My first Mardi Gras was not only filled with beads, beers and ... it was also an incredible food experience. One of the most memorable eateries had to be Johnny's Po-Boy. As the oldest family owned po-boys sandwich shop in New Orleans, this place is a must for any serious eater.

The po-boy originated in New Orleans in 1929 as a result of a Streetcar Union strike. Apparently the strike went on for several months and the workers that were striking had very little money to survive. Two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, former streetcar operators before opening their "Martin's Bros. Restaurant", decided to help their friends on the picket line. The brother fed the hungry strikers sandwiches made of one pound loaves of French Bread cut into three and filled with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo. These sandwiches were fed to the men free of charge. As the men came into the brothers restaurant, they would say "Here comes another 'poor boy' man". Hence the name po-boy which has become a part of New Orleans cuisine.
I had the softshell crab po-boy (pix below) and absolutely recommend this as Johnny's fries up two whole crabs for your eating pleasure. Plus, don't forget to add the sweet potato fries to your order!