My father, Gregory Joseph Rabalais

September 2, 2010, is a day forever etched in my memory. In the early morning hours, I received the heart-wrenching call that my father, Gregory Joseph Rabalais, had passed away. The void left by his departure is immense, and while he is no longer physically present, his spirit and legacy continue to guide and inspire me.

My father was not just a remarkable parent but an extraordinary grandfather as well. His love for food and cooking was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of his soul. From his roots in New Orleans, LA, he brought a deep appreciation for the rich culinary heritage and vibrant flavors of the region. His passion for cooking was evident in every dish he prepared, and his kitchen was a place where creativity and tradition came together.

I fondly remember the countless hours we spent in the kitchen together. We would make pepper jelly, often selling it at a table in the lobby of the VA hospital—a small but cherished part of our culinary adventures. His dream was to own a restaurant, a vision that, unfortunately, never came to fruition during his lifetime.

In April 2010, I took a significant step towards fulfilling that dream by purchasing a restaurant, The Nook and Around the Corner, in Shreveport, LA. Those months of running the restaurant with him were some of the most precious moments of my life. Unfortunately, his passing in September 2010 cut those shared experiences short, but the time we spent together remains a treasured memory.

His passion for food has been a guiding force in my life. Driven by the love and inspiration he instilled in me, I opened Foodie Tasting Room. This endeavor is not just a business to me but a tribute to my father’s legacy and a way to carry on his love for food. Through Foodie Tasting Room, I hope to honor his memory and continue his passion for culinary excellence.

Every dish, every flavor, and every moment spent in the kitchen reminds me of him. His spirit lives on through the food we create and the joy it brings to others. In continuing his legacy, I find solace and a deep sense of connection to the incredible person he was.