KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE: Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants in NOLA
Indisputably, New Orleans has a long-established international reputation for culinary arts, with our signature Creole and Southern flavors owing themselves to the strong influence of African culture and cuisine. The indispensable contribution of the black community to our food culture still holds strong today. With this in mind, we would like to take a moment to celebrate black-owned restaurants in New Orleans that are keeping our traditions and reputation for some of the best food on the planet alive. By Michelle A. Nicholson If your day starts with breakfast (or brunch), a local favorite is Twisted Waffles (1420 Annunciation St.). Their plates are overflowing with sweet and savory classics, including lots of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, such as their Twisted Spinach and Berries Salad (twist it up with a protein, if you like), a portobello mushroom or veggie burger, and caprese waffle sandwich. Order classic New Orleans and Southern dishes, such as Creole grits (with shrimp), chicken and waffles, or biscuits and gravy, or dive into their extensive offering of waffle-based plates, including waffle bowls, waffled French toast, and specialty waffles. The maple cream bacon waffle is the stuff of dreams. You can call ahead or order online for pick-up, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Twisted Waffles can also host your special event. Backatown (301 Basin St.) is a coffee parlor offering pastries, soups and sandwiches, and—you guessed it—specialty coffee and tea beverages, such as Vietnamese coffee (with
28
Fall Restaurant Guide | Where Y'at Magazine
Beaucoup Eats condensed milk) and golden lattes. Backatown is spacious and airy, with seating arranged for social distancing, as well as outdoors, making it the perfect spot to spend the morning reading and working, solo, or to gather with a small group of friends or for business. Folks rave about their sweet potato pie, quiches (crawfish or spinach), paninis, and BBQ crawfish and grits. They also cater to vegetarians and vegans, with items like an egg, avocado, and tomato English muffin; blueberry chia pudding; and an entire shelf of pastries, including a heavenly rose pistachio donut. A number of black-owned restaurants around town aim to please everyone by offering menus rich with flavor and options for even the most restricted diets. Beaucoup Eats (2323 Canal St.) has a menu full of classic Creole and American (and health-conscious) items, including an entire section of vegan/vegetarian meals. Side items range from fries and crawfish mac-n-cheese to brown rice, cauliflower rice, and dirty rice. Backatown Want a burger? You can get it deep-
