Remembering New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Legend Pableaux Johnson | Eater New Orleans

"A New Orleans hotel will host a celebration of life on Saturday, February 22 at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.), with a reception featuring red beans and rice and beer to follow from 2 to 6 p.m. Author Sara Roahen wrote in her book Gumbo Tales: "In the beginning, the majority of Pableaux’s red beans [and rice dinner] invitees were transplants to the city, often fresh from the U-Haul." She continued, "Because his ritual was identical to what New Orleans natives also do on Mondays, including those who open cans of Blue Runner beans, for many of us the first red bean Monday at Pableaux’s marked the first time we felt like active, meaningful participants in the local culture of domestic eating." Roahen adds, "I don’t think it’s exaggerating to say that through the humble red bean, Pableaux single-handedly helped countless people begin to love living in this city." Writer and documentary filmmaker Lolis Eric Elie reflected on his generosity: "By communal infrastructure he meant everything that a friend might need over time. Skills, tools, food, knowledge, a listening ear, a place to sleep. He gave of them generously." - Stephanie Carter