Description:

If you’re going to eat gumbo in New Orleans, do yourself a favor and walk over to the Gumbo Shop. Winner of the Best of New Orleans title for its gumbo since 1999, Gumbo Shop is the queen bee of this Creole specialty.

Gumbo is a Louisiana native dish, consisting of a thick dark brown roux with a touch of tomato, file (powdered leaves of the sassafras tree) and special spices. What sets the Gumbo Shop’s dish apart is that it offers a variety of gumbos, and every one is a bowlful of bliss. Seafood gumbo comes loaded up with okra, Gulf shrimp and crab meat. Spicy chicken-andouille is another knock-out.

The Gumbo Shop, in the heart of the French Quarter, has a warm setting with big windows overlooking the street and a pleasant courtyard out back. It’s open daily and late into the evening. Despite its name and claim to fame, the restaurant turns out many other delicious dishes as well, including crawfish etouffee and fresh fish creole. Try them with a side of creamed spinach or stewed corn with peppers and tomatoes. And, if you like to end a meal on a sweet note, the Gumbo shop offers several temptations: chocolate brownie pie, praline sundae and warm bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

Now, that’s great eating!