MEET THE CHEF: Melissa Araujo of Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
We sat down with Executive Chef Melissa Araujo of Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alma Cafe is an award-winning Honduran restaurant located in the Bywater, just outside of the French Quarter. From Pollo Chuco, to Bloody Mary's and avocado toast Alma offers an extensive array of dishes focusing on Honduran Food.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
Alma means soul in Spanish. Created to showcase Chef Melissa Araujo's Honduran heritage and take each guest on a journey through food and culture. The Soul has many stories to tell; Alma tells shares them through it's dining experience.
1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My morning routine is very simple. Monday through Saturday I wake up at 4AM. By 4:30, I’m on my Peloton for 45 minutes.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
At 6AM, I take my dogs out for a walk in my backyard with a cup of steaming hot tea, and by 7:30AM, I’m at the restaurant.
2. Do you have any awards or achievements that you are most proud of?
I’m very proud of what I have accomplished. It’s been hard fought and won. No matter how small or big the accomplishment is, from my first article in the newspaper to my 2024 James Beard Award semi-finalist achievement, they are all part of my journey of becoming the chef and business owner I am today.
3. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I really admire Chef Nina Compton of Compere Lapin and BABs here in New Orleans. The best advice I can give an aspiring chef would be to focus and have determination. This industry is ever-changing and you have to push yourself to evolve and become a better chef. Hard work does payoff, it’s not all luck.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
4. What do you typically cook at home?
I love cooking a good steak with a loaded baked potato on the side.
5. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
A food trend I’m loving right now is the use of international ingredients. People are now experimenting with different ingredients like gochujang, chorizo, and chili oil, and it shows that more consumers are not only interested in diversifying their palate, but embracing a variety of flavors.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
The weirdest food combination I had was during my time in London a few years ago. I don’t remember exactly what I had, I think I am repressing the memory, I remember the texture and it was awful.
7. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I have cooked for several celebrities in my career and I can tell you that the best way to approach them is to treat them like they’re any other customer coming in to dine at your restaurant.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
8. What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?
It’s @chefmelissaaraujo.
9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Spirit-wise, I love rum and I swear by a well-made Old Fashioned.
10. Tell our readers why they should visit Alma Cafe?
You should visit Alma Cafe in New Orleans for authentic Honduran cuisine. The menu reflects my childhood and pays tribute to my grandmother cooking hearty dishes like Baleadas, Pollo Chuco, Carne Asada, Platano Maduro, Pupusas, and Marmahon.
Image: Alma Cafe in New Orleans, Louisiana
Alma Cafe has its roots deeply entrenched in Honduran tradition and celebrates the Central American culture, food, and music that I grew up with.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
