Two words describe the weekend – HOT & HUMID! Once you get past New Orleans in June, the Vieux TO DO Festival in the Vieux Carre is a favorite just behind The French Quarter Fest. Being hot is a way of life in the Big Easy and during the heat of summer we move slower and take a little longer especially outdoors and that includes festivals. This year the Vieux To Do Festival was the weekend of June 11th and is three festivals in one – Creole Tomato, Seafood, and Cajun Zydeco.
Local seafood (all certified as safe), fresh Creole Tomatoes and Cajun/Zydeco music – what more could one ask for? Cooking demonstrations and dancing were the lagniappe.
Zydeco is the hard driving dance music of Southwest Louisiana with pumping rhythms. Cajun is the time honored two step and waltz sounds.
Creole Tomatoes signal the arrival of summer in New Orleans. Locals wait patiently for the arrival of the first Creole Tomatoes which are grown in the rich fertile soil along the Mississippi River South of New Orleans in Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. The tomatoes are sold locally never traveling far from where they are grown. The Creole Tomato is as esteemed as our bountiful seafood.
First, the food! There was so much food available at the festival it was hard to decide what to eat. In fact we attended two days so we could taste as much as possible (we tried, but we could not sample everything). We had three favorites:
1. George’s Produce – Tomato and Crab Remoulade
2. Oceana Grill — Charbroil Oysters
3. By Water Bar B Que — Tomato and Shrimp Remoulade and Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Finally, the music. Three main stages, one for Zydeco, one for Cajun and one for Dixieland were the venues for the weekend. Other music during the opening took place at other locations. During the weekend we sat and listened to all three. We are constantly amazed at the talent available for free at various times in the Big Easy and this opportunity was no different. Great talent, great music, great festival!
