Long before Chef Melissa Araujo opened the popular Alma Café in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood in 2020, she knew deep in her soul that she was destined to be a chef.
{photo credit: Melissa Araujo’s Facebook page}
Born in the beach town of La Ceiba, Atlántida, Honduras, Araujo’s culinary journey began with the vibrant flavors of her homeland. Though her family later relocated to Providence, Rhode Island, for her father’s work, she spent her summers in Honduras on her grandmother’s family farm. Those summers weren’t just a time to reconnect with her heritage—they became formative years where her love for cooking flourished under her grandmother’s watchful and loving eye.
At age 16, Araujo’s family made another big move—this time to New Orleans. The stark differences between Rhode Island and New Orleans only enriched her evolving culinary style. The Crescent City proved to be a fertile ground for cultivating her culinary dreams, blending influences from her Honduran roots with the rich tapestry of New Orleans cuisine.
After graduating high school, Araujo began to make her mark in the culinary world by working at esteemed restaurants like Doris Metropolitan and Restaurant R’evolution. She seized every opportunity to learn, immersing herself in the fast-paced world of fine dining. A brief stint in culinary school was followed by several years of hands-on training in Italy and Mexico, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of global cuisines.
Upon returning to New Orleans, Araujo turned her focus to sharing the flavors of her heritage. Her pop-up events, which were the early seeds of what would become Alma Café, immediately garnered attention and acclaim. The concept—a heartfelt celebration of elevated Honduran cuisine—resonated deeply with locals and visitors alike.
During the downtime between pop-ups, Araujo concentrated on her catering business, Saveur Catering, a certified Louisiana Farm-to-Table company. This endeavor further emphasized her commitment to sustainability and the use of local ingredients.
In 2020, five years after her first pop-up, Araujo opened Alma Café at 800 Louisa Street. Alma, meaning “soul” in Spanish, pays homage to her grandmother’s hearty cooking and the comforting flavors of her Honduran heritage. Every dish invites diners on a journey, telling the story of her culture and family through vibrant, soulful flavors.
Melissa Araujo’s story is as inspiring as it is satisfying. Through her passion for food and unwavering connection to her roots, she has shown how embracing and sharing one’s culture can create powerful, lasting connections.
In 2024, Araujo was recognized as a James Beard Award Best Chef: South semifinalist—a testament to her talent and the soul she pours into every dish.
What’s your earliest memory of eating red beans and rice? Who made it, and what made it special?
My earliest memory of eating red beans and rice is sitting at my grandmother’s table in Honduras. She didn’t call it red beans and rice, but the flavors were so familiar—beans slow-cooked with love, paired with perfectly seasoned rice. She’d simmer everything with fresh herbs and smoked meats, which made the dish unforgettable. It wasn’t just the taste; it was the warmth and comfort that came with it.
Do you cook red beans and rice yourself, or do you leave it to someone else? Who’s the red beans master in your family or circle of friends?
Absolutely, I cook red beans and rice. While I’m confident in my version, I’ll say my sous chef, Carlos, at Alma Cafe, has a magic touch with it. He has this way of balancing the seasoning perfectly every time.
When you think of the perfect bowl of red beans and rice, what has to be in there? Are there any secret ingredients or special techniques?
A perfect bowl of red beans and rice needs layers of flavor—onions, celery, and bell peppers as the holy trinity, with garlic, bay leaves, smoked sausage, and a touch of cayenne. My secret ingredient is coconut milk—it’s a nod to my roots and adds a creamy richness. A spoonful of fresh herbs on top just ties it all together.
Do you have any special traditions or superstitions when it comes to cooking red beans and rice?
Mondays are definitely red beans and rice day, but if you’re craving it midweek, why not? For me, cooking red beans and rice always feels sacred—there’s something about letting the beans simmer slowly while the house fills with the aroma. I believe in cooking it low and slow, and never rushing the process.
Is red beans and rice a Monday-only meal for you, or do you sneak it in during the week too?
While Mondays are classic, I’ll sneak it in on a Sunday afternoon if I know I’ll have friends over. It’s a dish that feels like home whenever you eat it.
If you could have red beans and rice with anyone—past or present—who would it be, and why?
If I could share a bowl with anyone, it would be my grandmother. I’d love to sit with her and let her taste how I’ve carried her influence into my cooking. I’d want to hear her thoughts on how I’ve modernized her recipes while keeping the heart of them intact.
How do you think the tradition of red beans and rice reflects the culture and community around it?
Red beans and rice are the ultimate symbol of resilience and resourcefulness. It reflects a culture that knows how to make the simplest ingredients shine and turn them into a meal that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that tells you stories about where you come from and who you are.
What’s the best part of sharing a big pot of red beans and rice with friends or family?
The best part is watching people’s faces light up as they take their first bite. There’s something about the communal experience of sharing a pot of red beans and rice that makes you feel connected and loved.
What’s your favorite go-to comfort food?
My go-to comfort food? Hands down, pasta. A rich slow-cooked Bolognese or just a simple aglio e olio—it’s my ultimate form of self-care.
Where’s your favorite place anywhere in New Orleans?
My favorite place? Sitting on a quiet balcony in the French Quarter with a good cup of coffee, watching the city come alive in the morning. It’s magical every time.
To stay up-to-day with Chef Melissa Araujo, follow her online:
Alma Café: https://eatalmanola.com/
Alma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatAlmanola/
Saveur Catering: https://www.saveurcatering.com/
Website: https://www.chefmelissaaraujo.com/
The New Mid-City Location of Alma Café:
Recently, Chef Melissa Araujo announced that she is opening an Alma Café in Mid-City. This new spot will open in late 2024 and will be located in the former Mr. Ed’s space at 301 North Carrollton Avenue, and will feature an oyster bar, expansive indoor and outdoor seating, a dedicated tortilla-making station, and more.
You’ll still find the signature blend of Latin American flavors with a New Orleans spirit. The Mid-City location promises to build on the legacy.
“My grandmother’s kitchen was where I first learned that food is love,” says Araujo. “When I opened Alma in Bywater, my goal was to share the warmth and soul of Honduran cuisine. We’ve had such an incredible journey. Opening a second location in Mid-City allows me to introduce even more people to the heart of Honduran cooking—simple, soulful, and filled with flavor.”
The menu at Alma Mid-City pays tribute to the food Araujo grew up with. Traditional dishes, rooted in Araujo’s childhood memories, are reimagined with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to honor both her heritage and New Orleans’ bounty.
{Moros y Cristianos by Chef Melissa Araujo at Alma Cafe Mid-City}
One of the standouts will be her take on Louisiana red beans and jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and herbs called the Moros y Cristianos. The restaurant will also feature an oyster bar, along with a dedicated tortillera, turning out fresh handmade tortillas throughout the day. An array of seasonal specials as well as expanded vegan and gluten-free options to reflect Chef Araujo’s commitment to inclusive, health-conscious dining, will also be on offer.
Alma Café Mid-City will also feature a full-service cocktail bar, offering drinks imbued with Honduran and New Orleans spirit. Fresh juices, house-made syrups, and agua frescas will showcase the produce and herbs grown in Araujo’s at-home garden. For coffee lovers, Alma’s specialty coffee bar will feature a variety of Honduran beans and house-made creations.
Alma Café Mid-City will continue to source ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, ensuring that each dish is not only delicious but also supports the local economy and environment. Chef Araujo’s strong partnerships with Louisiana farmers will allow her to incorporate the best seasonal produce into her recipes while staying true to the flavors of her Honduran heritage.
“Our food is a reflection of where we come from,” Araujo explains. “It’s important to me that we respect both the traditions of my ancestors and the land we’re cooking from. By partnering with local farmers, we’re able to bring the freshest ingredients to the table while honoring the planet and community.”
Alma Café will open in late 2024 at 301 North Carrollton Avenue in Mid-City. For more information and to stay updated on the opening, follow Alma Café on Instagram and Facebook at @eatalmanola or visit www.eatalmanola.com.
Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
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