History Is Served: A New Orleans Culinary Experience

A whimsical illustration of a waiter in a chefs hat, running with a tray of food and wine. The background features a vintage menu from Brennans French Restaurant in New Orleans, showcasing various dishes and prices.

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History Is Served: A New Orleans Culinary Experience

Join us for a guided walking tour, private archival viewing, and a multicourse lunch exploring the origins of our city’s culinary legacy.

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Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Capacity: 15 maximum
Locations: The Historic New Orleans Collection’s museum and research center, Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House restaurant

Savor the culinary delights of New Orleans on a three-hour private walking tour that blends rich history with exquisite flavors. Renowned culinary historian Elizabeth Pearce will take you beyond the surface of the city’s food scene to explore the diverse cultures and ingredients that shaped its world-famous fare.

A photo of Jackson Square in New Orleans at sunset

A Historic Stroll

Your tour begins with a walk along the scenic riverfront, where you’ll take in the majesty of the Mississippi River, the bustle of the French Market, and the elegance of Jackson Square. Along the way, Elizabeth will dive into the history of iconic dishes and the global influences that put New Orleans on the culinary map.

A group of visitors view historic documents and objects at HNOC's Williams Research Center.

Behind the Scenes at HNOC

Next, enjoy a private curated visit to the Historic New Orleans Collection. After a brief stop in the galleries, you’ll head into HNOC’s Williams Research Center for an exclusive show-and-tell. HNOC staff will pull rare items straight from the vault to bring Elizabeth’s stories to life, including 19th-century menus, historic china, antique cutlery, and vintage cooking implements.

An Elevated Dining Experience

This tour truly sets itself apart in how it ends. Instead of sampling street food on the go, you will step inside Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House for a relaxed, multicourse sit-down lunch. Enjoy a Creole-inspired menu specially curated by Elizabeth to represent and celebrate the dishes, history, and flavors discussed throughout the tour.

Courtesy of Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House

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Contact our Visitor Services staff to reserve your group outing today.

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A group of people gathered in a room, some wearing hats, listening to a speaker holding a book. They stand on wooden flooring with bright natural light coming through large arched windows. Posters adorn the walls. The mood appears attentive and engaging.

A large group of people attend a tour at HNOC.

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Group Experiences

Discover the rich history and culture of New Orleans with a private group outing from the Historic New Orleans Collection.

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Children in red shirts walk past and enter The Historic New Orleans Collection building on a sunny street. The group is accompanied by adults. The street features historic architecture with iron balconies.

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Getting Here

HNOC’s museum is located at 520 Royal Street in the French Quarter, on Royal Street between Toulouse and St. Louis. Our Williams Research Center is located at 410 Chartres Street.

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Illustrated vintage menu from Brennans Restaurant, New Orleans. A chef stands next to a steaming pot, surrounded by handwritten menu items. The chef wears a tall hat and apron. The menu lists French dishes under categories like Hors doeuvres and Poissons.

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Antoine’s Restaurant Collection

It’s the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, and its archive at HNOC tells the story of a family business and its place in New Orleans history.

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