Let the good times roll at 5th annual Taste of New Orleans in Del Mar

Laissez les bons temps rouler! 

The 5th annual Taste of New Orleans returns to the Del Mar Racetrack on Aug. 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., transforming the west end of the grandstand into a French Quarter-style block party bursting with Creole food, signature cocktails, brass bands, and carnival spirit.

This year’s festival dishes up Cajun cuisine from local restaurants and food vendors like The Gumbo Pot, NOLA on 5th, and We CookN. Guests can enjoy Crescent City classics from red beans and rice, fried catfish, and shrimp po’ boys to jambalaya, gumbo, and Andouille sausage. The more adventurous can savor such delicacies as frog legs and alligator, while those with a sweet tooth can sink into powdered-sugar beignets, creamy banana pudding, or gourmet candied pecans that bring them right back to Bourbon Street.

While food selections can be purchased separately, each ticket includes five 5-ounce drink samples — featuring New Orleans favorites like Hurricanes, frozen daiquiris, swamp water, and beers from Louisiana’s Abita Brewing — racetrack admission, daily program and tip sheet; and two live bands performing throughout the event in between the horse races.

The racetrack gates opens at noon, with Taste of New Orleans getting underway an hour later. The soundtrack for the day features two sets each from street funk nine-piece Chunky Hustle Brass Band (CHuBB) and the award-winning Euphoria Brass Band, whose album Better Days took home Best Jazz Album at April’s 34th annual San Diego Music Awards. 

Located in an exclusive trackside viewing area known as the Seaside Cabana, the Big Easy event will also feature multiple artisan and craft vendors, such as the Rad Hatter, VintageDawg Collectibles, and TIMKA Jewelry, as well as stilt walkers and a Mardi Gras-style mini parade.

A family-friendly celebration open to all ages, Taste of New Orleans offers free admission for kids 10 and under. Early-bird tickets are $40 through Saturday morning, rising to $45 afterward. Purchase them here. A portion of proceeds benefits LSU Alumni of San Diego.

So grab your beads, don that lucky track hat, and get ready to let the good times roll.