WHERE IN THE WORLD BIG EASY CLASSICS Generations of cultural influences have shaped New Orleans’ distinctive food culture. These enduring institutions offer groups a taste of the city’s signature dishes. tradition, second line parades can lead attendees from one venue to another with live music, dancing and plenty of local spirit. Rooted in the city’s brass band New Orleans: Only in Created in 1929 to feed striking streetcar workers, the po’boy pairs crusty French bread with roast beef or fried seafood. A staple since 1911, Parkway Bakery and Tavern is one of the city’s best-known po’boy spots, where memorabilia-lined walls reflect its long history. parkwaypoorboys.com Opened in 1914, Napoleon House exudes Old World charm. Its muffuletta sandwich layers cured meats, cheese and olive dressing on a hearty Italian loaf, while its Pimm’s Cup puts a New Orleans spin on the British classic. Several event spaces are available, with full buyouts for up to 300. napoleonhouse.com A New Orleans institution since 1946, Brennan’s is known for innovative Creole cuisine and New Orleans classics like Bananas Foster, flambéed tableside. Eight dining rooms accommodate private events, including the 100-seat Chanteclair Room, adjacent to a courtyard seating 50. brennansneworleans.com Fried dough with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, the beignet is synonymous with New Orleans. Opinions vary on who serves the city’s best, but Café du Monde in the historic French Market has been serving its version since 1862. Its catering food truck also serves beignets for private events. shop.cafedumonde.com Mardi Café du Monde Napoleon House Parkway Bakery and Tavern COOK LIKE A LOCAL The Mardi Gras School of Cooking hosts hands-on cooking classes for up to 40 guests. Guided by local chefs, participants prepare Creole and Cajun favourites such as gumbo and jambalaya while learning about the city’s culinary traditions. Full buyouts are also available for 125-person private events. themardigrasschoolofcooking.com PHOTO: JAN ZANDBOER, SELECT GROUP MARKETING Brennan's BAYOU ADVENTURE Airboat Adventures offers private airboat and pontoon tours for up to 250 guests through the bayous and swamps surrounding New Orleans. Participants can spot alligators, herons, turtles and other wildlife, and with their tour captain’s guidance, feed marshmallows to the resident gators. A private event venue overlooking the water is also available. airboatadventures.com PHOTO: REBECCA TODD/NEWORLEANS.COM Live Music Landmark The House of Blues live music venue has hosted legendary acts across musical genres. Vibrant folk art lines the walls, creating a gallery-like setting for receptions, dinners and private performances. The venue offers 18,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, including the Music Hall with a large concert stage, the Foundation Room for VIP experiences and the Voodoo Garden courtyard. neworleans. houseofblues.com PHOTO: ROSE FILICE Fall 2026 | Ignitemag.ca | 77 Gras Magic Groups can experience the spirit of the city’s iconic celebration year- round at Mardi Gras World. The 84,000-sq.-ft. float den, filled with colourful floats and props, showcases the creativity and craftsmanship behind the annual festivities. Cocktail receptions for up to 4,000 guests can be held among the floats, while the adjacent River City Venues offers a variety of event spaces, including an outdoor plaza overlooking the Mississippi. mardigrasworld.com PHOTO: JAN ZANDBOER, SELECT GROUP MARKETING A Grand Tradition A landmark since 1918, Arnaud’s pairs elegant Creole cuisine with ornate dining rooms that reflect the old-world glamour of the French Quarter. Its signature Sunday brunch features a strolling jazz trio, while 12 private dining spaces accommodate group events. An on-site Mardi Gras museum houses a collection of photographs, faux jewels and costumes. arnaudsrestaurant.com PHOTO: RALPH BRENNAN RESTAURANT GROUP PHOTO: ZACK SMITH/NEWORLEANS.COM PHOTO: TODD COLEMAN/NEWORLEANS.COM PHOTO: PAUL BROUSSARD/NEWORLEANS.COM PHOTO: RALPH BRENNAN RESTAURANT GROUP PHOTO: PAUL BROUSSARD/NEWORLEANS.COM
