Ask anyone who lived in New Orleans during the 1970s or 1980s where Seafood City was located and there’s a solid chance that they will answer by singing part of the location’s catchy jingle, “1826 N. Broad.” Although a Walgreen’s currently stands where the popular eatery was once located, the legend of Seafood City’s owner Al Scramuzza lives on. Fans will be able to help celebrate the local icon when Melba’s Old School Poboys throws a birthday bash to help him ring in his 90th birthday.
The party is set to take place Saturday, September 23, from 5p.m. till 10 p.m. and will feature live music provided by the Stooges Brass Band and Key Lebeaud. In addition to the free music, attendees will be able to earn a free daiquiri simply by bringing a gift for the man Melba’s calls its “crawfish mentor.”
Scramuzza has been enjoying a bit of a revival lately. After shuttering his restaurant’s doors back in 1994, he revived his restaurant’s 45-year history for its spicy boiled crawfish by making his unique seafood boil available for retail several years ago. Just this past week, he was awarded the inaugural Seafood Champion Award during the Tourism Summit in New Orleans. The honor seeks to highlight Louisiana proprietors who both sell seafood and have a passion for promoting the state’s seafood industry. Scramuzza, who is also affectionately referred to as “The Crawfish King” is credited with popularizing the boiled delicacies around the city.
The event brings together the new and old of New Orleans cuisine. Melba’s was recently named one of the best restaurants in America in unusual places. Al Scramuzza’s 90th birthday bash is free and open to the public.
