Talk Gumbo. Taste Gumbo. Celebrate Gumbo at HNOC’s 2026 Food Forum

If there’s one dish that tells the story of Louisiana in a bowl, it’s gumbo. On Saturday, November 7, The Historic New Orleans Collection brings its annual Food Forum back to the French Quarter for a full day devoted to the history, culture and, most importantly, flavors of this Louisiana favorite.

This year’s Food Forum explores gumbo from just about every angle, from the ingredients that go into the pot to the generations of history and tradition behind it. The day will feature discussions and interactive sessions on everything from heirloom rice and Gulf seafood to cast-iron cooking and treasured family recipes. Guests will hear about the origins of gumbo, regional variations and the many cultures that helped shape the dish we know today.

Renowned food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris will headline the event, joined by an impressive lineup of chefs, historians and culinary experts, including Chef Wayne Baquet Sr., Chef Frank Brigtsen, Chef Ron Iafrate, Chef Toya Boudy, Chef B.J. Dennis, Dustin Fuqua, Monique Verdin and Ron Levy, PhD. There will also be a live cooking demonstration with Dianne “Gumbo Marie” Honoré Montana.

The Food Forum concludes with the Food Fête, a tasting event featuring a variety of Creole and Cajun gumbos. Expect seafood versions, chicken and sausage, vegetarian options and plenty of traditional accompaniments, including potato salad, heirloom rice varieties, breads and regional side dishes. It’s a chance to taste just how many different directions one dish can take—and why New Orleanians can debate the “right” way to make gumbo for hours.

The Food Forum takes place Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Food Forum tickets are $50, and space is limited. The Food Fête follows at 520 Royal Street. Tickets for the tasting event are $35. For the complete schedule and registration information, visit HNOC.org.

Local Tip: The Gumbo Shop in the French Quarter and Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop in Metairie are two of our favorite places to go for gumbo. Check them out while you’re here.

Read Our Best of Guide: Gumbos

Make Restaurant Reservations HereView our Best of Guides