The
"Feastival" will take place on May 1 through May 4, with the goal of bringing
Jazz Fest food to the New Orleans community, in light of Jazz Fest's
cancellation.
A
number of New Orleanians have recently launched a website, JazzFeastival.com,
in hopes of the site acting as a virtual food festival allowing Jazz Fest food
vendors and foodies alike to connect while remaining socially distanced. The
website has facilitated the process of buying food for pickup, delivery, or
shipping. Additionally, Jazz Feastival is the endorsed food pairing of Sofa
King Fest and 504life.org.
The
non-profit grantee funding this event is the Krewe of Red Beans, who have
recently implemented "Feed the Second Line," an organization working to feed
second line groups, Mardi Gras Indians, and brass band musicians across New
Orleans, while simultaneously employing out-of-work musicians and artists and
supporting locally owned restaurants throughout the coronavirus pandemic. If
you are interested in making a donation towards Feed the Second Line, click
HERE.
JAZZ FEASTIVAL ON THE WEB:
Website: jazzfeastival.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jazzfeastival
Instagram: @instagram.com/jazzfeastival
As
for COVID's effect on vendors, Jazz Feastival seems to be offering the support
they need. Erin Patton Merrick, from Patton's Catering, notes that the festival
has been "instrumental (pun intended) in helping us spread awareness of our
operations during these uncertain times." Merrick further explained that it is
"locals helping locals at its best," which is what keeps the New Orleans
culture alive.
Miss
Linda Green, "The YA-KA-MEIN Lady," expresses gratitude to Jazz Feastival for
helping her in this difficult time, explaining that she had been planning to
work Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest. She explains how COVID-19 "just shut
[her] down," noting that she had no current income coming in. Yet, Miss Linda
Green further explains, "I got my health, and I'm alive to say these words. My
family and friends call to check on me. That makes me feel good. It is painful.
But what you go to do is just shake it off and keep it movin'! You just gotta
go with the flow, do the right things, and listen and be respectful out there."
Jazz Feastival's Directory of Jazz Fest Food
Vendors includes:
Patton's Caterer's (Crawfish Sack,
Crawfish Beignet, Oyster Patty)
Kajun Kettle Foods (Crawfish Monica)
Prejean's Restaurant (Crawfish Enchiladas, Pheasant, Quail, and Andouille
Gumbo)
Mrs. Wheats (Meat Pies)
Miss Linda Green "The Yak-Ka-Mein Lady" (Yakamein, Pork Chop sandwich)
Cottage Catering (Crawfish Strudel, White Chocolate Bread Pudding)
Canseco's (Cuban Sandwich)
DiMartino's (Muffaletta)
Ajun Cajun (Yakiniku Po'Boy)
Roman Candy Co.
Café Du Monde
(Beignets, Café Au Lait)
New Orleans Coffee Co. (Coolbrew Coffee)
Angelo's Bakery (Cream puff, Eclair, Coconut Macaroons, Brownies)
Fireman Mike's Kitchen (Shrimp and Grits, Alligator Sauce Piquante, Shrimp and
Okra gumbo)
Mona's Café (Hummus, Falafel, Gyros)
Smitty's Seafood (Crawfish)
Francofonte (Gelato, Sorbetto)
TJ's Gourmet Foods (Crawfish Bread, Alligator Sausage Kabob, Louisiana Blue
Crab Cakes, Shrimp Remoulade Salad, BBQ Shrimp Po'boy, Shrimp Remoulade Po'Boy)
Benna'chin's (Spinach, Plantains, Chicken on Stick)
All
vendors offer takeout, delivery, and shipping, all of which are listed on the
Jazz Feastival website.
