New Orleans Po-Boy: A Classic
What is known in some parts of the country as a “submarine sandwich” and in other parts as a “hoagie,” is called a “po-boy” in New Orleans. And, like many other uniquely New Orleans and Louisiana culinary creations, there is a festival to celebrate it, as well as a colorful story behind it.
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival in New Orleans
The 10th Annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is being held on Sunday, October 23rd, along a commercial strip of Oak Street in the city’s Carrollton neighborhood.
Not only is the festival a culinary celebration of a famous sandwich, it also celebrates the rebirth of a once-thriving shopping district with roots as deep as the neighborhood itself. Carrollton was a separate city until it was annexed by New Orleans in 1874, and Oak Street was its commercial hub.
The one-day-only event, with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., features live music, arts, and handicrafts, and — of course — booths offering many different types of po-boys.
Fried shrimp, oysters, and catfish, along with ham and cheese and roast beef, are the favorites, but there are many other choices as well. You can order them “dressed” with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayo or “naked” without the condiments. Either way, they are yummy!
For the 2016 Po-Boy Fest, nearly three dozen restaurants, catering companies, and other culinary specialty shops have confirmed their participation. The food offerings range from seafood and steaks to gourmet chocolates and home-baked donuts.
View a listing of the participating vendors at Po-Boy Fest 2016.
New Orleans Shopping at the Po-Boy Festival
During the festival, merchants along the Oak Street commercial corridor open their doors for browsers and buyers alike, offering a wide variety of merchandise ranging from vintage books and jewelry to works of art and unique apparel. Coffee shops and cozy little dining establishments offer their specialties, as do larger venues like Jacques-Imo’s Restaurant and the world-renowned Maple Leaf Bar, with its live music and large dance floor.
More than 30 individual artists, artisans, and specialty crafts shops have confirmed their participation in this year’s event. View a listing of participating merchants at Po-Boy Fest 2016.
From start to finish, you’re sure to hear some great local music. Darcy Malone & the Tangle will kick the fest off, while Funk Monkey, Honey Island Swamp Band and many more will fill the day out.
Check out the full list of bands, and you’ll see that there will be no shortage of amazing tunes to hear.
Family-Friendly New Orleans Event
The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is fun for the whole family, with plenty of things for the kids to do.
It is free and open to the public and is easily accessible from our French Quarter hotel and downtown New Orleans. Take the colorful and historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar to the Oak Street stop and back. The fare is only $1.25 each way (exact change required).
The festival is not only pedestrian-friendly, it is also bike-friendly. Sufficient lock-up racks for bicycles are expected to be available by fest time, courtesy of Bike Easy.
For more information, call (504) 524-8843 or check out the festival’s website at www.poboyfest.com.
