Pelican Publishing

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a New Orleans landmark and celebrated bastion of fine Creole food, has welcomed notable individuals as well as thousands of locals through its doors since opening in 1941. The unquestionable authority in the restaurant’s kitchen for many of those years, Leah Chase offers here a collection of recipes from the menu and her personal files that have delighted patrons for decades.

Spiced with exquisite works from the African American art collection that hangs in the restaurant’s dining room, this cookbook pairs the flavors of Leah Chase’s dishes with anecdotes recounting the restaurant’s traditions, origins of the recipes, and memories. This revised and expanded edition presents even more of the restaurant’s favorite offerings and features a new chapter on drinks. Dooky Chase’s longtime chef and proprietor passed away in 2019, but these pages honor Leah’s legacy through recipes and sentiments that will be forever intertwined with the history of New Orleans.

This volume features more than 300 authentic recipes straight from the kitchens of Creole Louisiana.

“Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.” —New York Times Book Review

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat “from his head to his foot,” pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.  The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana’s holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.  

Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline “Trosclair,” the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.

Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.  Featuring eight pages of curated content released from the Pelican archives, this slipcased, numbered Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition showcases the rich legacy of storytelling within our state and the far reach that a humble (or not so humble!) gator has had on Cajun culture, Louisiana, and the entire country.

From Lobster Salad to Baked Stuffed Oysters and Crawfish Bisque, this compilation of recipes offers the best of New Orleans cuisine. Chef Lena Richards pulled inspiration from her southern roots and her experience in the catering business, to create delectable dishes. In addition to recipes, this comprehensive cookbook offers menu ideas for both formal and informal dinners.

Have you ever wondered how to make Crawfish Bisque or Baked Stuffed Oysters? Find out from an experienced caterer and cooking school owner who decided to share her secrets. In New Orleans, creating a fine dining experience and enjoying it is an art. This book teaches the ambitious cook how to create that art.

From cocktails, to compotes, to pastry and pies, this cookbook offers a bit of everything. Ideas for menus for both formal and informal dinners are also included. So get adventurous and have some fun creating some New Orleans favorites!

The Cajun language, spoken by the decendants of exiled Acadians, has been passed on by word of mouth for more than two hundred years. Cajun French is still widely spoken throughout Louisiana, despite threat of extinction and the controversies associated with including the language in school curricula. Conversational Cajun French I, the first systematic approach to teaching the language, makes Cajun French accessible to those born outside Cajun families and works to preserve the Cajun language and culture.

An extremely practical introduction to Cajun French, this resource focuses on everyday words and common phrases that can be understood everywhere the language is spoken, regardless of the various dialects and subdialects. The Cajun words for the days and months, holidays, parts of the body, numbers, clothing, colors, foods, animals, fruits and vegetables, tools, and plants, as well as a section of useful expressions and a list of traditional Cajun names, are among the elements included.

The book—designed for use in conjunction with the companion compact discs or audio download—includes a pronunciation guide to enable even the beginning student to converse with Cajuns. Narrated by author Randall P. Whatley, the CDs and download clarify the nuanced pronunciation necessary to learn this beautiful and, until now, elusive language.

In these classic, fascinating, and often terrifying tales--Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Dolls, the Zulu King, Loup Garou, and the headless horseman of Natchitoches--all share the stage. Ghost stories from around Louisiana mingle with the true horrors of figures such as the infamous New Orleans Axeman. Learn stories of the Creoles and Cajuns, Southern church traditions, Voodoo rituals, hexes, and charms.  Gumbo Ya-Ya, everybody talks at once, expresses the tension between refinement and profanity, the sacred and the sensual--which defines Louisiana culture to this day. This 80th Anniversary Pelican Publishing unabridged edition's contents are wholly true to the 1945 original edition. First commissioned as a project of the Works Progress Administration Louisiana Writers' Program, it has stood the test of time and is a book beloved by historians, locals, and visitors.

This second cookbook from Leah Chase not only comes with her famous recipes, but it also contains her reflections on life, business, family, and friends. Now in paperback, the collection includes menus for special events.

The iconic restaurant famous for Breakfast at Brennan's was a Creole favorite and New Orleans staple for decades before its closure in 2013. Now available in paperback, these classic recipes are sprinkled with both family and restaurant history and seasoned with the original illustrations. This collection is a must for everyone with a craving for true New Orleans flavor!

Once hailed as one of America’s greatest restaurants, Brennan’s in New Orleans was known worldwide as a home of fine cuisine. “Breakfast at Brennan’s” was a longstanding tradition on par with “dinner at Antoine’s,” and the restaurant was famed for its culinary inventions. Recreate the elegance at home with this classic collection of the Brennan family’s distinctive Creole recipes, first issued in 1961. Author and columnist Hermann B. Deutsch recounts the fascinating rise of the Brennan clan, telling how a family of poor Irish immigrants rose to become the premier restaurateurs in New Orleans. Numerous illustrations document the history of the family and their iconic restaurant.

Includes 150 iconic Brennans recipes like:

• Bananas Foster
• Trout Amandine
• Pompano en Papillote
• Eggs Benedict

A miniature book to hang on your tree (hanger provided).

More than forty-five years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has become a modern classic that has sold more than 1,000,000 copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.

This miniature edition comes ready to hang on the Christmas tree. It will delight both young and old with its beautiful full-color illustrations and lively story, a timeless addition to Christmas celebrations across the country.

Discover the origins of "second breakfast" in New Orleans.

Originally published in 1900 from the handwritten notes of Mme. Bégué herself, this collection of dishes from a quintessential New Orleans restaurant are now available in a reprint of the 1937 edition.

Set in a Louisiana bayou and told in Cajun dialect-de chirren been nezzle/Good snug on de flo'--the poem has lively illustrations that perfectly suit the unique text.
-Horn Book

Rice is especially good with facial expressions, whether they are on a Texas jack rabbit, a longhorn steer, a dusty cowboy, or the green and long-nosed alligator named Gaston.
-Library Journal

It's the night before Christmas in a tiny shack on the Louisiana bayou, and Santa Claus, with his eight friendly alligators and toy-laden skiff, is on his way. Written in lively Cajun accents, the best-selling Cajun Night Before Christmas� is a beloved holiday classic. Now, with this innovative coloring book, children of all ages can put their own colorful spin on the story. These brilliant illustrations are sure to inspire some wide Cajun smiles.

Includes raised tombs, ornate statuary, and the alleged grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau.

From the roast beef poor boys at Acy’s Pool Hall, to enchiladas with fresh ranchero sauce at Castillo’s, and pancakes of many varieties at Bucky Forty-Nine, this volume takes a bite out of New Orleans’ legendary dining scene. Authors Peggy Scott Laborde and Tom Fitzmorris reminisce about some of the best former eateries from around the city, highlighting and rating forty of their favorite recipes and period photographs provide a glimpse into the history of New Orleans' famous and culturally diverse culinary scene.

This pictorial treasure trove of information offers the history behind Gluck’s, the French Quarter restaurant where Tennessee Williams worked as a waiter; La Louisiane, the fancy establishment famous for Diamond Jim’s fettuccine alfredo; and Kolb’s, one of the only restaurants specializing in German cuisine.

Such recipes as Shrimp Toast from Dragon’s Garden, Stuffed Macaroni from Toney’s Pizza & Spaghetti House, Maylie’s Turtle Soup, and Christian’s Oyster Roland fill the pages of Lost Restaurants of New Orleans. Recollections from well known locals and photographs allow the reader to visualize New Orleans’ famous and old-time culinary scene.

A chronicle of the rise and development of a unique musical form.

Inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame under its original title Walking to New Orleans, this fascinating history focuses on the music of major R&B artists and the crucial contributions of the New Orleans music industry. Newly revised for this edition, much of the material comes firsthand from those who helped create the genre, including Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Wardell Quezergue.

Pirate's Pantry: Treasured Recipes of Southwest Louisiana (50th Anniversary) is a bountiful collection of family and regional recipes, with a spicy lagniappe of local historical lore that reflects the Creole and Cajun flavor of this unique area, steeped in mystique and legend.

For most people, Southwest Louisiana evokes images of good food—an integral and inseparable part of the area’s past as well as its present. The Junior League of Lake Charles has collected family and regional recipes with a spicy lagniappe of local historical lore that reflects the Creole flavor and Cajun flair of this unique area. Steeped in mystique and legend, the bayous, rivers, and lakes of Southwest Louisiana provide the ingredients and the inspiration for Creole cuisine. Notorious pirate Jean Lafitte was a frequent visitor to the local planters’ tables, and his legend remains today throughout the swamps of Southwest Louisiana in Calcasieu Parish.Teaming with seafood, the local waters offer an abundance of ready possibilities for creative and delicious dishes. Sink your teeth into some Creole Jambalaya or Trout Au Gratin. Sample mouthwatering Crab Meat Quiche or Shrimp Thermidor. Delight in delicious Charcoaled Venison Roast or Grillades and Grits. Savor buttery Jalapeno Corn Bread and warm Swedish Puff Coffee Cake. Devour Heavenly Strawberry Pie, Ambrosia Cake, or Buttermilk Pralines at the end of any meal. Wonderful recipes such as these will greet you throughout these pages, delivering the distinctive tastes of Southwest Louisiana to your table. The sections include: Roux, Filé, Gumbos, Soups, Rice, Seafood, Wildlife, Beverages, Wine, Hors D’oeuvres, Eggs and Cheese, Breads, Meat, Poultry, Vegetables, Salads, Sauces, Accompaniments, and Desserts.

Inspired by the spicy humor of Cajun Night Before Christmas® and the authors’ own chaotic holiday experiences, this is the story of St. Nick, an alligator named Pierre, and the Boudreau family’s post-Christmas blues.

Boudreau needs to get away. His children are hollering as they play with their new toys, and his wife has cleaned out their pocketbook after buying Christmas gifts and treats. As he drifts down the bayou on a moonlit night, Boudreau spies Pierre, one of St. Nicholas’ alligators that has been left behind! Boudreau offers Pierre a home to keep him safe from hunters and trappers.

Will St. Nick ever come back for his lost gator? And what will Boudreau’s children think of this new pet? The antics of this cast of characters are sure to induce laughter and add a fun twist to the original story!

From brunch to dessert, these kitchen madams serve up history New Orleans style!

Author and culinary historian Poppy Tooker masterfully combines all the myriad strands that fill the rooms of Tujague’s beautifully restored establishment into a whole cloth of foodie lore. As the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, Tujague’s boasts more than a century of fresh Creole cuisine served in the heart of the French Quarter. More than a cookbook, this foray into history combines memorabilia from the restaurant’s archives with stunning modern images from New Orleans photographers Sam Hanna and Louis Sahuc. The dramatic story of the successful effort to save the restaurant is included, along with tales of ghostly guests and authentic dishes and drinks celebrating the oldest standup bar in America and the restaurant that created the international tradition of brunch.

This baby memory book allows families to record all the milestones of a uniquely Louisiana childhood!

The lively illustrated pages provide spaces for photos and notes for baby's first twelve months in this one-of-a-kind state, with pages for the first and second birthday too. Parents then can set down the dates and details for baby's first king cake, football game, festival, and much more!

Strange True Stories of Louisiana is Cable’s compilation of seven unusual, factual accounts of life and history in the area. They include tales of two French sisters who made the dangerous trek to the unsettled lands of North Louisiana at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Focusing on New Orleans, Cable adds the story of “The ‘Haunted House’ in Royal Street” and evil socialite Madame LaLaurie, which spurs the imaginations of ghost hunters more than a century after its original writing. There is also a diary account, in its first published form, of a Union woman trapped behind the battle lines during the Civil War.

At the turn of the century, people outside of New Orleans viewed the city through the eyes of journalist and author George Washington Cable. His writings portrayed a tropical European city nestled on the banks of an American river still teeming with the literary, artistic, and social developments of a late Renaissance. In his own romance with Louisiana, Cable came upon many stories written by its denizens. While Cable assisted some authors in finding places to publish their works, there were many stories he kept for himself. Much of this collection can be found in Strange True Stories of Louisiana.

“They are mine by right of discovery,” writes Cable. “From various necessities of the case I am sometimes the story-teller, and sometimes, in the reader’s interest, have to abridge; but I add no fact and trim naught of value away. Here are no unconfessed ‘restorations,’ not one. In time, place, circumstance, in every essential feature, I give them as I got them—strange stories that truly happened, all partly, some wholly, in Louisiana.”

INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS BEST REGIONAL NONFICTION OF THE SOUTH GOLD MEDAL

“When an elderly couple is charged with murder in the drowning deaths of thirty-five bed-ridden residents of St. Rita’s Nursing Home, an emotional edge-of-your-seat thriller takes off like a shot! The players: a wily and profane defense lawyer, a ferocious prosecutor, vengeful families of the victims, and a ravenous media that brands the defendants ‘Monsters of Hurricane Katrina.’ My advice—block out enough time to read this wonderful book in one sitting.”
—John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

  “A passionate and personal book, artfully constructed.”
—Washington Post

  “A war story of jurisprudence. . . . a book you wish wouldn’t end.”
—Daily Beast

Have y'all seen Scrim?

Scrim the dog got loose in the Big Easy, and New Orleans may never be the same. Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved figure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes.

Hold on to your car’s alignment. In this parody of the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon, sleepy readers will dream of orange cones and chicken bones, blown out tires and downed wires, and so many more amusing rhymes in this funny-but-true take on eroding roads.

A captivating visual guide to New Orleans's history!

Hailed as being one of the most comprehensive collections of photos, paintings, and drawings on its release in 1971, this educational and entertaining selection is now in paperback! From the city's French and Spanish beginnings to American forces fighting off British soldiers in the War of 1812, this is truly a fascinating compilation. These pages chronicle major historical moments along with the architecture, jazz, scandals, duels, cuisine, and fine arts that make New Orleans an amazing city to behold.

A heritage crafted of elegance and strength.

The wrought and cast ironwork of New Orleans is lauded worldwide for its intricacy and timelessness. Generations of artisans have labored to create the unyielding filigrees that guard windows, doors, and, gardens. Now, award-winning author Kit Wohl eloquently marries her passions for art, photography, and metalwork in this stunning tour of Crescent City craftsmanship. Graced with photographs of the city’s most famed works, histories of each piece and its location transport readers on a journey of elegance and beauty. From the famous cornstalk fence to the storied splendor of the Pontalba Buildings, these vignettes illuminate New Orleans’s rich artistic legacy.

A classic is updated for a new generation!

The history of 613 Rue Royale, the site of New Orleans’ famous Court of Two Sisters restaurant, dates back to 1732—just fourteen years after the founding of the city, when it was the site of the home of Louisiana’s second governor. 

Beginning in 1886, the legendary “two sisters,” for whom the building and courtyard are named, operated a notions shop on the ground floor of the mansion. Located in the very center of “Governor’s Row,” 613 Royal became the focal point of Creole society. In many ways, the romance and history of the largest courtyard in the Vieux Carre epitomize the charm, the ambience, and the lifestyle of “America’s most European city.”

A tribute to the history that has made the restaurant famous throughout the world, the cookbook has been revised and updated with new recipes from the acclaimed kitchens. The history of the courtyard and the French Quarter offers an intriguing background for the recipes that follow—recipes that are Creole-inspired and taste-tested by the discriminating palates of tens of thousands of customers.

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat “from his head to his foot,” pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.

The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana’s holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.

Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline “Trosclair,” the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.

Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.

Focuses on the Bayou Road, which was lined with the country seats and residences of the city’s earliest settlers.

After her chicks drift off to sleep, Mother Pelican takes flight. From Shreveport to New Orleans, she visits many of the places that make Louisiana special. All the while, she thinks about her babies sleeping peacefully in their nest. Mother Pelican knows that we carry the ones we love in our hearts, no matter where we go.

You're not gonna taste this little beignet! In this confectionary folktale adaptation, a lonely baker gets his wish when he sprinkles magic sugar on a beignet and it comes to life. The little beignet boy runs away but is in danger of being eaten by the hungry people of New Orleans. He leads a wild chase through the French Quarter, visiting famous sights along the way. This delightful book, with wacky illustrations and a sassy refrain, will run straight into readers' hearts.

Revealing historical tales of the Southern mystique.,

“From various necessities of the case I am sometimes the story-teller, and sometimes, in the reader’s interest, have to abridge; but I add no fact and trim naught of value away. . . . In time, place, circumstance, in every essential feature, I give them as I got them—strange stories that truly happened, all partly, some wholly, in Louisiana.”

This presentation of the neighborhoods of New Orleans offers an expert's perspective on the city's architectural diversity and details, one block at a time. New Orleans Times-Picayune columnist Stephanie Bruno presents the best of her "StreetWalker" column in this illustrated resource. From the Garden District to Mid-City, each block included features photographs of the homes, a description of the buildings, and a map for easy access.

Lloyd Vogt, an award-winning New Orleans architect, offers young people a fascinating glimpse into the history of New Orleans architecture. Dividing his discussion into two parts--house types and house styles--he provides a basic yet comprehensive first course in New Orleans building design in a language designed for easy understanding. Also provided are labeled drawings for style identification, and a complete glossary.

This section of Uptown New Orleans gets its name from the various colleges and universities, including Tulane and Loyola, that have existed within its boundaries. The architecture of this area ranges from the Gothic universities to the grand mansions of St. Charles Avenue to the modest shotgun homes and cottages scattered around the perimeter.

Explore the city on the historic New Orleans streetcars!

The streetcar evokes a sense of nostalgia while representing the legacy of America's transportation history. Only in New Orleans can you ride the oldest operating streetcar line in America to reach some of the most interesting places in the city. With detailed maps of all current and anticipated street car lines across the city and stops along the way, this is a practical guide for both tourists and locals alike.

A classic look at old New Orleans.

First published in 1948, this collection of Louisiana tales provides a vintage look at local history. From General Andrew Jackson to Marie Laveau to Paul Tulane, colorful legends of the early Crescent City convey a fascinating, antiquated landscape and its captivating traditions. Cajun's lively characters and locations etch an animated past in which the bayou of yesteryear is authentically recreated on every page.

A tour of some of the most historic saloons in America.

There is no doubt that New Orleans has more drinking establishments per capita than any other city in the United States. Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photographs, this elegant pictorial history provides a glimpse into the architectural and cultural treasures still operating today. From urban legends to classic recipes, all is revealed in this collection of fascinating true stories.

Experience a cool splash of music history from the Bayou State!

This intensely personal and entertaining account is a snapshot of Blues from an outsider welcomed into the inner circles of Southern Blues icons. Englishman Julian C. Piper spent a year abroad at Louisiana State University and played blues primarily at the Blues Box in Baton Rouge. There he met many of the musicians with whom he conducted interviews between 1987 and 1988. Those interviews form the basis of this book. Through his close friendship with Blues Box owner Tabby Thomas and his son Chris, Piper collected stories of blues luminaries including Silas Hogan, Robert Pete Williams, Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, Lonesome Sundown, Chris Thomas King, Lightening Slim, and many more.

Enjoy big Cajun flavors without the guilt!

Forget the myth that because it tastes great, it can’t be good for you. Culinary dietician Shelley Marie Redmond has done all the work and research to marry the authentic and delicious flavors of Louisiana cooking with principles of healthy eating. A list of pantry essentials forms the cornerstone of her plan and offers substitutes for ingredients high in carbohydrates (like Greek yogurt instead of butter). A shopping guide helps you to plan a successful and efficient trip to the grocery store. Recipes for such flavorful dishes as Mardi Gras Mambo Cajun Rice Dressing and Skinny Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta let you celebrate the best of Louisiana’s eats without the worry of compromising your health!

Shelly Marie Redmond is a culinary dietitian, media personality and founder of the Skinny Louisiana brand. She is a partner in Eberhart Physical Therapy, where she works with clients on food-related issues.

Veteran food columnist and cookbook author Marlyn Monette writes for The Times in Shreveport and is a frequent guest on television cooking programs. She liberally laces her recipes with amusing family stories.

The haunted history of the Crescent City!

Newly revised and updated, this installment in the much-acclaimed Ghost Hunter’s Guide Series is designed for locals, new residents, and travelers seeking the haunted history of the Crescent City. Detailed descriptions and historical background of more than ninety locations guide readers to sites where they might encounter ghostly apparitions. Experience the French Quarter, famous cemeteries, the spirits of Commander’s Palace and Arnaud’s Restaurant, haunted theatres and plantations, and more as you never have before. This informative and thorough guide includes informative supplementary materials for those looking to have and document their own paranormal experiences.

In New Orleans, a little oak tree asks Grand Oak why it is so small in comparison. The Grand Oak replies that the young one is special and one day everyone will see.  As the seasons change and the tree grows, the young tree continues to ask why it isn’t as big, or as full of leaves, or strong and study. With a gentle voice the Grand Oak encourages and guides the small oak to have patience, stay grounded, and have trust in the future. When that future arrives, the Grand Oak celebrates the little trees uniqueness in this inspiring tale that encourages us to nurture the young and guide them towards their own unique nature.

Near Big Mamou in Southwest Louisiana, Mamère Cochon must send her three little pigs, ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, out into the great big world to seek their

fortunes. As they prepare to go their separate ways, the brothers agree to watch out for the loup-garou, who’s been planning a cochon du lait for as long as they can remember.

How would the brothers make out on their own? Well, as ’Ti Joe always says, “Vouloir c’est pouvoir” (where there’s a will, there’s a way). But will they be able to avoid the hungry loup-garou? Well, if any three pigs ever had le savoir-faire (the know-how) to outwit the wily wolf, their names would have to be ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, I garontee!

As a little lagniappe (something extra), the author has included ’Ti Joe’s special recipe for Grillades and Grits, the classic breakfast dish. Bon appétit!

The definitive guide to all things Mardi Gras . . . past and present! From Twelfth Night to Ash Wednesday, New Orleans is transformed. Queens and fools, demons and dragons reign over the Crescent City. This vividly photographed book is a lively, comprehensive history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Fascinating and intimate, this book seamlessly intertwines the past with the present.

A Taste of the New Orleans supernatural

A bloody romp through the French Quarter, including over 30 delectable recipes by Chef Chris Dunn

New Orleans is filled with mysteries and legends. Ghosts that haunt our city, rougarou (a werewolf-like creature that dwells in the swamps), and vampires. Maidens who were sent from France in 1721 to help colonize the city but were mysteriously turned to vampires on the ship before their arrival. There are also witches—some with remedies and some with curses. They say New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures. If one delves deep into this melting pot, they may just find the supernatural pulling them in deeper still until the food tastes like their favorite memories of home cooking, the unexpected becomes commonplace, and the sharp pain on their neck has them lusting and longing for their lover. Mosquito–Southern Vampires, originally released one chapter at a time as a penny dreadful, is a melting pot of the supernatural. To help create an immersive, mystical experience, at the end of each chapter is a recipe by Chef Chris Dunn from the New Orleans Vampire Café or the Vampire Apothecary, both located in the mysterious beating heart of the old French Quarter.

Marita Woywod Crandle, author and historian, has a passion for historical fiction. She has written several history books as research for her historical fiction work, including New Orleans Vampires: History and Legend and Josie Arlington’s Storyville: The Life and Times of a New Orleans Madame. Crandle also owns several vampire-themed businesses in the New Orleans French Quarter, including Boutique du Vampyre, and two restaurants, The New Orleans Vampire Café and Boutique du Vampyre’s Apothecary. Both restaurants share the same executive chef, Chef Chris Dunn, who offers many of his recipes in this book. Chef Chris creates meals that are decadently delicious, with elegant presentation—the way a vampire would host his mortal guests.

In this board book, Huey the pelican is learning his Louisiana colors. Come fly with him and see how colorful our state can be, with blue in the heron, red in the peppers, yellow in the sunshine, and so much more!

Rougarou loves to play, and sing, and dance—just like you do! But she looks a little different, and sometimes people who don’t know her think she is scary. So she stays in the swamp and acts silly with her friends, who love her just the way she is. But on one very special day each year, Rougarou leaves the swamp. It is a day when everyone loves to play, and sing, and dance. People dress up in colorful costumes and go to parades. Can you guess what day it is? It’s Mardi Gras, of course!

           In her sequined costume, Rougarou sparkles and dazzles on Mardi Gras Day as she hits the streets. She stops for beignets, and then she tracks down the Mardi Gras Indians, whose costumes are even more fabulous than her own. A quick bite of gumbo and she is off to cheer on Rex. There are so many adventures to have on Mardi Gras Day! Everywhere there is music. Everywhere there are smiling people.

           This fun, brightly colored tour of a New Orleans Mardi Gras introduces children to what makes the day so special as well as everyone’s favorite Carnival customs.

Throw me out there, mister!

When Carnival rolls around in New Orleans, everyone gets into the celebration—including the beads! On Fat Tuesday, a plain string of little purple beads hangs from a hook on a parade float. His fervent wish is to be caught by someone special. The bigger and fancier beads tell him that no one will ever catch him. But a little hope and determination may go a long way in the magical season of Mardi Gras! When the bead spots a little princess in the crowd, he knows she is the person for him! Will she try to catch him? The heartwarming tale offers opportunities for a discussion of bullying, self-worth, and inclusion with young readers. The delightful story and illustrations from this daughter/father team will charm the entire family and become a parade route favorite!

Raised in New Orleans, Julie P. Rowley holds a master’s of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. Her stories were inspired by her daughter’s imagination.

A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, John R. Paquette is a retired editor. He is also a professional vocalist and a talented portrait artist and illustrator. He enjoyed collaborating with his daughter.

Sing along with the Carnival version of the favored nursery rhyme “The Wheels on the Bus.” This playful parody entertains with festive flair, as during Mardi Gras, it’s not a bus but a decorated float brimming with beads that delight the youngest parade-goers. Through engaging art and fun prose, children are transported to the parade route, enchanted by the magical sights and scenes of the season. 

Excitement fills every page! Tractors honk to the crowds as they pass, pulling the floats all Mardi Gras long. As beads fly through the air and crowds cheer, “Throw me something, mister!” drums boom and dance teams twirl. The best of a young reveler’s favorite Carnival parades are all found here. Join in the fun as the floats roll all through the town!

The rhythmic flow of the verse and colorful illustrations immerse readers in the joyous and culturally rich experience of Mardi Gras. Perfect for read-aloud sessions and interactive story times, this whimsical yet educational introduction to the Carnival celebration is an ideal addition to preschools, library shelves, and home collections. 

In this comedic novel set in New Orleans in the late 1980s, an inveterate lottery player will risk everything—except gainful employment—to strike it rich. Filled with local-flavored humor, it features engaging, unforgettable characters and a unique plot that offers insights into fate, faith, and the vagaries of life. 

A detailed history of a New Orleans landmark. Congo Square is an iconic location in New Orleans culture, filled with the echoes of jazz and the footsteps of modern dance. Brimming with the rich history of the city, this auspicious landmark traces its origins back to the 1740s. A popular gathering place for African-Americans, the square hosted public markets, musical events, and even the Congo Circus throughout its history. Johnson's detailed analysis of the development of the landmark places the deep-set culture of both the African-American community and the roots of New Orleans music firmly in the heart of Congo Square.

Get to know one of the most unique cities in the world!

New Orleans is unlike anywhere else on Earth—the fusion of cultures, people, and food all establish a whole greater than its constituent parts. From migration to politics to music to ethnic culture and identity, this comprehensive volume touches on all aspects of New Orleans history for the past 300 years.

With contributions from some of the leading influencers and scholars of New Orleans cultural history, including a foreword by Professor Emeritus Lawrence N. Powell, no stone is left unturned. This is the quintessential book on New Orleans for every history buff, citizen of New Orleans, or visitor wanting to know more about who we are and how we got here.

The Foreword Writer and Contributors

Foreword by Lawrence N. Powell

Professional historian Lawrence N. Powell is the executive director of the National Center for the Urban Community. With a distinguished educational career, he is professor emeritus in Tulane University’s history department. His many books, papers, and articles have earned him extensive awards and accolades from the history community.

Distinguished Contributors and Their Topics

Gold/Honors Award Winner
National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Children’s Products
The Big Read 2010
Recommended Reading List for the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools

Based on a popular song adapted by the multi-award-winning New Orleans singer-songwriter Johnette Downing, Today Is Monday in Louisiana rhythmically takes readers through a culinary calendar, describing a Louisiana meal a day. Now adapted to board book format for tiny hands, each page presents collaged images of yummy foods. On Monday there are red beans to eat and on Tuesday, po’ boys. On Wednesday gumbo is served, and on it goes, each day bringing another unique and tasty Louisiana dish to share.

“History in its most painless form . . . lightened not only by cartoons but by narrative approach.”—New York Herald Tribune

The history of New Orleans is a street-level story, with names like Iberville, Terpsichore, Gravier, Tchoupitoulas, and, of course, Bourbon, presenting the city’s past with every step. The late John Churchill Chase eloquently chronicles the origins and development of the most fascinating of American cities in this humorous masterpiece.

Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children details the interesting stories of the developers and families as well as the infamous and famous people, places, and events from which the city’s names and character are drawn. First published by now-defunct New Orleans publisher Robert L. Crager in 1949, the book remains funny and informative, generally accepted as a standard reference about the Crescent City.

Sophisticated city mouse Chicory never imagined she would venture beyond her elegant Creole home in New Orleans—until she falls asleep in a picnic basket and wakes up in the Cajun swamps! There she meets Roux, a simple country mouse, and together they experience the bucolic bayou life. Chicory persuades Roux to see what the city has to offer, and they journey to New Orleans for a taste of Creole culture. Idyllic picnics and lavish white-linen luncheons offer both delights and frights in this Southern retelling of Aesop’s classic fable. Whimsical illustrations and two original songs make this a story you won’t forget!

Todd-Michael St. Pierre is the author of several New Orleans cookbooks and children’s books. He was a judge for The Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest and is a dedicated gardener and cat lover.

Lee Brandt Randall has a degree in printmaking from Louisiana State University. She works in graphic design, film animation, and book illustration and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

A guide to the unique tastes of New Orleans' world-renowned gumbos and soups.

GOURMET MAGAZINE'S FEBRUARY 2009 COOKBOOK CLUB SELECTION

FEATURED ALTERNATE FOR THE GOOD COOK BOOK CLUB.

Award-winning culinary enthusiast Kit Wohl continues her celebration of New Orleans style and taste with dozens of signature gumbo and soup recipes. From Arnaud's Oysters Stewed in Cream to Chef John Folse's Smoked Wood Duck and Andouille Gumbo, Wohl collects the secrets from the Crescent City's most famous restaurants and chefs, including Leah Chase, John Besh, and Kevin Vizard. From fish to fowl and broths to bisques, each recipe is accompanied by a New Orleans anecdote, a touch of history, and gorgeous photography.

These stories reflect the Creole way of life during the transitory post-Civil War period.

This compendium of crawfish information offers biological facts and scores of home-style recipes. The Louisiana seafood industry--past and present--is discussed and a fascinating essay about a day in the life of a crawfisher is included. Jerald Horst has worked in the seafood industry and he and his wife have collected and tested crawfish recipes for decades. From the birth of the crawfish industry in the 1800s to present-day obstacles to commercial fishing, this encyclopedic cookbook provides an abundance of history as well as recipes, health information, and Louisiana culture. Highlights include the mudbug's popularity explosion in the 1950s, an illustrated guide to peeling the crustacean, and "Four Star" recipes for Crawfish Omelets and Delta Crispy Crawcakes.

When a hungry raccoon gets trapped in a spiderweb, Clovis urges his friends to abandon their fear of Raoul and help him out of a sticky situation.

Un après-midi agréable sur le bayou louisianais est interrompu quand Caroline Coccinelle arrive tout d’un coup en volant, effrayée d’un ver qui est gros et vilain. Clovis Ecrevisse donne du confort à Caroline en lui expliquant que cette créature effrayante n’est que Tonise Too-loo-loo, son compère du bayou. Pendant que Clovis calme Caroline et dit à Tonise qu’il doit se comporter mieux, un orage commence à faire nuageux l’horizon. Pauline Papillon, Lizette Lézard, René Rainette, et Théodore Tortue ont peur. Tandis que Clovis rappelle pour ses amis que le soleil n’est jamais loin, les nuages sombres s’évanouissent, et le soleil réapparaît comme si magiquement.

Les créatures du bayou sont en train de voleter ou de dormir calmement dans le soleil aéré de l’après-midi quand Soulie Sauterelle voit, en haut du vieux chêne, un gros animal fourreux qui a des gros yeux. Clovis reconnaît cet animal, Charles Chaoui, le raton laveur, mais ses amis ont peur toujours de l’apparence et de la taille de Charles. Comme toujours dans la série de Clovis, un drame réaliste se déroule, quand les dangers habituels menacent les créatures du bayou. Clovis doit aider ses amis à travailler ensemble pour conquérir leurs peurs de Charles et pour découvrir que même quelqu’un qui a la taille d’un chaoui a besoin d’aide de temps en temps.

Mary Alice Fontenot, native et résidente de la Louisiane, est mieux connue comme le auteur pour enfants sur la culture cadienne. Il y a plus de trente ans qu’elle a créée Clovis Ecrevisse et ses amis, les créatures célèbres des terres mouillées. Ancienne enseignante de maternelle, elle fait des discours aux festivals et aux classes d’enfants, où elle décrit la vie unique des bayous et des terres mouillées de la Louisiane. Sa dévotion aux enfants et son art lui a gagné le Acadiana Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award de 1998.

Better than a bucket list—a guide to growing your faith!

The demands of modern society often create distance between Catholics and their cultural heritage. Earl J. Higgins, a New Orleans native and lifelong Catholic, offers ways to embrace Catholic influences in everyday life. Suggestions range from such simple activities as putting a “Keep Christ in Christmas” bumper sticker on your car to more devout practices, including lighting an Advent wreath or making the Sign of the Cross in times of trial and joy. In addition, Higgins provides historical backgrounds on Catholic holidays such as Mardi Gras. Feeling like you’re drifting from your faith? From the St. Joseph’s Day Altars to Midnight Mass, let these 100 tips reconnect you!

Many never seem to have the time to make good-quality meals for their families. A slow cooker is a great solution. In this convenient cookbook, favorite New Orleans recipes have been adapted for cooking in this popular appliance.

Natives of Louisiana never miss a chance to cheer for their beloved Louisiana State University Tigers. Learn of the wins that struck fear into Tiger rivals and the losses that made LSU fans across the state cry. Photographs capturing iconic scenes and details exploring the fans, the players, and the stadium grace the pages of this compendium. Relive the amazing plays and game-winning touchdowns that made the Tigers a favorite team of the entire nation, and discover why Tiger Stadium is ranked among the loudest and most intriguing venues in the world.

Uncover tales of the strange and supernatural in Central Louisiana.

New Orleans doesn’t hold a monopoly on Louisiana’s haunted lore. Souls who brave the shadows along the bayous and byways of Central Louisiana will encounter a haunted heritage centuries in the making. From the legends swirling about Alexandria’s historic Hotel Bentley and the Old Pineville City Hall to an exploration of an abandoned speakeasy in downtown Alexandria, explore the spirted legacy of the Crossroads of Louisiana. 

From 'Haute Creole' entrées to hearty red beans and rice, Roy F. Guste's recipes make Creole cooking elegant and effortless. Within these 100 recipes lies the key to the true flavor of Louisiana's Creole food: simplicity of process and fresh ingredients.

Introducing the best of Louisiana cookery from restaurateur and French-trained chef Roy F. Guste, Jr. In The 100 Greatest New Orleans Creole Recipes, Guste presents a selection of choice recipes ranging from “Haute Creole” entrées like daube glacée to hearty red beans and rice. For generations, these dishes have graced the tables of famous dining establishments and family kitchen tables alike, proving that they have universal appeal and popularity.

Chef Guste has simplified the steps of some his grander recipes, testing each one using only four saucepans, a skillet, and the bare minimum of utensils. The key to producing authentic Creole food, as he emphasizes, is the simplicity of the process and the freshness of ingredients. Follow these recipes and you can create the true flavor of Louisiana.

Accompanying these recipes are beautiful period illustrations, as well as reminiscences and anecdotes of the recipes’ origins that only a few other true Louisianians would know. With gumbos, bisques, blackened dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts, this book makes Creole dining elegant and effortless.

Cajun chef Jude Theriot has compiled what he considers the core recipes of Cajun cuisine. From boiled crawfish, crabmeat au gratin, and shrimp gumbo to chicken �touff�e, Chef Theriot has distilled the essence of Cajun cooking with his signature easy-to-follow, hearty recipes.

Now in paperback! Leah Lange Chase was raised in a small, country town across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans.

With the values instilled in her by devoted parents-hard work, faith, and family-she soon grew into a woman to be reckoned with. In her roles as chef of the most popular Creole restaurant in New Orleans, nationally respected patron of the arts, and civic leader, she has influenced the world around her in important ways. Reading her story makes one think, If she can do it, maybe I can too.

Enjoy a taste of Louisiana's freshest catches. Whether fried or baked, pan seared or grilled, fish fits any plate and is sure to please any crowd. This collection offers fish lovers an assortment of home-style recipes-which are sure to make the day's catch taste its best-with the biological facts. Also included are discussions on the Louisiana seafood industry past and present and a fascinating essay following a day in the life of a fisherman.

Down in a southern swamp, a family of crawfish face a big problem. Their three sons have grown too large and their nice, cozy den is now uncomfortably crowded. Poppa and Mama decide it's time for their sons to leave home and build their own dens. In this twist on a classic tale, Poppa warns the three little crawfish that they must be careful of the sly, ole 'coon. That raccoon has a big appetite for juicy crawfish! Charming illustrations and humorous rhymes create a delightful adventure for beginning readers in this bedtime favorite.

New Orleans’ Magazine Street has undergone remarkable changes over it’s long history. From an overlooked district of mostly unassuming residences and businesses, it has evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic and attractive business thoroughfares. Once host to neighborhood grocers, druggists, and cleaners, today Magazine has become a destination of fashion boutiques, gift shops, design studios, antique stores, and galleries. It is also one of the most important dining and drinking streets in town. Still home to little neighborhood eateries, Magazine now hosts some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. Yet even with the transformation the street has seen, the soul of Magazine retains its residential charm.

A beautiful coffee table book, The Incomparable Magazine Street traces the history and culture of the road that curves between stately St. Charles Avenue and the river. It speaks to not only how Magazine fits into the urban growth of the Crescent City, but it also highlights what it has become: an enchanting combination of both elegance and the down-to-earth.

A stroll through the book immerses visitors in history and nostalgia while introducing them to the people and places that make the six-mile-long street one of New Orleans’ greatest assets. Glowing photographs capture the small details, the varying streetscapes, and the unique people that make Magazine Street one of a kind. While areas of the city have evolved into a world of visitors, Magazine Street has developed its own character that combines the past and present to become a vibrant community destination.