Meals shared with friends and family — and solo dining excursions — helped me find joy this year and led to many sighs of gratitude for being in New Orleans with all the people who love this city.
I started 2025 at a Ukrainian basement rave, eating Slavic foods and drinking infused vodkas from the pop-up Dom Zakuski, and the great eats have multiplied over the year. There are so many dishes that I could talk about, whether it's the chicken wings at Minnie and John’s or the dessert I had at Lillette after seeing Taylor Swift ahead of the Super Bowl.
Scrolling through all the food I have eaten this year in my camera roll, I have cried, laughed and wondered how I didn’t turn into a crawfish with how many mudbugs I've consumed.
And after much reflection, I’ve decided these are my 10 favorite bites and dining experiences I had this year, in no particular order.
Pad Kii Mao ( Drunken Noodles) at Good Catch (Central Business District)
The first time I had the drunken noodles from Good Catch was when my friend was helping me do chores and got us takeout. Since then, it has been my go-to when I need a spicy, comforting dish with a lot of flavor.
The Pad Kii Mao (Drunken Noodle) at Good Catch comes with onion, basil, green peppercorn and chili.
Plus, the cocktails are so good that I feel more alive after one and ready to keep the night going.
828 Gravier St.