Trail Blog

November 01, 2011

Like a Local » Holidays Bring Réveillon Dinners

During the holidays, there’s no better place for festive feasting than the Réveillon dinners of New Orleans. This centuries-old tradition has roots in France, where families would gather for an elaborate meal following midnight mass on Christmas Eve. New Orleans Creoles adopted the custom, and Réveillon (from the French word for “awakening”) was celebrated in homes throughout the city.

Today, New Orleans’ restaurants, including Arnaud’s, Mr. B’s Bistro and Upperline, carry on the tradition with special prix fixe Réveillon menus each night during the holiday season. Find a full list of participating restaurants and see the menus at www.neworleansonline.com/holiday.

Plan your own Réveillon dinner with the help of local chefs who’ll be sharing special recipes and samples during the free Chef’s Holiday Cooking Demonstrations at the Historic French Market throughout the month of December.