Collard shirts and closed-toed shoes are required for gentlemen
Jeans are discouraged. Ripped jeans are not allowed
No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sweatpants
Chef Meg Bickford has expertly crafted a special menu for Jazz brunch. The restaurant’s iconic dishes like turtle soup make an appearance on the special menu, but you’ll also find a wide range of delicious dishes here. Cochon de lait eggs Benedict, pecan-crusted gulf fish, and peach-glazed duck are just a few of the menu items you’ll be tempted with.
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Commander’s Palace prides itself on a 100-mile radius rule—90% of the ingredients come from within 100 miles of their back door. Expect some of the freshest flavors you’ve ever tasted.
While you savor the flavors of Creole cuisine at its finest, you’ll be treated to sensational live New Orleans Jazz by the Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio. Don’t be surprised if the band comes up to your table to request a song! They might even start a Second Line in your dining room. Go ahead, join in! It’s all part of the experience.
Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace is more than a meal—it’s an experience. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace, share your experience with us in the comments.
Once you’ve experienced a Jazz brunch, keep the ball rolling with an evening Jazz cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.
