HarvestNola

10/10/2024

Yesterday, we had the honor of hosting a workshop at Calas Cafe in partnership with Global New Orleans for a delegation from Palestine studying experimental tourism.

Together, we explored the intersection of destination cultural economies, cultural exchange, and cultural preservation, focusing on how these elements not only shape tourism but also strengthen community bonds. Our team highlighted the crucial role of food security and its deep connection to food history, offering a unique glimpse into a key aspect of New Orleans’ culinary heritage—the story of Calas.

We discussed how this cherished dish played a vital role in the lives of enslaved West African women and men in the 1800s. Their legacy of freedom and resilience serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions across generations, while also opening doors for global conversations on shared values and experiences.

Workshops like these aren’t just about learning history—they’re about fostering meaningful exchanges between cultures. By coming together, we continue the work of honoring our roots while building a more connected future. A heartfelt thank you to for inviting us to be part of this vital initiative of diplomacy through food heritage.

Join us at Calas cafe today from 11 AM to 4 PM to savor a taste of history!

10/03/2024

In a world that’s constantly evolving, preserving traditions stands as a symbol of resilience. It protects our cultural heritage from fading, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Cultural preservation isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about investing in our future. By embracing and safeguarding our heritage, we strengthen our sense of identity, unity, and pride. From passing down recipes and stories to celebrating diverse perspectives, cultural preservation enriches our lives in countless ways.

Let’s continue to honor the legacy of Calas and the traditions that have shaped the lives of Black women and men in New Orleans. Together, we can ensure that the vibrant tapestry of our shared history continues to inspire and guide generations to come.

Join us to explore, discover, and experience a taste of history. We’re open from 11 AM to 4 PM, Thursday through Sunday.

09/27/2024

The Calas Café and Harvest NOLA team would like to thank Senator Royce Duplessis and his administrative team for taking the time to visit Calas Café and learn about the work we’re doing at both Calas Café and Harvest NOLA. We had a productive discussion on how they can support and contribute to improving the quality of life for the people in our Treme neighborhood and the broader New Orleans community.

We discussed food security from a public health standpoint, job creation, and the importance of preserving our food history. At Calas Café, we believe that food is central to cultural identity, and our efforts are focused on using food heritage to bring people closer together, fostering understanding of one another’s cultures.

Thank you, Senator Royce, for your interest and support. We look forward to a continued partnership to preserve and cement Calas Café’s place in the Treme neighborhood. We’re also excited about collaborating to increase access to fresh, local farm goods for the people of New Orleans.

Join us Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Calas Café. Explore the rich history, share stories, and be part of the legacy of the Calas women and men. Your support ensures that future generations have access to and understand the historical significance of Calas. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

09/25/2024

Calas Cafe is dedicated to reviving a nearly lost piece of New Orleans’ culinary history. Calas, sweet rice fritters, were introduced to New Orleans in the 18th century by enslaved West Africans. Known as the Calas Women and Men, they sold these delicious treats on the streets, earning money—money that was also used to help purchase their freedom from the Spanish here in New Orleans.

The story of Calas is deeply intertwined with the history of New Orleans. These women, by selling Calas, not only brought a unique food tradition to the city but also empowered themselves in the face of immense adversity. Despite its rich history, the tradition of Calas has nearly vanished, partly because it was predominantly a street food. As elders passed away, the tradition began to fade, taking with it an important part of our cultural heritage.

At Calas Cafe, we’re on a mission to preserve this vital part of New Orleans’ food history. Our journey began with the understanding that food security also means protecting our food heritage and traditions, especially here in the Treme community, known for its rich cultural history and resilience.

Calas Café aims to provide a permanent home for this cultural treasure, symbolizing resilience, cultural significance, and its historical role in shaping New Orleans’ culinary history. From its origins as a popular street food to a Mardi Gras and First Communion delicacy, Calas Café invites you to reconnect with community traditions and celebrate the resilience of a culture.

Join us Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Calas Café. Explore the rich history, share stories, and be part of the legacy of the Calas women. Your support ensures that future generations have access to and understand the historical significance of Calas. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

06/05/2024

06/01/2024

Educating, inspiring, and empowering through the preservation of food heritage!
Calas Cafe would like to give a special thank you to the New Orleans African American Museum for inviting us to participate in conversations and calas. We look forward to a continued partnership in upholding cultural heritage and traditions, celebrating the remarkable role of Black New Orleans ancestry, and preserving the traditions that light a brighter future.
Join us every Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM at Calas Cafe to experience a taste of history. At Calas Cafe, we’re not just preserving food; we’re preserving culture and tradition. Our mission is to protect and highlight the rich food heritage that is a cornerstone of our community. By doing so, we aim to engage with and understand other cultures, their traditions, and techniques.
Come and be a part of this cultural celebration. Let’s share the stories and flavors that make New Orleans cuisine unique and delicious. Together, we can appreciate the diversity and beauty of our world through the lens of food.

05/24/2024

We are thrilled to celebrate our amazing youth brand ambassador, Mico Williams! .haato Mico has graduated as the valedictorian from the International High School of New Orleans with high honors. We are extremely proud of you.
Thank you, Mico, for your incredible contributions to Harvest & Calas Cafe. Your dedication to preserving New Orleans’ culture and tradition, while also addressing food security issues, has been truly inspiring. Your hands-on work with us has brought the story of the Calas woman to life, showcasing the cultural significance of this empowering dish.
At Calas Cafe, we are committed to ensuring access to Calas and honoring its traditional economic significance right here in New Orleans. Join us at 1010 Treme St. from Thursday to Sunday, between 11 AM and 4 PM, for a taste of our rich culinary heritage.
The Calas woman symbolizes ingenuity, resilience, determination, and freedom. We are inspired to protect and preserve this important aspect of New Orleans’ history. Come celebrate with us and experience the legacy firsthand!

05/05/2024

Food is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people closer together, fostering a sense of community and unity. It’s a powerful way of identifying and celebrating cultures around the world. At Calas Cafe , we understand the significance of food as a vessel for culture and heritage.
Join us to explore, discover, and experience a taste of history, all while embracing the culinary cultural identity of Black New Orleans and the diverse culinary heritage of our city. Our doors are open from 11 AM to 4 PM today.
At Calas Cafe, we’re not just preserving food; we’re preserving culture and tradition. Our mission is to protect and highlight the rich food heritage that is a cornerstone of our community. By doing so, we aim to engage with and understand other cultures, their traditions, and techniques.
Come and be a part of this cultural celebration. Let’s share the stories and flavors that make New Orleans cuisine unique and delicious. Together, we can appreciate the diversity and beauty of our world through the lens of food.

04/12/2024

Proud defiant women in a male-dominated world, today the Calas Café team honors the baby doll tradition of New Orleans. Baby Dolls symbolize feminine power and ingenuity, representing women’s freedom to express themselves and enjoy the festivities of life, while still retaining their working-class roots. This character is also associated with the spirit of playfulness and joy that permeates Carnival celebrations. Baby Dolls are actively engaged in improving the quality of life for their communities, serving as a social conscience.
Food security includes understanding food history. Join us Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to experience a taste of history.

04/04/2024

Food is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people closer together, fostering a sense of community and unity. It’s a powerful way to identify and celebrate cultures around the world. At Calas Café, we understand the significance of food as a vessel for culture and heritage.
Join us to explore, discover, and experience a taste of history while embracing the culinary cultural identity of Black New Orleans and the diverse culinary heritage of our city. We’re open from 11 AM to 4 PM, Thursday through Sunday.

03/29/2024

Educating, Empowering, Preserving, and Protecting Culinary Heritage for Food Security. Join us at Calas cafe today from 11 AM to 4 PM to savor a taste of history!

03/21/2024

Join us in celebrating the founder of Harvest NOLA and Calas Cafe, Brandon Pellerin, today with your generous donations. What a wonderful season it has been at , highlighting the importance of food security and inclusion of food history. They go hand in hand, with Harvest bringing the historic dish calas to the community and the historic Treme neighborhood through Calas Café, preserving a piece of New Orleans history.
You can make a HUGE difference! We’re raising funds (in honor of our founder Brandon Pellerin’s birthday) to build 3 mobile farmers market carts, to bring fresh produce to New Orleans residents. Our goal: $15,000.
A huge shoutout to Fierra for their incredibly generous donation, getting us off to a fantastic start! Let’s keep the momentum going! Every contribution counts and helps us build healthier communities while improving the quality of life.
Join us in making a positive impact! Your donations help us ensure access to nutritious food in communities throughout New Orleans. Together, we can ensure everyone has access to fresh, healthy options.
Donate today at HarvestNOLA.com and be a part of something special. Thank you for your support!

03/16/2024

In an ever-changing world, preserving traditions is a testament to resilience. It safeguards our cultural heritage against fading away, ensuring its endurance.
Preserving our cultural traditions is not just about the past; it’s an investment in our future. Embracing and safeguarding our heritage brings numerous benefits, fostering a sense of identity, unity, and pride. From passing down recipes to stories and rituals to celebrating diverse perspectives, cultural preservation enriches our lives in profound ways.
Let’s cherish the cultural significance of Calas and preserve the traditions that have made a great impact in the lives of Black women and men in New Orleans historically. Ensure that the vibrant colors of our shared history continue to paint a way forward for generations to come.

03/14/2024

Food is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people closer together, fostering a sense of community and unity. It’s a powerful way of identifying and celebrating cultures around the world. At Calas Cafe , we understand the significance of food as a vessel for culture and heritage.
Join us to explore, discover, and experience a taste of history, all while embracing the culinary cultural identity of Black New Orleans and the diverse culinary heritage of our city. Our doors are open from 11 AM to 4 PM today.
At Calas Cafe, we’re not just preserving food; we’re preserving culture and tradition. Our mission is to protect and highlight the rich food heritage that is a cornerstone of our community. By doing so, we aim to engage with and understand other cultures, their traditions, and techniques.
Come and be a part of this cultural celebration. Let’s share the stories and flavors that make New Orleans cuisine unique and delicious. Together, we can appreciate the diversity and beauty of our world through the lens of food.