We Live To Eat
Louisiana's trusted industry advisor for restaurants, Louisiana Restaurant Association, presents We Live To Eat. It's a behind-the-scenes peek at the members of the association and how the LRA helps them navigate the complicated world of restaurant ownership. Host Wendy Waren intrigues us with interesting stories and engaging conversations with special guests from Louisiana's culinary scene. Join us each month for an update & check out all our social media - Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. Follow We Live to Eat on Spotify and Amazon Music.
Episodes
17 episodes
From Tradition to Michelin: Joanne Domilise Talks Legacy, Po-Boys, and Michelin Recognition
In this episode of the We Live to Eat podcast, Joanne Domilise, owner of Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar shares her journey taking over the iconic New Orleans restaurant, preserving its traditions, and earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
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28:24
Monique Ricci on Leading Acme Oyster House Into the Future
Monique Ricci, the new CEO of Acme Oyster House, joins the We Live to Eat Podcast to share her journey from design to leadership, her family’s history with the brand, and what’s ahead for this New Orleans favorite.
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28:24
From Teen Chef to Restaurateur: Huy Pham’s Path to Yakuza House
Huy Pham, owner of Yakuza House in Metairie, joined the We Live to Eat Podcast to share his path from working in his mom’s restaurant as a teen to opening his own successful concept. He discusses overcoming challenges, following his passion, an...
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40:44
From Military Service to Fine Dining: Christian Pendleton on Leadership and Hospitality at Brennan’s
In this episode of the We Live to Eat podcast, Christian Pendleton, General Manager of Brennan’s Restaurant, shares his journey from the military to fine dining, the mentors who shaped his leadership, and the importance o...
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32:05
From Real Estate to Craft Beer: The Journey of Crying Eagle Brewing
Eric Avery, owner and founder of Crying Eagle Brewing Company in Lake Charles, stops by the We Live to Eat podcast to discuss how a bachelor party brewery tour in Houston sparked his idea to bring a similar experience to Southwest Loui...
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26:45
From LSU to the University Club: Passion and Innovation in Hospitality
Steven Hightower, Director of Food and Beverage at the University Club, joins the We Live to Eat podcast to share his journey in Louisiana’s hospitality industry. From starting in restaurants at LSU and Ruth’s Chris to leading C...
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35:10
From Bar Life to Hospitality Leader: Our Mom’s J.P. Ngo Talks Growth, Community, and Comfort Food
J.P. Ngo, co-founder of Our Mom’s Restaurant, joins the We Live to Eat Podcast to share his journey from college bars to one of Louisiana’s best ranked burger spots and how his focus on people, comfort food, and community shaped his approach to...
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34:35
Big Wins and Key Battles from the 2025 Legislative Session
In this episode of Capitol Connections, Will DuBos, Managing Director of Government & Public Affairs at the LRA, recaps the 2025 Legislative Session and its impact on Louisiana’s restaurant and hospitality industry. From passing ke...
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7:15
Special Episode 3: Authentically Louisiana with Chef John Folse
In this special episode, LRA's own Wendy Waren sits down with this year's LRA Showcase Keynote Speaker and Louisiana’s culinary ambassador to the world, Chef John Folse, as he shares personal stories from his boyhood in the German Coast swamp t...
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1:04:31
Episode 6: Red Beans, Growing Restaurants & Navigating Challenges with Greg Reggio
In this episode, Greg Reggio, co-founder of Zea Rotisserie & Bar, shares his journey from working with Warren LaRuth and Al Copeland Enterprises to launching Semolina, Mizado, and Zea. He reflects on the c...
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37:21
Episode 5: From Quarter Kid to Industry Leader
This is the official podcast of The Louisiana Restaurant Association: We Live To Eat. Host Wendy Waren is joined by Mark Latter, Owner of Latter Hospitality (Tujague's Birdy's, The Bower) to discuss his distinguished career with...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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25:18
Episode 4: Gumbo, Legacy and Community: Stella Reese on the Chase Family's Culinary Impact
This is the official podcast of The Louisiana Restaurant Association: We Live To Eat. Host Wendy Waren is joined by a member of one of New Orleans' most beloved culinary families, Stella Reese, to discuss a staple in most Louisi...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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31:00
Episode 3: A Po'Boy of Prosperity: Legacy, Community, and Flavor with Justin Kennedy
In this episode of the We Live to Eat podcast, host Wendy Waren chats with Justin Kennedy of Parkway Bakery & Tavern about its storied history and iconic po’ boys. Justin also shares the heartwarming inspiration behind Parkway’s special Tha...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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36:22
Episode 2: Seafood Standards: Navigating Louisiana's Labeling Laws
This is the official podcast of The Louisiana Restaurant Association: We Live To Eat. Host Wendy Waren is joined by the Managing Director of Government & Public Affairs of the LRA, Mr. Will DuBosIn this eisode, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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15:03
