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.
Read MoreWhen 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 party moves to the new Middendorf’s in Slidell on Fridays.
Read MoreWhether 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.
Read MoreCovid-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 July 12th.
Read MoreIf 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
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreOver 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreFood is an inspirational muse for artists of all disciplines. On this week's show, we explore the many intersections of food and art from the visual to the written word. We begin with muralist Zac Maras who recently turned the exterior of Toups Meatery on North Carrollton in New Orleans into a riotous celebration of Louisiana foods. The story behind the mural is the subject of a new documentary by filmmakers Jonathan Evans and Marian Gay. Video of the mural being made can be seen on the Louisiana Eats YouTube channel here: Mural.
Read MoreThere’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.
Read MoreJust south of highway 190 in Mandeville and only about 45 minutes from downtown New Orleans on Girod St lies Duman Artisan Kitchen a husband and wife collaboration that is producing some extraordinary fare in a beautiful setting. Influenced by Turkish, Italian, Israeli and American cooking Ozgur and Bulent Duman have cultivated an eclectic menu the likes of which have not been seen on the northshore before. The Louisiana Eats team recently took a ride across the causeway to St. Tammany Parish to talk with Ozgur about how they came to Mandeville and why they started making pizza.
Read MoreChickens and their eggs play essential roles in our global cuisine. A part of human life since before recorded history, the chicken has also left its mark on our civilization as a cultural icon. On this week’s show, we explore the world of our fine, feathered, fowl-est friends—and learn why their eggs are everything they're cracked up to be.
Read MoreOn this week's show, we’ve got your full pandemic market report. We begin with Darlene Wolnik, training and technical assistance director for the national Farmers Market Coalition. She gives us an overview of how farmers markets across the country are coping with the changing landscape of Covid-19.
Read MoreUntil 2020, to every bartender, bar owner, distiller and cocktailian, the third week of July meant Tales of the Cocktail — the annual, international gathering that has dominated the beverage industry scene for the past 16 years. This year's Tales, planned as a virtual, online event, has been postponed until late September. But don’t worry. This week’s Louisiana Eats! is guaranteed to satisfy your Tales itch.
Read MoreOn this week's show, we meet fathers and sons who are working together to make business work across generations. We begin with Baumer Foods, the third-generation company that makes Crystal Hot Sauce. Al Jr. and his son "Pepper" explain how in their family business, there are no shortcuts to the top.
Read MoreOn this week's show, we're celebrating the 4th of July holiday by savoring the remarkable diversity that shapes America's food culture.
We begin with Gabrielle Langholtz, author of "America: The Cookbook." Gabrielle’s encyclopedic tome explores our nation’s identity through the immigrant stories and recipes that created American food as we know it.
Read MoreAs in cities worldwide, the streets of New Orleans have come alive this spring with protests, marches, and rallies for racial justice. The Crescent City has long been a hotbed for activism and played an important role in civil rights era organizing that helped put an end to Jim Crow. This week, we take a look at the legacy of the segregated South through stories about the intersections of food, race, and labor over the past century.
Read MoreIt’s officially summertime here in South Louisiana, and that means long days of sunshine and humidity. What better way to beat the heat than with some ice cream? On North Columbia Street in Covington’s historic St. John District, Hoodoo Ice Cream has been offering a variety of locally sourced homemade flavors since 2018.
Read MoreWhat does it take to make a name for yourself in the restaurant business? You need nerves of steel, the heart of a hero, and maybe you have to be a little bit crazy. This week we’re visiting with chefs and restauranteurs who are legends in the business.
Read MoreDonald Link Uncensored At one point during his cooking career, Donald Link s co workers nicknamed him "Hot Shot." Was it deserved That depends on who you ask. Donald shares his side of the story with us in a revealing interview that takes you from the rock and roll kitchens of San Francisco to his award winning restaurants in New Orleans, in this latest Louisiana Eats Quick Bite. Donald Link Uncensored is a Donald Link the public rarely has had a chance to hear.
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