Leah Chase

New Orleans, with its rich tapestry of culture, music, and history, is equally famed for its culinary scene, and at the heart of this scene was Leah Chase. Known lovingly as the 'Queen of Creole Cuisine', Leah Chase didn't just serve meals; she brewed stories, mixed in resilience, and plated up unity. Let's journey through the life of this culinary icon and understand her immense impact on New Orleans and the broader American culinary landscape.

The Heartbeat of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Situated in the Treme neighborhood, Dooky Chase's Restaurant was more than just a place to grab a bite. Established in 1941 by Emily and Dooky Chase Sr., the restaurant underwent a transformation when their son, Dooky Chase Jr., married Leah Chase in 1946.

Leah, with her passion for food, transformed the menu to reflect upscale Creole delicacies. But beyond the gustatory delights, Dooky Chase's Restaurant was a nexus for change during the Civil Rights Movement. It became a safe haven for activists, where they could strategize over bowls of gumbo and plates of fried chicken.

Breaking Barriers with Gumbo and Grace

In a time when racial segregation was the norm, Leah Chase boldly shattered conventions. Her restaurant was one of the first upscale dining establishments that catered to both Black and White patrons. She served luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, and later Barack Obama, yet her restaurant was also a beloved spot for local families and visitors.

Leah believed in the power of food to bridge divides. Her philosophy was simple – over good food, people could put aside their differences, find common ground, and kindle unity.

An Inspiration Beyond the Kitchen

Leah Chase's influence was not limited to the culinary world. She was an avid art collector, with a keen eye for African American art. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is adorned with works from African American artists, turning the establishment into a de facto gallery, celebrating Black culture, history, and talent.

Disney's "The Princess and the Frog", which features Tiana, a young Black woman with dreams of opening her own restaurant, drew inspiration from Leah's life, paying homage to her legacy.

Legacy of a Culinary Legend

Leah Chase passed away in 2019 at the age of 96, but she left behind more than just recipes. She left a legacy of resilience, unity, and a belief in the transformative power of good food. Dooky Chase's continues to stand as a testament to her life's work, with generations of the Chase family ensuring her spirit remains alive in every dish served.

In Leah's own words, "In my dining room, we changed the course of America over a bowl of gumbo and some fried chicken." It's a reminder that food isn't just sustenance for the body, but also for the soul, and in the right hands, it can be a catalyst for profound change. Leah Chase, with her indomitable spirit, showed the world just that.