In this episode, presented by New Orleans & Company, ELLE Gourmet Editor-at-Large Catherine Lefebvre sits down with Chef Serigne Mbaye and Dr. Afua Effie Richardson of Dakar NOLA, ranked No. 4 on the 2026 North America's 50 Best Restaurants list and named Best Restaurant in the American South. Chef Mbaye reflects on the rise of West African cuisine in New Orleans, the deep connections between Senegalese and Southern foodways, and how Dakar NOLA is helping redefine the city's culinary identity.

The episode also explores two of New Orleans' most iconic dishes, each revealing a different chapter in the city's rich culinary history. At Brennan's, the legendary Bananas Foster – created in the 1950s and still flambéed tableside today – captures the theatrical spirit of New Orleans dining. The muffuletta, meanwhile, traces its roots to Sicilian immigrants and Central Grocery, where the olive salad-filled sandwich became an enduring symbol of the city's Italian-American heritage. At Cochon Butcher, chefs discuss how the beloved classic continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots.

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Where to Eat in New Orleans: Our guide to the city's essential restaurants, bars and food experiences.

North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026: See which restaurants made this year's list and why they matter.

Discover more recipes, restaurant guides and culinary travel stories at ELLEGourmet.ca.

Subscribe to The Good Life newsletter and ELLE Gourmet magazine, and follow @ellegourmetca on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more recipes, restaurant discoveries and culinary inspiration.

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In this episode, presented by Tourisme Montréal, ELLE Gourmet Editor-at-Large Catherine Lefebvre sits down with Chef Juan Lopez-Luna, co-owner of Alma, recently named Best Mexican Restaurant Outside Mexico by Culinaria Mexicana. Lopez-Luna reflects on his journey from Mexico to Montreal, the rediscovery of his culinary identity and how returning to his roots transformed Alma into one of North America's most celebrated Mexican restaurants.

The episode also explores Montreal's dynamic dining scene through two additional conversations. Veteran food writer Lesley Chesterman reflects on the city's evolving culinary identity and her cookbook, A Montreal Cook: Recipes and Reflections from My Kitchen. Then, Kate Boushel – mixologist and co-owner of the Barroco Group, including Atwater Cocktail Club, Milky Way and Foiegwa—shares her recipe for the perfect paloma while discussing why the tequila-based cocktail has become a modern classic.

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• Meet Chef Juan Lopez-Luna: Read our feature on the chef behind Alma and the restaurant redefining modern Mexican cuisine in Montreal.
• The Best Restaurants in Montreal: Discover where to eat now, from neighbourhood favourites to destination dining.

Discover more recipes, restaurant guides and culinary travel stories at ELLEGourmet.ca.

Subscribe to The Good Life newsletter and ELLE Gourmet magazine, and follow @ellegourmetca on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more recipes, restaurant discoveries and culinary inspiration.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.