🏈 Super Bowl Food Spots

There are so many issues going on in the political world that I am going to take a much needed pause to talk about more uplifting things: like the Super Bowl. There is almost no event in the world that is as big as this game, hence why we use the term “the Super Bowl of events” in so many situations.

Super Bowl XXVI in Minnesota in 1992 ranks as one of the highlights of my childhood, so let’s see if this year’s can top it. At this point you all know the reason that I am going is simple, no it’s not the game, its the city, I am always looking for a reason to head to the Big Easy. In light of this upcoming trip, I have decided to share a special list of New Orleans food with all of you. This is designed for those of you who will be in New Orleans this weekend, but honestly it can be used for any trip to NOLA.

Before we get to that, I want to give a shoutout to The Grammys. Given the tragic fires in Los Angeles, putting on an awards show right now naturally will come with a lot of scrutiny and criticism, but Harvey Mason, Trevor Noah, Ben Winston and the entire music community delivered the perfect awards season event we all needed during a stressful time. Part of that was the extraordinary music that was on display. From the opening number paying homage to LA to the other amazing performances, it was made clear we're living in an incredible moment in music history. I would need way too much space to talk about all my highlights, but a couple of them include:

Music is one of the few things that can always unite people. Hopefully we can take the love that was shared on that stage for the city of LA and infuse it into our daily lives. Thank you to everyone in the music community and everyone involved in Sunday’s telecast – we needed that.

For those of you staying in LA, my good friends Jordan Okun and Ben Hundreds have put together a list of spots that make for the perfect Super Bowl party order.

Now, for those of you heading to the Big Easy this weekend, I have put together a list of restaurants that you should try and hit. Every reservation in the city will be hard to come by, so I focused this on places to get quick bites, places that you can walk in, and finally places that do pick up or delivery for those who want to get something during the limited downtime they will have between events.

If you want my full New Orleans food guide, sign up to be a member of Jamie’s List here for access.

1. Saba and Miss River - I love both of these restaurants so much. Both of them are from Alon Shaya and are both delicious. Very different, Saba is Israeli and Miss River is more traditional southern dining. You can’t go wrong with either. You can order take-out for pick up from Saba here. They also have catering available. | Saba: (504) 324-7770 | Miss River: (504) 434-5701

2. Manchu Food Store - This gas station fried chicken place has the best wings anywhere in the world. Just don’t go at night (and don’t let the bulletproof glass scare you). You can choose to order 10, 20, 50, 100 or 1000, but don’t get anything else. Delivery available on Postmates. | (504) 947-5507

3. Willie Mae’s - The best wings are at Manchu, but the best fried chicken is at Willie Mae’s. The original location has been closed for almost 2 years because of a fire, but they just reopened in a new location. This is a can’t miss lunch spot. Sadly, they don’t take reservations. For those of you in LA, you can order from their Venice location and feel like you are in NOLA for the big game. Delivery available on Uber Eats, Postmates, and Doordash. | (504) 354-8194

4. Drago’s - The Drago chargrilled oyster might be the best bite in New Orleans. If you are hungry on the way to or from the airport, hit up the Metairie Location. If you are in the heart of the city, head to the Marriott location and try and get a seat at the bar. You just want the chargrilled oysters, nothing else – and make sure to get 2-3 per person, as one isn’t enough. Although Delivery is available on Grubhub, this is not an item you want delivered. | (504) 584-3911

5. Domilise’s - The best po-boy in Nola is cause for a drag out fight, but I am confident when I say this place is not only the best – it is the OG. The line is gonna be crazy for the Super Bowl, but if you have the time make the effort. Get either shrimp or half shrimp and half oyster, fully dressed, with a Coors to wash it down. Does not deliver. | (504) 899-9126

6. Parkway - My second favorite po boy in the city, so if you don’t have the time for Domilise’s, this is a great option. Doesn’t deliver, but has a drive thru you can order ahead for. | (504) 482-3047

7. Stein’s - Yes, I am recommending a Jewish deli in New Orleans. My favorite sandwich is the Rachael but everything here is great. The place is owned by Dan Stein who suffers no fools, so please be focused when you are ordering. Delivery available through Caviar, Doordash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. | (504) 527-0771

8. Tan Dinh - Little known fact outside the foodie inner circle: New Orleans is actually a hub for delicious Vietnamese food. Tan Dinh is my favorite, but Pho Tau Bay and Lily’s will work as well. Delivery available through Uber Eats and Postmates. | (504) 361-8008

9. Central Grocery - Their Muffuletta is the best anywhere in the world - because it’s the original. One of my favorite things to do is to get a sandwich (¼ maximum per person for a snack), grab an Abita and some Zapp’s and head over to a bench by the Mississippi. Muffuletta delivery is available nationally through Goldbelly. But it’s not the same as getting it freshly made. | (504) 523-1620

10. Loretta's - The pro-move when going to NOLA is to skip Cafe Du Monde and head to Loretta’s at the French Market and get her traditional beignet. It is the best dessert bite in the city. No delivery – and for good reason. This is a bite best had hot and fresh. And the other pro tip is you can show up a few minutes early for your flight and grab some Du Monde at the newly renovated airport. | (504) 944-7068

11. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Bar - This is one of the hidden gems of the city, and one of the best settings for live music. Sadly, it will probably be crowded around the clock during Super Bowl weekend, but it is one of the few places that is worth the wait. The garden setting makes it a solid spot for live music and the mix of food options for a snack or a meal are great. Buy some wines, cheeses, and meats from the store for a charcuterie plate and sit back and listen to some of the best music in the city. | (504) 948-9111

12. Acme and Felix - Two of the most famous places in the quarter naturally come with some two of the longest lines, but getting some oysters at the bar, talking to one of the shuckers, and drinking a bloody mary or an Abita is a special NOLA experience that can be found at both. Felix’s is on Uber Eats and Doordash, but you can’t get the authentic oyster experience at home. | Acme: (504) 522-5973 | Felix: (504) 522-4440

13. Hansens Sno Blitz - This place is special. If you have had a Sno Cone, then you need to try this, and if you haven't had one then you DEFINITELY need to try this. There are too many flavors to tell you what to order, but everything is great and the history here is amazing. They usually don’t open until March, but will be open 12-6 pm on February 7th and 8th for the big weekend. No delivery. | (504) 891-9788

14. Mosquito Supper Club - This restaurant in a former home is everything you want from a New Orleans dining experience. Every dish is infused with Cajun flavors, but everything has a bit of a twist. Another tasting menu, but you can also walk in and do a la carte in the front. This place is communal dining, so get ready to make some friends. They’re pretty booked up with reservations for Super Bowl week, but will have walk-in spots available when possible. No delivery available. | No phone, but you can email [email protected].

15. Dooky Chase - One of the most iconic spots in NOLA, which has been serving some of the best food in the city since 1946. This place arguably has the best traditional cajun food in the city. Chef Leah Chase passed away in 2019 after cooking there for 7 decades, but this place hasn't missed a step. You can order on Goldbelly for nationwide shipping, and take out if you’re local. | (504) 821-0600

Every year, I participate in the Academy nominating committee for the Best International Feature. Although all the movies that got nominated were incredible, I want to take this time to highlight a few that did not make the final nominations list but still had a profound impact on me.

KNEECAP // Directed by Rich Peppiatt // Available on Netflix

As a hip-hop aficionado, I knew I wanted to watch this movie, and I was NOT let down. An electrifying mock biopic that combines sharp political satire with the raw energy of Belfast's hip-hop scene, celebrating rebellion and cultural identity in equal measure.

TOUCH // Directed by Baltasar Kormákur // Available on Prime Video

This Icelandic film blends in with Japanese culture and tells a truly beautiful love story. It was well-paced and just visually stunning. If you liked The Notebook, you will like this.

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE // Directed by Matthew Rankin // Available on Prime Video

The best words I can use to describe this film are whimsical and unique. It’s a thought-provoking journey that uses surreal humor and striking visuals to explore the complexities of human connection and identity. Really great stuff.

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES // Directed by Pat Boonnitipat // Available to rent on Prime Video, Youtube, Google Play, and Apple TV

A heartfelt, dark, and funny tale that balances humor and emotion really well. It was a unique exploration of ambition, family dynamics, and the value of time. I cannot overstate how much I loved this movie.

WAVES // Directed by Jiří Mádl // Available on MUBI

A gripping historical thriller that highlights the courage and resilience of those fighting for truth and transparency during one of Czechoslovakia's darkest chapters. It’s beautifully done, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a free press – something we all need to cling to right now.

Who: Eric Ward and Rachel Carroll Rivas

Where: Online

Why: To discuss the rise of white nationalism, its relationship with antisemitism, and how to bridge the partisan gap and have productive conversations.

Quote: “Anti Semitism is a direct attack on democracy. It is not created by the white nationalist movement. It is something that exists in our society, and exists across the political spectrum. But white nationalists have tapped into it specifically, right, as an organizing piece. And that's because it's unconscious and it has existed. It's one of the oldest forms of bigotry.” -Eric Ward

The next Lunch With Jamie is set for February 18th at 1 pm PST and joining the conversation will be journalist Jonathan Heilemann. If you haven't done so already, subscribe to the Lunch With Jamie tier to access my members-only Zoom series, where you can join these live conversations with thought leaders from diverse fields — from politics to entertainment — discuss the most pressing issues of our time.

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