The first ever Complex Family Style FoodFest occurred in NOLA the day before Super Bowl.
Welcome to Family Style FoodFest NOLA
This event happens in many cities across the country and tickets normally come with a pretty hefty price tag. But because this was the first one in New Orleans, tickets were free. Needless to say Steve and I just HAD to attend.
The legendary couple Leah and Dooky Chase Jr.
We arrived at the Bywater location about 2 hours ahead of time to assure that we would be able to get in, knowing that attendance was limited to the first 500 guests. When we reached the Pepsi sponsored location there were only a couple of people ahead of us in line. Within a few minutes the line began snaking back and forth until finally stretching down a block or two.
Serving up tasty food at Addis’ Ethiopian restaurant booth
Addis Legendary Red Lentils (Ethiopian Red Beans) – 24 hour Caramelized Onion Stew, 15 Spice Berbere Seasoning, Red Lentils, Cilantro and Injera Chip
I think part of the fun was the time spent getting friendly with the attendees near us. It became a party before the party. But that is what New Orleans is all about. Life is a celebration!!!
Cane and Table’s Crawfish Croquette with Lemon Aioli
Mister Mao’s Blue Crab Pani Puri – Crab Fat Potato Masala Pomegranate Chutney
According to the Family Style FoodFest NOLA website each food festival is: “A family-oriented food festival believing in bringing people together through the collective love of food. Known for mixing food and fashion– we connect the best brands and the tastiest restaurants to create limited one-of-a-kind collaborative food and merchandise items exclusively available at our event!
As big time Eagles fans we were thrilled to meet Jalen Hurts’ cousin, Israel Hurts!!! Fly Eagles Fly
An immersive festival experience perfectly pairing the streetwear and culinary worlds with real-life entertainment. Family Style features a delicious food lineup, top-tier restaurants (including out-of-state legends), collaborative merchandise from the hottest brands and designers, Family Style’s own “Next In Line” cooking competition, a Kid’s Area, and a curated music lineup.
Bomb Bowls from Chicken’s Kitchen – Chicken, Pasta, Cheese, Bell Peppers, Onions, Collard Greens, Sweet Potato and Chili Sauce
It’s a full day of food, friends, and good times that you won’t want to miss! So come pull up a seat at our table and enjoy the day, Family Style.”
Mason Hereford, Chef/Owner of Turkey and the Wolf, caught off guard.
Fried Chicken Skin and Pork Cracklin’ Po’ Boy from Turkey and the Wolf with Cilantro, Shrettuce (shredded lettuce), Red Onion, Jalapeño, Lime and Coconut Dressing
And that is exactly what we experienced. The event was well planned and well organized. Free samplings of food from local restaurants put smiles on our faces and tickled our tastebuds. Beverages of both an alcoholic nature and non alcoholic ilk were poured and enjoyed free of charge. Music played, games were enjoyed, cool fashion was everywhere and a great time was had by all who attended!
Hot Stuff! Meat and Three gave us the best last taste of the day Bananas Foster Pudding with Rum Caramel and Cinnamon ‘Nilla Wafers. We each had two!
Family Style FoodFest NOLA 2025 may have been the inaugural event, but I’m guessing that it will become an annual one that we can look forward to each year.
