Coffee, Carnival, and Questions with Shelby Westfeldt - Episode #103

Coffee, Carnival, and Questions about New Orleans

Today’s episode is a Q&A show with a bit of a twist.

I am joined by Shelby Westfeldt. Shelby’s family has been in the coffee trading business since 1851. They also have a long family history when it comes to Carnival and the Rex Organization.

Join Shelby and I as we discuss the family business and her experience as the Queen of Carnival in 2003. We then shift gears and answer listener questions about everything from coffee to the cleanest bathrooms on Bourbon Street.

All this and more in today’s episode!

Time Stamps

2:51 Intro to Shelby Westfeldt
10:45 Coffee trading and the Port of New Orleans
17:15 Queen of Carnival 2003
29:10 How did chicory get introduced into New Orleans coffee?
31:10 Can you describe the preparation and planning to be the Queen of Carnival? Are there traditional elements that must go into the queen’s gown? Do you get to keep the crown?
35:30 What’s the difference between regular roast and French roast?
36:35 What is your perfect New Orleans day?
37:45 What are your thoughts on the proliferation of (small) coffee roasters in New Orleans?
41:40 What are some of your favorite casual places to eat in New Orleans?
43:10 Is it acceptable to go to Brennan’s and just order dessert?
45:00 What are your favorite quirks about New Orleans?
51:10 Where are the cleanest women’s bathrooms on Bourbon Street?
53:05 Do you have any good celebrity encounter stories?
57:20 Any advice for a newbie at Mardi Gras?

Previous episodes mentioned

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Shout Outs

A partial list of places mentioned in today’s episode.

Commerce Restaurant
Bon Temps
Where Y’Art
Antoine’s
Adlers
Frankie and Jonnie’s
Joey K’s
Cafe Reconcile
Langenstein’s
Pat O’Brien’s
Antoine’s Hermes Bar
Arnaud’s

Thank You

A big thank you to Shelby for being on the show and rolling with a bunch of questions about New Orleans!

Thanks to Kevin Pedeaux and Coast Roast Coffee (@coastroastcoffee) for allowing us to record at their new location on Magazine Street.

A special thanks to my friend Joe Sweeney. Joe first suggested Shelby as a guest and made the introduction.

Thanks also to Joel Sharpton from Pro Podcasting Services for being the intro voice of the podcast!

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