The Cultural Playlist: NOLA
Your curated guide to the sounds, flavors & culture of New Orleans, Louisiana
Welcome to another (optimistically) weekly edition of The Cultural Playlist, where we spotlight a destination through the music, food, entertainment, and travel-worthy experiences that help define it. This week, we’re transporting you to the one and only New Orleans — a city that’s more than a place; it’s a vibe. The Big Easy perfectly captures the city’s charm, where good food, great music, and a laissez-faire attitude make every day feel like a celebration.
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New Orleans is a fascinating blend of cultures and a full-on sensory experience. NOLA is lively, delicious, gritty, and complex — in the best way possible. The birthplace of jazz, this is a city bursting with world-class musicians, architecturally rich streets, and a mindblowing culinary scene serving up plates of food good enough to soothe any soul.
Mardi Gras? Jazz Fest? Or just dreaming of beignets and brass bands from home? Whatever brought you here, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a specially curated playlist, a classic Creole recipe, book and movie recommendations, and an epic experience unique to the bayou.
So, without further ado — laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)
1. Listen to a New Orleans playlist that hits all the right notes
All about that brass: jazz, blues & funk — the big, bold sounds of New Orleans
New Orleans isn’t just the birthplace of jazz — it’s the heartbeat of American music. From the bold brass bands that once electrified Congo Square to the smoky blues joints and street performers who turn the city into a living concert today, New Orleans has always been an intoxicating symphony of cultures, sounds, and stories.
While legends like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Dr. John laid the foundation, the music scene is as alive as ever. Wander through the French Quarter, and you’ll hear jazz pouring out of Preservation Hall. Stroll down Frenchmen Street, and you’ll catch everything from blues to bounce. Whether it’s second-line brass, soulful R&B, or high-energy funk, the sound of NOLA is everywhere. Just press play on this playlist and let the music transport you to the land of jazz and jambalaya.
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2. Make a classic New Orleans gumbo with sausage & seafood
The flavors and history of gumbo: Good things come to those who roux
New Orleans is a city that speaks in flavors. From jambalaya and po’boys to crawfish boils and beignets, its cuisine is a bold, soulful blend of Creole, Cajun, French, and West African influences. But if one dish reigns as Louisiana’s ultimate comfort food, it’s gumbo.
Every gumbo starts with a few essential ingredients: a rich homemade stock, the ‘holy trinity’ of celery, onions, and green peppers, and a patiently crafted roux. This spice-laden stew — packed with meat, seafood, and vegetables — is more than just a meal. It’s a taste of history, shaped by centuries of cultural fusion.
One secret to authentic gumbo? Filé powder. Made from ground sassafras leaves, this key ingredient was first used in Choctaw cuisine before becoming a Cajun staple after the Acadians settled in the South. It has earthy flavors that resemble thyme, and enhances both the taste and texture of gumbo. In short, this simple ingredient plays a big role in capturing the essence of New Orleans cuisine.
And as for the name ‘gumbo’? It comes from kingombo, the West African word for okra — a nod to its African roots. Whether you prefer the Cajun style (traditionally tomato-free) or the Creole version (which welcomes tomatoes, like the recipe below), one thing’s for sure: every bowl of gumbo has a story to tell.
A big, flavorful bowl of homemade Louisiana gumbo
How to make authentic New Orleans gumbo
(Serves a crowd!)
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Time Commitment: About 2 hours, 45 minutes
Makes about 20 servings — best for a crowd!For the roux:
3/4 cup bacon fat (you can use butter or cooking oil, but bacon fat is best!)
1 cup flour
For the ‘holy trinity’ (plus garlic!):
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup celery (about 2 stalks), finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
For the meat & seafood:
1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
3 pounds uncooked shrimp, shells removed and deveined
1 pound lump crabmeat (if you don’t want to use crab, you can double the Andouille sausage instead or replace crab with 1 pound of shredded chicken)
For the broth:
3 quarts water
6 cubes beef boullion
1 (14.5 ounce) can tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (or to taste)
salt to taste
2 teaspoons filé powder
To saute the okra:
2 tablespoons bacon fat (or butter or cooking oil)
2 (10 ounce) packages of frozen okra, thawed
2 tablespoons white vinegar
For the final touches:
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons of filé powder
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked white rice, for serving
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Instructions:
Step 1: Make the roux
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the bacon fat over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 20 minutes, until the roux turns a rich chocolate brown.
Turn off the fire, but keep stirring until it cools. Be patient — the darker the roux, the better the flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the “holy trinity” & cook the sausage
Add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux.
Mix in sliced sausage and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the broth & combine with the roux
Combine water and beef bouillon cubes in a large Dutch oven or soup pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir until bouillon cubes dissolve.
Whisk roux mixture into the boiling broth.
Step 4: Build the flavor!
Reduce heat to a simmer.
Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaves, sugar, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce.
Taste and add salt and additional seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Let it simmer
Simmer soup over low heat for 1 hour.
After 45-50 minutes, add in 2 teaspoons of filé gumbo powder and continue to simmer until it has cooked the full hour.
Step 6: Sauté the okra & add to gumbo
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of bacon fat (or butter) in a skillet over medium heat.
Add thawed okra and vinegar and cook for 15 minutes.
Remove okra and stir into the simmering gumbo.
Step 7: Add the seafood & continue to simmer
Mix in crabmeat, shrimp, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer for about 45 additional minutes, until flavors have blended.
Step 8: Finish the gumbo
Stir in 2 more teaspoons of filé gumbo powder just before serving.
Remove the bay leaves.
Step 9: Serve & enjoy!
Serve your gumbo in a bowl over cooked white rice, and garnish with chopped parsley and green onions.
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The roux is what gives gumbo its distinctive flavor, so don’t rush this step. The deep, dark color of the roux makes the gumbo rich and flavorful.
Filé powder is ground sassafras, a key ingredient to authentic gumbo!
As mentioned in the ingredients list, feel free to adjust the meat and seafood choices and ratios to your preference. For example, if you don’t want to use crabmeat, you can instead add more sausage or replace with cooked and shredded chicken.
We learned about authentic New Orleans gumbo and adapted this recipe from AllRecipes. This is the recipe which inspired this adaptation. AllRecipes cited @Mddoccook as its souce.
Please let us know in the comments if you enjoyed making - and eating - this recipe!
3. Read books about New Orleans’ history, culture, and cuisine
Kick back with a good book & stiff Sazerac
If a trip to New Orleans isn’t in the tarot cards for you right now, no worries — the next best thing is getting lost in a book that pulls you right into the city’s rich history, lively culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.
Pair your literature of choice with a café au lait by day or a Sazerac by night, and let the magic of New Orleans come to life.
HISTORY & RESILIENCE: Want to know how New Orleans rebuilt itself after disaster? Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans by Dan Baum tells the stories of nine locals and how the city bounced back from Hurricane Betsy to Katrina. It’s a raw, powerful look at the city’s resilience that you won’t forget.
FOOD & CULTURE: Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table by Sara Roahen is your passport to New Orleans' mouthwatering food scene. From rich gumbo to crispy po'boys, Roahen dives into how the city’s dishes are about more than just flavor—they’re about culture, connection, and history. If you’re craving the flavors of New Orleans, this book is for you.
HUMOR & LOCAL FLAVOR: If you’re looking for laughs, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole is your go-to. Toole captures the city’s offbeat personality through wild characters and their antics. It’s a fun and fast read that’s a local favorite for its humor and style.
4. Explore Louisiana culture through film & television
Discover the rich history, traditions, and soul of Louisiana through iconic films and TV shows set in New Orleans and beyond
Louisiana's unique charm shines on screen, with New Orleans at the heart of many iconic productions. From its soulful music to its lively streets, these films and series capture the essence of the Big Easy and the bayous beyond. Here are our top picks that’ll transport you straight into the soul of Louisiana.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Set in a remote Louisiana bayou community called the Bathtub, this film captures the resilience and folklore of life on the edge of the world. Through the eyes of six-year-old Hushpuppy, it blends reality with myth, showing the deep connection between the land, the water, and the people who call it home.
Treme (2010-2013)
An unfiltered look at the resilience and traditions that make NOLA unique, this HBO series follows musicians, chefs, and everyday residents rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Katrina. It dives into the culture that defines New Orleans and the tight-knit communities that keep the city’s spirit alive.
Disney’s animated take on New Orleans brings the city to life with jazz-filled streets and nods to local traditions. Don’t write this fairytale off, it does a great job of reflecting the city’s energy, music, and culture in a way that feels true to its setting.
5. Go on a guided swamp tour in New Orleans
Get up close (but not too close) to the wildlife and natural beauty of Louisiana
New Orleans offers plenty of ways to soak in the culture, but nothing compares to the unforgettable experience of a swamp tour. Picture this: You’re gliding across the bayou in an airboat, weaving through towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and spotting alligators sunbathing just feet away. The swamp isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living, breathing part of Louisiana’s history, culture, and ecosystem. With its rich wildlife and deep historical roots, the bayou is an essential part of what makes New Orleans so unique.
On a guided tour, your local guide will share fascinating stories of the region's history — from how the bayou served as a lifeline for Native American tribes to its role in shaping Louisiana’s development. You’ll learn about the diverse flora and fauna and how the swamps are intertwined with New Orleans' identity. This is an adventure that’s well worth taking, especially on a sunny, warm day when the alligators are more likely to be sunning themselves. Just remember: keep your hands inside the boat — those gators might think your fingers tastes like chicken tenders.
