August’s COOLinary New Orleans offers a rare opportunity for both the gourmand and the culinary novice to explore cuisines and experience the city’s famed chefs. Restaurants otherwise outside of budgetary constraints are suddenly within reach — but not for long. Participating chefs create special two- to five-course prix fixe meals that are less expensive than ordering à la carte.
However, the economic factor is not the objective — this is a chance to widen gastronomic horizons. Thai, French, Japanese, Creole, Latin, Caribbean, Cajun, BBQ, Mexican, contemporary Southern and many other cuisines are represented in the fold. The choices are pre-selected and somewhat narrow but usually feature at least two options per course and may include signature dishes.