Bar Pomona Transforms Into Themed Steakhouse

The New Orleans restaurant honors a late colleague with a special Halloween homage to Houston's.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Comfort Food

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single steak dinner plate and silver fork on a white tablecloth.
Bar Pomona in New Orleans is hosting a themed steakhouse event, honoring former staff member Emily Loubiere with a curated menu. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Bar Pomona at 2352 St. Claude Ave. is hosting a themed event that recreates the menu and service style of Houston's. This tradition serves as a tribute to former staff member Emily Loubiere.

Why it matters

The event honors the legacy of Emily Loubiere, who passed away in December 2025 at age 33. It also serves as an affectionate homage to the staff's favorite dining destination.

The Halloween menu features a 12 oz. ribeye steak paired with a bordelaise sauce made from long-simmered beef bone broth and red wine. The restaurant operates at 2352 St. Claude Ave.

The players

Bar Pomona

A local restaurant located at 2352 St. Claude Ave. that is known for its thematic events.

Emily Loubiere

A late staff member who held a masters degree in social work from Tulane University.

Houston's

A well-known restaurant chain that serves as the inspiration for the current service and menu style.

The details

Staff members wear button-up shirts and black ties to mimic the fine-dining hospitality associated with the theme. The kitchen focuses on a labor-intensive preparation of the bordelaise sauce to replicate the signature style of their inspiration.

Timeline

  1. Bar Pomona began the tradition in 2024.

  2. Staff member Emily Loubiere passed away in December 2025.

  3. The steakhouse theme event runs October 30-31, 2026.

Culture Shift

This event continues the 2024 debut of the Houston's homage tradition, reflecting a growing local trend of experiential dining. The restaurant's decision to recreate the aesthetic of a well-known chain marks a playful departure from typical service models.

Patrons can expect a departure from the regular menu, featuring items like a ribeye steak, loaded baked potato, and shrimp cocktail. Those planning to visit should be prepared for a formal service style that differs from the bar's standard atmosphere.

The takeaway

Honoring a colleague through shared culinary traditions can foster a deep sense of community within a workplace. Guests attending the event participate in a meaningful tribute that transforms a standard meal into a personal reflection.

Further reading

Discover more local culinary traditions in the Comfort Food section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.