If you find yourself in New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend and craving an authentic taste of the city, you might just spot two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning in line for a po’boy at Domilise’s. Manning shared with PEOPLE his love for the iconic New Orleans eatery, Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar. “I always have to go to Domilise’s,” Manning stated. His go-to order? A classic: “I always need a shrimp po’boy, fried shrimp po’boy, fully dressed.”
Domilise’s, situated at the intersection of Annunciation and Bellcastle Streets, boasts a rich history dating back to 1918. This family-run establishment has been serving up its famous po’boys for over a century, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike. The sandwiches, generously “fully dressed” with lettuce, tomato, and creole mustard, have earned rave reviews from culinary icons like the late Anthony Bourdain.
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The Manning family’s connection to Domilise’s runs deep, stemming from Archie Manning’s time playing for the New Orleans Saints. The restaurant even features a “Manning Wall of Fame,” commemorating the football dynasty’s ties to the city. For Eli, returning to New Orleans for the Super Bowl is not just about football; it’s a chance to reconnect with family and embrace cherished traditions.
This year’s Super Bowl, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, offers Eli the opportunity to enjoy quality time with his parents and brothers. Beyond the excitement of the game, he relishes the simple pleasures of family, including his mother’s home-cooked breakfasts. “My mom’s going to be making me breakfast every morning,” he shared with a laugh. “So that’ll be a lot of fun to be there, to get to see my parents, and both my brothers will be there too. So it’s almost like a family reunion for the Super Bowl this year.”
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While Eli’s football legacy is undeniable, he’s also focused on nurturing the next generation’s athletic aspirations, particularly those of his four children. He jokingly remarked about his son Charlie, “I mean, we are up at 5 in the morning every day doing dropbacks and lifting weights already, but there’s no pressure for him to become a quarterback or play football.” His commitment to sports extends beyond his own family; in 2022, he invested in Gotham FC, a women’s professional soccer club, to champion opportunities for female athletes. “As a dad, I want to make sure that my daughters have all the athletic opportunities that I was blessed with,” Manning stated.
