Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

After Dark! with Chef Eric Cook of Gris-Gris *Adult's ONLY

Erik Alexander

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Switching gears from our regular show- Adults Only! 

Tonight on After Dark, I sit down with world-renowned Chef and United States Marine veteran Eric Cook, the force behind Gris-Gris and one of the most respected voices in New Orleans cuisine.

Chef Cook’s journey is one of service, perseverance, and passion — from his years as a Marine to becoming a nationally recognized chef who has helped shape the story of modern New Orleans dining. His restaurants, his leadership, and his commitment to this city have left a lasting mark on our culture.

As we celebrate this conversation, we also have to acknowledge the recent news that Eric has made the difficult decision to close Gris-Gris. While this wasn’t the focus of our episode, it is a moment that deserves reflection.

The closing of a beloved New Orleans restaurant is more than the loss of a dining room — it is a reminder of the immense challenges facing the independent restaurants, chefs, and small businesses that help make this city unlike anywhere else in the world.

Chef Eric Cook’s story is one of resilience, and his contributions to New Orleans will not be defined by one closing chapter, but by the legacy he has built and the lives he has impacted.

Join us for an honest conversation with a chef, a veteran, and a true ambassador for New Orleans.


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Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
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Rouses Markets
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STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:plbreaux@gmail.com

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com


And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...