Absinthe - Episode 192
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Release Date: 10/04/2023
Saving Mr. Bingle
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Today’s episode is all about Mr. Bingle, a beloved local Christmas character created by a department store. Joining me is author Sean Patrick Doles who created a fairy tale called Saving Mr. Bingle. We discuss Mr. Bingle's history as well as Sean's book.
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EP 218 - A Health Update & The River Rats Reprise
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Today’s episode is about the Mississippi River batture, and specifically the people who’ve chosen to live on that sliver of land over the years. To help me explore this culture I’ve enlisted the help of Macon Fry, author of the book They Called Us River Rats, and himself an inhabitant of the batture.
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Mosquito Supper Club - EP217
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
My guest is an author, a chef, and perhaps most importantly a Cajun woman, in love with her native land and way of life. Melissa Martin joins me to talk about the restaurant, her latest cookbook, Bayou, Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life, and more.
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The Skeleton House - EP216
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
For more than 40 years, the Berger House at 6000 St. Charles Avenue is transformed each Halloween into the Skeleton House. The lawn is covered with dozens of skeletons, each with a costume and a name. In 2024, the skeletons embraced the arrival of Taylor Swift and her Eras tour. Join me as I learn all about it from Louellen Berger.
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Porgy’s Seafood Market
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
My guests today are the co-owners of Porgy's Seafood Market, a local market and restaurant with a focus on Louisiana caught seafood.
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Listener Questions - EP214
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
This week, we answer questions about New Orleans from listeners like you!
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Shaka Zulu Big Chief of the Golden Feather Nation - EP213
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Today's guest tells us about the tradition of black New Orleanians masking in Indian suits.
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Anais St John - EP 212
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
My guest today, Miss Anais St. John, is an entertainer, performer and a teacher.
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Working on the Mississippi River - EP211
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
Ever wondered what it's like to work on the Mississippi River? Today, we go behind the scenes with Todd Clower, CEO of Harbor Towing and Fleeting.
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Black Creole Chronicles - EP210
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
My guest today is an author, folklorist, educator, scholar, and former Poet Laureate of Louisiana. Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy writes about her life as a black Creole in her 7th Ward neighborhood, as well as about the larger perspective of the black experience, in Louisiana and beyond. This discussion was a joy. I hope you enjoy it, too.
info_outlineAbsinthe Resurgence: From Ban to Boom - A Conversation with Marielle Songy
Have you ever heard the myths surrounding absinthe?
Myth #1: Absinthe can make you hallucinate.
Myth #2: It was banned for being a dangerous drug.
Myth #3: The Green Fairy was a mystical presence associated with absinthe.
In this episode, our guest Marielle Songy will reveal the truth behind these intriguing tales and unravel the fascinating history and culture of absinthe.
Step into the captivating world of absinthe, where the threads of history intertwine with the allure of a mysterious elixir. Join Marielle Songy as she uncovers the secrets behind the enigmatic Absinthe Frappé, a cocktail that holds the key to New Orleans' vibrant past. With every page turned, immerse yourself in the tales of bartenders and bans, controversies and creativity.
Marielle Songy, a food and culture writer from the New Orleans area, found herself captivated by the rich history and cultural significance of absinthe. When approached by LSU Press to write a book for their iconic New Orleans cocktail series, she was drawn to the Absinthe Frappé, a unique cocktail that originated in New Orleans.
With a love for absinthe and a desire to delve into its intriguing past, Marielle embarked on a journey to uncover the origins and stories behind this enigmatic spirit. From the invention of the Frappé to the controversies and bans surrounding absinthe, Marielle's research allowed her to explore the deep connections between absinthe, art, and literature. Through her writing, she brings to life the vibrant history and cultural significance of absinthe, inviting readers on a journey of discovery into the world of this beloved and misunderstood spirit.
Absinthe has touched so much throughout history, in art and writing and things like that. It has a connection to New Orleans because of its French connections. - Marielle Songy
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the fascinating origins and cultural significance of absinthe, exploring its rich history and the myths that surround this infamous spirit.
- Uncover the traditional method of serving absinthe, including the intriguing process of looshing and the ritualistic addition of sugar, elevating your absinthe experience to new heights.
- Dive into the captivating story behind the invention of the absinthe frappé cocktail, a refreshing and popular drink in the late 19th century that will transport you to a bygone era of indulgence.
- Learn about the pivotal role Ted Breaux played in lifting the absinthe ban, reintroducing this beloved spirit to the United States, and discover the secrets behind his Jade Liqueurs crafted with traditional herbs.
- Explore the mesmerizing influence of absinthe on art and literature, discovering how famous artists and writers of the past were inspired by this enigmatic drink to create masterpieces that still captivate us today.