New Orleans has been at the top of my to-visit places for a long time. And recently, I was able to convince my best friend Kaitlynn to join me.
I arrived early in the morning before I could check into our hotel, so I started my food adventure.
And first on my list was Central Grocery & Deli, which is home to the muffuletta.
A muffuletta is: The muffuletta is both a type of round Sicilian sesame bread and a popular sandwich originating among Italian immigrants in New Orleans, Louisiana using the same bread.
A traditional-style muffuletta sandwich consists of a muffuletta loaf split horizontally and covered with layers of marinated olive salad, salami, ham, Swiss cheese, provolone, and mortadella. Quarter, half, and full-sized muffulettas are sold. The signature olive salad consists of olives diced with the celery, cauliflower and carrot found in a jar of giardiniera, seasoned with oregano and garlic, covered in olive oil, and allowed to combine for at least 24 hours.
The line to get a sandwich is very particular and they want you to stand in a specific spot. So once we were reprimanded, we were able to go up to the front of the line and order the sandwich. I also got a bag of Zapp's VooDoo Chips, which are specific to Louisiana.
Voodoo flavor is a result of an accident. An employee was moving a pallet of spices off the top shelf, and dropped it. While cleaning it up, someone stuck their finger into the mixture of about 5 flavors and pronounced it great.
The sandwich, though. I took mine, went back to the dining area and munched on my sandwich while watching TV.
Think of the best Italian sub you may have had and times it by 100. First of all, the sandwich itself is huge. The bread is flavorful, and the meats are delish. The olive salad makes it, though.
Where's your favorite place to get a muffuletta?
