Dozens of U.S. food writers celebrated in the Crescent City

NEW ORLEANS – The cold wind blowing down historic Bourbon Street didn’t chill the spirits of more than three dozen Chief Chowzters who gathered in the Crescent City to announce winners of the 2015 Tastiest Fast Feasts in North America.

Chief Chowzters, writers and bloggers who represent cities throughout North America, contribute their best picks for “Fast feasts” in the places they live. The endorsements are based on the tastiest fare in the city, made by restaurant owners and chefs who focus on local ingredients, mouthwatering goodness and authenticity.

Awards were presented in nine categories – and one city was named “Foodiest City in North America.”

Before the awards presentation on Saturday, Jan. 10, at legendary Commander’s Palace, Chief Chowzters fanned out across the city to sample the cuisine that has made New Orleans one of the U.S.’s most popular food towns.

Fried chicken is a staple of New Orleans, and Chief Chowzters learned why after visits to Willie Mae’s Scotch House and Dooky Chase.

The classic po’ boy got Chief Chowzters’ attention as well, with visits to Domilise's Po-boys, Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Killer Po’boys and more.

Two intrepid Chowzters, Stella Yu of Toronto and Mijune Pak of Vancouver, ate 13 po’ boys in their quest to find the very best, and tipped their hat to the Peacemaker and liver and onions at Mahoney’s Po-Boy Shop as the finest in the city.

A Friday night reception treated Chief Chowzters to oysters and Champagne at the 174-year-old Antoine’s Restaurant. The restaurant, which seats more than 1,300 diners, has played host to U.S. presidents and international dignitaries.

Some of its dining rooms are the annual gathering place for Mardi Gras Krewe banquets and showcase Krewe memorabilia and historic photos. Among the photos is a rare image of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor bowing and curtseying to Krewe royalty in 1950.

Over a remarkable dinner at Brennan’s, which only recently reopened after a $20 million renovation, Chief Chowzters learned about upgrades to the Chowzter app and how Chowzter’s U.K.-based staff are rapidly building important social media statistics.

The room got a first-hand lesson on creating Brennan’s decadent bananas Foster – and everyone seemed to get a photo of the magic occurring in the sauté pan.

And while some Chief Chowzter tackled multiple lunches of fried chicken and po’ boys on Saturday, others fanned out across the city, sampling the diversity the Crescent City offers diners.

Among the dishes enjoyed were Octopus Carpaccio at John Besh’ Domenica, the Italian project of the popular and well-respected chef.

Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop for hot beignets and chicory coffee at Café Du Monde.

In business since 1862, Café Du Monde’s simple menu is served 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except Christmas Day) to a nearly always-packed house.

According to a manager on duty, the café goes through about 600 pounds of powdered sugar every day!

Gulf oysters are making a comeback after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 ravaged the area’s fragile oyster beds.

There are plenty of options for oysters in New Orleans, and the platter of a dozen raw oysters at Acme Oyster House was a crowd pleaser.

A quick rest and Chief Chowzters were back on the road to the Saturday night awards. A pre-event cocktail reception at Emeril’s Delmonico showcased the beauty and elegance of this landmark New Orleans restaurant.

Originally opened in 1895, Delmonico was a must for diners seeking genuine Creole and Cajun dishes. TV host and Chef Emeril Lagasse reopened the restaurant in 1998 with modern interpretations of classic Cajun dishes – like the grilled shrimp enjoyed during the reception.

After cocktails, the whole gang gathered trackside just outside Emeril’s Delmonico to hop on a trolley ride to the night’s final destination, Commander’s Palace.

The Garden District restaurant has served prestigious neighbours and visiting VIPs since opening in 1880. It is known for consistently producing award-winning cuisine and exceptionally accommodating service.

The Chief Chowzters got a taste of it all – ranging from an opening course of Alligator Snapping Turtle Soup to Pecan Crusted Black Drum to Tournedos of Black Angus Beef through dessert – Commander’s legendary and light-as-air Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé.

A small group were treated to a “Fosters Off,” a bananas Foster competition between a pair of experienced Commander’s servers.

Paced throughout the dinner was the highlight of the trip, the winners of the Chowzter North American Fast Feast Award. 2015.

Tastiest Fast Feast in North America 2015 is:

Raw Honey & Sea Salt Doughnut @ Pip's Original – Portland

Chowzter's tastiest bakery dish in North America for 2015

Pip's Original, a neighbourhood café in northeast Portland, opened less than two years. But word quickly spread. Their mini, made-to-order doughnuts are served straight from the fryer and have the perfect ratio of golden brown exterior to soft cake inside.

Drizzling with raw honey and Himalayan sea salt, customers often order a dozen and chase it with fresh-brewed coffee, espresso or a house-made chai tea latte.

Raw Honey & Sea Salt Doughnut at Pip’s Original was nominated by Beth Reddekopp, Erin Carrock-Godfrey and Omeica Hudson, Chief Chowzters for Portland

Click here to see the complete list of winners