A Slice of New Orleans Culture: The Creole Tomato Festival
June 1 2019 |
What's New
If you’ve enjoyed eating out in New Orleans, then there’s no doubt that you’ve eaten at least a couple of Creole tomatoes. These tomatoes are the essential ingredients in many local dishes, from shrimp creole to po-boys. And make no mistake – there is a big difference between a tomato and a Creole tomato. Creole tomatoes thrive in the rich soil and subtropical climate of South Louisiana, and you can taste the difference.
Early June is when we first start seeing the tomatoes ripen, which is why the French Market always holds the French Market Creole Tomato Festival during the first or second weekend of the month. This year, the 33rd Annual Creole Tomato Festival takes place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 at the French Market between Dumaine and Barracks Streets.
So what can you expect from this festival? There’s always a lot going on, but our favorite festival events include the Bloody Mary Market, cooking demonstrations by great New Orleans chefs, the Creole Tomato Eating Contest, and food, food, food! Many local restaurants will be setting up shop, and it’s the perfect time to sample specialties from many different places. (The first thing we're going to do is get an Italian Sausage Steak Panini from Andrea's!) There will also be fabulous live music at two stages. Many of our favorite local bands will be playing throughout both days. See music lineup here.
For event times and other information, click here. As always, share your pictures from the festival with us on Facebook.
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