Episodes

  • Crescent City Cravings: Sizzling Secrets and Spicy Scoops from New Orleans' 2025 Culinary Scene

    Crescent City Cravings: Sizzling Secrets and Spicy Scoops from New Orleans' 2025 Culinary Scene
    Apr 22 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    The best way to know New Orleans is to taste it, and right now, the city’s culinary scene is positively humming. 2025 has ushered in a bounty of new restaurants, creative concepts, and flavor-driven trends, all while honoring the city’s legendary food heritage. Hungry listeners, let’s take a delicious stroll through the Crescent City’s latest offerings and the stories behind them.

    Kicking off with a late-night gem, Junebug in downtown New Orleans channels the sultry energy of jazz clubs with a menu crafted by Chef Shannon Bingham. Housed in a onetime recording studio, the space is as plush and evocative as a brass band’s crescendo. Bingham draws on French and Creole inspirations—imagine foie gras mousse on banana bread, cornbread gnocchi, and a “pâté melt” that’ll make you wish midnight never ended. The ambiance is a love letter to New Orleans’ musical and culinary past, with a dash of irreverent fun.

    For those craving bold, sun-kissed flavors, Rumba in Metairie brings the Caribbean to Louisiana. The vibe is bright, the cocktails rum-forward, and the plates—like jerk chicken tacos and coconut shrimp—are playful odes to the city’s global spirit, reflecting how New Orleans cuisine borrows and blends from every port of call.

    On the seafood frontier, Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar makes Gulf bounty the star. Wild oysters, tuna crudo, and a towering seafood plateaux arrive with a clink of happy hour glasses, capturing that essential New Orleans alchemy: fresh from the water, kissed with spice, and always meant to be shared. Meanwhile, Here Today Rotisserie reimagines Southern comfort with juicy chicken dinners, schnitzel sandwiches, and a chicken-andouille gumbo that’s pure heart and soul.

    If tasting menus are your thing, Saint-Germain offers a ten-course adventure best described as an elegant house party thrown by chefs who treat local produce with reverence and flair. At Mosquito Supper Club, the menu reads like a love note to shrimpers, oyster fishers, crabbers, and farmers—think communal tables piled with bountiful, heartfelt fare that turns every service into a celebration of Louisiana’s waterways.

    Chefs across the city are doubling down on hyper-local ingredients and inventive menus, but there’s also a techy twist on the horizon. New waves, like AI-powered restaurant concepts, demonstrate that New Orleans isn’t just preserving tradition—it’s rewriting it.

    From backyard pool parties at Lost Coyote to sophisticated sipping at Avego Lounge, every meal in New Orleans is a dialogue between past, present, and whatever wild idea walks in next. At its core, what makes this city’s culinary scene unique is its refusal to stand still. Here, food is always evolving, yet forever rooted in the city’s rhythm of joy, community, and unabashed flavor. For those who crave discovery, New Orleans beckons—a moveable feast that never loses its groove..


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    3 mins
  • Nola's Hottest Plates: Chefs Spill the Tea on Must-Try Dishes

    Nola's Hottest Plates: Chefs Spill the Tea on Must-Try Dishes
    Apr 19 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    Savoring the Soul of New Orleans: Where Tradition Meets Innovation on Every Plate

    Listeners, if you crave a city where every bite tells a story, New Orleans is your culinary dreamland. The streets right now are electric with new restaurant openings, each one reshaping old favorites with clever twists and audacious flavors. For night owls, Junebug in the Central Business District beckons, bringing a late-night menu of French and Creole plates from Chef Shannon Bingham—think savory snacks and sandwiches that riff on local classics, all wrapped in an atmosphere that pays homage to the city’s jazz greats. Over in the Lower Garden District, Here Today Rotisserie from the Coquette team is winning hearts with golden rotisserie chicken and gumbo that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

    Seafood lovers are spoiled for choice. At Seawitch on St. Charles Avenue, Chef Richard Bickford is spinning Gulf oysters into art, from sparkling half-shell platters to panko-fried shooters. Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar elevates happy hour with Gulf tuna crudo, wild oysters, and a showstopping “seafood plateaux” laden with the freshest crawfish, shrimp, and ceviche. Meanwhile, Acamaya in the Bywater is redefining Mexican seafood thanks to Chef Ana Castro’s deeply personal, Mexico City-inspired dishes. The arroz negro—black rice brimming with squid, mussels, and huitlacoche—is the stuff of legend.

    There’s serious buzz around farm-to-table and tasting menus. Étoile on Magazine Street has transformed a historic mansion into a fine-dining temple, offering a seven-course tasting menu that turns local tomatoes, Wagyu beef, and goat cheese soufflé into unforgettable experiences. For something truly intimate, Wild South is the talk of the town: Chef Michael Stoltzfus melds Louisiana flavor with avant-garde creativity, serving tasting menus in a 40-seat dining room where each dish (like swordfish bacon–topped oysters) is as bold as the city itself.

    But innovation isn’t limited to what’s on the plate. New Orleans’ chefs are embracing technology, sustainability, and multicultural inspiration, from AI-powered kitchens to pop-up collaborations. At Mosquito Supper Club, diners gather around communal tables for multi-course meals sourced from local fishermen and crabbers, shining a light on the city’s enduring connection to its waterways.

    Of course, no roundup would be complete without a nod to the classics—Emeril’s is back, with E.J. Lagasse at the helm. His updated menu keeps the icon’s spirit alive while welcoming the next generation of food lovers.

    What sets New Orleans apart is its fearless blend of heritage and imagination. Creole, Cajun, French, African, Vietnamese, and Latin influences form the backbone of the city’s gastronomy, but it’s the chefs’ restless creativity and genuine love for local ingredients that keep the scene so vital. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to taste a city’s soul, New Orleans is ready to serve it to you—one unforgettable dish at a time..


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    3 mins
  • Sizzlin' NOLA: Hottest Bites, Boldest Chefs, & Spiciest Gossip in the Big Easy!

    Sizzlin' NOLA: Hottest Bites, Boldest Chefs, & Spiciest Gossip in the Big Easy!
    Apr 17 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    Beneath the flicker of gas lamps and the sway of Spanish moss, New Orleans’ culinary scene is experiencing a spirited renaissance. Where jazz once poured into the streets, vibrant new restaurants now entice with aromas as bold as the city’s storied past. If you’re hungry for what’s next, let Byte be your guide through the Big Easy’s most irresistible openings and innovations.

    Junebug shines as a late-night gem in downtown New Orleans, helmed by Chef Shannon Bingham. Here, French and Creole classics get a playful remix—imagine buttery crab cakes, French onion beignets, and sandwiches that make you forget what time it is. The décor pays homage to jazz legends, ensuring the soul of the city echoes through every bite. Over in Metairie, Here Today Rotisserie is gaining a cult following for its whole and half rotisserie chickens, chicken schnitzel sandwiches, and, of course, a rich chicken and andouille gumbo that practically hums with local flavor.

    The oyster gets its due at Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar, where wild Gulf oysters, Gulf tuna crudo, and a “seafood plateaux” of raw delights celebrate the bounty of southern waters. Chef Richard Bickford at Seawitch on St. Charles Avenue puts an inventive spin on Gulf seafood, offering everything from “shuckcuterie” boards—panko-fried oysters, tequila shooters—to blue crab toast and smoked chicken gumbo, all from a gleaming renovated space steeped in Crescent City history.

    Brooks Reitz’s The Bell in Bayou St. John sidesteps the tired pub fare with Anglo-French bistro magic—think satiny pâtés, crispy frites, and Guinness poured to perfection. In the Bywater, Acamaya dazzles with Mexico City-inspired seafood creations: arroz negro crowned with squid, mussels, and earthy huitlacoche is fast becoming a signature dish that whispers of distant coasts and local abundance.

    High-end tasting menus echo through historic mansions too. At Etoile on Magazine Street, Chef Chris Dupont presents seven courses that dance from goat cheese soufflé to seared Wagyu beef, effortlessly blending French technique with the charm of New Orleans produce. For a taste of innovation, Wild South and Yo Nashi deliver culinary artistry—local shrimp and strawberries with caviar, or omakase-style tasting menus marrying Gulf ingredients with Japanese mastery.

    All this creativity finds its roots in New Orleans’ rich traditions, proximity to the Gulf, and a melting pot of cultures. Street festivals like the French Quarter Fest and Jazz & Heritage Festival fuel a year-round celebration of food, music, and conviviality, drawing crowds and inspiring chefs to push the envelope.

    What sets New Orleans apart isn’t just the spice in its gumbo or the brine of its oysters, but its unyielding spirit—a city where old-world technique waltzes with new-world invention, and every dish tells a story. For listeners seeking bold flavors, innovative minds, and a city that lives to eat, New Orleans isn’t just a destination—it’s a revelation..


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    3 mins
  • Spilling the Beans: New Orleans' Sizzling Food Scene in 2025

    Spilling the Beans: New Orleans' Sizzling Food Scene in 2025
    Apr 15 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    **Savoring New Orleans: The Heartbeat of Culinary Creativity**

    New Orleans has long been a mecca for food lovers, but 2025 is proving to be a particularly exciting year for its culinary scene. This city, known for its rich traditions, jazz-infused energy, and bold flavors, continues to reinvent itself with a slew of new restaurant openings, innovative concepts, and chefs who are not afraid to push the envelope.

    One of the standout newcomers is **The Bell**, a modern Anglo-French pub by acclaimed restaurateur Brooks Reitz. Nestled in a charming cottage near City Park, The Bell transcends the typical “pub grub” stereotype. Guests are treated to elegant yet approachable bistro fare paired with expertly poured pints of Guinness. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts cannot miss **Cajun Flames** in the French Quarter. This vibrant spot offers art-filled interiors and a menu bursting with iconic New Orleans dishes, from barbecue shrimp and grits to whole fried pompano.

    For a bold, Mexico City-inspired twist, venture over to **Acamaya**, where Chef Ana Castro crafts mesmerizing seafood-forward creations like arroz negro, featuring black rice with squid, mussels, and huitlacoche. Similarly, Chef Shannon Bingham’s freshly opened **Junebug** dazzles downtown with its compact menu of French and Creole delights, perfect for night owls seeking late-night indulgence.

    New Orleans is also embracing intimate, high-concept dining experiences. At **Wild South**, Chef Michael Stoltzfus showcases a seasonal tasting menu that elevates Louisiana’s ingredients to artistic heights, with stunning dishes like steamed oysters paired with swordfish bacon. For those intrigued by Japanese culinary precision, **Yo Nashi** delivers an unparalleled omakase experience in the heart of the Central Business District, blending local ingredients with Japanese techniques.

    Beyond the restaurants, New Orleans’ vibrant food culture thrives on its connection to local ingredients and traditions. Gulf seafood remains the city’s lifeblood, celebrated in places like **Pêche**, a cornerstone of Donald Link’s empire. Under Chef Nicole Cabrera Mills, dishes such as fried oysters with pickled papaya and catfish in chile broth highlight the Gulf’s bounty with globally inspired flair. Restaurants like **Palm & Pine** also carry the torch, bridging Louisiana’s bold spices with Caribbean and Central American influences.

    The city’s food scene isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s also about the experience. Diners crave the sensory immersion that New Orleans effortlessly delivers, whether through live jazz acts in eateries or interactive culinary events like the annual Creole Tomato Festival.

    What makes New Orleans incredibly unique, however, is its unapologetic celebration of tradition alongside fearless innovation. It’s a place where gumbo pots and avant-garde plating coexist, where every bite tells a story steeped in cultural heritage and yet evolves with every passing season. For food lovers, visiting New Orleans isn’t just a trip—it’s a pilgrimage. Let your taste buds lead the way..


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    3 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: New Orleans' Hottest Culinary Gossip for 2025

    Sizzling Secrets: New Orleans' Hottest Culinary Gossip for 2025
    Apr 12 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    **Unmasking New Orleans’ Irresistible Culinary Magic**

    New Orleans is not just a city—it’s a feast, a gumbo pot of flavors, traditions, and ingenuity that constantly stirs and evolves. If you’re hungry for discovery, 2025 brings a sizzling array of new restaurants, bold culinary trends, and timeless Creole soul to this gastronomic haven.

    This year’s standout openings shine with passion and creativity. Junebug, led by Chef Shannon Bingham, redefines late-night dining in downtown New Orleans. Its French and Creole-inspired bites, paired with a jazzy ambiance, make the perfect post-midnight indulgence. Over in the French Quarter, The Bell brings Anglo-French pub cuisine to the cozy charm of Bayou St. John, courtesy of restaurateur Brooks Reitz. For seafood lovers, Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar serves spectacular raw Gulf oysters, wild seafood plateaux, and Gulf tuna crudo—poised to become a happy hour hotspot.

    Innovation meets tradition at Wild South, where Chef Michael Stoltzfus elevates Louisiana flavors with seasonal ingenuity. Picture steamed oysters kissed by swordfish bacon or shrimp dazzling with strawberries and caviar. Yo Nashi, helmed by Chef Mackenzie Broquet, takes it global by blending local ingredients with Japanese precision in a mesmerizing omakase experience. Meanwhile, Acamaya in Bywater revives the spirit of Lengua Madre with Mexico City-inspired dishes like black rice topped with squid and huitlacoche.

    Bars and lounges are raising their game, too. Avego, an offshoot of Gautreau’s, offers elegant craft cocktails alongside refined small bites in a swanky setting. If you prefer your drink with a side of history, Lost Coyote in Treme will soon offer backyard pool passes for a refreshingly unique escapade.

    Culinary festivals whip up energy this season as local ingredients and traditions take center stage. Crawfish boils, fresh Gulf seafood, and cultural staples like po’boys and jambalaya embody the city’s symbiotic dance with its environment, from the bayous to the urban sprawl. Seasonal menus and farmers’ markets further highlight this regional bounty, ensuring every plate tells a story.

    What truly sets New Orleans apart is its unyielding rhythm—a harmony of resilience, creativity, and culture. Here, every chef is an artist, every dish a celebration, and every bite a memory. For food lovers, this city isn’t just a destination; it’s a revelation. New Orleans invites you not just to dine but to savor, sip, and be swept into its flavorful embrace—one plate at a time..


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    3 mins
  • Bite into the Big Easy: NOLA's 2025 Culinary Gems Revealed!

    Bite into the Big Easy: NOLA's 2025 Culinary Gems Revealed!
    Apr 10 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    **New Orleans: A Feast for the Senses in 2025’s Culinary Landscape**

    New Orleans has always been a culinary mecca, but 2025 is proving to be an extraordinary year for the Crescent City’s dining scene, marked by bold innovation, new openings, and deep reverence for the region’s rich gastronomic traditions. Whether you’re drawn to classic Creole flavors, reimagined Southern fare, or global fusions, the city’s offerings are as vibrant and diverse as its streets.

    The spotlight shines on some remarkable new restaurant openings. Junebug in the Central Business District has quickly become the go-to spot for late-night French-Creole cuisine, crafted under Chef Shannon Bingham's expert hands. With dishes ranging from elegant snacks to playful interpretations of classics, like a decadent fried chicken sandwich, the space is a celebration of jazz culture through both design and spirit. Meanwhile, Here Today Rotisserie in the Lower Garden District is redefining comfort food with its signature rotisserie chicken rice bowls and a rich chicken-andouille gumbo—the kind of warming plate that feels like a hug from the city itself.

    In the French Quarter, Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar takes “sea-to-table” dining to stunning new heights. Their Gulf-inspired menu, featuring wild Gulf oysters and a seafood plateaux of snapper ceviche and shrimp escabeche, is best enjoyed during their convivial happy hour. Across town, Brutto Americano, tucked inside the Barnett Hotel, merges Gulf seafood with Italian influences, offering homemade pastas crafted with seasonal local ingredients.

    Celebrated chefs are also making waves in the city. Michael Stoltzfus, who earned acclaim for Coquette, surprises diners with Wild South, a 40-seat tasting menu concept that marries Louisiana flavors with innovative twists—imagine steamed oysters paired with swordfish bacon. Another standout is Chef Mackenzie Broquet of Yo Nashi, whose omakase experience in the Central Business District transforms local seafood into elegant Japanese creations, often featuring surprising elements like Gulf snapper sashimi.

    Culinary experiences in New Orleans go beyond entertainment—they’re a cultural ritual. The Mosquito Supper Club and Dakar NOLA embody this sentiment, offering family-style dining steeped in Louisiana storytelling and African diasporic traditions. Additionally, festivals like the French Quarter Fest and Tales of the Cocktail further underscore how food and celebration are inseparable in this city.

    What makes New Orleans unique isn’t just the food—it’s the soul behind it. The city’s culinary magic lies in its ability to honor its Creole and Cajun roots while embracing bold, modern interpretations. Here, a bowl of gumbo isn’t just a dish; it’s history, heritage, and heart. For any food lover, New Orleans isn’t just a destination—it’s a pilgrimage..


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    3 mins
  • Spicy Secrets: NOLA's Sizzling Culinary Scene Uncovered! Nuevo Latino, Vegan Soul & Pop-Up Surprises

    Spicy Secrets: NOLA's Sizzling Culinary Scene Uncovered! Nuevo Latino, Vegan Soul & Pop-Up Surprises
    Apr 8 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    **Savoring the Soul of New Orleans: A Culinary Journey Through the Crescent City**

    New Orleans has long been a culinary cornerstone, renowned for its rich tapestry of flavors steeped in history and diversity. Today, this legendary city continues to evolve with a fresh wave of epicurean innovation that embellishes its traditional culinary backbone with daring creativity. New restaurant openings are ushering in exciting dynamics, making the Crescent City a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast.

    **Fresh Faces, Timeless Flavors**

    Leading the culinary charge is Mister Mao, a "tropical roadhouse" helmed by the inventive Chef Sophina Uong. This hotspot is rapidly becoming the talk of the town with its boundary-pushing "inauthentic" cuisine. Diners are treated to a globe-trotting menu that flips between spicy Szechuan Five-Spice Duck Wings and bright, tangy Charred Coconut Green Curry, bridging continents with flavor-rich panache.

    Down the street, Lengua Madre, captained by Chef Ana Castro, invites guests into a modern Mexican dining experience that pays homage to the chef's roots while embracing Louisiana's local bounty. Signature dishes like the aromatic Chicken Mole Blanco playfully incorporate Gulf seafood into a tapestry of Oaxacan traditions, creating a reflective dialogue between cultures.

    **Trends and Concepts Stirring the Pot**

    There's a palpable, spicy embrace of innovation in New Orleans, transforming its dining landscape. Nuevo Latino flavors are making headway, alongside an intensified focus on Creole vegetarian and vegan options. This is epitomized by Sweet Soulfood, where the local beloved Lenten staples inspired a vegan menu rich with jambalaya and étouffée, delivering big flavors with a cleaner, plant-forward twist.

    The trend of collaborative culinary pop-ups is another wave shaping the city, allowing chefs to flex their culinary prowess without the confines of a traditional menu. From secret supper clubs to surprise gelato tastings on the riverfront, these ephemeral events are capturing the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

    **Feasting on New Orleans' Essence**

    Central to New Orleans’ culinary character are its indigenous ingredients, from the briny essence of the Gulf’s freshest seafood to the robust zest of Creole tomatoes thriving under the Southern sun. The convergence of these local staples with age-old French, Spanish, and African traditions form the backbone of the city’s gastronomy.

    Festivals here are a grand tribute to its native flavors, with the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival bringing the community together to celebrate this iconic sandwich in all its forms, a testament to the city’s enduring love for its cultural dishes.

    **Why NOLA is a Gastronomic Beacon**

    What sets New Orleans apart is not just the food on the plate but the profound narrative it spins—a reflection of its people, history, and spirit. It’s a place where every bite tells a story, coated with love, tradition, and a zest for life that invites food lovers to explore what lies beyond the menu.

    For gourmands seeking a culinary escapade that hits every note from comfort to avant-garde, New Orleans is a stage where cultures entwine and culinary craft thrives. Its vibrant mix of age-old rituals and newfound creativity beckons, ready to enchant anyone willing to indulge in its flavorful symphony. Whether you’re sampling from a street vendor or indulging in a chef’s latest invention, New Orleans promises a feast for the senses that is as fascinating as it is delicious.


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    4 mins
  • Sizzling Secrets: NOLA's Spicy New Restaurants and Scandalous Food Festivals

    Sizzling Secrets: NOLA's Spicy New Restaurants and Scandalous Food Festivals
    Apr 5 2025
    Food Scene New Orleans

    **New Orleans: A Gastronomic Symphony of Tradition and Innovation**

    New Orleans, a city steeped in history and brimming with vibrant culture, is no stranger to culinary excellence. From the smoky allure of a well-seasoned gumbo to the celebration of a boisterous crawfish boil, the Big Easy's food scene hums like a well-tuned jazz band. Today, NOLA’s palate is more dynamic than ever, as it effortlessly marries its storied past with forward-thinking, innovative trends.

    Among the noteworthy new players in the city’s bustling restaurant scene is Saint John, helmed by Chef Eric Cook. This fresh establishment breathes new life into Creole cuisine with dishes like rabbit and dumplings, where succulent braised rabbit luxuriates in a rich, flavorful broth. Meanwhile, revelry abounds at Miss River, where Chef Alon Shaya’s Mississippi fried catfish shines bright, crispy to perfection and served with tangy tartar sauce that whispers sweet nothings of Southern indulgence.

    Beyond the new restaurant openings, New Orleans is experiencing a culinary renaissance characterized by unique dining concepts and pop-ups. At the heart of this movement is Mosquito Supper Club, where Chef Melissa Martin offers an ode to Louisiana’s wetlands with her seasonal, hyper-local seafood dishes. Each meal serves as both a culinary treat and an ecological statement, championing sustainability and the ecosystem that feeds the region’s rich culinary tradition.

    Festivals, too, continue to draw food lovers globally, with the annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience offering a taste of the region’s finest alongside world-class wines. Meanwhile, the Crescent City's fascination with its spices takes center stage at the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival, a feast for the senses with music and food as lavish and lively as the city itself.

    New Orleans' culinary tableau wouldn’t be the same without its locally sourced ingredients. From briny Gulf Coast oysters to the sweet, juicy produce from local farms, the city’s chefs have the privilege of an abundant pantry. The Creole tomato, for instance, a plump ruby jewel of tang and sweetness, often finds itself as the star in salads and sauces, anchoring dishes in tastes of homegrown love.

    What truly makes New Orleans stand out is its ability to hold on to time-honored traditions while welcoming innovation with open arms. This harmonious blend is akin to the city’s famed jazz music—where every note tells a story of history and every beat invites new interpretations.

    Why should food lovers cast their eyes (and sharpen their forks) towards New Orleans? Because here, in this electric microcosm of flavor and festivity, food is more than just sustenance—it's a language, an art form, and a living tradition as passionately expressed in a bowl of gumbo as it is in a Michelin-starred masterpiece. New Orleans, with its uniquely seasoned cuisine, stands as both a guardian of culinary heritage and a bold explorer of new gastronomic frontiers. So, here’s to the zesty, the spicy, the deeply soulful taste of a city that never stops dancing to its own delicious rhythm.


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    3 mins
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