From presidents to paupers, Leah Chase had fed people from all walks of life. The Queen of Creole cooking died Saturday at age 96. Here are some pictures of this New Orleans legend...
Family Statement:
The Chase family is heartbroken to share the news that our Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Leah Chase, passed away surrounded by her family on June 1, 2019. Leah Chase, lovingly referred to as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, was the executive chef and co-owner of the historic and legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. She was a major supporter of cultural and visual arts and an unwavering advocate for civil liberties and full inclusion of all. She was a proud entrepreneur, a believer in the Spirit of New Orleans and the good will of all people, and an extraordinary woman of faith.
Mrs. Chase was a strong and selfless matriarch. Her daily joy was not simply cooking, but preparing meals to bring people together. One of her most prized contributions was advocating for the Civil Rights Movement through feeding those on the front lines of the struggle for human dignity. She saw her role and that of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant to serve as a vehicle for social change during a difficult time in our country’s history. Throughout her tenure, Leah treasured all of her customers and was honored to have the privilege to meet and serve them.
While we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable life, and cherish the life lessons she taught us. The Family will continue her legacy of “Work, Pray, and Do for Others.”
Grateful To You,
The Chase Family
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Edgar L.“Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation - P.O. Box 791313 New Orleans, LA 70179
(AP) - The legendary New Orleans chef and civil rights icon Leah Chase has died at 96, according to a statement her family released to news outlets.
Chase shepherded Dooky Chase's Restaurant from a sandwich shop that catered to patrons buying lottery tickets to the first fine-dining, white-tablecloth restaurant for African Americans in the city.
During the civil rights movement, she fed activists like Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr.
She broke the city's segregation laws by seating both white and black customers and sent food to jailed activists.
Age didn't slow her down much. She went to her restaurant every day, using her walker while chatting with patrons and overseeing the kitchen.
Tourists from around the country flocked to Dooky Chase's to experience Creole cooking like shrimp etouffee or jambalaya.
