Culinary excellence is not hard to come by in New Orleans, Louisiana. The city is saturated with complex Cajun, Creole, and global flavors, with every bite providing a taste of the Big Easy’s multicultural fabric. It’s little wonder that New Orleans is coveted among famous foodies. This included the legendary Anthony Bourdain, who once said about the city: “You can’t compare it to anything.” The late chef had a deep appreciation for NOLA, featuring the destination in his TV shows such as “No Reservations” and “The Layover” (in fact, many of the New Orleans establishments that were showcased in these series lamented his death in 2018).
That said, Bourdain is known to have dined and drank at institutions like Antoine’s Restaurant, America’s oldest family-owned restaurant offering French Creole flair, and the Sazerac Bar, a timeless beauty where America’s first-ever cocktail reigns supreme. Both of these spots can be described as upscale and swanky, but Bourdain, of course, also frequented hole-in-the-wall eateries when he was in town. Although some have shuttered since his visits, like Tee-Eva’s Old Fashioned Pies and Pralines (note that their goods are still sold throughout town), there are some that remain. At these three hole-in-the-wall restaurants, you can indulge in authentic New Orleans eats and experience the city as Bourdain did.
Verti Marte
The French Quarter, one of the best historic districts to visit in America, features some of the finest eateries in New Orleans. However, there’s no need to spend a pretty penny on a meal. You can eat on a budget — like Anthony Bourdain — at Verti Marte. Established in 1968, this unassuming, tightly-packed corner store serves one of the best sandwiches in the city: a muffuletta. On a 2003 episode of Bourdain’s show, “A Cook’s Tour,” he can be seen ordering this sandwich from his hotel room, describing it as a “nice greasy pile of meat and cheese.”
Stuffed with ham, salami, Swiss, provolone, and olive salad in a hearty piece of bread, Bourdain says, “now this is what I call take out,” before devouring the muffuletta in bed. Interested in trying it for yourself? This popular New Orleans creation will set you back less than $20 (as of this writing), and you can order it at the deli counter hidden in the back of the store. Keep in mind that reviewers on Yelp say that there is no seating available at Verti Marte; this family-owned business is strictly a to-go spot…