New Books From New Orleans: September 2026
New Books From New Orleans: September 2026
Round up by Paul Oswell
Our semi-regular round up of new books by local authors - either out now or to be published very soon! It's a food-forward list this month, with a few recipe books from local chefs, a personal food journey, the fascinating history of the city's coffee industry, late night poetry and the story of one of New Orleans' most formidable women.
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Coffee Culture New Orleans Marielle Songy We recently talked to Marielle to dive deeper into this subject, but the story of coffee in New Orleans is more interesting than you might imagine. Most folk would likely start with Seattle if asked about coffee culture in the United States, but New Orleans was there from the beginning. Early coffee shops (some of which are still open, if now more famous for their beignets), business pioneers and brewing innovators all play a part in a fascinating seam of city history. Brew a cup and settle in for a great read. READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR MARIELLE SONGY |
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The Blood of the Baroness: Micaëla de Pontalba Rory O'Neill Schmitt Historical fiction that’s very much based on real events: Micaëla Almonester de Pontalba lead a cinematically dramatic life, from being a 15-year-old bride to surviving a shocking attempted murder by her father-in-law. She ultimately becoming a visionary businesswoman, building the famous Pontalba Apartments flanking Jackson Square. “A woman grown fierce from fighting terror outside and inside the family, and the proud, tortured, exotic men who betrayed her” as the blurb has it. One of the most compelling characters of 19th century New Orleans. |
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Memories of a Good Meal Alon Shaya with June Hersh Chef Alon Shaya marks a quarter century in the city, having moved here in 2001 and very successfully making his mark. Saba remains a firm local favorite restaurant, showcasing the middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors that have become his trademark. Shaya has published cookbooks before, but this is slightly different. Yes, there are ten recipes, but they’re accompanied by moving stories of survivors and war heroes, “a culinary journey that celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit and the transformative power of a good meal”, the summary reads. From potato dumplings to cherry pie, these dishes come with context like never before. |
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Happy Hour Heart of New Orleans Todd Cirillo New Orleans’ nightlife really lends itself to being romanticized through hungover prose, and introspective barflies can draw on an ocean of heavy dive-bar pours, whiskey-doused love affairs and smoke-tinged regrets. Author and poet Todd Cirillo presents this collection that, in his own words consists of “poems and photographs that exists somewhere between first kiss and last call”. If flickering neon, late night jazz and ill-advised last cocktails are your scene, then this will be right up your alley. |
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New Orleans Food Story
Chelsea Brasted Chelsea Brasted is a southeast Louisiana native, journalist (her career began at the Times-Picayune as an arts and entertainment reporter) and writer. She has put together this very personal exploration of the local culinary landscape. Our food writer Beth d’Addono talked to Chelsea at a recent release party and she noted that, “Brasted spins her yarns with affection, telling New Orleans stories that mine restaurants, from Commander’s Palace to Stein’s Deli, bakeries like Ayu Bakehouse and Bywater Bakery and products, from Hubig’s Pies to Che Wees, using a voice that is smart and cheeky.” READ MORE IN THIS MONTH’S FOOD COLUMN, DISHING IT |
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Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions Alison Fensterstock and Michael Tisserand This is a perfect storm of talent, celebrating one of our city’s most recognizable artists. Even I as a new transplant some 15 years ago quickly noticed the work of cartoonist Bunny Matthews. His work was referenced by almost everyone, and you couldn’t miss those Leidenheimer bread trucks. Creative, observant, controversial, and deeply devoted to his city, Bunny Matthews made his mark on this city in a tangible way. Two of my favorite writers on local culture - Alison Fensterstock and Michael Tisserand - compiled this retrospective, full of art, interviews and stories. |
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Color of Flavor Frank Brigtsen Apparently, Brigtsen devotees have been begging Chef Frank to write a cookbook for decades, and he’s finally delivered the goods. You can expect Frank's personal recipes for his Creole dishes such as Filé Gumbo and Shrimp Remoulade, as well as classic Brigtsen's favorites, like Butternut Shrimp Bisque, Roast Duck, and Pecan Pie. Add some nice photography and although the marketing boast that “it'll be the first thing you throw into your trunk during an evacuation” might be slightly dramatic, Frank and his restaurant have plenty of local love, and I’m sure this will do well. |
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