On this week's show, we trace the rich history and flavors of coffee and tea in Louisiana and beyond. Historian RL Reeves Jr. tells us about the historical origins of Luzianne, a New Orleans purveyor of tea and coffee since 1902. Then, we head to The English Tea Room & Eatery in Covington, where Jan and Tim Lantrip host us for a traditional afternoon tea. Finally, Suzanne Stone and David Feldman share what they learned while researching their book, New Orleans Coffee: A Rich History.
Read MoreIn a city known for culinary excellence, Brennan's Restaurant stands out as a cornerstone of New Orleans cuisine. Founded in 1946 by Owen Brennan, the restaurant was elevated to international fame by his sister, the visionary Ella Brennan. Today, it's operated by Ralph Brennan, who continues the family legacy. On this week's show, we celebrate 80 years of Brennan's in the Big Easy.
Read MoreSince her passing in 2019, Leah Chase's legacy lies in the hands of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On this week's show, Louisiana Eats sits down members of the fourth and fifth generations of Dooky Chase Restaurant – the crew Leah always referred to as "the grands" – to reflect on their family's history and share what they’re up to today.
Read MoreOn this week's show, we virtually wander the hollers and ridges of Appalachia and beyond, uncovering a wild pantry surrounding us. Guests include forager and chef Susi Gott Séguret from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Ronni Lundy, author of Victuals: An Appalachian Journey.
Read MoreThe stock market crash of 1929 marked the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Great Depression. Fortunes were lost, unemployment skyrocketed, and food was often scarce. This week, we take a look at some of the ingenuity and heroics that kept people fed.
Read MoreFolks are familiar with New Orleans' home-grown Creole and Cajun cuisines. But the Crescent City is also the perfect place to taste the diverse and vibrant flavors coming out of Latin America. This week, we pay tribute to chefs who are bringing Latin American fare to local tables.
Read MoreIt's no secret that Louisiana culture and cuisine have broad national and even international appeal. This week, we look at some local companies that have successfully leveraged a love for Louisiana to expand their operations across the state and beyond.
Read MoreMany of us toy with the idea of committing our life stories to pen and paper. If you're a regular listener to Louisiana Eats, or simply another food obsessed Louisianan, odds are your biography may well take the form of food memoir. This week, we hear from a trio of writers who have been there and done that.
Read MoreIt's Carnival time in Louisiana and we're ready for the party! On this week's show, we bring you an only-in-New-Orleans story that involves family, loyalty, and king cakes. We discuss a locally-made king cake that's a delicious collision of two cultures. And we learn about the evolution of the Rex Organization as it moves its official reviewing stands to Napoleon Avenue.
Read MoreNew Orleans has often been referred to as the northernmost city in the Caribbean. On this week's show, we examine Caribbean culture and cuisine and their influence on both Louisiana and the entire world. This week, we sit down with St. Lucia native Chef Nina Compton and the world's first global ambassador for the category of rum, Ian Burrell.
Read MoreAnyone who has ever been employed in the hospitality industry knows what a challenge this kind of work can be to one's mental health. The combination of dealing with demanding customers while attempting to carry out multiple tasks all at once can wear out even the best workers. This week, we hear from two doctors who know a thing or two about taking proper care of oneself and avoiding mental meltdowns.
Read MoreThis edition of Louisiana Eats takes a look back at the year that was 2025 – and there’s plenty to celebrate! First, we hear from mixologist extraordinaire, Chris Hannah. His Jewel of the South tavern, named one the 50 best bars in the world in 2025, serves as both a center of cocktail innovation, and an homage to Crescent City highball history.
Read MoreOn December 18th, the great chef, author, and culinary educator Jacques Pépin turns 90 years old. This week, Louisiana Eats celebrates by bringing you our interview with Jacques as he shares stories from his childhood, his education in New York, and the importance of giving back.
Read MoreJoe Baum was considered by many to be the greatest restaurateur of the last century. Before he died in 1998 at the age of 78, Joe had created no fewer than 50 restaurants. He's responsible for creating America's first themed restaurants like the Four Seasons, Windows on the World, and the restored Rainbow Room. On this week's show, we pay tribute to the great Joe Baum by speaking with three people who knew him well: Charlie Baum, Dale DeGroff, and Melanie Young.
Read MoreIt's that time of year again where we gather with family and friends to give thanks. On this week's show, Louisiana Eats brings together some New Orleanians we're grateful for. Guests include Nathanial Zimet of Boucherie, Amanda and Isaac Toups of Toups' Meatery, and Tony Brocato of Angelo Brocato Original Italian Ice Cream Parlor.
Read MoreWhat is "real" Louisiana cooking? There's Creole, there's Cajun, and what’s the difference anyway? However you define it, for many of us, it's simply what your mama used to make that made you feel loved. On this week's show, we meet three Louisiana authors whose cookbooks help tell the authentic story of our state's distinctive cuisine.
Read MoreWe're creeping closer to Halloween, and Louisiana Eats is spoiling for a fright! We're back with the second episode of our 15th anniversary scare-a-thon, bringing you tales of haunted New Orleans locales and a businesswoman in the French Quarter who's just batty for vampires.
Read MoreThe weather is cooling down here in Louisiana, which means outdoor events are heating up across our state. Out on the Cajun Prairie, Le Grand Hoorah, a festival dedicated to the music, food, and culture of the people of Acadiana, is coming up November 1st. The annual event turns 10 this year – and to celebrate, Louisiana Eats brings you highlights from our road trip to attend Le Grand Hoorah in 2017. We also learn about NOLA Nite Market, an evening bazaar featuring a plethora of authentic Asian street foods created by local mom and pop restaurants, which will take place November 14th and 15th in Westwego.
Read MoreFrom the height of its popularity in the 19th century to its modern revival, absinthe has a long and storied history. A favorite pastime of artists, writers, and bohemians, the spirit known as "the green fairy" was subject to a near global ban for nearly a century due to myths about its hallucinogenic effects. Even after those bans were lifted around the turn of the millennium, its wild and mysterious reputation remains. On this week's show, we delve into the mythical world of this once illicit elixir.
Read MoreWith its proximity to Latin America, Louisiana has long enjoyed a treasure trove of delightful food and spirits from south of the border. This week, we take a long look at that bounty.
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