Flavor Down South Rudy ”DaFoodie” Rayfield Jr

On this episode of Flavor Down South, I sat with my buddy Mark Bologna, Host and creator of Beyond Bourbon St Podcast.  Mark and I met some years back through a Harrah's Casino collaboration in New Orleans and stayed connected ever since.  It is my second time as a guest on his show as we discuss the "WHY" behind Flavor Down South. 
Flavor Down South is a production and media company founded in New Orleans, LA, dedicated to showcasing the best of Down South's food, culture, and lifestyle. The mission is to "Champion the People in the Hospitality Industry" to create engaging and informative content that celebrates the unique spirit of the Southern United States.
Our main goal is to grow and change the face of food media and any news and stories that impact hospitality, especially Black underdog stories.  While Mass media has evolved, Blacks are still experiencing systematic oppression from gatekeepers that often limit Black voices, stories, and experiences. 
Positive change like this will create a platform where all black storytellers can celebrate and share stories about the strengths and talents that power Down South communities while exploring fascinating untold stories, history, and traditions.
Listen in as I get candid about why the work of Flavor Down South is critical to the Hospitality Industry and its sub-sectors. 
 
If you are considering visiting New Orleans soon, listen to Marks Podcast for helpful tips and amazing tour suggestions. 
Beyond Bourbon Street, an Insider's Guide to New Orleans
 

The story is that filmmaker Edward Buckles, Jr. was 13 years old when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Katrina Babies documentary is approaching a year since its release and has taken the world by storm. I had a chance to sit down and catch up with "Buck". A nickname he's had since he was a kid. 
We chopped it up about everything from growing up on the East and Westbank of New Orleans, LA, and the overwhelming support, love, and awards he has earned this past year. We also talked and got his POV on the Hollywood Strike and how it's impacting his projects, his peers' lives, and the overall industry moving forward. 
We closed the show with Buck sharing his love and passion for cooking and how his family inspired him to learn. Buck now dazzles his audience through his Instagram stories, with homemade sauces to his preference for Fresh Protein and Whole Grilled Fish. Join us for and "Gravy and Rice conversation with filmmaker and New Orleanian Edward "Buck" Buckles Jr. 

Hospitality industry news usually focuses on prominent hoteliers and powerful restaurant families. However, the hospitality industry has many sectors. A service that's often forgotten about is transportation. Well, until now. 
Meet Ashley (CEO) and Nelson Burton, the company President.  This New Orleans breed sister and brother power couple are game changers in the black car and chauffeur services in several cities. 
Ashley Burton explained that it was after a significant life event that an inferno began that sparked the idea. She recruited her brother Nelson Jr. and of course, their Dad Nelson Sr. was there to see them off to a good start. 
Listen to these Savvy Business owners, and learn more about their company, journey, and how they hold each other accountable while managing operations in several cities.  
 
Burton Family - "Heavy on the Hospitality"
 
 

Mosca's restaurant is a family-style rustic Italian restaurant established in 1946 in Westwego, Louisiana. Located on the Westbank of New Orleans in Westwego, Louisiana, the James Beard award winner is known for their warmth, cozy environment, and family-style meals meant for sharing.
Westwego began as the fishing village of “Salaville” along the canal, which connected the Westbank of the Mississippi to Bayou Segnette and the Gulf of Mexico. Many new settlers arrived in 1893 after a hurricane destroyed their fishing community at Cheniere Caminada near Grand Isle. Westwego was incorporated as a city in 1951 as its population continued to grow and grow.
Lisa reflects on growing up in Westwego, Louisiana, and playing around the family restaurant as a kid. She shared stories of her Dad, his sayings, and the advice he passed down that helps her make sound decisions today. 
The restaurant has been around for 77 years, and family has always been the secret recipe. 
While the menu and days of operation may have gotten shorter, you can still find family favorites with recipes dating back to the beginning. Lisa explains their non-traditional Italian offerings. So, if you prefer classics like Chicken Parm, think again. You will find classics like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken a la Grande, and everyones favorite, the Oyster Mosca. (fresh local oysters with Mosca special seasoning, topped with bread crumb and baked).  
Today, Lisa and her mother, co-owner Mary-Jo Mosco operate their family-owned restaurant at its original location. The address is 4137 US-90 West in Westwego, Louisiana. 
Listen as Lisa Mosca gets candid on The Business of Family & Finding her Way as a Female Restaurateur. 
 

 
 

In episode #6, we uncover a local hidden gem. So who would be better than a successful business owner, nightlife veteran, and culture bearer Nathaniel Wilcox? 
As his family, friends, colleagues, and customers call him, Nat owns and operates CIAO Tapas Bar & Lounge, formally Bar Culture, with his cousin Nick Reed, Culture Park, and soon Same Ole Silky's. 
We hung out with Nat as he and his staff celebrated "Culture Park 5th Anniversary". Culture Park, an abandoned service station, has been re-visioned into a neighborhood gem and premiere Outdoor Venue. Located 15mins from downtown New Orleans, it serves many event purposes. 
Are you a fan of outdoor venues? Visiting Culture Park is a must-do for anyone visiting New Orleans. Nat and his team are committed to a safe and responsible experience. Whether you are looking for food trucks, drink specials, hip hop, afro beats, or just a laid-back good ole time, they've got you covered.
Listen in and check us out on YouTube as this Savvy Business owner talks about preserving and protecting local bars and increased Black ownership.  
 
Follow @ciaonola and @cultureparknola on Instagram 
CIAO Tapas Bar & Lounge: 4033 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA
Culture Park: 3000 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA
 
 

Welcome to Flavor Down South, the podcast that explores the delicious and diverse culinary traditions of Down South.
In our 5th episode, we're diving into the mouthwatering world of  Chubbie's Fried Chicken, the beloved historic Algiers neighborhood restaurant in New Orleans, LA, the only Orleans Parish community located on the Westbank of the Mississippi River. 
Our guest today is Ursula Newell-Davis, the owner and operator of Chubbie's Fried Chicken.
Ursula shares her journey as a first-time restaurant owner and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at "Chubbies  and what has been the secret to finger-licking good fried chicken for 40 years." We'll hopefully learn about the secret spices and techniques used to achieve the perfect balance of juicy and crispy fried chicken and how Ursula has adapted her menu to cater to the evolving tastes of her customers.
So join us as we savor every bite of Chubbie's Fried Chicken as the New Owner and Social Worker talks about what inspired her to purchase the historic neighborhood restaurant and enter the restaurant business.