Healthy food options are on the menu at French Quarter Fest, but old favorites are there, too.

If you attend French Quarter Festival, coming up April 11-14, you are sure to find dozens of traditional New Orleans dishes such as fried shrimp or catfish, stuffed crabs, locally brewed beers, meat pies, crawfish macaroni and cheese, and hot sausage po-boys. 

But if you are looking for lighter fare, there’s plenty for you, as well. More than a dozen vendors will offer a special menu called Eat Fit. 

Molly Kimball, director of nutrition for Ochsner Health, is founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit concept. 

“The foods, all prepared and created by the participating vendors, are healthy options for anyone looking for something lighter or for those who have certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol issues or diabetes,” Kimball said. “The dishes being served will be beautiful and are very nutritious.” 

Kenneth Spears, food and beverage director for the festival, talked about the addition of healthy dining choices. 

“The New Orleans area is a huge melting pot of different cultures and food,” he said. “Since there is more information available today about the importance of healthy eating, it was a logical choice to include the ‘Eat Fit’ menu as a food option. It gives people an opportunity to make food choices that work best for them.” 

Spears said 14 vendors will offer an Eat Fit menu, which is centered on lean proteins, vegetables, plant-based fats and whole grains, with no white carbs and minimal added sugar. 

The vendors and their locations at the festival are: 

Jax Lot 

• Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waffles: Three whole golden naked deep-fried whole wings served with hot sauce. 
• Theaudric’s Real Clever Cuisine: Matcha filé gumbo and Brussel Voorhesse. 

Jackson Square 

• Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: Shrimp and grits; crab, artichoke and citrus salad. 
• Nori Guys: Spicy tuna handroll or bowl. 
• Paco’s Tacos: Rock Tacos with birria, onions, cilantro, and consommé; traditional corn tacos. 
• Tujague’s Restaurant: Tujague’s original shrimp remoulade. 
• Plum Street Snoballs: Sugar-free raspberry and sugar-free pink Lemonade. 

Kohlmeyer Lawn

• Fritai Nola: Grilled shrimp pikliz.
• Pho Bang: Tofu with a smidge of housemade sauce.
• Walker’s Southern Style BBQ: Cochon de lait served over cabbage.
• Monday Restaurant: Whole snapper.

Palm Lawn 

• 14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant: Jerk chicken.
• Second location for Plum Street Snoballs; Sugar-free raspberry and sugar-free pink lemonade sno-balls.
• TJ Gourmet: Alligator sausage kabob with zydeco sauce.
• There will be an orange “Eat Fit” sticker next to each option so visitors can see what’s available.

Also, the free Eat Fit app will be available in time for the festival, Kimball said, and will include nutritional facts about the food items the participating vendors will offer.

Kimball has some other suggestions for festival-goers, before they even head out of their doors. 

“I would start out by eating something with a base that is nutritious, light and lean,” she said. “This will help you maintain your stamina, especially if you plan to spend the day at the festival.

“Then get one of your favorite dishes and maybe split it with friends. You can certainly enjoy the festival food while at the same time, staying aware of your overall health.”