CLDA Board Member Charlie Wolfe is excited to welcome you into his hometown of New Orleans for the 2023 Final Mile Forum. In a series of special posts, he will introduce us all to the best parts of the Big Easy. Discover more about the Crescent City, and don't forget to secure your ticket to the hottest show in town.

Hello once again, my CLDA and Industry colleagues,

As we turn into the home stretch moving towards our Final Mile Forum, you should be ready to pack those bags and head to the Big Easy. The FMF is 2 WEEKS AWAY! I have been talking to you about New Orleans and its customs, traditions, and history for eight weeks in hopes that you will make this a “double your pleasure” business trip. Come on now, don’t make me look bad. If you haven’t registered yet, then please do so NOW. 

As promised last week, it is NOW time to speak about one of the passions my wife, Mo, and I share – Food! We love to cook, and we love to eat. So, please forgive me if I get a little long-winded or a bit “geekish.” I just want to share some options with a little bit of a local flavor. With only one edition of the CCC left, I will be speaking about several places we enjoy or know of that would be an enjoyable CRESCENT CITY CULTURE experience for you. 

In the final edition of the CCC, we will share our personal suggestions while on a short visit to New Orleans. So, buckle up and get ready for a jam-packed culinary journey.

Jimmy Buffet puts us in a festive mood when he tells us to “smell those shrimp they’re beginnin’ to boil.” But at this time of the year, we are just beginning to smell a different boil – and these “boils” include sausage, mushrooms, corn, potatoes, and whatever else you’re in the mood for – Crawfish Boils. These are usually big events with many people attending. Think of a family reunion, but with family, friends, and whoever you ran into at the grocery. Combine that with a picnic atmosphere where everyone is eating crawfish, and you have yourself a Crawfish Boil! At a past crawfish boil, we picked up 250 pounds for the festivity. Here, my son-in-law is shown getting them from Troy Landry of History Channel’s “Swamp People,” with whom he is related. Once back to the house, the boil AND the party began. 

February is the beginning of crawfish season. Here are a couple of places you should be able to get boiled crawfish not too far from the hotel… And don’t forget; you have to suck the head and pinch the tail…WHAT? 

• Deanies in the French Quarter 
• Bevi Seafood in Mid-City - Although a bit small, the food is great – a Mo and Charlie favorite – but usually to-go.

Here are some places to get a Muffuletta close to the hotel:

• Central Grocery in the French Quarter
• Napoleon House in the French Quarter
• Cochon Butcher has its unique version

Of course, Muffulettas and Crawfish aren’t the only things available for a casual meal. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. Prepare to stand in line. Have a Po-Boy (you remember the PO-Boy from edition 5) at Johnny’s PO-Boys or Killer PO Boy in the French Quarter.

If it’s a neighborhood restaurant you want to experience, then you could cab it up to Mandina’s on Canal St. Very casual but is true New Orleans. Some other casual seafood restaurants in the French Quarter can be found at either of these local places: 

• The Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter.
• Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar and Fish House in the French Quarter.
• Felix’s in the French Quarter is great for char-grilled oysters. 

And finally, to round out your day or evening, if you like live Jazz, check out Jeremy Davenport at the Ritz Carlton or head into the heart of the FQ to find your rhythm. Preservation Hall is a great place to hear some old Jazz and Blues. If it’s upbeat Jazz you are looking for, then you want to end your evening at the Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel. Lena Prima is there Thursdays and Saturdays. 

Registration is now open and more details are available about the impressive lineup of sessions spanning hot topics across the industry.

Schedule | Housing & Travel | Register

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Become a 2023 FMF Sponsor or Exhibitor

Please contact Brian Surber, CLDA Sponsorship Chair, to discuss ways to promote and make your company stand out during the 2023 FMF. Sponsor Packages and Exhibitor Opportunities are going quickly, so don't delay!

Questions? Contact info@clda.org.