About this episode
The episode is a tribute to Alfred Singleton, highlighting his contributions to the culinary scene in New Orleans and featuring an extended interview with him.
On March 27th, New Orleans lost a beloved member of our culinary community. Alfred Singleton, executive chef and co-owner of the landmark French-Creole restaurant Café Sbisa, passed away at the age of 46. Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward, Alfred was a true local success story. Having a passion for food, but receiving no formal training, Alfred got his education in commercial kitchens while rising quickly through the ranks of his native city's culinary scene. At the age of 36, he joined forces with Craig Napoli to become executive chef and co-owner of Café Sbisa – the same place where he had worked as a prep cook 20 years earlier. Established in 1899, Café Sbisa is the third oldest fine-dining establishment in the French Quarter – one that was in a perpetual state of limbo after Hurricane Katrina. Alfred successfully returned it to its former glory, and for the next ten years, fostered a warm atmosphere there, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and was well fed. Alfred also understood that Café Sbisa was a rare gem in his hometown: one of the few fine-dining restaurants led by a Black chef. Taking this distinction as a mandate to lead, Alfred actively embraced his role as a mentor…
People in this episode
Host: Poppy Tooker
Topics covered
- culinary community
- chef legacy
- fine dining
- mentorship
- New Orleans cuisine
Keywords
- Alfred Singleton
- Café Sbisa
- New Orleans
- culinary mentorship
- fine dining
- Hurricane Katrina
- chef interview
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Café Sbisa
Books & works: Louisiana Eats
Places: New Orleans, Lower 9th Ward
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