Mother Nature’s Cupboard

So here’s the deal I came to the market with my husband for oysters but because it was Mardi Gras weekend the prices were jacked up too high so we decided to eat at a vendor in the market. The roast beef po boy caught my eye so I decided to give it a try. The woman who waited on us, I think her name was Pam, was incredibly rude. The moment we sat down she seemed to be impatient asking us what we wanted. I asked her if they had beer but then she mumbled something under her breath so when I asked her again her response was «I SAID ITS NEXT DOOR!» literally yelling at me. We were so tempted just to get up and walk away.
She brought us out our food; a buffalo shrimp poboy and a roast beef poboy. I will tell you this. It was delicious. Honestly, so good the meat was cooked perfectly and was so tasty, the bread was toasted and soft yet didn’t get soggy. The fries were crisp and hot. The food was amazing.
Later on our waitress came back to apologize for being rude and that during Mardi Gras it gets hectic and her patience wears thin. After that she still continued to be in a bad mood and when we tipped her a 20% tip she then rolled her eyes…
I mean she might have just been having a bad day so I would recommend coming here on the chance that the service might be better for others
The food was delicious but I’m reluctant to return based on the service. They also don’t have any drinks besides water and juice which was a bust.

Ordered a burger and fries great tasting. The staff is straight and to the point you might even think there rude. They just come off that way. When you get there sit down and order; weather your taking out or eating there it’s faster.

I have to say they guys are AMAZING and warm and welcoming! I’m from Chicago visited my best friend that lives there. While he was at work i went to the market. While walking around i saw the Mother Nature’s cupboard corn stand and I saw someone eating one and i had to get one. So i ordered on and was going for my pocket to get my wallet to pay for it but UGH i forgot my wallet! I told the man WAIT don’t make it i forgot my wallet! He said «here don’t worry about it take it welcome to New Orleans» i said no please I’ll call my friend to get my wallet out of my other pants and bring it, he said no please just take it, enjoy friend. The lady working with him gave me a smile and nodded yes. I said ok I’ll eat it and wait right here till my friend come so I can pay for it. I was so embarrassed. My friend never came, they were closing, I said im sorry sir I wish I had my wallet i could pay for this but my friend can’t make it over on time. He said don’t worry I’m glad you enjoyed the corn and again welcome to New Orleans. I felt welcomed and warm inside I almost cried. I shook their hands and walked away smiling and feeling good. Thanks owners of the corn stand i owe you for a corn next year i come to New Orleans! Xo

Decided to try that crab cake. It was pretty good… It had chunks of crab, flavorful stuff mixed in it… cooked pretty crispy like I like. I do find it weird to get a big Styrofoam box and plastic bags everywhere I go in New Orleans. It all seems so unnecessary. Anyway for the money ($ 7 alacarte) I think this crab cake hits the mark.

If you’re near the French Market, stop by. Even if you’re not, stop by. The fried green tomato po’ boy is next level. Tomatoes aren’t sliced too thick and cut like butter. Batter is nice and crispy. Definitely one of my favorite bites in New Orleans. Possibly one of my favorite bites ever.

I’m so torn over how many stars to give them because the food was fantastic but the service and business ethics will make you frustrated. This is a food stand in the French Market and I actually tried to go here 3 times before I was able to get any food. That is how badly I wanted those spiral fries. Definitely worth the wait though. What’s not to love about a giant mountain of potatoes covered in ranch, bacon, and cheese?
Here’s the story though. First time I came here, it was 1030am (they open at 9am) and they said the kitchen wasn’t ready to serve food. The second time I came here, they decided to close early. Third time’s a charm though, sorta. We sat at the counter for a good 10 minutes before being acknowledged, only because I had to interrupt the guy running around. Not really sure why because he had a coworker just standing around. We were told they might be out of bacon (at 1pm when they close at 6pm) and they actually sold out of cheese after our order. Not sure how they run a business here.
So I guess I’ll give them 3 stars but food is ⁵⁄₅ and everything else about them is ¹⁄₅.

If you want the best crab cake in town, then you need to make it down her and try them. They aren’t fishy like some that I have experienced in the past. They have a nice sear on them, and the cake is full of crab and not a bunch of fillers like most people would do. You can tell that they take pride in what they do and that they aren’t just pushing out sub par food for the tourists.

Awesome food. Terrible service. The bar is very long and we sat at one end for over 5 minutes while 2 employees worked on tasks completely oblivious to us. I finally got up and walked over to one of them, asking if she could take our order down there. She told me we should come over to her side… not because the other side was closed (there were people eating there) just because it was more convenient for her. The only reason we came was because my mom and I wanted to try the crawfish pies… they were out. So we settled on crawfish mac n cheese. It was awesome. I wish I could give a better rating.

We strolled through the French Market at least three times before we stopped at the first place we saw advertising crawfish pie… of course they were out, that’s how we ended up at Mother N.‘s. We wanted to try a mudbug pie, sure glad they had some ’cause this is the good stuff… should’ve got more than one… i’m sorry to say I begrudged my wife’s two or three tiny bites… this will be a stop on our next Nawlins visit.

The best crab cakes and deep fried kale we have ever had. Bonus the owner is a true gentleman, a must stop when in Nola.

Last May, my buddies and I were treated like kings at this French Market nugget. When I returned to New Orleans over the weekend, there was no doubt in my mind that we would return. And as no surprise to me, the food was absolutely dynamite.
Thousands of locals, tourists and foodies stroll by Mother Nature’s Cupboard every single day missing out on a flavor ecstasy for the ages. I had to convince travelers to dine here. There are only five seats at the counter, but it’s located at the heart of the French Market. You can easily walk and talk with your meal. Scratch that, eating here is like attending church, it’s a sacred experience.
I’m flabbergasted that most people decide on the rather Americanized meals, instead of indulging the local flavor. C’mon tourists, you can eat a hamburger and fries anywhere, but can you get Crawfish Mac n’ Cheese or Deep Fried Corn anywhere? No, not like this.
Hands down, the most flavorful Mac n’ Cheese I’ve ever eaten. Large, meaty pieces of spicy crawfish fill the cracks of the tender pasta, which is completely smothered in a creamy, rich cheese sauce that will resurrect your taste buds. And Deep Fried Corn? But, how? There are no time for questions folks, just time to munch on crunchy fried corn that will make you as ecstatic as a kid in a candy store.
I remembered the man behind the counter from last year. I’m not sure he remembered me, but we did share a look. One of those looks where you can tell he appreciated your business, because he could tell you were humbled by a great New Orleans meal. Maybe I’m crazy, but maybe you should unstrap your visor a bit, take a deep breath, and experience true local essence. Mother Nature’s Cupboard won’t be on a Best of New Orleans Food List, but go out of your way to find this pearl.

We needed something fast before being whisked away in a United Cab towards the airport. We decided on nothing other than a roast beef poboy with a side of fries and coleslaw. I haven’t really had roast beef quite like this before on the west coast — almost like pulled pork. Tender, flavorful, and wet. The bread gets soggy fast, folks, so DIG IN. The French fries were crunchy and piping hot. The coleslaw was good too, but it comes in this small container, like the kind you put some ketchup in. Eh. Would’ve been nice if they parted with at least three times that amount. However, all in the all, this place is definitely worth battling through the tourists (including myself) at the French Market for.

This is my special review for a single vender in the French Market. The reason that they need special attention is due to the unique food that they are prepared. If you visit the French Market, do not miss up the opportunity to try their food. Their vender stand is located at the last vender stand of the food venders at first open air structure. It is very much at the middle of two open air structures.
They occupied three vender stands and a front open air stand. You will not miss it. The front vender stand offers the roast cone and broil peanut. They roasted their corn in the enclose smoker. Once they receive the order, they will peel off the skin and show the ear. Then they will dip the corn to the hot butter, and season with salt, parmesan cheese (yum), Cajun spice (wow). My wife loves this corn. The inner vender stand serves the deep fried corn, crab cake, gator bites, and frog leg. They also serve different type of fruit drink and icy. We were curious the deep fry corn did not turn to pop corn. The vender owner assures us it will not happen. Evidently, it does not and coated with thin cajun coating. I have concluded the deep fried corn is a boy food and the roast corn is girl food base on the preference.
We also order the home made crab cake. The surprise is not the crab cake; it is the side dish that comes with it. The deep fried kale. I have the deep fried kale at the Cool Bean restaurant in Tallahasse FL. I did not expect they are as good as the restaurant grade. The Kale is deep fried for 30 second then season. The best thing is when you put on the tongue and the kale melt like cotton candy. The vender did a very good job.

Gator bites! Located right in the French Market. Staff is hilarious and attentive. We weren’t looking for a meal, just to try the gator bites and they were awesome! Tasted like a cross between a chicken and fish. Flavorful breading and delightful dipping sauce.

The apple beignets were overhyped. They were oveclooked and you don’t get the amazing douse of sugar like you do at Café du Monde.
Go there instead.
All that and the lady working was so not friendly! Wow. She almost acted as if we were bugging her just being there buying from her stand!

Do not let this places little spot in the touristy French Market scare you off. This is legitimate New Orleans cooking. The baked Mac and Cheese has Crawfish bits in it and it is incredible. The gator tail bites are also well worth the money.
They have reasonably priced drinks compared to other spots in the area. So, stop and shop and top of your tank with a quick bite. The service was beyond friendly a d we simply loved the lady that helped us. She stood with us a while telling some of the absolute funniest stories!

Our cabdriver from the airport told us last night to hit up The French Market for authentic Nawlins food. So we did. Walked around for a bit and saw this place. Pretty simple menu. I haven’t had a po boy yet so I ordered the buffalo shrimp po boy, which came with fries and cole slaw. The folks behind the counter were very friendly.
He po boy was amazing, granted I haven’t had one before to compare it with. The shrimp was breaded just right, the bread was soft, and the hint of buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbs were perfect.
The fries were breaded and seasoned just the way I liked it. Didn’t have a chance to try the coleslaw because I think I forgot.

This place is sandwiched in between several other establishments in the french market. It’s décor is nondescript. The menu isn’t super edgy, but they do a couple things really well. The Boudin balls are quite delicious. The crawfish mac and cheese was quite yummy as well. But the winner is definitely the crab cake. Had I known how good it would be, I would have ordered nothing but that. I don’t know why that particular crab cake was so good, but it was just full of flavorful deliciousness!
I would have given them 5 stars, but they don’t serve alcohol, and they don’t take AMEX. The credit card I can forgive, but in New Orleans, everyone should at least serve beer.

The guys here are SO friendly!
We had the crawfish mac ($ 6) which was okay but we enjoyed chatting with the young fella about what to do around the area. He recommended Frenchmen Street for good music and the older gentleman offered us extra seasoning to add to our food. You can tell they are just good guys that want to please their customers.

Very nice, local store at the French Market located against the wall near the main entrance. Easy to find, just look for their bright yellow circular sign and follow the baked smell. They sell homemade Cajun snacks and sandwiches such as crawfish pies, deep fried frog legs, po-​boys, and gator bites. They also have a variety of pickled food for sale: jalapenos, quail eggs, mushrooms, red peppers, etc.
It seems to be a family run business, I imagine the older ladies do most of the cooking as well as the managing, using traditional old family recipes. They seem to be particularly popular for their loaded spiral fries, which look like thick fresh potato chip cut fries loaded with baked potato extras. I saw several people order this as I waited for my crawfish pie.
Good sample of local cuisine, worth making your way here as an excuse to visit French Market or to grab a bite as you make your way through.