Louisiana Eats

A Covid Carnival

The Rising Landscape Of King Cake

Anxiety, Addiction and the Pursuit of Happiness

Anxiety, Addiction, And The Pursuit Of Happiness

One year ago this week, the first case of the coronavirus was confirmed in the United States. In the 12 months since, Covid-19 has devastated communities and economies across the country, and fundamentally altered our lives. Progress is being made on the vaccine front, and there’s a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. But without a doubt, this has been a difficult year for our collective mental health.

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Christine Schmitz

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Christine Schmitz

Morgan Street Bakery In the tiny town of Madisonville, located on Louisiana’s Northshore, there is a little bakery turning out some of the most perfect French pastries found anywhere on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Christine Schmitz is the owner and baker at Morgan Street Bakery and if you’ve never tasted her king cake – you’ve never lived. It’s well worth a drive across the Causeway, but be forewarned – once you’re there, you just may end up taking home a lot more deliciousness than or...

Chefs, Bartenders & History Buffs

A Culinary Tribute To: A Confederacy of Dunces

A Culinary Tribute To: A Confederacy Of Dunces

John Kennedy Toole's novel A Confederacy of Dunces is internationally revered for having captured the essence and eccentricity of New Orleans — and for introducing readers to its larger-than-life protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. On this week's show, we take a culinary look between the pages of the book that, 37 years ago, was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. We begin with Spud McConnell, well known for his portrayal of Ignatius on stage. The Gonzales-born actor has become...

Sherds and Shipwrecks

On this week’s show, we look at New Orleans’ history through the lens of the city’s material culture. We begin with Jim Bruseth and Toni Turner, who reveals a surprising turn of events that preceded the official founding of New Orleans. Evidently, if the French explorer La Salle hadn’t blundered in his attempt to form a colony here, the city would have celebrated its 300th birthday in 1988 instead of 2018. The Historic New Orleans Collection has played host to an annual gathering of antique ...

Louisiana Eats 2020 Year in Review

Stick a fork in it! 2020 is done – well done in fact! While this has been a year filled with unparalleled trials and tribulations, there has been much to inspire, uplift, and downright laugh about! On this week's show, we hear from New Orleans activist Devin De Wulf, who inspired his Krewe of Red Beans to make a significant difference in the lives of healthcare workers who put their lives on the line this year for us all.

Louisiana Eats! 2020 Year in Review

Remembering K-Paul's and Julia Reed

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Robert Vazquez-Louisiana Seafood King

Louisiana has a new Seafood King! The Northshore’s very own, Chef Robert Vasquez of Pepe’s Sonoran Cuisine in Covington handily won the 2020 crown with his red snapper, crawfish sofrito. On this St. Tammany Taste Quick Bite, we zoom in with Chef Robert to learn all about this year’s competition and just how the Southwestern native came to win this special Louisiana Seafood honor.

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Robert Vazquez - Louisiana Seafood King

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Robert Vazquez

Louisiana has a new Seafood King! The Northshore’s very own, Chef Robert Vasquez of Pepe’s Sonoran Cuisine in Covington handily won the 2020 crown with his red snapper, crawfish sofrito. On this St. Tammany Taste Quick Bite, we zoom in with Chef Robert to learn all about this year’s competition and just how the Southwestern native came to win this special Louisiana Seafood honor.

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Robert Vazquez-Louisiana Seafood King

Louisiana has a new Seafood King! The Northshore’s very own, Chef Robert Vasquez of Pepe’s Sonoran Cuisine in Covington handily won the 2020 crown with his red snapper, crawfish sofrito. On this St. Tammany Taste Quick Bite, we zoom in with Chef Robert to learn all about this year’s competition and just how the Southwestern native came to win this special Louisiana Seafood honor.

Uplifting Food Memoirs

One of the most popular forms of literature today is the memoir. These days, folks with barely three decades under their belt are writing their memoirs, but on this week's show, we hear from four wise women who relate a lifetime of memories along with valuable lessons learned in theirs. We begin with Southern baker and activist Lisa Donovan, whose book, Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger is a raw, honest, and brave telling of a life that will leave you hungry for more. In her memoir, Lisa explores...

High Proof Holiday Spirits

It’s the holiday season, which means that spirits are high – high proof that is! On this week’s show, we’re throwing a holiday party with some cocktail professionals! Is there a bottle of jenever in your bar at home? Unless you’re from the Netherlands – that might not be the case. Gin and jenever expert Philip Duff joins us to explain the difference between these two distinct spirits and tells us about his intoxicating career.  Then, Few Spirits founder Paul Hletko takes us back to the days...

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Liz Munson of Liz's Where Y'at Diner

Everybody needs a little love sometime and there’s a place on the Northshore where that love is served with every bite. Liz’s Where Y’at Diner in Mandeville, Louisiana may just be one of the happiest places on earth. From the palm trees to the peace signs to the tie dyed T-shirts, everything about Liz Munson’s diner is laid back. On this Tammany Taste Quick Bite, we have a visit with the indomitable Liz. Be forewarned – her happiness is perfectly contagious! Since the pandemic, there’s more ...

Louisiana Eats Quick Bites: Liz Munson of Liz's Where Y'at Diner

Everybody needs a little love sometime and there’s a place on the Northshore where that love is served with every bite. Liz’s Where Y’at Diner in Mandeville, Louisiana may just be one of the happiest places on earth. From the palm trees to the peace signs to the tie dyed T-shirts, everything about

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Liz Munson of Liz's Where Y'at Diner

Everybody needs a little love sometime and there’s a place on the Northshore where that love is served with every bite. Liz’s Where Y’at Diner in Mandeville, Louisiana may just be one of the happiest places on earth. From the palm trees to the peace signs to the tie dyed T-shirts, everything about

Grape Expectations

The holidays may look different this year, but one thing is certain: a little wine is sure to make them just a little brighter. On this week’s show, we dig deep into the proverbial wine cellar for some gems that will inform, advise, and get you ready to pop those corks.

Quick Bites: D'Agostino Pasta

On this Louisiana Eats Quick Bite, we learn about L.H. Hayward’s 2019 acquisition of Dagostino Pasta, a Louisiana company with Sicilian roots. Since 1926, Dagostino Pasta has handcrafted its pasta using old world methods that include air-drying over wooden rods. The semolina used is made entirely from American durum wheat.

Louisiana Eats Quick Bites: D'agostino Pasta

On this Louisiana Eats Quick Bite, we learn about L.H. Hayward’s 2019 acquisition of D'agostino Pasta, a Louisiana company with Sicilian roots. Since 1926, D'agostino Pasta has handcrafted its pasta using old world methods that include air-drying over wooden rods. The semolina used is made entirely from American durum wheat. Visually, D'agostino pasta is stunning, with spaghetti lengths usually only seen imported from Italy. Its full, fifteen-inch length allows for both dramatic presentation...

Hot Air Frying with a Cold Brew

On this week’s show, we analyze the air fryer – a popular cooking gizmo that uses hot air to cook everything from French fries to chickpeas to cinnamon rolls. This countertop contraption promises to replicate all the crispy results of deep frying, but without the fat, and has become a home cook's must-have – depending on who you talk to.

Hot Air Frying With A Cold Brew

On this week’s show, we analyze the air fryer – a popular cooking gizmo that uses hot air to cook everything from French fries to chickpeas to cinnamon rolls. This countertop contraption promises to replicate all the crispy results of deep frying, but without the fat, and has become a home cook's must-have – depending on who you talk to.

Sicily, Louisiana Style

If you're a Louisiana native with a distinctly Italian last name, you've got lots of company here. Since the late nineteenth century, more families of Sicilian descent have called Louisiana home than anywhere else in the world except Sicily. This is a topic that has fascinated Loyola history professor, Justin Nystrom – enough to compel him to record their history and influence here in his 2018 book, Creole Italian: Sicilian Immigrants and the Shaping of New Orleans Food Culture.

Quick Bites: The Ultimate Air Fryer Quick Bite

Do you already have an air fryer on your kitchen counter or are you hoping to receive one as a gift this holiday season? On this edition of Quick Bites we’re diving deep into the hottest of all kitchen appliances and what comes out of them – the air fryer.

Louisiana Eats Quick Bite: The Ultimate Air Fryer Quick Bite

Do you already have an air fryer on your kitchen counter or are you hoping to receive one as a gift this holiday season? On this edition of Quick Bites we’re diving deep into the hottest of all kitchen appliances and what comes out of them – the air fryer. We begin with appliance expert, Sharon Franke, a New York based, former professional chef who has been testing home kitchen appliances for over thirty years. Then, we hear from Laurie Fleming, who describes herself as “just a mom” despit...

Louisiana Eats Quick Bites: The Ultimate Air Fryer Quick Bite

Do you already have an air fryer on your kitchen counter or are you hoping to receive one as a gift this holiday season? On this edition of Quick Bites we’re diving deep into the hottest of all kitchen appliances and what comes out of them – the air fryer. We begin with appliance expert, Sharon Franke, a New York based, former professional chef who has been testing home kitchen appliances for over thirty years. Then, we hear from Laurie Fleming, who describes herself as “just a mom” despit...

What's The Beef With Meat?

To eat meat or not to eat meat? That is the question. On this week’s show, we examine sustainable farming and butchery practices and the ethical constraints of consuming meat in the 21st century. We begin with James Beard award-winning food writer Corby Kummer, who weighs in on the topic of meat and morality.

10 Years of Hauntings On Louisiana Eats!

Here at Louisiana Eats, we love a good ghost story. And in the ten years we’ve been on the air, we’ve heard some really spooky ones! This week, we bring you some of our favorites from the past decade. We begin with Chef Greg Picolo, whom we spoke with for our very first Halloween show back in 2010 and then again in 2019. It seems like no matter where Greg goes, paranormal activity keeps following him! Or is it just that New Orleans is really haunted? We learn about one Mid City restaurant wh...

10 Years Of Hauntings On Louisiana Eats

Here at Louisiana Eats, we love a good ghost story. And in the ten years we’ve been on the air, we’ve heard some really spooky ones! This week, we bring you some of our favorites from the past decade. We begin with Chef Greg Picolo, whom we spoke with for our very first Halloween show back in 2010 and then again in 2019. It seems like no matter where Greg goes, paranormal activity keeps following him!

I Remember Paris

None of us have been able to travel much this year, so to satisfy some wanderlust, we're traveling back in time this week on a magical trip Louisiana Eats took to France in the summer of 2015.

Louisiana Eats! Explores The Northshore

Located just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the area widely known as Louisiana's Northshore is a mere 40-minute drive from the French Quarter. As close as the Northshore is geographically, in every other way it is a world apart. Made up of multiple small towns, each with its own identity, St. Tammany Parish is a wonder to wander – which is exactly what we’re doing on this week’s show.

Louisiana Eats Explores The Northshore

Located just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the area widely known as Louisiana's Northshore is a mere 40 minute drive from the French Quarter. As close as the Northshore is geographically, in every other way it is a world apart. Made up of multiple small towns, each with its own identity, St. Tammany Parish is a wonder to wander – which is exactly what we’re doing on this week’s show.   We begin in Slidell at Emma's Famous Pralines, where Miss Emma Giron has devoted much of her...

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Horst Pfeifer of Middendorf's

When there’s a hint of fall in the air, it’s time to head to Middendorf’s to celebrate an Oktoberfest only Horst Pfeifer could possibly throw, complete with authentic German music, food and fun. Since opening a second Middendorf’s in Slidell, the Oktoberfest celebration has expanded to include both locations. This year’s Oktoberfest takes place from October 7th to November 13th. The celebration happens in the Manchac swamp at the original Middendorfs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, then th...

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Horst Pfeifer of Middendorf's

When there’s a hint of fall in the air, it’s time to head to Middendorf’s to celebrate an Oktoberfest only Horst Pfeifer could possibly throw, complete with authentic German music, food and fun. Since opening a second Middendorf’s in Slidell, the Oktoberfest celebration has expanded to include both locations. This year’s Oktoberfest takes place from October 7th to November 13th. The celebration happens in the Manchac swamp at the original Middendorfs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, then th...

Curating Under Quarantine

Whether you’re doing scholarly research or just want to indulge in an afternoon of history, here in the Crescent City, there’s no better place for that than the Historic New Orleans Collection. When forced to close their galleries earlier this year, the nonprofit jumped into action making extensive changes and additions to their online offerings to help us all stay entertained and informed – even while quarantined.

Tammany Taste Quick Bite: Horst Pfeifer of Middendorf's

When there’s a hint of fall in the air, it’s time to head to Middendorf’s to celebrate an Oktoberfest only Horst Pfeifer could possibly throw, complete with authentic German music, food and fun. Since opening a second Middendorf’s in Slidell, the Oktoberfest celebration has expanded to include both locations. This year’s Oktoberfest takes place from October 7th to November 13th.  The celebration happens in the Manchac swamp at the original Middendorfs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, then the par...

Last Call

Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on businesses of all stripes, none more than the hospitality industry. In that struggling sector, there is one category seemingly without hope – the New Orleans neighborhood bar. These watering holes, where for generations people have gathered to celebrate and mourn, are on the brink of extinction. Since the initial shutdown in March, most Orleans Parish bars were only allowed to operate for a brief and very confusing time between June 13th and midnight on Jul...

Born And Bread In New Orleans

If you've ever had a New Orleans Po-Boy then you know it's all about the bread...  Real New Orleans French bread is something you can't just get anywhere, or at least that's what we thought.  We decided it was time to get down to the dough of it and see what is happening with bread in New Orleans We begin the show with Graison Gill,  pre-pandemic his Bellegarde bakery was milling and baking fresh bread for over 120 local restaurants and markets.  During a visit to his apple street bakery he ...

Tastes And Tales From The East.

On this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into the cuisine and culture of Asia, with an emphasis on China. We begin with Karen Christensen, founder of Berkshire Publishing who has pursued her interest in Asia through the amazing books she’s compiled. Karen shares her thoughts and experiences on all things culinary from East Asia to Afghanistan. Karen Christensen of Berkshire Publishing Then, Sean Chen joins us to discuss a centuries-old Chinese cookbook called the Suiyuan Shidan, or Way o...

Tastes And Tales From The East

On this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into the cuisine and culture of Asia, with an emphasis on China. We begin with Karen Christensen, founder of Berkshire Publishing who has pursued her interest in Asia through the amazing books she’s compiled. Karen shares her thoughts and experiences on all things culinary from East Asia to Afghanistan.

Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Chef Kim Kringlie

Over the past 30 years, Chef Kim Kringlie’s restaurant, the Dakota, has become a mainstay of Northshore fine dining. Along the way, he’s been recognized as culinary artist of the year by the St. Tammany Arts Commission and named one of New Orleans’ top 25 chefs by the American Culinary Federation. You may be surprised to learn that Chef Kim hails from Grand Forks, North Dakota where, as a 15 year old, he discovered his love for the business at a steakhouse there, called The Bronze Boo...

St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Chef Kim Kringlie

Over the past 30 years, Chef Kim Kringlie’s restaurant, the Dakota, has become a mainstay of Northshore fine dining. Along the way, he’s been recognized as culinary artist of the year by the St. Tammany Arts Commission and named one of New Orleans’ top 25 chefs by the American Culinary Federation. You may be surprised to learn that Chef Kim hails from Grand Forks, North Dakota where, as a 15-year-old, he discovered his love for the business at a steakhouse there, called The Bronze Boot.

Louisiana Eats Tammany Taste Quick Bite: Chef Kim Kringlie

Over the past 30 years, Chef Kim Kringlie’s restaurant, the Dakota, has become a mainstay of Northshore fine dining. Along the way, he’s been recognized as culinary artist of the year by the St. Tammany Arts Commission and named one of New Orleans’ top 25 chefs by the American Culinary Federation. You may be surprised to learn that Chef Kim hails from Grand Forks, North Dakota where, as a 15 year old, he discovered his love for the business at a steakhouse there, called The Bronze Boot. ...

Katrina - A Long Look Back

On August 29th, 2005 Hurricane Katrina and the resulting levee failures changed everything for many Louisiana residents. This week, we hear stories about the hurricane's aftermath from individuals within the city's food industry.

Scandinavian Chilldown

There’s no getting around it – August is HOT down here in Louisiana, so we thought a virtual vacation in Scandinavia just might provide a little chill. We begin with chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. His Scandinavian connection is that although Ethiopian born – he was raised by adoptive parents in Sweden, giving him an unusual world view. The James Beard Award-winner and Top Chef master is also author of the bestselling memoir, Yes, Chef.