As it approaches its 300th birthday, New Orleans is by far one of the most historical cities in the United States. Many aspects attribute to our cultural landscape of our city. One of the most important points of interest is our cuisine. Now there is a new tour that will tantalize your sweet tooth. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Aunt Sally’s Historic Praline Tasting Tour is an informative and delicious delve into this well-known confection.
Aunts Sally’s is a fourth generation family business celebrating 75 successful years. This unique one-hour tour takes place at their St. Charles Avenue store located on world famous St. Charles Avenue. Their newest site boasts large windows overlooking the avenue as the city’s streetcar ambles pass. With a spacious counter top and cooking area, tour participants get an up-close and personal seat for all the action. The retail area’s walls are adorned with photos from the shop’s humble beginnings in the mid 1930’s. There is also a large viewing window revealing the employees making the pralines in the large pots and packaging them. You also have an opportunity to meet their loyal staff many of whom have been with them for decades making these delicious sweets.
Aunt Sally’s story is an interesting taste of New Orleans history. As you walk around the facility you see the company’s origins as a tiny house built to resemble a log cabin in the French Quarter on the corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets. The first half of the tour is learning about the company as well as the historic significance of this delightful treat then the tasting begins which is the best part.
You try many different styles of pralines including triple chocolate creamy pralines, bananas foster creamy pralines, chewy pralines and my favorite sugar and spice which is a creamy praline with a hint of Tabasco. As lagniappe each guest receives a six pack of pralines for the tour which is a $13.99 value. The tour is $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for children under 12. Aunt Sally’s Creole Pralines Taste Tour Site is located at 750 St. Charles Avenue near the WW2, Civil War, Ogden, and Louisiana Children’s Museums. Their other store is located in the French Quarter at 810 Decatur Street. For more information on tours and their pralines, as well as ordering online, go to www.auntsallys.com.
