I’ve always been enamored by the rich history of cuisine and cocktail culture. Imagine my excitement when I visited two of the most incredible repositories of culinary history, The Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) and The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) in my favorite city of New Orleans. We spent a delightful morning exploring these temples of taste that celebrate the South's culinary heritage and America's spirited history.
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum is a living history organization dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and the related culture of the South. While based in New Orleans, the Museum examines and celebrates all the cultures that have come together through the centuries to create the South’s unique culinary heritage. SoFAB also hosts special exhibits, demonstrations, lectures and tastings that showcase the food and drink of the South.
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) was founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Williams, who wanted a place where the intersection between culture and food could be studied. The museum began with pop-ups around the city of New Orleans, and the first official exhibit was on the history and influences of beverages in New Orleans, created with borrowed artifacts. After the first exhibition, individuals began donating family artifacts to the museum.
The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), originally located in the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter, became a permanent part of SoFAB’s collection in 2014. MOTAC, which is still housed in SoFAB, features a collection of rare spirits and books, as well as examples on the cocktail’s place in history.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to New Orleans
Logistics: Uber is available in New Orleans as are Taxis although the waits can be very long. Here are two airport transfer options that will considerably reduce your wait times, New Orleans Transportation Service or Private Transfer New Orleans to New Orleans MSY.
Top-rated New Orleans tours and experiences:
☆The Premier New Orleans Food Tour (perfect for foodies)
☆New Orleans City Tour: Katrina, Garden District, French Quarter & Cemetery (great people who are visiting with limited time)
☆Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour (perfect for mystery lovers)
☆The National WWII Museum Admission + Campaigns of Courage Guided Tour Ticket (essential to avoid lines)
Top places to stay in New Orleans: Roosevelt Hotel - Historic Luxury *** Ritz Carlton, New Orleans - Splurge Worthy*** Royal Sonesta, French Quarter - Best Location Luxury***Place d'Armes - Best Location Budget Friendly***Check out booking.com for the lowest prices on Accommodations
My favorite Guidebook for New Orleans: DK Press New Orleans
My favorite New Orleans Foodie Book: Hungry Town
Don’t forget to pack Comfortable Walking Shoes***Sun Hat***A Vibrant Tee Shirt***A Dress for Dinners
History and Significance of Southern Cuisine
From the moment I walked into SoFAB, the atmosphere was brimming with a blend of its savory past and a zest for the contemporary. This museum is not just about food, it's about stories, culture, and the people behind the iconic Southern cuisines. Each exhibit seemed like a new chapter in a delightful novel filled with spice, flavor and soul. We explored the world of barbecue in all its smoky glory, learned the complex layers of Creole and Cajun traditions, and even discovered the legacies of iconic brands that have shaped the South's pantry.
Southern cuisine has a long and fascinating history that reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region. The roots of Southern cooking can be traced back to the Native American tribes who inhabited the land before European colonization. These tribes cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash, which became staples of the Southern diet.
With the arrival of European settlers, new ingredients and cooking techniques were introduced to the region. African slaves brought their culinary traditions, which heavily influenced the development of Southern cuisine. The blending of African, European, and Native American food gave rise to unique dishes and flavor profiles that define Southern cooking today.
Exploring the Flavors of the South through Iconic Dishes and Ingredients
The most delicious part, SoFAB is like a living museum, with cooking demonstrations and tastings three times weekly. If you visit on Monday, Thursday or Friday you don't just see and read about food. You can touch, smell, and taste the New Orlean's rich culinary history, through Cajun or Creole cooking classes. The constantly simmering pots in the demonstration kitchen bring the stories to life right before your taste buds. I was equally intrigued by the museum's focus on nutrition and food innovation, reminding us that the story of Southern food is continuously evolving.
The Museum of the American Cocktail, a Museum Within a Museum
Just when I thought my palate had savored it all, I wandered into The Museum of the American Cocktail. Located within SoFAB, MOTAC stirred up my appreciation for the art of mixology. This place is a cocktail connoisseur's dream, with a glittering array of exhibits on the history of cocktails and their influence on American culture. From Prohibition era artifacts to the evolution of cocktail shakers, every display was a toast to the inventiveness of the American spirit.
To me, the true essence of these museums lies in their celebration of culture, community, and the sheer joy that food and drink can bring. As I left, I carried with me an expanded appreciation for the traditions that have seasoned the American South and a deeper love for the craftsmanship behind every cocktail shaker's shake.
For anyone who savors the spice of history with their meals or the narrative behind their nightcaps, a visit to SoFAB and MOTAC isn’t just recommended, it’s a must do. Whether you are a die hard foodie, a cocktail aficionado, or just someone who loves a good story, New Orleans awaits with a feast for the senses and the spirit.
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is not just about displays and artifacts. It's a dynamic space that celebrates the present and future of Southern food through cooking demonstrations, tasting events, and educational seminars. Whether you're a food enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about Southern flavors, this museum is sure to leave you hungry for more. For $12, Thursday - Sunday, you can explore both museums, checking out displays about the culinary history of the region, as well as food and drink related artifacts.
Looking for More Information on Visiting New Orleans, check out these Blog Posts
