Southern Comfort Bed and Breakfast (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Fall is finally here, it’s a  the time when everyone breathes a sigh of relief and knowing that the hot and sultry summer is behind us. The heat has finally subsided and everyone is ready for the outdoors. And what a better way to start than with the free Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival.

This weekend, October 16th and 17th ,in Lafayette Square Park in the CBD. Two days and three stages of blues stars, including Barbara Lynn, Taj Mahal, Little Freddie King and Henry Gray. Local favorites include Jon Cleary, Grandpa Elliot, Andres Osborne, Corey Harris and Luther Kent. This event is made possible by the Jazz and Heritage Foundation.

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If you haven’t been to Jazz Fest……well, you just have to come. At least once you say, but statistics prove that the average person comes back at least 5 times. I’ve  personally seen it over the years. I have guests that have been with me anywhere from 5 to 8 times.

So you ask , what is so special about this festival? It is simply a celebration of our unique culture. The  music, food and craftspeople,  the Mardi Gras Indians, social pleasure clubs  and the way these traditions are passed down from generation to generation. Thats make our culture special.

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Maybe you go for the music, but some of us go for the food…ok and the music too, but honestly I’m mostly there for the food, affectionately known as “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” The French Quarter Festival is a big favorite with locals and for good reason—the weather tends to cooperate, the food and music are fabulous, and you can actually move around. This year, there are some new food vendors worth knowing about.

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Keep eyes peeled for “2 Food Guys—The finest hangin’ meat in Lakeview.” Brothers Phil and Mike Cusimano (“Joe’s Mike), partnering with their cousin Mike Cusimano (“Sal’s Mike”) owner of Italian Pie, have come out with a line of sausages that will blow your mind. Inspired long ago by the Atkins carb-free craze, these New Orleans Italian family cooks came up with a slew of sausages in familiar flavors. During the Fest, choose two from a list of four: dressed roast beef po-boy, boiled shrimp, barbecued shrimp, and red beans & rice. Yes, these are sausages, really. The Fest plate runs about $5- $6, complete with lagniappe. Post Fest, 2 Guys’ complete line of sausages (muffuletta; stuffed bell pepper; and bread pudding, to name some in addition to those above), will be sold from the new Italian Pie location on Veterans Boulevard in Metairie.

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