Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the lead singer of the musical group Tank and the Bangas, is a proud New Orleans native whose story began in New Orleans’ 8th ward. Growing up in a city with musical inspiration on nearly every corner, Tank’s trajectory was written in the stars.
The songstress recently partnered with Expedia to share a few of the city’s best eats and music spots during the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. More widely known as Jazz Fest, the sonically-sooting festival spans over a week of festivities and live music. This year, Expedia served as the Official Travel Partner for the music-centered festivities.
Travel Noire recently spoke with Tank to learn more about what makes New Orleans so special, her favorite travel destinations, and more.
Travel Noire: The energy in New Orleans is unlike anywhere else in the world. How do you explain the city’s magic to those who’ve never visited?
Tarriona “Tank” Ball: You take New Orleans with you everywhere you go. When I explain the city to people, I say, “It’s somebody just waving to you from the porch [and] they don’t even know you. It’s like grandma’s house–welcoming, warm, and she’s gonna always have a plate of food for you. It’s mawmaw’s house.”
TN: Growing up on Music Street, what were the early days of your music inspiration like?
TB: It was prevalent in two ways. [For] one, my dad was a singer and loved Stevie Wonder. There was always music around. On the other note, it was church. My grandfather was a pastor–[a] family full of pastors. We [were] always in church. [Those were] the two main musical influences growing up.
TN: Although it seems like you’re constantly on the road, what do downtime and self-care look like for you?
TB: I love a beach–quick trips to Florida. I love to be with my baby (a man). [In my] downtime, I go to the chiropractor; a good massage; a hot bath in my own tub at home; to get a snowball down the street. Love to eat.
TN: Because you’re constantly traveling, when you come back, what’s the thing that’s on your radar when get home?
TB: First thing? Baby, let’s go out to eat. Let’s get the family together, my treat. It’s a pleasure.
TN: When it comes to your top restaurant picks, tell us a little bit about how these restaurants made your top 3.
TB: All of these places are Black-owned and very family-oriented. When you walk in the door, they greet you so good, especially at Li’l Dizzy’s. The fried chicken at all the establishments is so good. The jerk spot, I’ve never had their fried chicken, but their oxtails and pasta? That’s a little game-changer. Li’l Dizzy’s has amazing fried chicken, and Dooky Chase’s has amazing fried chicken. It’s crazy how one piece of chicken could be fried [in] so many different ways and taste so good.
TN: When it comes to travel, where are you heading on a trip for yourself?
TB: Every New Year, me and my friends are getting together. We’re going to Jamaica. Me and my friend plan big birthday trips for each other. We just came from Turks and Caicos. I [also] just came from Europe–we were in Amsterdam [and] Belgium. Belgium was so nice [and] the weather was gorgeous. I was mad I only had a few hours to be there.
This year we may go to Thailand [or] Bali.
TN: What one thing do you recommend new visitors to New Orleans do when visiting the city?
TB: That’s difficult. At least walk the French Quarter. You can feel like you’ve got one foot in America and one foot out. Once you’re in the French Quarter, that’s access to so many things. You can ride mopeds, which I love to do. Get you something to eat; get a good praline for free–’cause the samples. Get some ice cream [and] a daiquiri. When you’re in that area, you can do so many things.
Tank’s Top 3 Restaurant Picks in New Orleans
For those who’ve never been to the Big Easy, Tank says, “You have to come here–it’s just too special.”
Indeed, as one of the country’s oldest cities, New Orleans’ history is still evident in its architecture and hospitable community. However, it’s often the culinary delights of the city–a blend of American, French, Spanish, Italian, West Indian, and Mexican influences–that often leave visitors wanting more. If you’re heading to New Orleans soon, be sure to bookmark these popular restaurants and classic dishes, as recommended by Tank.
Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe
Tank’s Order: Gumbo and Fried Chicken
“Always hot and straight from the pot” is the saying at Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe, where the Baquet family keeps Creole-Soul traditions alive. Located in one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in the U.S., Treme, the family-owned business has a multi-generational legacy. Wayne Baquet, Sr. opened the restaurant in 2005, drawing inspiration from his father, Eddie Baquet, Sr., namesake of the legendary 7th Ward restaurant Eddie’s. Since Wayne Sr.’s retirement in 2020, Wayne Jr. and his wife Arkesha have continued to satisfy customers craving a taste of their famous fried chicken.
Li’l Dizzy’s menu offers local classics like shrimp or hot sausage po’boys and Southern signature items like catfish or pork chops. A daily specials menu also features some of New Orleans’ best eats such as stuffed bell peppers and jambalaya. With a wide selection of sides including macaroni and cheese, dirty rice, greens, and candied yams, it’s no wonder people consistently flock to this restaurant.
Jamaican Jerk House
Tank’s Order: Curry shrimp
If you spend any time talking to native New Orleanians about the best spots for food, Jamaican Jerk House almost always enters the chat. Here, you can get many of your island favorites thanks to owners Richard Rose and his wife Jackie Diaz. The Upper 9th Ward restaurant opened in 2022, once the Kingston native realized the magic (and fandom) of his homemade jerk sauce.
Although Tank’s pick during Jazz Fest weekend was the curry shrimp, she also highly recommends trying their most popular item–oxtails. Served with pasta or over rice and peas, Jamaican Jerk House’s slow-stewed oxtails are a fan favorite. The extensive menu also features brown stew chicken, pork and beef ribs, and various Jamaican-inspired pastas. With delicious sides like sweet plantains, honey Brussels sprouts, and Jerked CocoCorn, you may want to leave room for a post-meal nap.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Tank’s Order: Chicken a la Dooky (Boneless breast of chicken stuffed with oyster dressing, baked slowly in a marchand de vin sauce, served with sweet potatoes.)
The legacy of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant spans more than seven decades, originating in the city in 1941. Five years later, founders Emily and Edgar Dooky Chase, Sr. welcomed a new daughter-in-law into the family, Leah Lange Chase (wife of Edgar Dooky Chase, Jr.). Through Leah’s vision, the original sandwich shop and barroom transformed into a sit-down restaurant. Its setting would go on to become a haven for civil and economic rights conversations and leaders. Leah eventually became known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” welcoming everyone from Duke Ellington and James Baldwin to Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Barack Obama.
Dooky Chase’s is a must-visit as the premier destination for Creole cuisine. The timeless restaurant offers lunch on most days (Tuesday-Friday) and dinner on the weekend (Friday and Saturday). Get your fix of savory dishes such as red beans and rice, stuffed shrimp, and Creole gumbo, to name a few. With a menu full of culinary hits, there’s no way you can wrong with any dish at Dooky Chase’s.
For the full rundown of Tanks’ recommendations and the vibes of Jazz Fest, head to Expedia’s highlight reel of the weekend.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
