New Orleanians have had a long, rich love affair with coffee. In fact, according to a 2017 report by our sister publication Biz New Orleans, “More than 1.29 million tons of coffee were imported through the Port of New Orleans between 2011-15,” with millions of square feet of storage, plus roasting facilities across the area.
But beyond big business, coffee drinking is part of our basic culture. Many must kick off the day with a cup of joe from a favorite neighborhood coffee shop, the bean often roasted on site. Meetings are arranged around post-lunch sips with work colleagues or friends at sidewalk cafes across town. Even happy hour cocktail menus feature espresso martinis or frozen Irish coffees. And what would our city favorite the beignet be without its partner, the café au lait?
Our cover feature explores the deep history and culture surrounding our love of coffee, the best spots to savor it, a place to learn how to roast your own and even tips from baristas on how to be the best coffee consumer.
September also sees schools settling in to back to school. From K-12 to college and graduate schools, students are getting back into a groove. We’ve got a fun primer on the latest fashion accessories, tips on how to manage study stress and setting up a homework spot.
If that wasn’t enough, we feature our annual real estate guide, with tips for homeowners on easy changes to make to maximize it for sale, plus the 2023 listing of top professionals across the area.
So, pour yourself your favorite form of coffee, be it hot, iced or frozen (with a splash of hooch), get back into a post-summer groove, and get ready for fall fests, football and more.
Ashley McLellan, Editor
