If you’ve ever wandered through the lush pathways of the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park, then you’ve walked through the dreams and hard work of Paul Soniat. Soniat has spent over four decades cultivating not only plants but also a legacy.
After attending De La Salle High School in Uptown New Orleans, Soniate went to the University of Southwest Louisiana (now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he earned a degree in horticulture – the science and art of growing plants for food, medicine, or aesthetic purposes.
His path to becoming the Director of the New Orleans Botanical Garden started in 1982 while working on the landscape of a Friends of City Park Conservancy member. Soniat was encouraged to apply for a new director position. He did and soon found himself in charge of what was a little more than a 1930s rose garden and a potting shed – far from the vibrant 10-acre treasure that we have today that now contains more than 2,000 varieties of plants from across the globe.
Over the years, he transformed this forgotten corner of City Park into a living masterpiece. The garden grew not just in size, but also in significance, becoming a destination spot for locals and visitors alike. And then, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck.
Katrina devastated New Orleans, and the Botanical Gardens was no exception. Soniat led the effort to rebuild the garden – but it wasn’t just about plants, it was about giving New Orleans a piece of itself back.
Another way to heal himself was through his other passion: music. Soniat is a self-taught musician who began performing in 2004. He shared stories of New Orleans through his songs. In January 2005, he released his first CD, ‘Born in New Orleans’, as a tribute to New Orleans.
After Katrina, and in early 2006, he released his second album, ‘Below the Water Line’, which offered a raw and emotional perspective on the storm’s aftermath. The music struck a chord with listeners, blending heartbreak and hope.
In 2012, he released in third album, ‘Suddenly’, which showcased his evolution as an artist. Unlike his earlier solo piano releases, this album featured complex arrangements and collaborations with some of New Orleans’ finest musicians, exploring diverse styles while staying true to his roots.
Paul Soniat has cultivated a true legacy. One at the Botanical Gardens and one through his music. But both have a common thread: his love of New Orleans. He turned a neglected part of New Orleans into the jewel of City Park, and as a musician, he’s given a voice to the city’s joys and struggles while sharing an experience only a native New Orleanian can truly share with the rest of us.
{photo credit: Paul Soniat}
What do red beans and rice mean to you?
I think red beans to me mean comfort food. When I was growing up, my mother was the one who cooked the beans in our family. Everybody does things a little bit differently in New Orleans you could have your red beans with sausage, or pickled pork. You could put chicken in the beans or fried chicken on top. Some people use a combination of dried beans and a can of Blue Runner to give it a creamy texture. My mother was from North Louisiana she would sometimes add homemade chili on top. It was good but different.
What do you think is the cultural importance of red beans and rice to New Orleans?
New Orleanians know we are different and have a culture that is unique to us. Red Beans, like gumbo, po’boys, etc. are all part of our food culture. Red Beans is a food for all, both the wealthy and the common man.
What memories are brought up when you have red beans?
My mother was a working mom, first as a schoolteacher then working with my father in the family business. So, she had to multi-task. At home, we had an old chamber stove with what we called a deep well. It was like a slow cooker. She would soak year beans overnight, add your trinity, meat, and seasoning, and put it in the deep well when she went to work. The beans would be cooking all day over a low flame and be ready to eat for dinner time.
Who makes the best red beans and rice?
If you asked that question around New Orleans your answer would usually be, “My momma makes the best red beans” Your best red beans are usually made at home.
If you cook red beans, when did you learn to make them and who taught you?
My soon-to-be wife Mary is the one in our home that makes the best red beans. I do not think I could top her red beans so I just sit back eat and enjoy.
What’s your process for cooking red beans and rice?
First, get your beans, we usually buy Camellia brand beans. Soak them overnight, then when they are soft enough add all your onions, celery, and bell pepper—Brown your sausage. We usually use both picked pork and sausage. Add a can of Blue Runner, and seasoning. Add some liquid smoke to give the beans a smokey flavor and we love using some thyme. I have heard that at our local Farmers Market, they were selling fresh red beans. I have not tried them yet, but it’s on my list.
What do you serve with your beans?
Usually some good fresh Leidenheimer’s French bread. You don’t need anything else.
Where is your favorite spot anywhere in New Orleans?
I have a few favorite places in NOLA, but because I was the Director of the New Orleans Botanical Garden for almost 42 years, I would have to say the Botanical Garden in City Park.
What is your favorite comfort food – your go-to meal?
Probably another comfort food, Gumbo. My favorite is homemade Chicken and Andouille Gumbo.
Did you have any projects that you’d like to pass along?
I am working on a project called, “Our City of Saints”. It is a music concert on stage with a full band with horns, strings, and background vocals. It will include storytelling, short skits with actors, and 19 original songs that I have written that showcase the unique culture of New Orleans using the New Orleans Saints football team as a vehicle to tell the story. It will be on stage in late August of 2025 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Paul Soniat, follow him online:
- Website: https://paulsoniat.com/
- Music (on Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hOOVqEa13cfx0R6DCDlpX
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.
Leave a Reply