Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail — Attraction in New Orleans

While I was sitting on a bench in a rain garden, a man walked over to talk to me, “So, do you think we’ll get all the rain the forecast promised”. I can talk about the weather like a pro. “Sure, I think we’ll see plenty of rain”. He took an interest because he saw me taking short TikTok films of a library that was part of the Southern Food Museum.

The building had been sold to a developer for three quarters of a million and he was leading a work crew. The museum double their money and will soon have a boutique hotel full of hungry neighbors. I wonder now if the books had to be catalogued and boxed for easy transfer to the next library space. He took ownership in his role at the museum, and I soon learned I was talking to the curator of cooking for meats and butchery, Dan Roberts.

He knew meat, serving as an inspector for the USDA. The museum had become his dream job, a way to work in the field he loved without the stresses of a rigid job. He got to teach his family recipes to enthusiastic visitors. He drew no official salary and led the donor roll.

I love it when people take a liking to me and keep talking. I excused myself because I had the appointment, or so I thought, a half mile down the road. He said, “Bike Works is right across the street”. “Yes, that’s where the Youth Improvement Program fixes bikes. I’m going to Bike Easy”. “Oh, I don’t know about Bike Easy. Let me know if they need a feed for a fundraiser. I love to build up this street. It’s easy to make up a bodacious batch of Jambalaya”.

I thanked him. “The South is Different”, I said, knowing it to be true from the writings of Tennessee Williams and Flannery O’Connor. “I bet the food is extraordinary at the Southern Food Museum”.

“We take our food seriously in Louisiana, sir”.

Maybe he might help develop a vegan...

Let's get in to it. I visited twice within 3 days so my review will cover the museum and cooking class. This place is hands down AWESOME for any foodie or history buff that also loves food. I love learning and love cooking and eating. The 1st visit I explored the museum. Stayed a little over 2 hours but got to read every display and learn about all the different foods and drinks that make up our melting pot. I'm live in Virginia by way of North Carolina but I'm from Baltimore (Maryland). So, reminiscing in these areas was great. My next visit I got to experience Jennie giving me all the facts!!! I learned so much from her in such a short period of time. So of you can get a tour with Jennie.... You're definitely winning!!! She's also who told me about the cooking class.

The cooking class with Dee!!! She rocks and so does her Sous Chef. She answers all your questions which makes for a great time in the kitchen. Kitchens are always fun and filled with laughter and love. And our class was just that. Nine strangers came together and created 3 delicious dishes. Okra & tomatoes, jambalaya and bananas foster. Dee also filled us in on some food history as well. She and Jennie both complemented each others facts. I would definitely go back again if I'm in the area. I've already recommended it to friends going down next month. Bbe sure to check out my pics! Hope my review helps you make the...

This museum is a growing work, and well laid-out for the small space they have. Keep in mind it is a museum, not a children's museum. The little ones might be bored, as there are few interactive displays, and no multi-media or child-oriented galleries. The content of the museum is extremely informative and well-signed. The layout is excellent, and you will see a small gallery for each of the southern States, as well as galleries for groceries, Absinthe, cocktails, and fast food. We went through slowly and thoroughly, reading everything and it took about 2 1/2 hours. For a more casual visitor, it could take closer to an hour or hour and a half to see everything. The curators have put a lot of effort and emphasis on high-quality displays and presentation, earning this museum a 4-star rating from us. For a smaller museum off the beaten path, it is well worth the visit for any cook, bartender, or food/drink enthusiast. You are guaranteed to learn some very interesting things about culinary history you did not know before your visit. If you get the opportunity to attend a cooking class or demonstration here, the demonstration kitchen is beautiful...