If you are a foodie like me, then you've got to be really excited about MAX being held in New Orleans this year. New Orleans sports several of the top restaurants in the country, and is home to many famous chefs and restaurateurs. Having traveled to New Orleans several times over the years, many of which just for a gastronomic adventure, I've decided to share some of my favorite spots. Most of these are in or very near the French Quarter, so they should be easy to get to for MAX attendees. If you want to venture outside of the French Quarter, and want a recommendation or two, drop me a note.

Muffuletta
Central Grocery (923 Decatur St)
If you've never had a muffuletta, a sandwich made up of italian meats, cheeses, and an olive salad spread, this is the place to experience it. Central Grocery created the sandwich in 1906 and has been serving it up ever since. One of my favorite things to do is to pick one of these bad boys up (1/2 will do fine) and take it with me to the airport the day I'm leaving. Nothing like unwrapping a muffuletta on the plain while everyone else is eating their peanuts. The wonderful aroma alone is enough to make people drool!

Oysters
Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville Street)
'Nuff said. If you want oysters, then Acme Oyster House is the place to head to. They've been serving them up since 1910. You can have your oysters close to a dozen different ways including on the half shell, fried, in soup, and now as part of sushi!

Pimm's Cup
The Napoleon House Bar & Café (500 Chartres St.)
This popular European drink (originated in England) is the perfect warm weather cooler. Made from Pimm's No.1, lemonade, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, nobody serves up a better Pimm's Cup than the Napoleon House. If you're still thirsty, I also recommend their Bloody Mary as it's one of the better ones I've had in the city.

Sunday Jazz Brunch
Commander's Palace (1403 Wshington Ave)
The Commander's Palace, a Brennan family restaurant and one of the most decorated restaurants in the world (opened in 1880), is a New Orleans icon. Located in a beautifully restored Victorian home in the Garden District (take the trolley or a cab), no culinary trip to New Orleans would be complete without a stop here. Their bloody mary's are outstanding as is their Sunday Jazz Brunch. The Commander's Palace is where many famous chefs got their start, including Emeril Lagasse. If you plan to go here, I suggest making a reservation now (if it isn't already too late).

Hurricane/Mint Julep
Pat O'Briens (718 St. Peter Street, corner of Bourbon)
You can't visit the French Quarter without stooping in to Pat O'Briens for a drink. They have a really nice patio for just hanging out, and their version of the Hurricane is a New Orleans classic. Their Mint Julips are pretty good too.

Karaoke/Drink Specials
The Cat's Meow (701 Bourbon Street)
Hate Karaoke? Me too, but I love this place. There's just something about the Cat's Meow that keeps me coming back. Well, maybe it has something to do with their 3 for 1 happy hour...

Cajun/Creole
K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen (416 Chartres St.)
Paul Prudhomme is credited with "inventing" blackening. If you want to try New Orleans classics such as turtle soup, jambalaya, etouffee, or blackened fish, the fare at K-Pauls won't disappoint.

Coffee (Chicory) and Beignets
Cafe Du Monde (1039 Decatur Street)
The perfect place to stop for a cup of Chicory coffee and beignets (like donuts) and do some people watching.

Sazerac
Sazerac Bar in the Fairmont Hotel (123 Baronne Street)
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail made from Rye Whiskey (don't substitute bourbon), simple syrup, Peychaud's bitters, either Herbsaint or Pernod, and a twist of lemon for garnish. Originally, the Sazerac was made using Absinthe, but Absinthe was banned in the U.S. in 1912 (it is illegal to import food/drink containing wormwood). Although you can find many bars and restaurants throughout the city that serve Sazeracs, none does it quite like the Sazerac Bar at the Fairmont.

Gospel Brunch
House of Blues (225 Decatur St.)
If you like Gospel music, this is just the thing for you. Although the food isn't stellar, it's servicable, and the experience more than makes up for it.

Nouveau Creole
NOLA (534 St. Louis Street)
Bam! If you are going to dine in one of Emirl's 3 New Orleans restaurants, I suggest NOLA. Although your chances of actually seeing Emeril in one of his restaurants these days is slim (they seem to be popping up everywhere), the experience is worth a visit.

Italian
Bella Luna Restaurant (914 North Peters St.)
Italian in New Orleans? Certainly! This French Quarter Italian is worth the trip. Bonus view of the river...

Eclectic
Bayona (430 Rue Dauphine)
The offerings here by celebrated chef Susan Spicer are the talk of the town. The food here is absolutely amazing and combines the ingredients and techniques of many different places including New Orleans, France, Italy, Africa, and the Meditareanean.