French Quarter Culinary History and Tasting Tour

I really enjoyed the culinary tour. Would even take it again. There was so much history information that I would like to hear it again to be able to remember more. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had so many wonderful food samples that I didn't even need to eat dinner!

Guide was laid-back, casual - but local - with local roots and local lore abounding! His stories made the city and the food "come to life" and told the history of New Orleans in a very memorable and understandable way! Exactly what a good guide should do! The visits were interesting - fun - and we were warmly welcomed - not just "hustled through". Having other local cooks, chefs, entreprenuers so eagerly talk about their food, their business, their culture and their lives is what makes this tour so special. Great for all ages! just be prepared for walking! After this tour, one is ready to really try the restaurants and neighborhoods of New Orleans! It should be "required" of all meeting planners/ convention planners BEFORE they make arrangements in the city! If you want to sell New Orleans - sell the history of the cuisine - and the cuisine!

I LOVED this tour. We literally just got in to New Orleans and then went on the tour. What a great introduction to the city. You learn the history of the culture and people of New Orleans through the food. I read other reviews that there wasn't enough food for the money. Not true at all. I'm not sure what portions these people are used to but we were stuffed! Sure you don't get a full meal at each eatery, but we ate something at everyplace we went except one. It was about 10 - 11 tastings. Our tourguide was a walking history book and chef so we learned so much more than just what goes into a roux. I already recommended it to everyone else in our group that came later on that week.

I am a local that attended with my houseguest from Arizona. We both enjoyed the tour immensley. Renee was a great tour guide. Since we had read what to expect on the tour, we weren't looking for food to taste at every stop. The food that we did taste was wonderful and quite filling. We didn't eat dinner later that night because we were stuffed. We heard a lot about the history of New Orleans ,and I ,as a local, even learned some things. I would definitely reccomend the tour.

Not realizing several of the restaurants on the tour would be closed for Father's Day, we were a bit disappointed with missing Antoine's gumbo. However, the food (when we finally tasted it) was awesome, as always. We were a bit disappointed with our guide...he really didn't take into account that we had 8 teenagers...who were hot and more into the actual history of the area as opposed to "how to make roux". Would I do another tour? Absolutely...although may choose a different time (NOT a holiday!). One REALLY good aspect of this particular tour was the stop (shop along Jackson Square) that included red beans and rice...the "cook" who served the dish was informative, interesting, plus included a bit of her own ethnic background as she was stirring and serving...REALLY effective for my particular "students".

We enjoyed this tour very much. The restaurants we visited and the historical information our tour guide provided were excellent. The tasting enhanced the tour experience over the regular tour. We also returned on our own to two of the restaurants/stores to enjoy a meal and shopping. Great job!

Randy did a great job and it's obvious he's into French Quarter history. Unfortunately there was 1 person in our tour who should not have been on this tour. She doesn't cook and was only interested in French architectural history. Randy could have done a slightly better job of shutting her down but didn't.. We ate lots and enjoyed the food. We went back to Antoines after the tour to try the original Oysters Rockefeller.

We had been to the Culinary School the previous day, so we had observed and learned the differences between Creole and Cajun. After awhile, with so many tours it is hard to remember who said what. However, Randy, our tour guide, provided some local color to the afternoon. We received a second demonstration of making roux, so certainly could duplicate it now. Getting to tour Antoines and learn of its history was a highlight. Although unfortunately, we didn't receive any tasting there. Visiting a local market revealed that the locals really do eat creole. The sample mufulata was excellent and I'll be buying that olive salad!

Unfortunately we had to do the tour on our last full day in New Orleans. I always try to take a food tour early in my visits to new places I like to learn about. The history behind the tour was great, and our guide was enthusiastic about telling us. Tastings and samples were adequate, but I would've like more info about "local secrets" for what to ask for, where to go, and when to go. Maybe that wasn't one of the primary aspects of the tour. History highlight was probably visiting Antoine's and hearing the history behind this old restaurant. Food highlight was probably the mini-muffelata sandwich at the Napoleon House (and also the Rum Cake!) I got a very different impression of the Napoleon House and the Old Absinthe House than I had from just walking by several times, so I'm going back there next time I'm in town. All in all, worth the effort and money.

My girlfiend and I went on the tour in the middle of Mardi Gras. Even with the crazy amount of people and conjestion we swiftly moved around the French Quarter with a very knowledgable and amusing tour guide, Randy. He was extremely informed on not only the food, but the city and it's culture as well. As a working chef in my hometown I have to say that all of the restraunts provided us with a very good taste of what makes the city special. The only thing that seemed a little out of place was the gelato at the end of the tour. I would highly reccomend this tour to anyone, preferably a Saturday or monday, as those are the days Randy guides.