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October /November 2019 Melba’s eatatmelbas.com WOMEN AT THE TOP OF THEIR Mayor Cantrell tartng out as a community organizer outstanding and famous Po-boy shop and leader in the Broadmoor which caters to our culture “like the ole Sneighborhood, I would ofen visit days”. one of the Wagner’s stores run by Melba’s has become a staple of the Scot and Jane Wolfe. What always stood community. It shows as their employees out to me was how clean, professional have found a fun and safe place to work and engaging their employees were with within their own neighborhood at living the community. We were sorry to see that wages. We are also grateful for their “A” era end when Hurricane Katrina swept on report cards program. Melba’s gives Wagner’s Meats from our landscape. FREE po’boys to kids and adults with an A However, with the rapid rise of on their report card. Melba’s Po’boys at one of ’ New Orleans has the best people and major intersectons, I’m once again proud the best food, and Melba’s is a big reason to see the development of another why! Mayor LaToya Cantrell Q & A with Mama Lois City of New Orleans What’s your favorite food at plates to the neighbors. She also delivers 9th Ward since I was 25 years old and up Melbas? The 9th Ward plates as well as some catering events. untl Katrina. Like many New Orleanians, Where did you learn to Cookie is known for her baked macaroni, I moved to Lafayete and then Houston. I cook? My Mom. Her name smothered potatoes and yakamien. tried to come back to New Orleans several was Nora but everyone How would you describe your tmes, but couldn’t fnd the right ft for called her Sis. My dad cooking? I’d say its more from my craf. The companies in Houston kept refused to eat lefovers so my Mom scratch because it’s more urban than telling me that they didn’t want to hire cooked everyday. My Dad always said… Creole or Cajun. people from New Orleans because they he wanted food that stuck to his ribs. Our What’s the deal with your 9th Ward knew we were going to leave to go back. house was known as the house where Gumbo? It’s my favorite meal. I put extra In November of 2012, Scot called me in all the kids in the neighborhood ate. As a Love into my Gumbo. I’m born and raised Houston regarding Melba’s. I ran back to litle girl, I did a lot of , especially in the 9th Ward (Law Street) and that’s become the head of cuisine for Melba’s cakes. how we do it down there. I really think it’s in a City I love and missed. Being back at My Mom taught all her girls to cook. the Love, which makes it unique. Melba’s was like going back to family. She said…if you don’t know how to cook, How long have you been with Where did you go to high school? you’re screwed! And the best way to a Melba’s and how did that come to be? I graduated from Carver High in 1979. I man’s heart is through his stomach. Scot and I have a 25-year history. I was went to Delgado for 2 years and took up What was your Mom’s best dish? the head chef with Wagner Meats in the accountng of all things. She literally cooked everyday. We never Do you have any kids? I have 5 kids went to restaurants. Her best dish was red and 17 Grandkids. All my kids are grown, beans and . She also cooked a lot of but I babysit and cook a lot for them. wild stuf…like hen’s and turtle. Where were you for Katrina? I lived What’s your fondest memory of on Forstall Street in the 9th Ward and lef your Mom? Cooking with her, making New Orleans for Lafayete 2 days before brown gravy from scratch and homemade Katrina. I have family in Lafayete. mashed potatoes. How many brothers and sisters do you have? 7 siblings. Are you the only cook in the family? “The 24 Best Restaurants No my sister, Ella Mae (aka Cookie) also in the Most Unexpected cooks. She cooks from her home and sells Places”

1525 Elysian Fields Avenue www.EatAtMelbas.com New Orleans, LA 70117 Lunch & Learn Business LOOK WHO

WALKED IN! Fare Fan

“Your company, staff and motive are awesome. I saw that the success of a business is in the people who work there. So it is very clear why Melba’s thrives. Thank you.” – David Waik

“Your company is very inspirational. I loved the atmosphere and could tell how much you all cared for one another. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.” – Abigale Pound

Wedding Day? If you get married at Melba’s – 1,000 pc. Chicken is FREE!

First comes love ... then Melba’s!

2 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com Got A on Report Card?

COME CELEBRATE! L K FREE Cake for Child FREE Po-Boy WHO ’s for Parent GOT

www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 3 No matter where you look at Melba’s, you’ll see the Art & Artists work of our beloved artists. And as you can see, new artists begin their careers at Melba’s every day.

4 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com Melba’s Breakfast Menu Midnight - 11:00 a.m.

PLATES SANDWICHES

Egg Option: Scrambled Eggs; ($1) Over Add On ($1): American Cheese, Cheddar Esy Eggs, Over Hard Eggs, Over Medium Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Extra Bacon, Extra Eggs, Sunny Side Up Eggs. Choose your Ham, Extra Patty, Extra Hot Sau- Grits: White Grits, Corn Grits. Choose sage a : Bacon, Ham, Sausage Patties, Smoked Sausage, Turkey; ($1) Hot Sau- Hot Sausage & Egg sage; ($3.99) Sub. Pork Chop. Choose a Hot Sausage & Egg Po-Boy, Po-Girl or Biscuit Bread: Toast; ($1) Sub Biscuit. 10’’ Hot Sausage & Egg Po-Boy $9.99 6’’ Hot Sausage & Egg Po-Girl $6.99 Lil’ Man Breakfast Customize $2.99 Hot Sausage & Egg Biscuit $2.99 1 Egg, 1 Meat, Grits & Buttermilk Drop. Add Bacon & Egg On ($1): Cheese Add on ($1) Bacon, Ham, Bacon & Egg Po-Boy, Po-Girl or Biscuit Ham & Egg Sausage Patty, Hot Sausage, Onions, Bell 10’’ Bacon & Egg Po-Boy $9.99 Ham & Egg Po-Boy, Po-Girl or Biscuit Peppers 6’’ Bacon & Egg Po-Girl $6.99 10’’ Ham & Egg Po-Boy $9.99 Big Man Breakfast $4.99 Bacon & Egg Biscuit $2.99 6’’ Ham & Egg Po-Girl $6.99 Ham & Egg Biscuit $2.99 2 Eggs, 2 Meat and Buttermilk Drop. Add Sausage Patty & Egg On ($1): Cheese Add On ($1) Bacon, Ham, Smoked Sausage & Egg Po-Boy, Po-Girl Turkey & Egg Sausage Patty, Hot Sausage, Onions, Bell or Biscuit Turkey & Egg Po-Boy, Po-Girl or Biscuit Peppers 10’’ Sausage Patty & Egg Po-Boy $9.99 10’’ Turkey & Egg Po-Boy $9.99 & Grits $9.49 6’’ Sausage Patty & Egg Po-Girl $6.99 6’’ Turkey & Egg Po-Girl $6.99 Grits with grilled or fried Shrimp, served with Sausage Patty on Toast $2.99 Turkey & Egg Biscuit $2.99 Buttermilk Drop. Add On ($1): American Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Swiss Cheese Build Ya’ Omelet $6.99 1 meat, 1 veggie and 1 cheese and But- SIDES termilk Drop. Choose One Veggie: Onions, Bell P0...... eppers. Choose One Cheese: Side Grits Side Buttermilk Drop $1 American Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Swiss Choice of Corn or White Grits One homemade Buttermilk Drop Cheese. Add On ($1): Bacon, Ham, Sausage Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Patty, Hot Sausage, Onions, Bell Peppers Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Side Pancakes $1 One Pancake w/Butter 9th Ward Hungry Man $6.99 Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 2 meats, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, grits and Butter- + Add American Cheese $1 Side Toast $1 mik Drop. Add On ($1): Cheese. Add On ($1) + Add Cheddar Cheese $1 Two pieces of toast + Add Swiss Cheese $1 Bacon, Ham, Sausage Patty, Hot Sausage, Side Meat Customize Onions, Bell Peppers. Egg Option: Scrambled Side Eggs $1 Choice of meat: ($1) Side Bacon, Side Sau- Eggs; ($1) Over Easy Eggs, Over Medium One egg cooked the way you like it. Egg sage Patties, Side Smoked Sausage, Side Eggs, Over Hard Eggs, Sunny Side Up Eggs Option: Scrambled Eggs; ($1) Over Easy Turkey, Side Ham, ($1.50) Side Hot Sausage; Eggs, Over Medium Eggs, Over Hard Eggs, ($4.99) Side Pork Chop Sunny Side Up Legs. Add On ($1): Add American Cheese, Add Cheddar Cheese, Add Swiss Cheese

Pricing and Availability Subject to Change

www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 5 Melba’s Catering Menu

CATERING DESSERTS Bread Pudding $25 Feeds 8 people Homemade Buttermilk Drops $25 60 count party pack of our famous Buttermilk Drops made fresh daily. Great for any event.

CATERING BY THE GALLON Comes with a Quart of Rice for Gumbo and Red Beans 9th Ward Gumbo Gallon $25 Catering Feeds 8 people (Rice comes in separate Quart container for Gumbo) from Melba’s Red Bean & Rice Gallon $25 makes every day Feeds 8 people (Rice comes in separate feel like a holiday! Quart container for Red Beans) Corn Grits Gallon $25 Feeds 8 people

CATERING TRAY Baked Macaroni $25 Feeds 8 people $25 Feeds 8 people Caesar Salad $25 Feeds 10 people Bell Pepper $25 9 count Bell Pepper Tray Baked Chicken $25 8 count Half chickens (Equals 4 whole chickens) Smothered Cabbage $25 Feeds 8 catering tray

CATERING SANDWICHES Meat Type: Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Veggie 25 Mini Po-boys $25

4 hours advanced notice needed to order sandwiches Pricing and Availability Subject to Change

6 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com Daiquiri’s

Gallon Daiquiri $25 1/2 Gallon Daiquiri $14 44 oz. Daiquiri $9 32 oz. Daiquiri $8 20 oz. Daiquiri $6 12 oz. Daiquiri $5 Daiquiri‘s must be purchased in person at Melba’s Pricing and Availability Subject to Change

Melba’s Souvenirs

Melba’s Cup $10 Melba’s Cap $10 Melba’s Bandanna $10 Melba’s Drink Coasters $10 6 pack of coasters Melba’s Visor $10 Melba’s T-Shirt $20 FREE Po-Boy with T-Shirt Melba’s Apron $20 Purchase Melba’s StoryCookBook $25 Pricing and Availability Subject to Change

www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 7 OPEN (504) 267-7765 Melba’s Main Menu 24 HOURS 1525 Elysian Fields Avenue New Orleans LA 70117 HOME COOKED PO-BOYS FROM AMERICA’S BUSIEST PO-BOY SHOP! “PLATE” DINNERS” Toppings: Mayonnaise, Hot Sauce, Ketchup, Roast Beef Po-Boy Sides: Corn Grits, Cabbage, Mustard, Butter, Roast Beef Gravy; ($1) Homemade Roast, shredded and marinated Green Beans, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Fully Dressed $1 extra for Cheese; American in our rich brown gravy Baked Macaroni, Red Beans Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Cheddar Cheese 6’’ Roast Beef Po-Girl $6.89 1/2 Shrimp N’ Catfsh Platter ($.33) Lettuce, Pickles, ; 10’’ Roast Beef Po-Boy $9.89 ($0.50) Grilled Onions Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one Roast Beef On Bun $6.89 additional side item. Shrimp Po-Boy (25 Jumbo Shrimp) Ham Po-Boy Fried or Grilled $13.89 Fried or Grilled Deli sliced 1/2 lb. fresh Honey Ham Shrimp Platter (25 Jumbo Shrimp) 6’’ Shrimp Po-Girl $8.89 6’’ Ham Po-Girl $6.89 10’’ Shrimp Po-Boy $12.89 Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one 10’’ Ham Po-Boy $9.89 Shrimp On Bun $8.89 additional side item. Ham On Bun $6.89 Fried or Grilled $13.89 Hamburger Po-Boy Turkey Po-Boy Bell Pepper Plate $9.89 1/2 lb. Ground Chuck Patties Deli fresh sliced Turkey Breast 6’’ Hamburger Po-Girl $6.89 (2 Large homemade peppers) 6’’ Turkey Po-Girl $6.89 10’’ Hamburger Po-Boy $9.89 Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one 10’’ Turkey Po-Boy $9.89 Hamburger On Bun $6.89 additional side item. Turkey On Bun $6.89 Slow Cooked BBQ Rib Plate $9.89 Chicken Tender Po-Boy Hot Sausage & Hamburger Po-Boy Choose: Fried or Grilled Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one Pattons Hot Sausage and Ground Chuck 6’’ Chicken Tender Po-Girl $6.89 additional side item. Patty - 1/2 lb. total 10’’ Chicken Tender Po-Boy $9.89 6’’ Hot Sausage & Hamburger Po-Girl $6.89 Plate $9.89 Chicken Tender On Bun $6.89 10’’ Hot Sausage & Hamburger Po-Boy $9.89 Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one Hot Sausage Po-Boy additional side item. Also comes with 3 wings Catfsh Po-Boy New Orleans Pattons Hot Sausage 1/2 lb. patties or Hot Sausage. Choose: Fried or Grilled 6’’ Hot Sausage Po-Girl $6.89 6’’ Catfsh Po-Girl $8.89 Baked Chicken Plate $9.89 10’’ Hot Sausage Po-Boy $9.89 10’’ Catfsh Po-Boy $12.89 (1/2 chicken) Healthy! Hot Sausage On Bun $6.89 Catfsh On Bun $8.89 Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one Veggie Po-Boy additional side item. Philly Voo-Doo Po-Boy Lettuce - Tomatoes - Pickles Homemade Roast, shredded along with grilled Roast Beef w/Rice & Gravy Plate $9.89 6’’ Veggie Po-Girl $6.89 onions and bell peppers 10’’ Veggie Po-Boy $9.89 Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one 6’’ Philly Voo-Doo Po-Girl $6.89 Veggie On Bun $6.89 additional side item. 10’’ Philly Voo-Doo Po-Boy $10.89 Grilled Pork Chop Plate $9.89 FAMILY Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one 4 Hot Sausage Po-Boys $25 additional side item. SPECIAL: Catfsh Platter Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one CHICKEN WINGS or CHICKEN TENDERS additional side item. Fried or Grilled $13.89 Chicken or Tenders Platter Bulk Chicken Wings or Served with Buttermilk Drop, choice of one Chicken Tenders Bourbon Teriyaki Chicken Plate $9.89 additional side item. Sides: Cabbage, Corn Fried or Grilled. Sauce: Ketchup; (+$0.50) Served with Buttermilk drop and choice of one Grits, Green Beans, Gumbo, Jambalaya, BBQ Sauce, Ranch, Honey Mustard additional side item. Baked Macaroni, Red Beans 25 Pc $17.99 3 Pc $5.99 Shrimp N’ Grits $9.89 50 Pc $29.99 5 Pc $8.99 15 Large Fried or Grilled Shrimp. Also served 100 Pc $59.99 8 Pc $10.99 with Famous Buttermilk Drop. 250 Pc $150.99 10 Pc $12.99 500 Pc $299.99 14 Pc $15.99 1000 Pc $489.99

8 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com SIDES DESSERTS

Small 12 oz., Medium (Pint) or Large (Quart) Bread Pudding $2.99 Corn Grits Bourbon Teriyaki Chicken Creamy yellow corn grits with whole kernel Melba’s own Version of Asia Buttermilk Drops corn and LOVE. Sm. 12 oz. $4.99 Made daily fresh homemade - Buttermilk Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Med. 16 oz. $6.99 Drops. Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Lg. 32 oz. $9.99 1/2 DOZEN Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 $1 ON WEDNESDAY Stuffed Bell pepper 1/2 Dozen - 6 ct $2.99 Red Beans & Rice Best seller - Homemade New Orleans Dozen - 12 ct $5 Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Peppers $5.99 5 Dozen - 60 ct $25 Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Grilled Pork Chop $4.99 10 Dozen - 120 ct $50 Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 Jambalaya 1/2 Baked Chicken Ask about our Fundraising Program Very healthy $6.99 Melba’s founders Mothers (Diana) homemade for your school or organization! recipe. Side Ribs Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Slow cooked fall-off-the bone recipe $5.99 Med. 16 oz. $5.99 SALADS Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 White Rice Sm. 12 oz. $0.99 Salad Dressings ($0.50): Caesar, Honey Green Beans Med. 16 oz. $2.99 Mustard, Italian, Ranch Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Lg. 32 oz. $3.99 Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 Garden Salad $9.99 PLATTERS + Add Shrimp Grilled or Fried $6 Cabbage + Add Chicken Grilled or Fried $4 Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Sides: Corn Grits, Cabbage, $12.99 Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Green Beans, Gumbo, Jambalaya, 9th Ward Gumbo & Salad Combo Salad Type: Garden Salad, Caesar Salad or Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 Baked Macaroni, Red Beans Club Salad 9th Ward Gumbo 1/2 Shrimp N’ Catfsh Platter + Add Shrimp Grilled or Fried $6 Award winning and State of Served with Buttermilk Drop and choice of + Add Chicken Grilled or Fried $4 trademarked Gumbo (tm) one additional side item Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Fried or Grilled $13.89 Caesar Salad $9.99 + Add Shrimp Grilled or Fried $6 Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Catfsh Platter Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 + Add Chicken Grilled or Fried $4 Served with Buttermilk Drop and choice of Baked Macaroni one additional side item Mama Lois 9th Ward homemade recipe Fried or Grilled $13.89 DRINKS Sm. 12 oz. $3.99 Shrimp Platter (25 Jumbo Shrimp) Med. 16 oz. $5.99 Served with Buttermilk Drop and choice of Soft Drinks - Water - Juice Lg. 32 oz. $7.99 one additional side item Fountain or bottle $2.49 Fried or Grilled $13.89 Coffee $0.99

EVERY TIME THE SAINTS SCORE FREE WINGS

* WITH ANY PURCHASE DAY AFTER THE GAME OPEN 24 HOURS Pray for Drew www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 9 Literacy Launch Program

WE’RE EXCITED! Melba’s Literacy Partners

Literacy Alliance of Greater New Orleans

Melba’s EARLY LITERACY STORYTIME

Every 2nd Saturday of the month

3:00 - 5:00 PM October 12 November 9 December 14 READ AT MELBA’S

Melba’s / Wash World has partnered with Coin Laundry Association (CLA) and LaundryCares Foundation to engage families to support children’s early brain and language development. The initiative, called “Wash Time is Talk Time” includes early literacy story time, the distribution of early literacy-themed coloring pages for children, and tip sheets for parents.

10 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com Eat and Read at Melba’s Purchase Po-Boy, LOOK WHO’S SIGNING BOOKS AT MELBA’S ... get a Book 400 LUCKY CUSTOMERS RECEIVE AUTOGRAPHED COPY! FREE!

Author Jesmyn Ward VISITING Louisiana Poet Laureate Mr. John Warner Smith America’s Storyteller Visits Melba’s Author/Artist Janet McKenzie COLSON WHITEHEAD SOON! Neighborhood Story Project Author Zachary Lazar

Thank you Jonathan, Colson, Sarah and Kim for your time! www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 11 When you support Melba’s, we support you. Get your business card into our business and our magazine for only $100/month. To advertse with us, please contact Scot Wolfe at [email protected] Community Development Mortgage Loans with up to 100% financing & no PMI. Call Prax Melancon: 504.609.2116

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Donna M. Dugue’ Sr. Insurance Broker 2013 S. Claiborne Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125 Cell 504-330-3747 (504) 524-8178 Fax 504-324-0763 [email protected] @favor_street_wear

Melba’s Minute is published monthly in New Orleans by Melba’s, 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117, (504) 267-7765, EatAtMelbas.com, facebook.com/EatAtMelbas, twiter.com/EatAtMelbas, Copyright © 2019, Melba’s and Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Scot Wolfe, Sr., [email protected].

12 u OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 www.EatAtMelbas.com Parker Dental Center (504) 949-4547

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PLANNING a WEDDING, TOUR, BIRTHDAY PARTY or CORPORATE EVENT? Rent our trolleY for your next event!

Includes lunch/dinner at America’s busiest po-boy shop!

$250 per hour (4-hour minimum)

(504) 267-7765 1525 Elysian Fields Avenue MELBA’S TROLLEY New Orleans LA 70117

www.EatAtMelbas.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019 u 15 HURRY Limited to 50 Join Lucky People! Melba’s SPECIAL CLUB

$4 MONTHLY OR $40 PER YEAR WILL GET YOU ... Premium newsleters with recipes, exclusive coupons, half-of discounts on Melba’s apparel, dinnerware and very special member card. Text (504) 343-8951 for sign-up Monthly Gift: information or ask manager for FREE Melba’s t-shirt (value $20) details. FREE Melba’s apron (value $10) FREE Melba’s hat or visor (value $10) FREE Melba’s bandana (value $10) FREE Melba’s cofee cup (value $10) FREE Melba’s Gumbo bowl (value $10) FREE Melba’s StoryCookBook FREE Po-boy on your birthday (value $15) FREE Drink with each visit! FREE Daiquiri when the Saints WIN! (priceless) FREE 60 Butermilk Drops (value $25) FREE Cooking lesson with Lois (priceless)

1525 Elysian Fields Avenue New Orleans LA 70117 (504) 267-7765 www.EatAtMelbas.com