Poppy Tooker

Host of Louisiana Eats!

Poppy is the host and executive producer of the weekly show, Louisiana Eats! Food personality, culinary teacher and author, Poppy Tooker is passionate about food and the people who bring it to the table.

Poppy provides weekly restaurant commentary on, “Steppin’ Out” (WYES TV). Her book, The Crescent City Farmers Market Cookbook received a Tabasco cookbook award and was named “Cookbook of the Year” by New Orleans Magazine.She was recognized by the Times-Picayune as a “Hero of the Storm” for her work reviving New Orleans restaurants and food providers following Hurricane Katrina. The International Association of Cooking Professionals recognized Poppy’s rebuilding efforts at their annual conference in April 2008, with their first ever, Community Service Award.

For over 25 years, Poppy’s cooking classes have centered on history and tradition as well as the food science behind her preparation.

Ways to Connect

Louisiana Eats: Born And Bread In New Orleans

By Poppy Tooker • Sep 19, 2020

If you've ever had a New Orleans Po-Boy then you know it's all about the bread... Real New Orleans French bread is something you can't just get anywhere, or at least that's what we thought. We decided it was time to get down to the dough of it and see what is happening with bread in New Orleans

Louisiana Eats: Scandinavian Chilldown

By Poppy Tooker • Aug 16, 2020

There’s no getting around it – August is HOT down here in Louisiana, so we thought a virtual vacation in Scandinavia just might provide a little chill. We begin with chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. His Scandinavian connection is that although Ethiopian born – he was raised by adoptive parents in Sweden, giving him an unusual world view. The James Beard Award-winner and Top Chef master is also author of the bestselling memoir, Yes, Chef.

Louisiana Eats: Making Groceries Pandemic Style

By Poppy Tooker • Aug 1, 2020

On this week's show, we’ve got your full pandemic market report. We begin with Darlene Wolnik, training and technical assistance director for the national Farmers Market Coalition. She gives us an overview of how farmers markets across the country are coping with the changing landscape of Covid-19.

Tasting Tales Alternatives

By Poppy Tooker • Jul 18, 2020

Until 2020, to every bartender, bar owner, distiller and cocktailian, the third week of July meant Tales of the Cocktail — the annual, international gathering that has dominated the beverage industry scene for the past 16 years. This year's Tales, planned as a virtual, online event, has been postponed until late September. But don’t worry. This week’s Louisiana Eats is guaranteed to satisfy your Tales itch.

Fathers, Sons & The Family Business

By Poppy Tooker • Jul 11, 2020

On this week's show, we meet fathers and sons who are working together to make business work across generations. We begin with Baumer Foods, the third-generation company that makes Crystal Hot Sauce. Al Jr. and his son "Pepper" explain how in their family business, there are no shortcuts to the top.

Then, we visit father-son duo Carlos and Will Avelar at their family business, Mawi Tortilleria in Metairie. Will was a rising star in the culinary world when he and his father decided to join forces to provide fresh, authentic corn tortillas to the New Orleans community.