While the rest of the world frantically counts grams of carbohydrates and restaurants scramble to figure out new ways to serve protein as a complete meal, New Orleans is abuzz: There's a new restaurant in town.

Chances are, that restaurant will not skimp on crusty French bread or savory sauces. If called for, there will be battering and frying. Butter will flow like cream, and cream will be on the table.

It's the Big Greasy, the City That Calories Forgot, the Crescent Roll City. For better or worse, New Orleans doesn't care if the food is good for you--only that it's good food.

Tulanians are not immune to the gustatory grasp of the city we love. In the pages that follow, you will meet 13 of them who've made food their life's work here in the alternate world we call Food Land. From the white linen of Arnaud's, Bacco, Galatoire's or Gabrielle to the funkiness of Jacques-Imo's or the slurping sounds of downed oysters at Acme Oyster House, join us as we stroll through some of the sights and tastes our fellow Tulanians have to offer.

And take your time. Like a good gumbo, a walk through the tastes of New Orleans shouldn't be rushed.

Mike Rodrigue - Acme Oyster House

Archie and Jane Casbarian - Arnaud's

Ralph O. Brennan - Bacco, Red Fish Grill, Ralph's on the Park and The Jazz Kitchen--Disneyland

Bradley Gordon - Bayou Bagelry

Jimmy Urrate - Bruning's Seafood

Jeff Cooperman - Coop's Place

Robert Nelson - Elmer Candy

Nanci Easterling - Food Art

Gregory Sonnier - Gabrielle Restaurant

David Gooch - Galatoire's

Sam Scelfo - Gambino's Bakery

Jacques Leonardi - Jacques-Imo's Cafe, Crabby Jack's and Jacques-Imo's Cafe--New York

Kay Roussell - Caterer and Chef

Good Eats