The final hour of my trip in New Orleans required a stop by the famous, Black-owned, three-generation owned restaurant: Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe located in the Tremé neighborhood. Featured in the NYT, Eater, Nola.com, and so much other media — I had to stop by.
Only a few steps from my hotel, I stumbled upon a long line out the door of the restaurant. It was 11:30 AM. I took this to be a good omen as I wiggled my way inside and the hostess greeted me.
I let her know I was here to see one of the owners, Arkesha Baquet, wife and owner along with her husband, Wayne Jr.
This generational restaurant has been a staple in the Treme community for good food, good people, and good energy.
I snapped photos of the portraits and memorabilia of the family as crowds of people poured in behind me. Out of the back came Arkesha with a warm, wide smile and a velvet voice that greeted me with “Are you hungry?” Before I could respond, she told the chef to whip me up something tasty to eat. She then insisted on seating me away from the crowded first floor, and led me up the stairs.
Once we made it upstairs, Arkesha left to grab my food. While I waited I observed the photos from years past on the wall: newspaper clippings, photographs, and other historical markers to show how far her family and the African-American community have come.
Arkesha arrived with a to-go box for me with aromas that felt like the iconic New Orleans energy of soul food. To start, I opened the container with gumbo, which was actually my first time having it. This blend contained sausage, crab, shrimp, and rice in a rich broth that soothed the soul. Flavors of bold spices warmed my tongue and made my nose run slightly, a great sign of some good eats.
Onto the entree, which consisted of my favorite bites from Southern cuisine with that jazzy flair. A golden chicken wing and breast with a supremely crispy exterior and when bitten into, released a mouthwatering steam. The meat was juicy and tender as I dipped some of it into the broth of the gumbo. The sides were green beans, which had a savory and robust taste that felt like my grandma’s cooking, and mac-and-cheese that was deliciously gooey and cheesy. I couldn’t finish all of my platter so I took it with me as I headed off on the next leg of my journey. Arkesha was a pure delight to chat with and to taste her world-famous and home-cooked southern food that was feeding not only the community, but generations, was a treat. Next time you find yourself in the birthplace of jazz and culture on every street — be sure to dance your way to Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe for a taste of family.
