New Orleans: Gulf Oysters + Champagne

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1

   Start at Bourbon House Raw Bar

   adventure Free

   The restaurant that brought champagne + oysters upscale in New Orleans sits at 144 Bourbon St in the French Quarter, with a raw bar facing the street where walk-ins can often grab seats. Head straight to the bar at Bourbon House — no reservation needed — and watch the shuckers work while you order.

   BACKUP: Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House (same owner) or Felix's are alternatives.

   Log Memory
2. 2

   Compare Gulf Oyster Varieties

   wine Price: moderate

   Gulf oysters are different from East Coast — brinier, creamier, larger — with Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas varieties each having distinct profiles. Order a sampler plate from different Gulf sources at the raw bar and ask the shucker: "What's the difference between these?" They're experts who love sharing their knowledge.

   BACKUP: If they only have one type that day, go with it - all Gulf oysters work with champagne.

   Log Memory
3. 3

   Pair with Champagne or Louisiana Sparkling

   wine Price: moderate

   Classic pairing is Brut champagne, but Louisiana now produces sparkling wine (Landry Vineyards does a méthode traditionelle) that creates an intriguing local twist. Ask your bartender at the bar: "Do you have any Louisiana sparkling, or what champagne do you recommend with Gulf oysters?"

   BACKUP: Muscadet or Sancerre work if you want still wine. But bubbles are the point here.

   Log Memory
4. 4

   Elevate at Chemin à la Mer

   Optional

   wine Price: high

   James Beard chef Alon Shaya's restaurant at the Four Seasons New Orleans (2 Canal St) elevates Gulf oysters to fine dining with River views and a champagne sommelier program. Book ahead for dinner, request the terrace for Mississippi River views, and order the oyster program with champagne pairing.

   BACKUP: Even without Chemin, the Four Seasons bar serves excellent oysters + champagne.

   Log Memory

Insider Tips

• Raw oysters are a September-April thing in New Orleans (avoid summer bacteria risk)

• Bourbon Street is chaotic - go for lunch to avoid the crowds

• Chargrilled oysters are a local variant - try those too

• French Quarter oyster bars are walk-in friendly

• Tip the shuckers well - they're artists

• Pair oysters with an ice-cold Abita Amber if you want the local experience