It’s that time of year again– the Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah is, literally, already under our belts. Now, it’s time to move on to Yom Kippur: the holiest day of the year, and the day that makes your stomach rumble. Clearly, stuffing our faces with matzo ball soup and brisket is much more fun. However, there comes a time for fasting on Yom Kippur, and ladies and gents, that time is now. But have no fear, you’re not alone– 2,000 other Tulane students are feeling the same exact way.
This Wednesday, put yourself to the test. When you’re bored at temple and on one of many bathroom breaks, or when you’re patiently waiting for that dreamy everything bagel with lox the minute the sun sets, see if you can make it through this post without actually breaking the fast. Ready, set, go.
1. Damn Good Nachos from The Rum House
If you’ve been to The Rum House, you know that the nachos are the go-to appetizer. Perfectly crispy and salty tortilla chips piled on high with your favorite toppings: black beans, pulled pork, and don’t think about what you would do right now for some of that gooey queso. Hungry yet?
2. Fried Crawfish from Acme Oyster House
Even though it’s a Jewish holiday and all, it’s okay that you are craving some major non-Kosher food right now (Treif, for all you Yiddish speakers out there). And the only thing better than regular crawfish is fried crawfish. Greasy fingers and the extra calories would be so worth it right now.
3. Housemade Spaghetti with a Fried-Poached Egg from Herbsaint
This spaghetti is one of the most decadent menu items in New Orleans, and we’re not mad about it. We’re sure you’d kill for a plate of spaghetti right now, and a fried-poached farm egg wouldn’t hurt either. Seriously, this is the definition of yolk porn.
4. Maiz De La Rueda from Mais Arepas
If this corn isn’t on your NOLA food bucket list, then add it right now. This isn’t your average veggie– this street-style corn is smothered in spicy butter, salsa, and cotija cheese. If you haven’t broken your fast yet, we are majorly impressed.
5. Macaroni and Cheese Casserole from Cochon
Mac and cheese always hits the spot. Especially from Cochon, a must here in NOLA. On this Yom Kippur, we will use all of our power to resist this sizzling, creamy mac and cheese with a crispy top layer. If you’ve read this far, your taste buds should be exploding. If not, we need to talk.
6. Beignets from Cafe du Monde
How could you resist a perfectly fried beignet with powdered sugar generously dumped on top? Trick question: you can’t. It’s messy and fried, and we love everything about it. This treat is one of New Orleans’ most iconic foods for a reason, and it’s seriously messing with your fasting game.
7. Bagel Plate from Satsuma
If you’re not craving a bagel right about now, you’re doing it wrong. As if we aren’t craving bagels at all times. After all, this is Tulane. Bonus points if lox is on the agenda as well. How many hours until you devour several of these at break-fast? You have probably been checking the clock every minute since you woke up this morning, but it’s okay, we have too.
8. Pizza from Boot Pizza
Any Tulane student will tell you that one day without Boot Pizza is one day too long, and no one will ever tell you differently. No matter the time of day or meal, Boot Pizza is always the move, and right now all you want is that perfect, cheesy slice. Hang tight, you’re almost at the finish line.
9. Christmas in July Sandwich from The Milk Bar
3 words: THAT. CHEESE. THO. This sandwich basically wants you to eat it. Not trying to peer pressure you, but this sandwich is definitely worth it. It’s not ranked as one of the most Insta-worthy foods for nothing. If you’re not drooling, you have incredible amounts of self control (we don’t).
10. Cookies + Milk from Willa Jean
We can’t let you go without sharing this final treat that we know you’re craving. Ending with cookies and milk is always a must, and for anyone with a sweet tooth, we know you’re bugging right now.
If you made it through: congrats. And if you broke your fast, we won’t judge. Don’t worry, there is always the year 5778 to pass this test– it’s probably the hardest one you will take all semester.