Food is an integral part in the lives of New Orleanians. We lust for it on a level akin to our cultural predecessors the French, Spanish and Italians; we drink about it like the Irish; we spice things up and give them soul with our Cajun and Creole roots. Our hunger knows no bounds.

Which is why on any given week, our social media accounts get flooded with pictures of #noms from all over town. And we, at Ver Local New Orleans, have taken it upon ourselves to remind you that these items are out there, they’re delicious, and you should add them to your weekly to-do lists.

Beginning with our voracious staff’s picks…

“Everybody Loves Raymond” at Francesca by Katie’s by Lorin Gaudin (@nolafoodgoddess)

Lorin checked out The New New this week and couldn’t help herself to a trip to Lakeview for this beut, and we’re going to follow suit on that idea for the love of pastrami; this thing looks unreal!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjrtAplfu7/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1nnzof5o68m3s

Lumpia, Sisig, and Crispy Pata at CK’s Hot Shoppe by Me (@nola.bites)

I recently bonded with my neighbor over our mutual love for Filipino food and I hate to confess, I’d never been to CK’s. So he took me down to Central City, to this gem of hole-in-the-wall where we stuffed our faces with its most legit staple dishes. Turns out owner Chef Pasia used to work for Paul Prudhomme in Hong Kong which is why after his passing, he came to cook for New Orleans. If you haven’t been, you need to STAT!

What Our Fellow Foodies Ate…

On that note, we want to see what Y’ALL ARE EATING! Hashtag your food and restaurant posts with #VeryLocalNolaEats so we can share it on our weekly round-up.

The Pho-ritto at EatWell by @nolafoodiegram

Did you know about the Pho-ritto? It satiates both your Vietnamese and Mexican cravings with one tasty bite. EatWell recently opened shop in Pythian Market, but you can always find this gem at its original location on Canal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjxgIin90Z/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=t7fkfruxbj8o

Marinated Olives at Nonna Mia Cafe and Pizzeria by @passtheverything

Seasoned local foodie asks us to ‘name a better appetizer than marinated olives, warm bread and some red wine from Nonna Mia’… and come to think of it, we are also left pondering. The wine is definitely not helping.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmi110Slfhx/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1ljrhjky8spry

Hot Chicken Butter Biscuit at District Donut Sliders and Brew by @eatenpathnola

We’d like to join in the happy celebration, cause y’all know this is one hot item to score. If you haven’t tried it, you should do as @eatenpathnola has done and make sure you add it to your bucket list. Thank all of us later.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmdTWFXHzHZ/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1dp6fkvqmghhf

Milk and Cookies at Willa Jean by @thenola15

We can’t forget about dessert, and what better way to end a meal than with milk and cookies (and a ball of cookie-dough for good measure)? Also, we’re so here for this pro-tip by @thenola15: “ask for different types of cookies.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmWMBHAHYqK/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1x7njqyqgjuct