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Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

Aerospace

NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" data-vars-content-id="26518a0c-ec7f-468c-a4b5-efc75434514a" data-vars-headline="Why NASA sends hot sauce into space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" target="_self">Artemis II</a>, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Events dedicated to the strategy game are becoming wildly popular.

Culture

Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home a little more than a year ago.Why it matters: The game nights have since became so popular that venues across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="eaf9d044-eacb-4799-a2de-88241a410aa9" data-vars-headline="How mahjong became the hottest game in town" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> are asking her to set up shop.

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks

Here's a first look at the downtown park.

Business

New Orleans opens the first phase of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverfront for All" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" data-vars-content-id="7349e2b8-ec0f-43ae-ae9b-a02ea81b02bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans debuts one of country&#x27;s longest riverfront parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" target="_self">Riverfront for All</a> park this week, completing a project that&#x27;s been in the works for more than a decade.Why it matters: The Audubon Nature Institute, which manages the public-private partnership, hopes to build on the momentum and add a second phase along the Mississippi River.

First look: New Orleans' riverfront park and playground

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park opens Tuesday.

Development

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" data-vars-content-id="0fb521b4-9328-4bdb-9225-3fb8e399e8ca" data-vars-headline="First look: New Orleans&#x27; riverfront park and playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" target="_self">Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park</a> opens Tuesday in downtown New Orleans. The big picture: The park is built on top of Gov. Nicholls Wharf&#x27;s concrete deck, with the Mississippi River flowing underneath, according to Jackson Kerby, Audubon&#x27;s VP of construction.

The New Orleans gumbo you can only get once a year

Food and Drink

<figure><img alt="Image shows a table with green gumbo and fried chicken." height="450" id="2801b6d9-4ea6-4327-a9fe-a6908ff7e769" src="https://images.axios.com/xmj4yZ9hkfo10G6VnhssbS9tIKY=/2026/04/02/1775164677147.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Gumbo z&#x27;herbes at Dooky Chase&#x27;s Restaurant in New Orleans. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Dooky Chase&#x27;s is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="31818d55-0652-4552-bb8b-3c16d2f2932a" data-vars-headline="The New Orleans gumbo you can only get once a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> institution, especially on Holy Thursday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the only day of the year to get chef Leah Chase&#x27;s gumbo z&#x27;herbes, a dish steeped in faith and New Orleans tradition.

New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common

Elmer's makes the popular seasonal chocolate treats.

<figure><img alt="Image shows an Easter basket with candy in it." height="450" id="71d3ed3a-d338-4070-90e3-e62570e0ace1" src="https://images.axios.com/-LJBu9nglH963CACqTpeFTZqgVM=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/16/1744828446326.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Elmer&#x27;s is known for its candy eggs for Easter. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="96243d0d-f9e0-4845-8e86-e884c26e1a52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" target="_self">Easter in New Orleans</a> isn&#x27;t complete without an Elmer chocolate egg in your basket.Why it matters: The longtime Louisiana company still anchors Easter traditions across the Gulf Coast, even after last year&#x27;s sale.

Gator cake and crawfish ice cream: What's buzzing in New Orleans

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="19c154e7-ba34-48df-8b5a-47c6cecc0ff1" data-vars-headline="Gator cake and crawfish ice cream: What&#x27;s buzzing in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; food scene</a> is always popping. Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s caught our attention lately.🐊 Alligator cake: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sugarbelle Sweets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/sugarbelle.sweets/" data-vars-content-id="19c154e7-ba34-48df-8b5a-47c6cecc0ff1" data-vars-headline="Gator cake and crawfish ice cream: What&#x27;s buzzing in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/sugarbelle.sweets/" target="_blank">Sugarbelle Sweets</a> made an 8-foot wedding cake that looked like Tchompitoulas, Audubon&#x27;s famous white gator, and served it at his home — the aquarium. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See the photos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWT7Dg6DcVg/?igsh=MWJiaW1kbDF6djZoeQ%3D%3D" data-vars-content-id="19c154e7-ba34-48df-8b5a-47c6cecc0ff1" data-vars-headline="Gator cake and crawfish ice cream: What&#x27;s buzzing in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWT7Dg6DcVg/?igsh=MWJiaW1kbDF6djZoeQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">See the photos</a>.

A Metairie fish fry that lives up to the hype

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fried fish plates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/20/lenten-fish-fries-church-schedule" data-vars-content-id="51af23d6-a3ce-4e29-99d3-58f402dba942" data-vars-headline="A Metairie fish fry that lives up to the hype" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/20/lenten-fish-fries-church-schedule" target="_self">fried fish plates</a> at St. Angela&#x27;s Merici in Metairie are worth the wait.Why it matters: On Lenten Fridays, we&#x27;re on the prowl for good seafood.

1-minute guide to St. Patrick's events in New Orleans

We've got parades, block parties and food specials.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/st-patricks-day-parades-schedule-new-orleans-metairie" data-vars-content-id="b5ba73ee-3178-43fb-a3a0-567e161f4c3f" data-vars-headline="1-minute guide to St. Patrick&#x27;s events in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/st-patricks-day-parades-schedule-new-orleans-metairie" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a>, and few places celebrate like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b5ba73ee-3178-43fb-a3a0-567e161f4c3f" data-vars-headline="1-minute guide to St. Patrick&#x27;s events in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>. Why it matters: We have parades, block parties, food specials and plenty of live music.

Artichoke dishes worth ordering around New Orleans

You'll find them at most Creole Italian restaurants.

It&#x27;s National Artichoke Day, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="839a9d7b-d8d9-42cc-9d26-8d201d3e0e9c" data-vars-headline="Artichoke dishes worth ordering around New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> has plenty of ways to celebrate.Why it matters: We&#x27;ll take them stuffed, fried, marinated and grilled, please.

Staying power tastes good in New Orleans

Restaurants aren&#x27;t just businesses in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="5163ac67-92b9-4f42-acec-3b05eed5f65e" data-vars-headline="Staying power tastes good in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> — they&#x27;re institutions. And several are hitting big birthdays this year.Why it matters: In an industry where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beloved spots close" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/02/new-restaurants-bars-closed-summer" data-vars-content-id="5163ac67-92b9-4f42-acec-3b05eed5f65e" data-vars-headline="Staying power tastes good in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/02/new-restaurants-bars-closed-summer" target="_self">beloved spots close</a> all the time, longevity is worth toasting.

The No. 1 fish cleaning tip from a guy who butchers 500 pounds a day

If you want to get better at something, it&#x27;s a good idea to ask an expert. So if you&#x27;re looking to improve your fish game, the guy you want to talk to is GW Fins&#x27; Michael Perkins.Why it matters: Perkins has been personally responsible for butchering 300 to 500 or more pounds of fresh-caught fish every day for more than 20 years.

5 Lenten fish fries to try this season

It&#x27;s the first Friday of Lent, which means it&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fish fry season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/02/16/best-lenten-fish-fries-lent-tradition" data-vars-content-id="5b49b15f-5c79-4171-96cc-a1cdcf49345a" data-vars-headline="5 Lenten fish fries to try this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/02/16/best-lenten-fish-fries-lent-tradition" target="_self">fish fry season</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="5b49b15f-5c79-4171-96cc-a1cdcf49345a" data-vars-headline="5 Lenten fish fries to try this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>.Why it matters: Lenten fish fries are as much about neighborhood gathering as they are about the food.

Food and Drink 🍽

NASA sent these 5 hot sauces to space

Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

Brennan’s throws a Bananas Foster bash

Photo: Crawfish boil with edamame

The New Orleans gumbo you can only get once a year