Creole Italian, Sicilians in New Orleans - Episode #112

Creole Italian book cover by Justin Nystrom

About This Episode

Today’s episode is about Sicilian Italians and their contributions to food culture in New Orleans. I’m joined by author and professor Justin Nystrom who wrote a book called Creole Italian; Sicilian Immigrants and the Shaping of New Orleans Food Culture.

Nystrom’s book was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2019 and helps shine a light on New Orleans food history through the lens of Sicilians. We cover the earliest imports of Sicilian lemons to New Orleans, discuss the French Quarter of the mid 1800s forward, and more. You’re sure to see New Orleans food in a different light after this one.

Exterior of Solari's at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Present day location of Mr. B's Bistro. Image courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection — Exterior of Solari’s at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Image courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection

Exterior of Solari's at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Image courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection — Exterior of Solari’s at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Image courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection

Resources

Purchase Justin Nystrom’s book, Creole Italian; Sicilian Immigrants and the Shaping of New Orleans Food Culture.

New Orleans bookstores:

Octavia Books Garden District Bookshop Blue Cypress Books

Visit or learn more about the American Italian Cultural Center.

Beyond Bourbon Street Preferred Partners

NOLA T-Shirt of the Month Club– use code BEYOND25 and save 25% off your purchase.

Coast Roast Coffee – use code BEYOND to save 15%.

NOLA Boards – use code FREESHIPBBS to get free shipping.

Two Chicks Walking Tours – purchase a gift card using code BEYOND and save 15%.

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you do enjoy listening, please share Beyond Bourbon Street with someone who shares our love of New Orleans.

Support Us on Patreon

Would you like to help us continue to create the content you love? If so, join the Super Krewe by becoming a financial supporter.

Your monthly support will help us grow, and will provide you with exclusive content, access, and more. If you would like to join the Super Krewe, check out our Patreon page at patreon.com/beyondbourbonst.

Join the Facebook Krewe

If you want to submit questions for future episodes or get advice from others, join our free Facebook group http://beyondbourbonst.com/facebook.

Thank You

Thank you to Justin Nystrom for joining me on the podcast and teaching me about my own ancestors.

Thanks to Joel Sharpton from Pro Podcasting Services for being the intro voice of the podcast. Thanks also to Scott McCrossen for the artwork, logo, and branding that makes Beyond Bourbon Street stand out.