You will be learning tons at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association this November! After a long day, grab your team and friends and explore all New Orleans has to offer.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. Your friends at MTSKids and our parent company, Cicero Therapies have got you covered. We’re going to be sharing columns and social media tips for how you can make sure you’re having a blast while you’re visiting New Orleans.

This week: Dining options for dinner time. There are spots close to the Convention Center off to try, but some of the best places are a little drive away. Many take reservations, making it easy to dine with your entire team.

Enjoy the amazing selections, from our very own Gordy Rogers, Chief Clinical Officer at Cicero Therapies and New Orleans Foodie Expert:

“It’s almost time for ASHA New Orleans! What better place to re-emerge from our collective confinement of Covid to reconnect, to reinvigorate our clinical selves…and to eat! And for me, as much as my identity is that of a speech pathologist, it is also that of a lover of food, especially New Orleans food. My father’s family for many generations hails from southern Mississippi, just 90 minutes up Highway 59 and whenever we would visit from up north, we would always make a beeline for New Orleans and hit our standard spots. New Orleans cuisine is also the unifying theme in my own kitchen: I’m proud to say that my wife and kids love my creole rice and beans, grits and grillades and cabbage gumbo; but I admit I haven’t yet tried to make my father’s famous beignets. So now that we are lucky to convene in The Crescent City, I just had to take a moment to suggest some classic places to gorge. And if you happen to see me (proudly sporting my ASHA badge), with the team here at Cicero Therapies, please do say hello!

Galatoire’s

Galatoire’s for classic creole fine dining (209 Bourbon Street): To me, this is only reason to step foot on Bourbon Street. Galatoire’s is a true classic of New Orleans haute cuisine that somehow manages to hold fast to the city’s dining traditions while being truly down-to-earth. Prices are reasonable for the elite experience and waitstaff are instant family. I could be biased since this is my family’s culinary “ground zero”, but it is only in some unfathomable bizarro world that I can imagine anyone not enjoying themselves at Galatoire’s. The fried aubergine with powdered sugar (trust me), Godchaux salad, creole gumbo, oysters Rockefeller are famous. For gentlemen, jackets are required (I told you it was traditional) but they have extras if you didn’t bring one. Advance reservations are likely essential.

Casamento’s Restaurant

Casamento’s Restaurant for incomparable seafood, especially oysters (4330 Magazine Street): One of the oldest and most venerated seafood restaurants in America, this place is the true temple of the oyster. And since November is an “R” month, you’re fortunate to be in town in a month that Casamento’s will be open! Apparently no longer fished straight from the Gulf of Mexico, the shucked and fried versions are true exemplars of the art of the bivalve. Prices are quite reasonable ($17 for a dozen is a good deal) and it’s a lot of fun to watch the staff shuck the oysters – don’t try it at home though! 

Pascal’s Manale

Pascal’s Manale for “BBQ” shrimp and creole-Italian fine dining (1838 Napoleon Avenue): A midtown fixture and yet another New Orleans restaurant dating back over 100 years, Pascal’s Manale is famous for “BBQ shrimp”. It’s not really barbecued but is served head-on is this brown, super-garlicky sludge that is possibly the most delicious substance on earth. The place oozes les bon temps and the most memorable waiter I think I’ve ever had was at Pascal’s. He described New Orleans as “slowed-down Brooklyn” – where I call home! – and finally brought it home to me why I feel such a connection to New Orleans. It’s not only in my nature, it’s in my nurture too! 

Here are a few “honorable mentions” that you can’t go wrong with:

  1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern (538 Hagan Avenue): a bit of a hike to the Bayou St. John neighborhood, this is perhaps the city’s most respected purveyor of po’ boys
  2. Napoleon House (500 Chartres Street): solid food in a classic setting and the home of the NOLA Pimm’s Cup cocktail
  3. Pat O’Brien’s (624 Bourbon Street): Ok maybe this place is the other reason to step foot on Bourbon Street, you’re forewarned that this is a super touristy place but it’s the birthplace of the hurricane cocktail and a scene unto itself

Let us know how we did! Stop by Exhibitor Booth 411 and tell us about your meal. We have a gift for you for sharing your experience!

Looking for more? Follow us @mtskids on instagram for more updates. 

McCulloh Therapeutic Solutions and our parent company, Cicero Therapies hope you enjoy your time in New Orleans! Learn more about us at www.MTSKids.com  and at www.CICEROTHERAPIES.com.

Looking for a new work family? Take a look at a career with the Cicero Family of Practices!

 

MTS Kids