The Southern Food and Beverage Museum, a nonprofit living history organization dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and the related culture of the South has become a destination. It was written about recently in USA Today, featured on a story on National Public Radio, and listed as one of the top 20 attractions in New Orleans in Time Out New Orleans. It’s the only stand-alone food museum in the country, celebrating all the cultures that have come together over time to create the South’s unique culinary heritage.
Where else can you learn about Southern barbecue’s different styles on “The Trail of Smoke and Fire,” including seeing vintage barbecue pits? SoFAB hosts special exhibits, demonstrations, lectures and tastings that showcase the food and drink of the South. SoFAB, formerly located in New Orleans’ Riverwalk, re-opened in late 2014 in the historic Dryades Street Market at 1504 Oretha C. Haley Boulevard just three blocks from St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, in an award-winning renovated space.
Walk around in the Museum with your beverage from adjoining Purloo, Chef Ryan Hughes’s living exhibit and restaurant celebrating the flavors and culinary traditions of the South. Visit The Museum of the American Cocktail’s New Orleans collection and spectacular new exhibits, including La Galerie d’Absinthe, and others.
There’s a modern demonstration kitchen, Rouses Culinary Innovations Center by Jenn-Air, for cooking demonstrations, classes and events. Check out the handcrafted culinary objects, food items and books for sale in The Pantry, our gift shop. There’s even a Culinary Library down the block with over 13,000 cookbooks and other culinary documents like menus, for research.
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum educates and delights the visitor with its down-home, relaxed approach to something we all do every day-eating and drinking!
