Ben Gourgues - State Farm Insurance Agent

Immerse yourself in the history of New Orleans while learning how its unique cuisine evolved. You will learn to appreciate the differences between Creole and Cajun cuisine, and will hear of the varied ethnic influences that contribute to New Orleans cuisine. Also, enjoy a Roux cooking demonstration by a creole chef. Food samplings include Seafood Gumbo Creole, Turtle Soup, Shrimp Arnaud, Muffaletta, Cannoli’s, Gelato, Brisket with Creole Sauce, Red Beans and Rice and Pralines.

Take a tour of the Haunted Mortuary - if you dare. The mansion was built in 1872 and served as a funeral home for many years, performing over 20,000 funerals. Through extensive investigations with sophisticated EVP technology and tools, it has been proven that the property is haunted. Stop by the Haunted Mortuary, you could be the next visitor to hear something strange, see an apparition or feel the cold presence of something from beyond.

Take part celebrating the life, work and literary accomplishments of one of America's most important writers at the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. Williams is remembered through writing workshops, panel discussions, literary readings, stage performances, a book fair, music, writing contests and other events incorporating literature, poetry and other art forms - and more importantly, food and drink!