- pablo picasso
“Every fairy tale has its dark period”
Marita Woywod Crandle is an author, historian, and entrepreneur best known for her work documenting New Orleans folklore, vampires, and local history.
Local Identity: Originally from Germany, she spent part of her career working in marketing and writing in California before moving to New Orleans. Once in New Orleans, she spent years as a French Quarter bartender which compelled her to write the book Johnny White’s Sports Bar - The Tiny Joint That Never Closed - Until it did, before becoming a central figure in the city’s modern vampire culture and gothic scene.
She has written several books, documenting local folklore and historical fiction, including New Orleans Vampires – History and Legend and Josie Arlington’s Storyville – The Life and Times of a Storyville Madam, both as research for her historical fiction work, Mosquito-Southern Vampires Part I and II and The Carter Brothers (to be released September 2027)
Crandle also owns several vampire themed businesses in New Orleans’ French Quarter. She is the owner and founder of :
Boutique du Vampyre:
Open in 2003, this famous vampire-themed gift shop primarily offers hand crafted items by both local aritists as well as artists from all across the country.
The New Orleans Vampire Cafe: Located on St. Ann Street, this upscale restaurant blends vampire aesthetics with traditional New Orleans cuisine. It is famous for serve-ware quirks—such as cocktails served in blood bags or IV drips—alongside fine dining dishes like duck, gumbo, and seared scallops.
The Vampire Apothecary:
Located on St. Peter Street, this venue combines an eatery and bar with mystical services. Alongside lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails, it features an botanical/herb-infused menu, on-site tarot card readings, custom vampire fang fittings, Apothecary and Seance themed magic shows. Authentic Seances and Enchanted Evenings a storytelling event that pairs themed cocktails with spooky stories.
Potions Speakeasy:
Potions is a private, vampire-themed speakeasy located in secret spot in the Quarter and requires a password obtained through a visit to her other businesses for entry and serves signature cocktails in a lush, hidden lounge setting.
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