Celebrate National French Bread Day in Louisiana
Savor this taste of Louisiana in a classic po' boy, unique banh mi or recipes you can make at home.
March 21 is National French Bread Day and what better way to celebrate than by digging into delicious dishes made with the famous French loaf that is oh-so-loved around Louisiana?
Enjoy a Po' Boy
Try an authentic New Orleans po’ boy at Mother’s Restaurant, where they’ve been serving up these iconic sandwiches since 1939. We suggest the Debris Po’ Boy or the Ferdi Special, since this is where these classic dishes originated.
The Ferdi Special came about when Mr. Ferdi, a local merchant and regular Mother’s patron, asked that some ham be added to his roast beef po’ boy. Word spread like wildfire that his creation was a hit, and it’s been a tradition ever since. The Debris Po’ Boy was created when a customer asked owner Simon Landry to add the bits of roast beef that had fallen into the gravy while he was carving it for his sandwich. Simon replied, “You mean some of the debris?” and just like that, another definitive Mother’s term was coined.
Try a Banh Mi
While the classic roast beef po’ boy is a timeless favorite, Dong Phuong is doing something less traditional between the bread. Dong Phuong took a New Orleans tradition and made it their own with their Banh Mi sandwiches, also known as “Vietnamese Po’ Boys.” Their signature, house-made French bread is light and airy with a crispy crust. Each sandwich has a foundation of this French bread that is stuffed with house-cured meats and dressed with the family’s homemade aioli, julienned pickled carrots, daikon, freshly sliced jalapeños, cucumbers and chopped cilantro.
Recipes to Make at Home
Or if you’re willing to try your hand at a mouthwatering meal at home, this recipe for Crawfish Bread – made popular at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – is the perfect snack. Follow up with a Debris Po' Boy that just may rival Mother’s. For dessert? This Chocolate Walnut Bread Pudding with Kahlua Cream Sauce will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
In Louisiana, you’ll find anything you can imagine stuffed between crispy, fluffy French bread. There’s a world of possibilities in terms of tasty creations – from fried shrimp, catfish, oysters and soft shell crab to hot smoked sausage, cochon de lait, Thanksgiving leftovers and cheeseburgers.
No matter what you choose, it’s sure to #FeedYourSoul.
